RangeBrover
Explorer
Can't wait to see photos of the system in the garage.
2012 Tacoma Build...ish
- Thread starter sdfreediver
- Start date
upcountry
Explorer
My wife's 2013 Camry has "bedrug" material lining the rear fender Wells instead of plastic.so far it has held up well.
It came that way from the factory. We live in Seattle and it is wet all the time and coated in road grim.
It came that way from the factory. We live in Seattle and it is wet all the time and coated in road grim.
Now that is a great question!
The Bedrug holds up...great! So far.
I have had it for over a year, so that's not very long. Plus I park my truck in the garage exclusively. However, I take my truck everywhere; It gets very, very dirty. I haul rocks and building supplies all the time too. The point is, I definitely use my truck bed. Before I put on my Flippac, I pressure wash the Bedrug. The water drains right through it. I have never had a mildew or mold issue. In fact it dries in a few hours. Put my camper on and I'm off.
Its not cheap, but the last Tacoma I had, the bed got scratched and chipped up. The Bedrug does a good job of protecting the bed.
Would I buy it again? Yes.
duckhunter71
Adventurer
In regards to the questions about longevity of the Bedrugs, my grandmother put one in her 1996 Chevrolet K1500 when it was new. My uncle then bought the truck from her in 2001, and his brother-in-law from him in 2009. The Bedrug was still in very good shape when I last saw it in 2009. It was kept under a carport (not an enclosed garage), so it did have some exposure to the elements at all times. They seem to be quality products!
sdfreediver
Observer
Tom, there are multiple reasons for the customs rails.
1st, the rails I have installed are 1/8" thick, versus approximately an inch for the stock rails. This allows me to keep the camper closer to the cab of the truck.
2nd, the stock rails are not solid, they are .... let's just say... waffled. This puts uneven pressure on your quarter panel. Further, the top surface is not perfectly flat, sealing issues will occur unless you are using neoprene or something with a similar conforming property. However, you will run into tearing issues with softer materials. Catch 22, I guess.
The rails are just aluminum with a 90 degree break, cut to match the body, and mounting holes drilled to match the rail mounts. Cut, bend, drill, remove factory rails, lay a high quality seal/separation material between the new rail and quarter panel, bolt on. Done. Super easy. ;-)
Regarding sealing, I would like to give my 2 cents on the hinges, but first I will address the rails. I use an ~1/4 medium flexible rubber. I could get into the chemical makeup, but I'm not sure anyone wants to read through that.
The thicker, more flexible rubber contours to the FRP manufacturing imperfections. The rubber, in combination with the flat rail, will create an excellent seal against RAIN. (If you are trying to create a little truck boat, you will need much more than a rubber seal.)
On to the hinges. I have read a few posts about having the lid not match up to the box and the need for realignment. I did this one time....two days after picking it up. Quick break down:
Open the lid, take out the mattress, loosen the 4 bolts holding the lid, replace the crap FRP installed washers with thicker/wider washers, hand snug bolts, close lid, align lid correctly, go inside and wrench snug up the 4 bolts, open the lid and fully tighten bolts. (remember not to over-tighten and crack your FG)
After you realign your lid, you WILL have to reseal the hinges. === See...I'm slowly getting to the hinge seal issue
===The hinge pieces slide into the steel frame tubing; if you move the hinges, you WILL break the seal. This will happen, regardless of if you can see the break or not.
Using the better washers and of course closing the lid properly, will (probably) ensure you do not have to repeat the sealing procedure in the future.
Sealing: I recommend using 3M 5200 Marine Sealant. Don't be cheap and buy tub and tile caulk, you will regret it IMO.
1st, remove the old FRP tub and tile caulk.
2nd, LIGHTLY sand the area that will receive overlay sealant.
3rd, tape off what you dont want sealant on.
4th, alcohol the area to receive sealant.
5th, seal and let get tacky
6th, remove tape BEFORE the sealant dries.
7th, send FRP an e-mail showing them the correct way to do things.
(I'm kidding) Ok, I am still working on garage photos everyone. I will get them posted soon.
sdfreediver
Observer
I apologize for the late posts, but things got busy.
Anyway, here are some photos of my hanging setup in my garage.
Garage Photos:
Cables holding camper-
4x4's and strongties-
I also just purchased the complete OME setup and Light Racing UCA. I will have everything together next week and report back.
Speaking of reporting, I wrote about my Rancho setup during my last round of postings. Now that I have had this system for some time, I feel I should update everyone. The Ranchos are garbage. Both rear shocks ended up blowing out. I'm super disappointed.
Now dont get me wrong, if you stay on the road and drive super gentle, they may be fine for awhile. But I dont do that. I hunt, spearfish, and do other activities which require a little questionable driving.
However, now that I'm installing the OME setup, I'm considering a FWC or similar. Super on the fence about this...
Anyway, here are some photos of my hanging setup in my garage.
Garage Photos:
Cables holding camper-
4x4's and strongties-
I also just purchased the complete OME setup and Light Racing UCA. I will have everything together next week and report back.
Speaking of reporting, I wrote about my Rancho setup during my last round of postings. Now that I have had this system for some time, I feel I should update everyone. The Ranchos are garbage. Both rear shocks ended up blowing out. I'm super disappointed.
Now dont get me wrong, if you stay on the road and drive super gentle, they may be fine for awhile. But I dont do that. I hunt, spearfish, and do other activities which require a little questionable driving.
However, now that I'm installing the OME setup, I'm considering a FWC or similar. Super on the fence about this...
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RangeBrover
Explorer
Rancho schools are garbage, they're great for all the bro truck owners, but do any serious work with them and you're toast.
sdfreediver
Observer
Truck Update: "Let me be your genie-pig"
I received my Old Man Emu (OME) suspension system this week and it is now installed.
Before buying this kit, I read a lot of reviews and a lot of information. Some of the info was helpful, most was not.
I wanted to take a minute and explain the ride, from my point of view. First, I will describe the parts used -
Old Man Emu Tacoma kit (complete) This kit included two 885 front coils, two 7 leaf Dakar rear springs, nitrocharger sport shocks all around, drivers side spacer, drive shaft drop. I also threw in a pair of Light Racing UCA's. As for tires, I choose Cooper AT3's (E rated).
This was all installed on a 2012 tacoma prerunner access cab. The truck has tow package and 4.0 v6.
Now I liked the ride of the unloaded truck with stock suspension.
Only once I began carrying my Flippac with gear did I need to start changing things. The truck can carry the Flippac, but on rough roads, the rear would bottom out.
The first upgrade attempt was with supersprings/Ranchos 9000XL in the rear and Bilsteins 5100's upfront. I never adjusted the 5100's. They were always set to stock level. Note: I have heard that they are designed for a preloaded stock spring. I also was using the stock 4 ply tires.
I did not like the feel of the truck unloaded...specifically what I did not like was that the rear shocks could not be adjusted to match the additional spring tension added by the supersprings when the truck was unloaded. The rear of the truck would bounce; not substantially, but just enough to be noticeable.
Next, I removed the supersprings and replaced them with Firestone RideRight (SP?) airbags. This seemed to be ideal, however, I did not get the suspension flex that I was used to. Also, I would get a significant amount of bounce (when the camper was on) from the mid truck area at higher speeds. This lead me to try and match the front and rear shocks. I feel this was the worst ride ever. Just to recap: bilsteins all around, airbags in the back. This ride was harsh...again, what I mean by this is that the ride was jarring. This was especially true on rough roads at lower speeds (40-50).
To say the least I was looking for something better. My main goal was not to lift my truck, but to upgrade the rear springs for carrying my camper. But with all the tuning issues I was having, I said ******* it and dropped the coin. So far, I am very glad I did. The ride is fairly smooth. I would describe the ride feel as flexy/bouncy, but in a good way. The tires remain firmly glued to the ground, but instead of getting a harsh jarring slam after driving over a bad spot in the road, I feel a solid tire response followed by a notice suspension flex. So far this is the ideal setup for me. I have lifted trucks in the past and while the suspension may have been smooth as butter (as some people describe it) the load carrying was minimal.
So that is about it. I understand it takes a few miles to break in the new suspension. I will report back...
Now that I have the suspension setup that can easily handle my Flippac, Im looking at possibly upgrading to an All Terrain or Four Wheel Camper.
Anyone in the central California coast have one I can look at?
I received my Old Man Emu (OME) suspension system this week and it is now installed.
Before buying this kit, I read a lot of reviews and a lot of information. Some of the info was helpful, most was not.
I wanted to take a minute and explain the ride, from my point of view. First, I will describe the parts used -
Old Man Emu Tacoma kit (complete) This kit included two 885 front coils, two 7 leaf Dakar rear springs, nitrocharger sport shocks all around, drivers side spacer, drive shaft drop. I also threw in a pair of Light Racing UCA's. As for tires, I choose Cooper AT3's (E rated).
This was all installed on a 2012 tacoma prerunner access cab. The truck has tow package and 4.0 v6.
Now I liked the ride of the unloaded truck with stock suspension.
Only once I began carrying my Flippac with gear did I need to start changing things. The truck can carry the Flippac, but on rough roads, the rear would bottom out.
The first upgrade attempt was with supersprings/Ranchos 9000XL in the rear and Bilsteins 5100's upfront. I never adjusted the 5100's. They were always set to stock level. Note: I have heard that they are designed for a preloaded stock spring. I also was using the stock 4 ply tires.
I did not like the feel of the truck unloaded...specifically what I did not like was that the rear shocks could not be adjusted to match the additional spring tension added by the supersprings when the truck was unloaded. The rear of the truck would bounce; not substantially, but just enough to be noticeable.
Next, I removed the supersprings and replaced them with Firestone RideRight (SP?) airbags. This seemed to be ideal, however, I did not get the suspension flex that I was used to. Also, I would get a significant amount of bounce (when the camper was on) from the mid truck area at higher speeds. This lead me to try and match the front and rear shocks. I feel this was the worst ride ever. Just to recap: bilsteins all around, airbags in the back. This ride was harsh...again, what I mean by this is that the ride was jarring. This was especially true on rough roads at lower speeds (40-50).
To say the least I was looking for something better. My main goal was not to lift my truck, but to upgrade the rear springs for carrying my camper. But with all the tuning issues I was having, I said ******* it and dropped the coin. So far, I am very glad I did. The ride is fairly smooth. I would describe the ride feel as flexy/bouncy, but in a good way. The tires remain firmly glued to the ground, but instead of getting a harsh jarring slam after driving over a bad spot in the road, I feel a solid tire response followed by a notice suspension flex. So far this is the ideal setup for me. I have lifted trucks in the past and while the suspension may have been smooth as butter (as some people describe it) the load carrying was minimal.
So that is about it. I understand it takes a few miles to break in the new suspension. I will report back...
Now that I have the suspension setup that can easily handle my Flippac, Im looking at possibly upgrading to an All Terrain or Four Wheel Camper.
Anyone in the central California coast have one I can look at?
Camelfilter
Explorer
Wow, nice modifications! Too bad I'm so far away, as I would like to see if this would fit on a Nissan Titan short bed.
SDDiver5
Expedition Leader
Ah I knew I'd come across another spearo on here at some point! Where in SD are you located? Lets get wet some time. I shot a toad WSB about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully Ill limit on my bug dive this weekend also.
Edit: I see your actually in Central California not SD.
D
Edit: I see your actually in Central California not SD.
D
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sdfreediver
Observer
Hey SDDIVER!
Yeah, I freedive spearfish, but I also land hunt and mushroom/plant forage, etc.
I have kept the SD portion, as that is where I hail from.
I live in the Monterey area currently, but I make it back home regularly for pelagics and bugs.
I heard from a bird, that bug diving is much better than last year; although last year I did manage a monster at the islands.
Camelfilter, Thanks for the compliments.
SDDiver5
Expedition Leader
Hey SDDIVER!
Yeah, I freedive spearfish, but I also land hunt and mushroom/plant forage, etc.
I have kept the SD portion, as that is where I hail from.
I live in the Monterey area currently, but I make it back home regularly for pelagics and bugs.
I heard from a bird, that bug diving is much better than last year; although last year I did manage a monster at the islands.
Camelfilter, Thanks for the compliments.
I still havent been out. My light broke somehow over the summer so I need to get a new one... Im borrowing a friends for tonight and tomorrow night. Ive seen/heard some initail reports that lots of the bugs are clickers and all the monsters are in the commercial traps...Boo. Next time you're down here let me know, I'd love to check out your flippac. Maybe even get in a dive if the timing is right. Here's some fish porn for you. Got this 3 weeks ago. If you're on Spearboard don't let them know about the WSB! Enjoy!
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sdfreediver
Observer
Haha.
I am a member, but that site is full of angry people and people who troll for productive spots. Never fear, I will not be posting any useful information on that forum. Nice fish BTW; looks like it may be a female with row. That is some good stuff.
About the Flippac, I may be selling that bad boy today.
The Flippac is nice, but if you plan on upgrading your suspension system and like additional luxuries or have a family, an All Terrain Camper "seems" to be a better route. I say seems to be, because my upgrade will be an ATC Bobcat. Once I get it, everyone can look forward to a full review.
The flippac can be cold on winter days.
When Im land hunting, the bugs can be an issue too (cooking outside). I know that makes me sound like a weenie, but my three year doesn't appreciate the meat bees as much as I do.
Anyway, I will definitely keep your info, boss.
sdfreediver
Observer
Easy answer.
Remove your plastic bed caps and rail system.
Bend the aluminum to approximately a 90 degree angle.
Drill the aluminum to match the rail mounting holes.
Bolt the aluminum and rail system to the bed of the truck.
I suggest that you consider placing a good quality rubber sheet between the new rail and the truck bed.
Just as an FYI, I am considering selling mine. I sold my Flippac and I no longer need the heavy duty rails. I'm defiantly on the fence though. I may also consider trading out my bed caps for a factor set and some cash.
I hope my explanation helps!
Remove your plastic bed caps and rail system.
Bend the aluminum to approximately a 90 degree angle.
Drill the aluminum to match the rail mounting holes.
Bolt the aluminum and rail system to the bed of the truck.
I suggest that you consider placing a good quality rubber sheet between the new rail and the truck bed.
Just as an FYI, I am considering selling mine. I sold my Flippac and I no longer need the heavy duty rails. I'm defiantly on the fence though. I may also consider trading out my bed caps for a factor set and some cash.
I hope my explanation helps!