05+ fender flares gone...

[NorthernWoodsman]

With regards to the RTT...

…for those of you that are looking at using the canopy and RTT setup, but are worried about the longevity of the fiberglass I would recommend taking a look at GemTop canopies. They make the contractor series from steel and I think would offer much more strength over the long run.

Just my .02 and no I'm not affiliated with GemTop. Just the route I would like to go if I had the money.

Well, I just looked up their website (Haven't looked at it in a long time). They have not only changed their name to Brand FX Body Company, but have also switched to composite construction instead of steel.

Well, that sucks. I suppose it may be possible to find an older steel one used on craigslist, ebay or some other site still.

Okay, I just dug around a little further and am still finding websites that list a steel GemTop canopy. They are calling it the GemSport. Not sure what's going on, but worth a look into probably.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

ABSOLUTELY GREAT! I've been eyeballing those trucks (& 4runners) lately and those flares make me gag. Good work! :victory::smiley_drive:

 

[zolo]

Is that one of the DCU units...fiberglass? Looks nice...wishing I had that full size bed and not my stupid short 5'

Yes it is one of the FiberGlass models. ARE does make a all metal/steel/alum. style looks a bit different but stll has rear doors and takes away the tail gate.

 

[zolo]

Looking very good! How do you have it set up inside the shell?

Ive had it set up a few different ways. Currently set up with a small shelf on the pass side and room for an 80lb dog. I can house on top of and under the shelf.

 

[zolo]

your ball joints must hate you :-/

No my ball joints are fine. With the fender flares removed it looks way bigger than it really is. Makes the 255/85's look small.
The Sway-a-ways are not turned up all the way. They are about equal to an OME front strut setup.

When I did the front susp. I did weld gussets on the stock spindals and try to beef those up a bit. Ive already bent one and I replaced it with a new stock unit and gusseted both sides. The joint's have actually lasted really well. I have a buddy that went Total chaos up top and he wore out a set of Heim's in a year. Thats $700 buck plus another $150 to replace the joint's after only a year. Im good with Toyota joints.

 

[zolo]

so is your cap bearing the full weight of the RTT or is it reinforced to pick up that additional load? I have a Lear, not sure if they're sold in the states I don't see many of them on here but I wonder whether mine can do the same. I've been scratching my head about how I might be able to fabricate an internal frame to support a RTT but this would be a huge PITA not to mention a compromise on the usable space in the bed...

My ARE bears the full weight of the tent. If your not jumping around like a crazy person I dont see how I could break the topper. Its pretty stout. I would recommend using 3 load bars and some guide wires to keep trees and limbs and brush from getting under the tent and possibly ripping it off. That is the only thing I can see happening.

I wheeled the truck in heavy brush a few times and stuff did get between the topper and the bottom of the tent. The topper was so strong and apparently not securred tight enough to the bed that it just slid the whole unit topper and tent back on the bed rails and did not at any time crack or break.
So that say's a lot I think. About my securing it and the streagth.

 

[zolo]

ABSOLUTELY GREAT! I've been eyeballing those trucks (& 4runners) lately and those flares make me gag. Good work! :victory::smiley_drive:

Thank you sir. It will look even better after paint. But I agree the plastic flares did not add to the rig. Not to me anyhow. I like steel. You can weld it.

 

[geotaco]

Really like the no fender look.

Have you painted your truck yet?

Interested in seeing how it comes out. What color did you choose?

Thanks

 

[shabba]

zolo do you still have this truck?! i have a regular cab tacoma and i love what you have done to yours! im thinking of going with the 235s as well