Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[Dave Bennett]

Eazi-Awn Mounting Options on an 05 Tacoma...

I considered (and prefer) Scotts low profile bed setup but due to space constraints I need to mount higher. So...
Looking for a rack to mount an Eazi-Awn tent over my bed like this:

Thanks to Mark for the idea. He has a CanBack, they dont make one for my 05... so I'm looking for an alternative. Anybody have a ladder rack or anything similar for an 05 Tacoma??? I just need a simple rack so I can mount the tent and still use my bed and retain my toolbox for overland. I like how he has his boards up there as well, I could put a kayak up there.

Anyone in SD or OC know of any fab shops that could knock this out before the Trophy for a reasonable amount?

Anyone???

 

[blupaddler]

Dave,

You should be able to obtain a "lumber rack" at any camper shell place. The new Taco has been out long enough now, they should have them. The lumber rack would give you the ability to hold a tent. Or I know Yakima makes these rack type deals that mount on trucks.

I am pretty sure Chuck has a Kargomaster on his Taco (not new like yours).


Here is a place that sells Kargomaster, although a little ways from Oceanside...
Custom Road Truckers Toy
9424 Jamacha Road
619-697-3441

I personally have not done business with them. But, I know friends who have.

www.kargomaster.com
www.yakima.com

Also pickup a Truck or Parts Trader. It would be a good place to start to find other dealers, etc.



Also, Mark had soft racks on top of his Eze Awn. These held the surfboards.



Oh, (sorry ADD), Desertdude had a rack custom made for his Taco and roof-top tent. But, I know it started to crack a little during our Baja trip. I would PM him and see if he has any suggestions from his experience.

:sombrero:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Thanks Robb, I'm all over it!

 

[Gear]

Dave,
Go custom. Think outside the box. Call some of the off-road shops in town and ask who is doing fab work. Then start dreaming of all the cool add-ons you will need. Just a note from my custom racks I try to use cross bar material that is the same diameter as Yakima. This way you can add bikes, kayaks, space cases, and surfboards. Don't forget to think about awnings, Hi-lift jack location, and the list goes on. Here is a photograph of a friends Hummer that had a custom rack built. Maybe something like this with a low profile tent where the tire is. Next to the tire are locations for extra jerry cans. Also you can see the Hi-lift.

Oh ya when you find a good fab shop let me know I will need some work done soon!

 

[Dave]

Would the Thule Xsporter work?

 

[Mlachica]

I also say go all custom. Think about what you want to get out of it and what kind of cool things you can do with it. I wouldn't rush it, take time to brain storm. When you go camping take notes because that's when you'll figure out what kind of rack design/accessories would work the best.

Maybe you could save some money by buying a prefabbed lumber rack then customizing itself by adding light tabs, tie down points, etc.

Who ever you have build it, have a detailed drawing of how you want. It's just reassurance that it'll be built how YOU want it.

 

[Scott Brady]

Early on, I had an idea to run the top of the tent just at the roof line, which would keep the COG low and allow more storage. You could even enclose it with these for quick access storage and a semi-sealed bed area.

Like these: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200091674_200091674

 

[Bergger]

The top photo is an option that I almost went with when I was thinking of a roof top tent. The price is very resonable and they offer horizontal bars to tie the front and rear pieces together. You can use it with the softtopper or without. I decided I did not want to mount a tent that high, and I ran out of money, so I just built a platform for my double tent cot. It's kind of ghetto compared to a real roof top tent but it works for me.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Ok, the good news is I have the rack basically figured out. I'm going custom by a well known off road fabricator... stay tuned... :box:

I will have my Engel MT45 in time for the Trophy, got a good deal from a super secret expedition equipment source... :ylsmoke:

The bad news... apparently there are no series 2 Eazi-Awn 1600's to be had in North America in time for the Trophy... :smilies27
So, I'm waiting on the slow boat from South Africa for the Series 3 1600... :drool:

The best part about this next round of upgrades is my beautiful wife is all about it after seeing Wil and Marks setups in Mexico. :jump:

And this will definately tap my expedition budget until next summer... LOL

 

[flyingwil]

I will have my Engel MT45 in time for the Trophy, got a good deal from a super secret expedition equipment source... :ylsmoke:

Engels Rock! I love mine... it is like a credit card, "don't leave home with out it." Even for non travel use it has it's pro's like going to the grocery store and on the way home stoping to see a movie and not having to worry about your food spoiling in the 130 degree cab of the truck!

The bad news... apparently there are no series 2 Eazi-Awn 1600's to be had in North America in time for the Trophy... :smilies27
So, I'm waiting on the slow boat from South Africa for the Series 3 1600... :drool:

You and me both buddy! I can't wait to see the changes on the series 3...

The best part about this next round of upgrades is my beautiful wife is all about it after seeing Wil and Marks setups in Mexico. :jump:

I love my fridge set up, plan on changing it a bit. Mark's set up is killer, he is right up there with Scotts truck on what I want my truck to grow up into!

And this will definately tap my expedition budget until next summer... LOL

Or so you think... I am sure you will find another thing to buy Mr. E-Bay:exclaim:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Thanks Wil!

Now, if only I could find a SNORKEL for my 05...
It seems there is already one available for the new Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and the Titan: :Wow1: http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html...&category_id=f9d8a87925d843840e8ac32a498b260c

 

[blupaddler]

:bowdown:

Congrats Dave!!!

Is the fabricator local? I will be anxiously awaiting your developments.

 

[Mlachica]

wow, that's a lot of upgrades dave! These goodies will end up being your favorites and become 'essential' to comfortable camping.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Power?

Now that my Engel is enroute, my next concern is power. Will I be OK running my fridge for 5 days straight at the Trophy (with running the engine occasionally of course) with my stock battery system, or do I need a red Optima or ______ ???

 

[BajaTaco]

Now that my Engel is enroute, my next concern is power. Will I be OK running my fridge for 5 days straight at the Trophy (with running the engine occasionally of course) with my stock battery system, or do I need a red Optima or ______ ???

You might make it all 5 days without running the battery flat, since you will be driving the truck around quite a lot. But it won't be very nice to your starting battery if you are parked for a long period and run it down pretty low. (it will probably be upper 80's to 90 for daytime highs) On the upside, there will be plenty of us to give you a jumpstart should you need one.