Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[Dave Bennett]

The biggest issue is the bed. There is a lot of wasted space IMO, and a lightweight flatbed setup with a box module would add more cubic feet for gear and such. I have felt limited from day one by that 5 foot bed!

I think an Aussie style tray bed would solve the utility problem as I could simply remove the module for "truck bed" type tasks at Home Depot etc.

Ideally, I could have the best of both worlds and not gain any weight above what I have now.

Roger, I really like that 8020 stuff. That stuff is incredibly adaptable!

 

[snakeii]

Some resemblance to the general shape...

I was going to use the stuff to build a wall mount switch rack, might still use it to build a table for a voice mail server, music on hold amp, etc.

Its the adult version of erector toys...

 

[kcowyo]

Some links to a few other ideas I'm tossing around...

:lurk: :lurk:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Tool Compartment
View attachment 16573

Kitchen Compartment
View attachment 16574

On the Trail
View attachment 16575

I like the way the rack hangs over the cab.
http://www.multitrail.co.za/alu_cab.htm

I wish I could buy this in the US!

 

[asteffes]

Doc, did you get one of those console vaults yet? I'm really curious how well they fit and integrate. It's just too James Bond not to get one.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Doc, did you get one of those console vaults yet? I'm really curious how well they fit and integrate. It's just too James Bond not to get one.

Not yet, still on the list that never ends... :smiley_drive:

 

[HMR]

I wish I could buy this in the US!

That thing is cool!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I really like the DCU shells from ARE
http://www.4are.com/product/dcu/

Lots of options that would work well for Overlanding.



My quest for a bed solution, be it a shell, custom job or even a "Taco Chaser-esque" answer, is being driven by a few needs.

1. I need to get the Engel out of the back seat and into the bed - but not in the elements or unsecured. This would allow more passenger room.

2. Storage. I need to maximize the available space in the bed for gear - I could carry things easier with a big box rather than several boxes as I do now.

At this point, all things considered, I believe a properly optioned DCU from ARE would allow me to carry more than I can now, safely mount the Engel, and still mount the Eezi-Awn.

The side doors with bins and shelves would make a great kitchen on one side and stowage of personal gear on the other.

 

[greenhorn]

I really like the DCU shells from ARE
http://www.4are.com/product/dcu/

Lots of options that would work well for Overlanding.



My quest for a bed solution, be it a shell, custom job or even a "Taco Chaser-esque" answer, is being driven by a few needs.

1. I need to get the Engel out of the back seat and into the bed - but not in the elements or unsecured. This would allow more passenger room.

2. Storage. I need to maximize the available space in the bed for gear - I could carry things easier with a big box rather than several boxes as I do now.

At this point, all things considered, I believe a properly optioned DCU from ARE would allow me to carry more than I can now, safely mount the Engel, and still mount the Eezi-Awn.

The side doors with bins and shelves would make a great kitchen on one side and stowage of personal gear on the other.

I have been looking at the DCU's for the family truckster build. I had one priced. Color matched it came to about $1900 with options I selected, which wasn't alot of options.

 

[pcruz]

Something different to think about.

I saw this truck in Yellowstone. It gave me the idea of getting a aluminum utility bed when I win the lottey . I've more pic of the truck if you want to take a closer look.

If you don't mind, please post more pictures of this rig or PM a link (to avoid thread hijack). I'm interested in seeing more. Thanks.

 

[Redline]

Agree! Short bed makes the truck seem so much shorter than what I have.

If you don't mind, please post more pictures of this rig or PM a link (to avoid thread hijack). I'm interested in seeing more. Thanks.

 

[slooowr6]

Agree! Short bed makes the truck seem so much shorter than what I have.

To not hijack Dave's thread. I post the pics I have in FWC's session in this thread. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=181440#post181440

 

[snakeii]

I have been looking at the DCU's for the family truckster build. I had one priced. Color matched it came to about $1900 with options I selected, which wasn't alot of options.

Thats not bad considering the going rate of a cap or just a tonneau cover.

The plus side of going with a DCU rather then ripping off your whole bed is you can easily convert back to a truck bed if you need to. The looks of either one are pretty equal, both pretty much have the work truck luck to it. The big advantage I see with the Chase option is you gain the extra space you lose with the gaps, etc between the truck bed and the DCU.

I think having a modular bed would be a cool option, so that way you can easily add on additions/boxes or remove the entire thing in one assembly. Could be useful if you need to separate certain items, such as when you wont need particular items for a certain trip you can just remove a module rather then each individual item (offroad tools, cold/hot weather gear, food/drinks, etc). I know normally I dont need to carry a shovel and other big heavy things while just driving back and forth to work, being able to remove them easily and quickly would help with the gas mileage... Having the modules tie into one overall assembly you could probably remove it with a overhead hoist to do work on the suspension, frame or whatever.

 

[heeltoe989]

ARE Canopies have a great selection of DCU for the new Tacoma. Might be worth checking out.

TACODOC - you going to 4:88 gears any time soon?

 

[Dave Bennett]

ARE Canopies have a great selection of DCU for the new Tacoma. Might be worth checking out.

TACODOC - you going to 4:88 gears any time soon?

I got a quote back from ARE for a fully kitted DCU... $2,400

That sounds steep, but I spared no expense during my virtual build

As for gears, I am waiting for 4.56's... fuel economy is a real issue for me now and as much as I'd like the low end power of 4.88's I need to keep RPM's down on the highway so 4.56 it is.

JT's gears is getting sets that do not require a new carrier up front (unlike the 4.88) so this will save over $300 alone on the gear change