Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[ArchaeoTaco]

toolbox with rack

Hi TacoDoc,

I've been reading this thread with great interest, and congrats on building one hell of an expedition vehicle!

I was wondering if your roof rack was built above the clearance of your toolbox when it is fully opened, or if the lid of the toolbox touches the rack when you open it. I'm trying to customize an expedition rack, but I don't want to put it too high above the roof, as I'm trying to streamline everything as much as possible.

Cheers,

John

 

[Dave Bennett]

Any reason you use both Fatmat and eDead? Adding eDead on top of Fatmat on certain area to enhance the damping?
I think I'll use phase approach, 1)The back of rear seat. 2)4 doors. 3) Roof and Floor. The good thing is my Taco is not my daily drive I can take my time to get it right.

I used Fatmat on floors and doors - it was economical since I wanted multiple layers on the floorpan, and I used eDead on the roof since it has the best adhesion and temp tolerance.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Hi TacoDoc,

I've been reading this thread with great interest, and congrats on building one hell of an expedition vehicle!

I was wondering if your roof rack was built above the clearance of your toolbox when it is fully opened, or if the lid of the toolbox touches the rack when you open it. I'm trying to customize an expedition rack, but I don't want to put it too high above the roof, as I'm trying to streamline everything as much as possible.

Cheers,

John

Thanks and welcome to ExPo!

The box hits the rack when fully open, it's opening radius is probably reduced by 1 inch. My rack height was determined by the Eezi-Awn 1600's dimensions, I could have gone lower with the rack witha 1400 but someone would have been sleeping elsewhere... we needed the sleeping room.

A couple of advantages to going roof height with the rack: The 3rd brake light is not impeded, and rearward visibility is near stock - I can see very well when backing up in town or turning around on a trail. It also allowed me more storage room with the basket and mounts for lights, I'll post pics to illustrate all this soon...

 

[ArchaeoTaco]

Thanks and welcome to ExPo!

The box hits the rack when fully open, it's opening radius is probably reduced by 1 inch. My rack height was determined by the Eezi-Awn 1600's dimensions, I could have gone lower with the rack witha 1400 but someone would have been sleeping elsewhere... we needed the sleeping room.

A couple of advantages to going roof height with the rack: The 3rd brake light is not impeded, and rearward visibility is near stock - I can see very well when backing up in town or turning around on a trail. It also allowed me more storage room with the basket and mounts for lights, I'll post pics to illustrate all this soon...

Thanks! Great ideas on the rack height. I definitely need to get these issues sorted-out before Spring/Summer comes around and I'm back in the field.

You mentioned that you had to go higher with the rack to accommodate the size of the 1600 model - is this because its width when open is 63 inches, which is a quarter-foot longer than the 5-foot DC bed?

 

[snowbrock]

yes, how much longer is the 1600 than the tacoma short bed?

 

[Dave Bennett]

Here are some pics to illustrate the toolbox lid and rack clearance.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Rack Lights and Antenna Mounts!

I started adding things to the rack, another set of IPF 969's and got my CB antenna mounted with a quick disconnect from Firestik, I have one more tab there in the middle for a future 2M antenna...

 

[Dave Bennett]

Back Up Lighting

I like to have good visibility at night when backing up, these PM brand 55W utility lights that I found at Wally World for $12 ea should work. I am really liking the fact that rearward visibility has been maintained with this rack system.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Finally got it out in the field for some pics with the complete setup.

 

[Dave Bennett]

yes, how much longer is the 1600 than the tacoma short bed?

This first pic illustrates how the length of the 1600 necessitated the lengthening of the rack to accommodate it, and how I have the Engel and Eezi-Awn facing the same direction. A 1400 would have been a perfect fit but was too small for our needs.

And, few more pics...

 

[Willman]

Great looking rig my friend!!!!

How do you like your tent? Pros/Cons? Size? (to big??.. to small??)

:tent:

I'm thinking of Fabbing up a roof rack like yours but with my shell....Still thinking of how i'm going to build it......

 

[erin]

:drool: :drool: :drool:


That has turned out extrememly sweet! Not toy mention you have given me a few ideas for my rack as well.

 

[Sgt Grunt]

Doc, Your truck is looking awesome, when are you coming out to Colorado for some wheeling and camping??? You've got a base camp whenever you need one...

Those hills in your picture look very familiar...:ar15:

 

[Dave Bennett]

:drool: :drool: :drool:


That has turned out extrememly sweet! Not toy mention you have given me a few ideas for my rack as well.

Great looking rig my friend!!!!

How do you like your tent? Pros/Cons? Size? (to big??.. to small??)

I'm thinking of Fabbing up a roof rack like yours but with my shell....Still thinking of how i'm going to build it......

Doc, Your truck is looking awesome, when are you coming out to Colorado for some wheeling and camping??? You've got a base camp whenever you need one...

Those hills in your picture look very familiar...:ar15:

Thanks Gentlemen!

The tent is a keeper, perfect size for us IMO.

I would love to head out to Colorado right now but, unfortunately, I have deployment orders to Iraq again so any expeditions are on hold until further notice... OPSEC is in effect so that's all I'm gonna say for now.

 

[RoundOut]

God bless you!

I have deployment orders to Iraq again

Thank you VERY MUCH for your service to our country! I pray for your safety and that of your unit and all of our servicemen and women. You guys are making a difference! Thanks again.