Overland-ish Tacoma Flippac Build
- Thread starter Overlanerd
- Start date
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Thanks! I'm sure that many things I don't need will end up in the build eventually... not till I'm done accommodating the "needs" of the wife & kids. I'm pretty content, but I have to accommodate all the crap that comes along on our trips.
The rack is going to work out. Trying to source the slider parts this weekend. The clearance is minimal, but it hasn't rubbed the Flippac after about 400 miles of mixed driving in the last few weeks.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Here's the plan for the roof: two military medical chests on sliders. The dimensions of these are 32" x 20" x 7". they are aluminum and only weigh around 15-20 lbs. Not a big fan of the 10 latches, so a piano hinge and lift struts are in the near future. It was difficult to find the lower- profile units.
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One case has the same footprint as two Frontrunner Wolfpack boxes. I picked-up two Wolfpacks for this purpose and changed plans when I came across these lower- profile boxes. I will still use the Wolfpack boxes for storage between the cabinets and they'll double as entry steps. Very well- built containers.
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The Prinsu rack really opens up a lot of options here. It's really versatile and I'll be able to adjust the slider width with minimal effort.
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It looks like I can extend the fairing at the same angle. It will have to fold- down to accommodate the Flippac lid.
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The sides of the boxes will actually sit flush with the sides of the rails.
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One case has the same footprint as two Frontrunner Wolfpack boxes. I picked-up two Wolfpacks for this purpose and changed plans when I came across these lower- profile boxes. I will still use the Wolfpack boxes for storage between the cabinets and they'll double as entry steps. Very well- built containers.
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The Prinsu rack really opens up a lot of options here. It's really versatile and I'll be able to adjust the slider width with minimal effort.
.
It looks like I can extend the fairing at the same angle. It will have to fold- down to accommodate the Flippac lid.
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The sides of the boxes will actually sit flush with the sides of the rails.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Plumbing.
I finally got the water system up and running. The "quick-disconnect" setup started out like this:
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Way too many fittings. It was simplified to this:
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It's been a while since I sweat copper, so don't laugh at that ugly soldering job. I drilled out the "nested" part of the 3/4" MIPT/solder male adapter so the 1/2" pipe could go all the way through.
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I used Sharkbite fittings for the ell at the top and male adapter at the bottom.
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The thing at the bottom is a check valve. Although the pump can run dry and is self- priming, I thought it would have a more predictable flow if it didn't siphon back in to the canister constantly.
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The quick release fittings are by Colder and are valved to minimize spillage. It seems to work well, so I'm going to make another stem for the 2nd container.
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The pump is a Shurflo 1gpm unit. It is set at 30psi and is plenty for our needs. Cost was about $47.
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I used a 5- pin trailer plug mount and a Colder panel-mount fitting. The waterproof switch above it keeps the system from being pressurized when unneeded. This location is temporary and I'm not sure if it will end up at the far right or left of the bed. There are also plans to have another fitting at a future sink location.
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I have another Colder fitting that will be used for the Zodi propane shower. I think this is going to work beautifully.
I finally got the water system up and running. The "quick-disconnect" setup started out like this:
.
.
Way too many fittings. It was simplified to this:
.
.
It's been a while since I sweat copper, so don't laugh at that ugly soldering job. I drilled out the "nested" part of the 3/4" MIPT/solder male adapter so the 1/2" pipe could go all the way through.
.
I used Sharkbite fittings for the ell at the top and male adapter at the bottom.
.
.
The thing at the bottom is a check valve. Although the pump can run dry and is self- priming, I thought it would have a more predictable flow if it didn't siphon back in to the canister constantly.
.
The quick release fittings are by Colder and are valved to minimize spillage. It seems to work well, so I'm going to make another stem for the 2nd container.
.
The pump is a Shurflo 1gpm unit. It is set at 30psi and is plenty for our needs. Cost was about $47.
.
I used a 5- pin trailer plug mount and a Colder panel-mount fitting. The waterproof switch above it keeps the system from being pressurized when unneeded. This location is temporary and I'm not sure if it will end up at the far right or left of the bed. There are also plans to have another fitting at a future sink location.
.
I have another Colder fitting that will be used for the Zodi propane shower. I think this is going to work beautifully.
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DVexile
Adventurer
Very nice build!
Thanks for the detailed post on the ARB 1250 install. I've been considering a rear awning and that is super helpful.
How are you finding that awning and placement? The 1250 is pretty narrow compared to side mount awnings of course, but it has to be in order to rear mount. Are you getting useful shade from it? Or is it mostly there for rain protection when cooking outdoors?
I'll hopefully soon have a doppelganger of your setup: White 2015 TRD OR DCSB with a no windows Flip Pac! Toyota built the truck a few days ago, and FRP is making the Flip Pac right now.
Thanks for the detailed post on the ARB 1250 install. I've been considering a rear awning and that is super helpful.
How are you finding that awning and placement? The 1250 is pretty narrow compared to side mount awnings of course, but it has to be in order to rear mount. Are you getting useful shade from it? Or is it mostly there for rain protection when cooking outdoors?
I'll hopefully soon have a doppelganger of your setup: White 2015 TRD OR DCSB with a no windows Flip Pac! Toyota built the truck a few days ago, and FRP is making the Flip Pac right now.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Thanks for the kind words!
The awning has only been used for lunch stops so far and it worked great when the sun was overhead. It will work for other stops as long as the back or front of the rig is pointed at the sun (obviously!). It should work well in the rain as well. I do plan to get the windbreak for it:
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http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-10104
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Congrats on the new setup. You hardly notice a difference with the Flippac... except at the pump. Good for about -1 mpg. Totally worth it in my opinion. I ran stock suspension for about 8 months with the Flippac and it handled fine. With all the extra weight I've added, and plan to add, the Ironman springs will need an extra leaf. I may end up going to Dakars very soon.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Thank you! Traveling has been better each time. The Flippac made a huge difference, but the interior was a mess before the cabinets. I built the cabinets in phases as time permitted. Almost there! With the roof rack set- up, we won't have to move as many things around at each stop. The future chuck box and easy access to food will make lunch stops quicker. Mounting the propane tank and a storage box to a swing- out carrier will also help. My goal is to only remove 2 or 3 Wolfpack storage boxes from the rear at camp. On a usual trip, we move campsites every night so it's convenient to keep the center area clear.
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Traveling with Kids:
We have to stop every 2 hours at a minimum, unless they're sleeping. My wife is kinda messy so I'm constantly organizing and putting things away. It's challenging, but getting better as the truck gets organized. Coloring books, stickers, and crafts also help. My wife is awesome at keeping them occupied. So far, we haven't had to go the iPad route. It will eventually happen, but we're putting up a good fight.
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The Dog:
On the longer trips, especially during summer, we left the dog at a kennel. With no windows, the camper gets really warm. I'm trying to figure out a way to pump the AC from the truck back there so he can join us on more summer adventures. When we finally turn our youngest daughter's car seat around, she may sit in the middle leaving the dog with a window seat. Right now we're worried that he'll crawl all over the little one to get to the window.
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Sleeping:
All 4 of us up top. Like sardines. I'm going to fit some foam cushions on the passenger-side boxes and make cushioned backrests, attached to 1/2 or 3/4" ply, that will span the center area. The girls and the dog will be cozy down there. Also entertained the idea of reinforcing the hammock and making a platform for myself. I'm too worried about the girls falling from there and I'm right at the weight capacity of the hammock (185 lbs., supposedly). Or, I could put some sort of side rail on the platform and the girls can have bunk beds. That would keep the center area clear so I can sneak outside in the morning and make coffee or go on a hike. Also keeps the porta- potti accessible.
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I know what would theoretically work, but the kids need to buy into it... it will get easier as they get older.
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Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Solo Utah Trip
Well, after 11 years I decided to switch jobs to get closer to home. It's a better opportunity, 2 less hours on the road, and, most importantly, 3 weeks off between jobs. One week is about as long as I can leave the wife alone with the 2 & 5 year olds. She works too, so it's very challenging. I did a quick off- road, mountain biking, and snowboarding trip to Utah.
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Switched out the Ironman springs with Dakars (with the extra leaf) before leaving.
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The Ironman springs are great- they just couldn't accommodate the added weight. The Dakars are obviously a little stiffer and additional dampening will soon be necessary. The Ironman springs will be sold, of course, to mitigate some of the costs.
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Rigged this Smittybilt can carrier to my craigslist $40 bike rack with some exhaust clamps.
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Took a break from the road somewhere in the Nevada dessert. Found a nice spot to throw the ball with the hyperactive dog.
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There wasn't enough time to put together the slide-out mechanism for the military medical chests. I added some 1" aluminum angle and used lashing straps to hold them down. One box contained snowboarding gear and the other mountain biking gear and the rainfly. It takes about 2 minutes to unload and 4 to secure. Not bad, but I'm still going to put them on drawer slides.
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The trails in Moab are fun. Challenging without a spotter, but it wasn't crowded and self- spotting didn't slow anyone down. Plenty of poser shots are associated with self spotting though.
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Warming up on Baby Lion's Back.
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Fins & Things.
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Slickrock trail the next day. My dog ran the 10.5 mile trail without issue. Wish I could say the same for myself.
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I camped at the Sand Flat Campground right across the street from the Slickrock parking lot. It was great to come straight off of the trail to a set-up campsite- especially because it started dumping 30 minutes after I got back.
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I didn't seal the rainfly and the camper took on water. It rained most of the next day, so everything was put away wet. Not good. I ended up camped at the KOA in SLC the next night and spread everything across the campsite to dry things out. Not ideal, but I couldn't head for higher elevations with a wet tent and rainfly. After getting back home, I left on another short camping trip with the family up the Mendocino coast. We experienced a heavy rain and a negligible amount of water got into the camper after treating the fly with a spray- on sealer. The Outdoor Store in Fort Bragg was out of the seam sealer, which probably would have completely kept the water out. It always rains when I camp, so this is sort of a big deal. I digress... back to the trip.
Spent some time at Arches NP before heading to SLC. It rained all day, which changed my Salt Valley Road exit plans. I'll have to come back with the family. Touristy photos:
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SLC KOA sighting. I'm sure we were equally disappointed to stay in an industrial part of town with such capable vehicles. I have a toilet, stocked fridge, 14 gallons of water, a winch and a diff locker, dammit! I should be in the middle of nowhere! At least that's what I thought when I was listening to boom-boxed bicycles riding by on road behind my campsite (#13).
The people at REI were no help with KOA alternatives. Why would they be? They live 40 minutes from some of the best ski resorts in the world. They have no reason to ski-bum camp.
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Snowbird.
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The snow was better than Tahoe, this year, but not exceptional. I'll just "pencil out" Snowbird on my bucket list... My hope is to come back when there is waist- deep fluffy goodness that I can sprinkle on my happy ginger- bread face as I barrel through the trees. At least that's how I envisioned Utah when I made the switch to snowboarding in 1988. They didn't allow us back then though...
view from the camper.
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Here's how the snowboard fit in the camper. All 167cm.
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Found a nice spot north of Vegas on the way back.
.
Well, that was a completely unplanned trip. Changing jobs didn't really allow for decent planning in my case. It was a good shakedown trip followed by a very domesticated 4- day family trip. I'll have the next week to work out some bugs before getting back to the grind.
Well, after 11 years I decided to switch jobs to get closer to home. It's a better opportunity, 2 less hours on the road, and, most importantly, 3 weeks off between jobs. One week is about as long as I can leave the wife alone with the 2 & 5 year olds. She works too, so it's very challenging. I did a quick off- road, mountain biking, and snowboarding trip to Utah.
.
Switched out the Ironman springs with Dakars (with the extra leaf) before leaving.
.
The Ironman springs are great- they just couldn't accommodate the added weight. The Dakars are obviously a little stiffer and additional dampening will soon be necessary. The Ironman springs will be sold, of course, to mitigate some of the costs.
.
Rigged this Smittybilt can carrier to my craigslist $40 bike rack with some exhaust clamps.
.
Took a break from the road somewhere in the Nevada dessert. Found a nice spot to throw the ball with the hyperactive dog.
.
There wasn't enough time to put together the slide-out mechanism for the military medical chests. I added some 1" aluminum angle and used lashing straps to hold them down. One box contained snowboarding gear and the other mountain biking gear and the rainfly. It takes about 2 minutes to unload and 4 to secure. Not bad, but I'm still going to put them on drawer slides.
.
.
The trails in Moab are fun. Challenging without a spotter, but it wasn't crowded and self- spotting didn't slow anyone down. Plenty of poser shots are associated with self spotting though.
.
Warming up on Baby Lion's Back.
.
Fins & Things.
.
.
.
.
Slickrock trail the next day. My dog ran the 10.5 mile trail without issue. Wish I could say the same for myself.
.
I camped at the Sand Flat Campground right across the street from the Slickrock parking lot. It was great to come straight off of the trail to a set-up campsite- especially because it started dumping 30 minutes after I got back.
.
.
I didn't seal the rainfly and the camper took on water. It rained most of the next day, so everything was put away wet. Not good. I ended up camped at the KOA in SLC the next night and spread everything across the campsite to dry things out. Not ideal, but I couldn't head for higher elevations with a wet tent and rainfly. After getting back home, I left on another short camping trip with the family up the Mendocino coast. We experienced a heavy rain and a negligible amount of water got into the camper after treating the fly with a spray- on sealer. The Outdoor Store in Fort Bragg was out of the seam sealer, which probably would have completely kept the water out. It always rains when I camp, so this is sort of a big deal. I digress... back to the trip.
Spent some time at Arches NP before heading to SLC. It rained all day, which changed my Salt Valley Road exit plans. I'll have to come back with the family. Touristy photos:
.
SLC KOA sighting. I'm sure we were equally disappointed to stay in an industrial part of town with such capable vehicles. I have a toilet, stocked fridge, 14 gallons of water, a winch and a diff locker, dammit! I should be in the middle of nowhere! At least that's what I thought when I was listening to boom-boxed bicycles riding by on road behind my campsite (#13).
The people at REI were no help with KOA alternatives. Why would they be? They live 40 minutes from some of the best ski resorts in the world. They have no reason to ski-bum camp.
.
Snowbird.
.
The snow was better than Tahoe, this year, but not exceptional. I'll just "pencil out" Snowbird on my bucket list... My hope is to come back when there is waist- deep fluffy goodness that I can sprinkle on my happy ginger- bread face as I barrel through the trees. At least that's how I envisioned Utah when I made the switch to snowboarding in 1988. They didn't allow us back then though...
view from the camper.
.
Here's how the snowboard fit in the camper. All 167cm.
.
Found a nice spot north of Vegas on the way back.
.
Well, that was a completely unplanned trip. Changing jobs didn't really allow for decent planning in my case. It was a good shakedown trip followed by a very domesticated 4- day family trip. I'll have the next week to work out some bugs before getting back to the grind.
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mtnbike28
Expedition Leader
Question: "a negligible amount of water got into the camper after treating the fly with a spray- on sealer. The Outdoor Store in Fort Bragg was out of the seam sealer, which probably would have completely kept the water out."
What spray on sealer did you use? I just got a SLO fly, and covered with a Kelty tarp, it stayed dry, but want to treat fly. Thanks!
What spray on sealer did you use? I just got a SLO fly, and covered with a Kelty tarp, it stayed dry, but want to treat fly. Thanks!
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Jay, I used this:
http://www.atsko.com/permanent-water-guard-10-oz-aerosol/
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I don't know how it compares to Nixwax Tent & Gear Solarproof.
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Two cans covered the fly. I applied it at the campsite 3 hours before the rain and didn't heat activate it. It still worked well, but I'm going to re-apply some and heat activate it this week. The only water that came through was a trickle down two of the tent poles. A towel intercepted this and kept everything dry. I plan to seal the tent as well after a good cleaning.
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Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Flippac's up for sale!
$5,000
-3 years old
-Torsion bar replaced in April of 2013 (under warranty)
Comes with:
-Rainfly ($400 from SLO sail)
-Interior cabinets
-Rear ARB awning
-Hi Lift jack in custom drawer
Does not come with:
-Fridge
-Water system
-Porta-potti (you don't want this)
-Prinsu rack
Still on the truck, but I need to take it off by next weekend. It would be better to see on the truck since I can't flip it open unmounted without risking damage.
PM me if your interested.
$5,000
-3 years old
-Torsion bar replaced in April of 2013 (under warranty)
Comes with:
-Rainfly ($400 from SLO sail)
-Interior cabinets
-Rear ARB awning
-Hi Lift jack in custom drawer
Does not come with:
-Fridge
-Water system
-Porta-potti (you don't want this)
-Prinsu rack
Still on the truck, but I need to take it off by next weekend. It would be better to see on the truck since I can't flip it open unmounted without risking damage.
PM me if your interested.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Thanks! It is in great condition. These items are rare and don't come up for sale that often, so hopefully it will go fast.
My cabinets work, but are no comparison to what you guys are producing.
Overlanerd
Vagabond Outdoors
Reviving an old thread, or I may just create a new one. After selling the Flippac, I went this route for about 11 months.
Great setup, but a little small for a family of 4.
Also started hanging online and going on trips with the Tacomaworld folks, which spiraled into some upgrades:
- Fox coilovers with 700# King springs
- Dirt King UCA's
- custom Alcan leaf pack
- BAMF shock relocate with 12" King shocks
- HC bumper with swingout
- Full steel skids
- Extended brake lines
- Bighorn MT tires
Works great and still small enough to go where I want to.
I digress. Back to the "too small for family of 4" thing. Sold the Fourwheel camper and started down this path:
Bed will be done next week. Then custom aluminum popup camper is in the works. More to come...
Great setup, but a little small for a family of 4.
Also started hanging online and going on trips with the Tacomaworld folks, which spiraled into some upgrades:
- Fox coilovers with 700# King springs
- Dirt King UCA's
- custom Alcan leaf pack
- BAMF shock relocate with 12" King shocks
- HC bumper with swingout
- Full steel skids
- Extended brake lines
- Bighorn MT tires
Works great and still small enough to go where I want to.
I digress. Back to the "too small for family of 4" thing. Sold the Fourwheel camper and started down this path:
Bed will be done next week. Then custom aluminum popup camper is in the works. More to come...
