ETAV8R's 09 Tacoma Build-The Gini

[ETAV8R]

A little update...It works! My cheap awning was fairly successful. Is it as fancy as a Fiamma? Nope. Is it a fraction of the cost? Yep.

It was pretty windy this past weekend on the White Mountains. Other than the telescoping poles, all the parts can be found at most hardware stores. I want to get a second set of tarp poles in order to keep it horizontal instead of slanted down. Also want to find a 6x20 tarp to extend it further out for more shade. The reason I use a 6' wide tarp is because that is the width between my jack mounts on the side of the camper. Really happy with this as of now. The true test will be in Death Valley where the "W" thing can be fierce.

This is the type of tent/tarp pole I used:
https://smile.amazon...d=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'm thinking about getting a set of these since they are lighter and have less chance of corrosion.
http://www.walmart.c...-8.2FT/53728954

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Really like what you've done with your Taco! Maybe we'll see you at DVNP or A-B DSP (do you go there?) or in the Sierras when we go there during summers.

 

[ETAV8R]

Hey thanks.
Don't do a lot of Anza but DVNP and Owens Valley are my favorite places to explore.

 

[ETAV8R]

My awning works great other than in dire winds. During windy conditions I took it down but covered my table and items near my truck by securing the tarp over the items. So it does double duty. I tried to figure out how to set up my larger tarp but the wind began and it would have been an exercise in futility. The awning works and is a fraction of the price of other awnings. There was a lot of moisture in the valley during new years and the tarp got the condensation where the things underneath did not.

This was after a breezy evening and one corner was blown off. This last pic also shows the new to me wheels. I got a set of older 4Runner wheels and new rubber. Same tires just a new set. The center caps from the wheels were oxidized and I've since painted them per advise of a friend who also runs these wheels on his Tacoma. My color match didn't come out as good but they are no longer chipped and yellowed.

 

[ETAV8R]

From early this past summer...

So the next chapter in the evolution of my truck and camping system is underway. The Hasty Ambush is on the move. Planning on doing a sleeping platform with one drawer which will be modular. Hope to have it done by mid July.
This is a custom ordered Tradesman shell. As a few other members here have done my shell has a toolbox at the rear of the driver's side which is utilized as a chuckbox/kitchen. I rearranged it three times on this initial trip. So far it is working great.

 

[ETAV8R]

While I'm at it I'll share some pics from the last trip I did with the Oxcart. I spent several days in April exploring eastern Death Valley as and of course making one last jaunt to Saline. During the majority of this trip high winds dominated the area which helped my decision to leave a day early. It was still a great trip with new to me places discovered and old haunts visited.

 

[ETAV8R]

In and around Owens Valley from this past summer

A quick report on my new set up. My built drawer/sleeping platform works. I used skateboard rails for drawer slide and there are some hiccups in use. For the most part they work and are cheaper than any slide system I found so far. The shell, while far different than the FWC, works. Not sure how to fine tune it for two people. I just need a few trips to get it dialed in.

Finished up my modular drawer and sleeping platform. Feels stout. I discovered Ganahl Lumber during the build. They are great if you don't have the ability to do cuts to large portions/sizes of wood. I had a parts list and did the optimization to decrease loss during the cutting process. They did all but two cuts and that's only because I had to have that part in place to make the measurements.

The drawer section is primarily where I'll be sleeping. There is a small shelf piece which runs along bedside and it is easily removable. Various things are stored under the shelf. One item which fits perfectly and provides support are the Camco leveling blocks.

The driver's side is one piece which is supported by the wheel well and two glued 1x1 pieces. I'll probably put a third 1x1 piece towards the tailgate end. Under this section is my hi-lift, compressor, recovery bag, and other miscellaneous items.

So far I'm pleased with the end result.

 

[BenMara]

am i missing something? Pics didnt load

 

[ETAV8R]

That's strange. I see them on my side.

 

[dirtpro06]

They're missing on my end as well.

 

[BenMara]

i see the pics in post #109 nothing else