Expeditions West 2004 Tacoma

[Scott Brady]

It will be modular.

The tent can be removed, and leave the deck, the deck and tent can be removed together also. The water tank and hot water heater will be another module, with can be used or removed independent of the deck.

I start the fabrication this afternoon

 

[goodtimes]

just checking....still no emoticons here.........

Have fun with the fabrication (the second best part of a vehicle build)....

 

[Desertdude]

Though I do have a goal for the driver to lose about 20 lbs. The passenger is pretty much perfect in that area, so no savings can be made on that side of the truck.

Gee we have more that the truck color in common - I just checked and it is 35lbs on my driver side that needs to lighten up - I started that mod and will achieve half (or more) of that goal by the Baja trip :Wow1:

What type of water pump are you planning, where will it be in the tank? ?

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small note:
( I am on a 24K dial up and have trouble seeing the full gif - and most of your uploaded photos - could be my end?)

 

[The BN Guy]

See, now I like that idea! My wife's concern was if I were to carry anything large like a piece of furniture. But if everything is removable...hmmmmm....oh honey!

Did you consider the ARB space cases? I kinda looked into them but couldn't find a price.

 

[Scott Brady]

Here is an "in process" update:

This is the tent mounting frame. Welded and testing on the truck:

Here, I have added another cross support (for the aluminum sheets that will be affixed). It also show in a general fashion, how the tent will mount, and how everything lines up.

I am going to mount the frame to the truck unfinished (it will be finished with a spray-on liner) and without the aluminum plates. I want to do some testing, and proof of concept this weekend.

I will post more images soon!

 

[brittan]

I just got updated on this thread...

I am impressed with the improvments. I had an idea from two pages back. Have you considerded cutting holes in the bottom of the tool box. There are holes in the bottom of the bed near the front of the bed. I thought of mounting a box there too that housed my air source and hav it breath through the holes on the bottom of the bed. Just a thought.
Can't wait to see the roof top tent installed.

 

[The BN Guy]

Looking good!

Just curious...what happened to the shovel holder on the fender?

 

[Scott Brady]

Ah, the shovel holder/dent hider. It is going back on... I will need to fab a different mount though.

 

[Scott Brady]

The Eezi-Awn, is ON

Well, after a few days of fabricating, welding and hardware sourcing, the tent is on! I must admit that this has probably been the most exciting (for me) modification I have performed in over 15 years of OHV. It is kind of the culmination of all of my aspirations for the vehicles. Sorry for getting sentimental.... and here she is:

This is the side profile shot, which shows the height of the tent in comparison to the cab. I am also going to install a set of gear loops on the tool box, which will allow lashing my two North Face expedition bags on top.

This shows from the drivers side, and how the bike rack will mount. It fits just perfect. This will also be the side with the rear faucet and shower system (which have all arrived by the way). I used SS allen head bolts throughout.

And this last view shows all of the storage underneath. Some of which will be used for the water tank and hot water heater, but there will still be a 28x~54 inch secure and weather proof area at the tailgate end.

I also popped the tent up last night, and it is incredibly solid. I cannot even begin to describe the quality of this unit.

So, I have lots left to do, including mounting the aluminum sheets, installing the shower, and sending the whole assembly off to get "rhino-lined". Then I will build the water storage and hot water system.

This is just TOO much fun...

 

[The BN Guy]

That is very sharp! Quite inspiring if I don't go with the Soft topper.

 

[bluerunner]

WOW! very inspiring indeed.

Looking good S :Wow1: cott!

 

[BajaTaco]

This is just TOO much fun...

You can say that again!! :victory: It looks great Scott!

 

[goodtimes]

Very cool amigo! The fabrication is the second best part of a vehicle build, particularly when you start playing with tube benders, welders, plazma cutters, etc. It is just cool to start with a pile of tube (or whatever), and end up with something completely functional. I curious though, why rhino line it instead of powder coating it? The Rhino lining is kind of soft and fades pretty quickly IMO. Of course, it does do a nice job of covering up welds you don't feel like grinding out....

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Very cool amigo! The fabrication is the second best part of a vehicle build, particularly when you start playing with tube benders, welders, plazma cutters, etc. It is just cool to start with a pile of tube (or whatever), and end up with something completely functional. I curious though, why rhino line it instead of powder coating it? The Rhino lining is kind of soft and fades pretty quickly IMO. Of course, it does do a nice job of covering up welds you don't feel like grinding out....

BEGIN THREAD HIJACK:
Hey Brian....long time no see! (Though wheeling season's coming)
Hey, can you please email me a few more pics of our wet Chiva trip?
I'd like those of me in the squeeze and climbing 3 Feathers. Can ya do that for me buddy? jshotts@earthlink.net (I get new internet Thursday and my email will change but not sure to what?)
END THREAD HIJACK.

 

[The BN Guy]

John, that's a sweet rig you have there. Man this forum has some really nice looking rigs.

Loved this one too! Reminds me of some pix of Oz rigs for sure.