Jake’s 1st Gen Tundra Camping Build & Trips

[Kpack]

It was after dark and made me realize how bad my headlights are.

Baja Designs Squadron lights in the bumper. I have the the Sport line, wide cornering in amber. Plenty of light for what I need and not enough to blind people if I use them on the road.

For reference, here's a good shot of what the sliders look like on my truck (I know you went back and looked, but this is handy for others):

Part of what makes yours feel like they stick out so far is that your tires are tucked in. I'm running 4.5" backspacing with 285/75-16 tires. That puts them right about at the outer edge of the fender.

 

[SportsmanJake]

Baja Designs Squadron lights in the bumper. I have the the Sport line, wide cornering in amber. Plenty of light for what I need and not enough to blind people if I use them on the road.

For reference, here's a good shot of what the sliders look like on my truck (I know you went back and looked, but this is handy for others):

Part of what makes yours feel like they stick out so far is that your tires are tucked in. I'm running 4.5" backspacing with 285/75-16 tires. That puts them right about at the outer edge of the fender.

Wow, the wheels do make a big difference. I've been holding off because I cannot find a simple steel or alloy wheel that is 16x8 with either 3.5 or 3.75 inches of backspace.

I'd love to run something like this, but I am trying to avoid spacers if possible.

 

[JCMatthews]

I went with FJ Cruiser steelies. They fit really well, but the powder coating is poor at best.

 

[SportsmanJake]

Can I get by with a 1 inch spacer? Or are the stock lugs too long?
I know a lot of Tacomas require 1.25 inch spacers to avoid trimming the lugs.
Anyone know?

 

[smokeysevin]

I think 1.25 is the minimum.

Sean

 

[SportsmanJake]

December Update

I finished painting the ARE Cap and got it back on the bed. I am glad to have it on the bed and out of my garage.
The truck paint faded more than I realized, so the cap is a shade off. Knowing this now, I probably would have saved my money and done a black semi-gloss paint job. But I am pleased with it. I have not reinstalled the side tool boxes and am loving how open the bed is when you pop all the doors.

I installed 4x 1.25" Spidertrax wheel spacers and no longer rub the uca at full turn.

I sanded my oem headlights and put them back in. If any 05/06 Tundra owners want to try their hand at a retrofit, I have a set of Eagle Eye headlamps that would be good candidates. I am running an Osram 60w bulb and am satisfied with my headlights at the moment. Future plans will include an upgraded wiring harness.

Currently in the bed, I have a half drawer and my ARB fridge. I have immediate plans to run power to the bed from the aux battery.

I was planning on waiting until next year to do some frame painting but have started to notice a few small sections that are starting to flake.
I purchased some Rustoleum Rust Converter and paint to tackle these rusty spots over Christmas break.

So currently on my agenda for the next month, I have Frame Painting -> Bed Power -> Center Console Build. We will see how much I get done.

 

[logan_gibson]

Have you spent any time on the paint with a polisher and polish/compound to see if it gets the paint match a little closer?
Might be worth it.

 

[bowhunter29]

Nice build! I have a similar setup on my '06 DC with Bilstein 5100's up front, 255/75/17's, and a bed topper. I was scrolling through your thread and saw your picture of the big water/sand hole on Bald Mtn and I recognized it immediately. That's a fun little trail to run but it can get tricky with all the rain we've had. One of my favorite camping spots is on the 162A dead end spur trail that splits off of 162 to the west. There's a nice grassy spot out near the end of that ridge that makes a great camping spot.

Judging by the areas you frequent and the backround of your pics, I'm guessing you are in the mountains somewhere in Central VA. I'm in Lynchburg area, I'll keep an eye out for your rig.


Jeremy

 

[Kpack]

I love that ARE canopy. The lift sides are so practical, especially without the toolboxes installed. How much does it weigh? I'm curious if it could easily be removed to take advantage on an open bed if I needed to haul things.

How are you liking the wheel spacers? I know a lot of people have opinions about them, but I'm curious if you notice any difference while driving?

Also, I hate frame painting. So tedious but so necessary on these trucks. It seems like the frame and underbody components are a magnet for corrosion. I painted mine front to back this summer, after using a wire wheel to blast off any corrosion that built up. I plan to spray the wax found at DIY car washes on the underframe periodically this winter. Maybe it will provide some protection.

 

[idriveabox]

I love that ARE canopy. The lift sides are so practical, especially without the toolboxes installed. How much does it weigh? I'm curious if it could easily be removed to take advantage on an open bed if I needed to haul things.

How are you liking the wheel spacers? I know a lot of people have opinions about them, but I'm curious if you notice any difference while driving?

Also, I hate frame painting. So tedious but so necessary on these trucks. It seems like the frame and underbody components are a magnet for corrosion. I painted mine front to back this summer, after using a wire wheel to blast off any corrosion that built up. I plan to spray the wax found at DIY car washes on the underframe periodically this winter. Maybe it will provide some protection.

Hit the frame with Fluid Film before winter hits. It will help prevent corrosion. Car wash soaps are not ph neutral and will actually do more harm. The wax also won’t do squat for rust.

 

[Kpack]

Hit the frame with Fluid Film before winter hits. It will help prevent corrosion. Car wash soaps are not ph neutral and will actually do more harm. The wax also won’t do squat for rust.

I'd forgotten about that, thanks for the reminder. Aerosol or paint sprayer Fluid Film? And if I use Aerosol, how many cans do you think to coat our trucks?

 

[idriveabox]

I just buy the aerosol cans when on sale. Usually go through 2 and a half. Wash the undercarriage well (no car wash soap!) to remove mud etc and go at it. Periodically spray more when the weather allows

 

[SportsmanJake]

Have you spent any time on the paint with a polisher and polish/compound to see if it gets the paint match a little closer?
Might be worth it.

I have a polisher and did the truck earlier this year based on a couple online guides. I don't quite have the knack for it yet. I see some photos where a good detailer does an amazing job.

Nice build! I have a similar setup on my '06 DC with Bilstein 5100's up front, 255/75/17's, and a bed topper. I was scrolling through your thread and saw your picture of the big water/sand hole on Bald Mtn and I recognized it immediately. That's a fun little trail to run but it can get tricky with all the rain we've had. One of my favorite camping spots is on the 162A dead end spur trail that splits off of 162 to the west. There's a nice grassy spot out near the end of that ridge that makes a great camping spot.

Judging by the areas you frequent and the backround of your pics, I'm guessing you are in the mountains somewhere in Central VA. I'm in Lynchburg area, I'll keep an eye out for your rig.

Jeremy

I am actually closer to WV but frequently drive around VA for camping and hiking. Bald mountain is where I get most of my pin stripes! It can defiantly get a little sketchy when it rains a lot.

I love that ARE canopy. The lift sides are so practical, especially without the toolboxes installed. How much does it weigh? I'm curious if it could easily be removed to take advantage on an open bed if I needed to haul things.

How are you liking the wheel spacers? I know a lot of people have opinions about them, but I'm curious if you notice any difference while driving?

Also, I hate frame painting. So tedious but so necessary on these trucks. It seems like the frame and underbody components are a magnet for corrosion. I painted mine front to back this summer, after using a wire wheel to blast off any corrosion that built up. I plan to spray the wax found at DIY car washes on the underframe periodically this winter. Maybe it will provide some protection.

It is very light. Probably around 120 lbs. That's probably one of the reasons I am struggling to get a good seal to the bed. The 2 corners near the cab leak like crazy.

The wheel spacers are fine. I didn't notice a difference is driving. Even with the 1.25" spacer, the tire is still completely covered by the flare b/c the flares on these trucks are massive for some reason.

 

[GTV]

Can I get by with a 1 inch spacer? Or are the stock lugs too long?
I know a lot of Tacomas require 1.25 inch spacers to avoid trimming the lugs.
Anyone know?

Disclaimer- I haven't tried these personally, but I like the wide selection of sizes available.
http://www.motorsport-tech.com/special/truck/toyota_s

 

[Deleted member 9101]

If body roll.is a problem, you can swap in a 1st generation Squioa sway bar. It's quite a bit thicker than the Tundra bar and is a direct bolt in if you grab the brackets too. Also, you can use the Tundra double cab sway bar end links, they are about an inch longer than the access cab ones.