New Guy planning....help please!

[XPEDITIONREADY]

thanks for the link to the sleep platform. It looks like a pretty simple build.

Alex, thanks for the input on nitro gear. I had never heard of them and i guess i would like to keep it that way.

Yea the aluminum bumpers a nice but i think i would struggle with peace of mind with that thing up there. never know what it is going to take until its to late.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

Here is another really easy sleeping platform. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39860
Theres not much detail in the thread but its basically just a 1x8 attached to a peice of 1/2" MSD that was ripped in half. One side is cut into four peices so they can be taken out for room for tall Items and it makes it really easy to flip the platform over for when you need to haul things. I added some braces on the solid side. This works well for me but if you wanted some extra strength it would be easy to beef up the design to fit your needs. I'm planning to redo it soon with cabinets on the right side.

 

[targa88]

Save the money on gear and just go
If it was ME and so please understand we are talking ME...
the order of importance for a 20 day camping trip using your rig...
Air Compressor - get a good one as you will air down & up almost daily (I love my Extreme Outback setup)
Tire Plug Kit - get the good one from Extreme Outback also, lots of sharp rocks, nails and other nasty stuff out here in the west
Good All Terrain Tires - if the 275/65 mean no regear then perfect, I am very happy with my Nitto Trail Grapplers
Hard Shell with sleeping platform - like others have said, security, weather protection (what if it rains/storms) and cheap, sell it when you come back if you really need a soft top
Fridge - buying ice every couple of days gets old, use this trip as an excuse to get a fridge and start loving it! Mount it the rear of the cab if you think you will be taking the topper off when you get back home.
Booster/Jumper pack, if you don't want to swing a full on dual battery setup then at least get a good booster/jumper pack. If you are driving every day a dual battery can wait.

No Matter WHAT be careful of gear creep and the budget sucking gear hunger, when it comes down to it you can just jump in that great rig and go do lots of great camping.

I absolutely agree.
Build what you need - but ultimately more time on the trails is the best part!

 

[frgtwn]

tires

Welcome to the forum, Ben, and good luck with your build.


Another possibility for tires would be the 235 85 16 size. Available, in KM2, however, in ATs, they may be better suited for a long road trip. And, no gear issues. I like the idea of two sets of tires, (at home), but the problems with that are obvious.

The Nitto Terra Grapplers have a strong following around here, but they are not available in 235. I went with Toyo ATs in 235 and they have met my expectations. And, as you know, ATs will take you most anywhere. And, if they do not, pull out the winch rope. Fun, huh?

Looking forward to your progress, and, of course, let us know what your schedule will be, as there are some who would love to meet you, and show you around.

Dale

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

thanks for all the responses. As I mentioned before I will just start with the necessities and see how far i get with the build before we leave. Starting with the top and sleeping platform. Then from there will come the things I would like to have as money allows it.

Now you guys have to help me brainstorm for where we should visit. We will be leaving NC and probably headed northwest towards South Dakota. We will drive hard to get there in the shortest time possible. From there will begin the site seeing and it would be great to have a list of places that we must see while out there. Neither of us have been out there before see keep in mind we want to see some of the tourist sites but would love a locals perspective as well. We will have a total of 17days unfortunately to take in as much as possible without over doing it. We plan to see some of colorado, utah, arizona, wyoming, etc.....We have talked about goin all the way to washington then start coming back but would it be worth the time?

Also need inputs on the best GPS for the money....

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

I got my skids ordered from budbuilt and will picking them up as well as sliders from him next week. I decided for the time being to go with 265/75/16 tires stock height, sliders, and skids, with my expo gear. I think that will be best for our trip to save fuel.

My new question is how well will the stock non-trd suspension hold the weight of skids, sliders, sleeping platform, camping gear, tools, etc?

Also, what aggresive AT tires in 265/75/16 come in not a load range E. My first choice was BFG AT KO but they only come in Es anymore. How do Es ride on a tacoma?

 

[fourfa]

I got my skids ordered from budbuilt and will picking them up as well as sliders from him next week. I decided for the time being to go with 265/75/16 tires stock height, sliders, and skids, with my expo gear. I think that will be best for our trip to save fuel.

My new question is how well will the stock non-trd suspension hold the weight of skids, sliders, sleeping platform, camping gear, tools, etc?

It'll be pretty loose with not much damping, and very little rear travel before the bumpstops. Maybe one inch. No problem to drive on-road but you'll want to slow way down offroad and for cattle grates. I have a shell and lots of gear in the back and the stock rear leaves were a joke. Dakar HDs (with the extra leaf) cured it but also lifted the truck significantly in the back.

Also, what aggresive AT tires in 265/75/16 come in not a load range E. My first choice was BFG AT KO but they only come in Es anymore. How do Es ride on a tacoma?

I have those tires in E. Impact on ride was minimal at normal pressures. I run them at max pressure and they're hard. But I hate loose, bouncy suspension above all else, a hard truck-like ride doesn't bother me

 

[WASURF63]

I got my skids ordered from budbuilt and will picking them up as well as sliders from him next week. I decided for the time being to go with 265/75/16 tires stock height, sliders, and skids, with my expo gear. I think that will be best for our trip to save fuel.

My new question is how well will the stock non-trd suspension hold the weight of skids, sliders, sleeping platform, camping gear, tools, etc?

Also, what aggresive AT tires in 265/75/16 come in not a load range E. My first choice was BFG AT KO but they only come in Es anymore. How do Es ride on a tacoma?

Your stock suspension will be straining with all the extra gear you plan on carrying. It will be most noticeable when offroad and probably not so bad on the highway (like "fourfa" stated above).
Your trip will be a good time to evaluate that for yourselves.
I've been really pleased with the performance/weight handling capabilities of the full OME setup on my previous and current rig.

With all the weight your planning to carry I think that E rated tire size would be fine. I run 265/75/16E Toyo MT's @34psi street and 18psi offroad, and carry alot of weight too. These tires are heavy and weigh in around 58 lbs each. They are super easy to balance, ride smooth on the pavement, and are very tough so far in a variety of offroad terrain. I also have the center tread blocks siped and they seem to work well in the wet, slippery conditions.
I really like the combo of the E rated Toyo tires and OME suspension on my Tacoma setup alot. I'm in agreement with the above post; I prefer a truck to handle and ride like a truck.
Just my .02 as well.

 

[meafordmike]

I got my skids ordered from budbuilt and will picking them up as well as sliders from him next week. I decided for the time being to go with 265/75/16 tires stock height, sliders, and skids, with my expo gear. I think that will be best for our trip to save fuel.

My new question is how well will the stock non-trd suspension hold the weight of skids, sliders, sleeping platform, camping gear, tools, etc?

Also, what aggresive AT tires in 265/75/16 come in not a load range E. My first choice was BFG AT KO but they only come in Es anymore. How do Es ride on a tacoma?

I run the BFG AT KO at 36psi highway and drop them right down to 25-17psi offroading. they drive fine. As for the weight on you stock leafs you will probably bottom out some. I have almost the same set-up and bottomed out till I got my new Dakars.

 

[RockyMtnFamily]

I'm not sure but I think I bought a used locker from you a couple of years ago. It has been performing well for me, although I am going to be adding a winch soon due to getting stuck twice due to the locker.

As far as your suspension goes, I tweaked my stock suspension to make it work for me and have had others amazed at the flex I am able to get out of my stockish truck.

Kevin

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

Sliders and skids go on this friday. Getting tires either tomorrow or friday. I am going with 265/75/16s and unfortunately a load range E. I hope I dont regret it but it looks like i dont have a choice.

So.....
BFG AT KOs or KM2s? I want the km2s but are they close to being quiet like the ATs, as well as similar mileage, and road handling?

Thanks

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

Update:
Budbuilt skids are on, BFG ATs 265/75/16 Load Range E on....top in the works with camping gear and platform in the research and design phase

Next up is ARB bumper/winch.....
With that said what coils do i need up front? Its an access cab, 4cyl so I am scared the 886s will be to stiff...

Any pictures of an OME setup with 265/75/16 tires.....I dont want to have tire envy with a goofy lookin truck with a lift and small tires.

Thanks guys!

 

[WASURF63]

Update:
Budbuilt skids are on, BFG ATs 265/75/16 Load Range E on....top in the works with camping gear and platform in the research and design phase

Next up is ARB bumper/winch.....
With that said what coils do i need up front? Its an access cab, 4cyl so I am scared the 886s will be to stiff...

Any pictures of an OME setup with 265/75/16 tires.....I dont want to have tire envy with a goofy lookin truck with a lift and small tires.

Thanks guys!

See signature line...

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

Awesome, thanks for the pictures, it looks real good!

Now still need some advice on which spring to go with my setup.

 

[thenomad]

thanks for all the responses. As I mentioned before I will just start with the necessities and see how far i get with the build before we leave. Starting with the top and sleeping platform. Then from there will come the things I would like to have as money allows it.

Now you guys have to help me brainstorm for where we should visit. We will be leaving NC and probably headed northwest towards South Dakota. We will drive hard to get there in the shortest time possible. From there will begin the site seeing and it would be great to have a list of places that we must see while out there. Neither of us have been out there before see keep in mind we want to see some of the tourist sites but would love a locals perspective as well. We will have a total of 17days unfortunately to take in as much as possible without over doing it. We plan to see some of colorado, utah, arizona, wyoming, etc.....We have talked about goin all the way to washington then start coming back but would it be worth the time?

Also need inputs on the best GPS for the money....

My wife, son, bullmastiff and I took a road trip last spring from Maine down through Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, and then back all in 1 month (10k+ miles in our Chevy Impala lol). I would really recommend seeing Mesa Verde National Park, Moab, Zion National Park, Big Sur, and Redwoods region during your trip. Amazing! I would personally hold off on Washington and do Oregon and Washington in one trip as they are amazing states with so much to explore! Just my opinion.

Also as for gps I would recommend the Garmin nuvi 1350 lmt. It comes with lifetime maps which is a must. Definitely great for the money. I also have a handheld for hiking backcountry (Garmin Oregon 400t). However my next gps I will invest in a kenwood dvd/nav in dash unit.

Hope you have a great trip!