Ready to build...need advice and honest info about storage/carry capacity issues

[Sunpilot]

Scroll down to the bed platform in the 6ft taco. www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-camping-setup.106268/

Then look at the tacoma habitat thread.

Also check out this couple and their rig

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...Chase-Adventure-From-Baja-to-the-Arctic/page2
Watch their video on their truck set up.
These will give you plenty of ideas.

That couple really did a great job on that Suburban. Lots of cool ideas there. The solar panels are something I am really interested in.I'm going for something smaller, so the RTT is the sleeping option I chose to give room in the cabin (4Runner) or bed (Taco) for the items we will be carrying.

 

[Sunpilot]

I spend a lot of time working and playing all while using my truck as a base platform. It is also my DD so I keep it simple. My usual load out stays in the truck for most of the year.
1 cot with the end chopped off to fit the six foot tacoma bed. Under the cot I stash two large rubber tubs. up front is camping supplies. Tent, clothes other soft goods. pots pans is in Another with foot stove etc. That one goes near the tail gate under the cot with in easy reach. If I am on the road for work I have several milk crates of supplies and books that will also fit under the cot. Up front not under the cot is a five gallon bucket with tire chains, tow straps etc. Another Med six crate for tools rope etc. Cooler gets slid in near that up front pined by the wheel wells and other bins. The space left over is plenty for my 65 pound lab mutt to hang out in. or he rides shot gun and there is room for a second cooler or several water cubes with just enough foot room to swing my legs off at the base of the cot to put on shoes etc.
All of this lives under a mid rise ARE MX capper. There is plenty of room left over for a few base camp duffles. When on the road and not sleeping or using the back of the truck I usually leave my bed set up with a pad on the cot and bag rolled up back packs or duffles get tossed on the cot and do a decent job of staying in place while on the road. If the wife comes along the cot comes out and its sleeping pads only in the back of the truck. Bins get tossed in the cab for sleeping ( regular cab tacoma bench seat) I toss a rocket box on the bars up top for extra room as needed. It does not seem to ding the MPG too much on this truck perhaps 1-2 mpg. Fully loaded rocket box on roof, I still return 20-22 mpg with teh 4 banger.

Because of the way I have things set up there is plenty of room for fishing poles skis and poles along the sides of the bed between the cot and the wall.

I like simple, this set up has taken me all over the rocky mounatains and west to the coast. I drive about 30 k a year for work and spend a lot of time on the road.
While not off grid per se this set up has served me just as well for back country travel here in Idaho. I have gone from a few days to two weeks+ with this set up.
Simple is good, less things to break and worry about, more cash left over to spend on steak and whiskey and the gas to find a fine place to enjoy it all.

It sounds like you have your system all figured out. I appreciate your response. Every idea I hear is different, but useful!

 

[Clutch]

Just throwing it out there, but a drawer system is not necessary nor practical for everyday use. First figure out what kind of vehicle you want (pickup or SUV) and then plan your gear storage accordingly. Plastic bins, old pelican cases, duffle bags, ect. should be sufficient for storing your gear. Also keep in mind that the more gear you throw up top (like a RTT), the higher your COG, the more drag you have, the more weight you're carrying.

I'm not sure if you plan on making this a expedition-only rig, but if you're DD'ing it, you're going to want to maintain some sort of balance on mods and practicality.

This will be used solely for expedition type driving. I have another vehicle. I am retired and have the time to travel to those obscure places, and that is our intention. The rig will be set up to accommodate us in the most efficient way and I won't have to worry about loading and unloading stuff. I want it ready to go whenever we are ready to go.

I have considered drawer's in mine, but since I pack so light it doesn't make sense, however if it was a full time travel rig...drawers make a lot of sense, keeps everything organized, packed and ready to go.

When I retire, plan on having a full time adventure rig. Though it will probably be a 3/4 ton truck with a self contained camper over a Tacoma, since I plan on living out of it full time 6-7 months out of the year. For the quick 3-4 day and 2 week trips I do currently the Taco is fine for now.

 

[Sunpilot]

I have considered drawer's in mine, but since I pack so light it doesn't make sense, however if it was a full time travel rig...drawers make a lot of sense, keeps everything organized, packed and ready to go.

When I retire, plan on having a full time adventure rig. Though it will probably be a 3/4 ton truck with a self contained camper over a Tacoma, since I plan on living out of it full time 6-7 months out of the year. For the quick 3-4 day and 2 week trips I do currently the Taco is fine for now.

It was a tough decision for me between a Taco and a 4Runner. Both have obvious advantages. Today, I purchased a 2007 V-8 4Runner SE. I pick it up in the morning. Now, I have to figure out my build plan. As I stated in an earlier post, this rig will b e dedicated to overlanding, as I have another vehicle for a dd. So, with help from the good people here on this forum, and on another forum, I will be embarking on a, hopefully, fun time building and customizing my new truck. Wish me luck!

 

[Dalko43]

It was a tough decision for me between a Taco and a 4Runner. Both have obvious advantages. Today, I purchased a 2007 V-8 4Runner SE. I pick it up in the morning. Now, I have to figure out my build plan. As I stated in an earlier post, this rig will b e dedicated to overlanding, as I have another vehicle for a dd. So, with help from the good people here on this forum, and on another forum, I will be embarking on a, hopefully, fun time building and customizing my new truck. Wish me luck!

Congrats on the new purchase and good luck! The 4th gen 4runner, especially the V8, is highly sought after for overlanding use. Between here and t4r.org, you should have plenty of online suggestions and tips on how to modify your 4runner.

 

[Sunpilot]

Congrats on the new purchase and good luck! The 4th gen 4runner, especially the V8, is highly sought after for overlanding use. Between here and t4r.org, you should have plenty of online suggestions and tips on how to modify your 4runner.

Thanks.... now I will know, first-hand, how much stuff one can pack in these vehicles! LOL

 

[Clutch]

It was a tough decision for me between a Taco and a 4Runner. Both have obvious advantages. Today, I purchased a 2007 V-8 4Runner SE. I pick it up in the morning. Now, I have to figure out my build plan. As I stated in an earlier post, this rig will b e dedicated to overlanding, as I have another vehicle for a dd. So, with help from the good people here on this forum, and on another forum, I will be embarking on a, hopefully, fun time building and customizing my new truck. Wish me luck!

Awesome, congrats! Great platform!

I have both a truck and an SUV...I don't "hate" SUV's as I say....but do like the truck over the SUV since you can live inside it instead of outside it. Though an SUV with pop-top would cure that, more money that what I spend, that and you can't transfer the "camper" to another vehicle like can a slide-in truck camper or flip shell, such as a Flip Pac or AT Habitat. .

Did the 4Runner thing for years, and slept inside...got tired of not be able to stand up inside the vehicle, why I went with a Wildernest. Retirement rig will most likely be a Four Wheel Camper or an Alaskan...believe by that time I'll need something a little more 4 season...that or just follow the good the weather.

 

[Sunpilot]

Awesome, congrats! Great platform!

I have both a truck and an SUV...I don't "hate" SUV's as I say....but do like the truck over the SUV since you can live inside it instead of outside it. Though an SUV with pop-top would cure that, more money that what I spend, that and you can't transfer the "camper" to another vehicle like can a slide-in truck camper or flip shell, such as a Flip Pac or AT Habitat. .

Did the 4Runner thing for years, and slept inside...got tired of not be able to stand up inside the vehicle, why I went with a Wildernest. Retirement rig will most likely be a Four Wheel Camper or an Alaskan...believe by that time I'll need something a little more 4 season...that or just follow the good the weather.

I'm going to give the 4Runner a shot for awhile...I am retired, so following the weather would be easy for me, besides, I don't think I would be able to pack enough cold weather gear in the Runner for an extended trip.

 

[Clutch]

I'm going to give the 4Runner a shot for awhile...I am retired, so following the weather would be easy for me, besides, I don't think I would be able to pack enough cold weather gear in the Runner for an extended trip.

4Runners are nice...yeah just run it for a while, if you like it, great...if not sell it and get something different. Or have both!

 

[Dalko43]

I'm going to give the 4Runner a shot for awhile...I am retired, so following the weather would be easy for me, besides, I don't think I would be able to pack enough cold weather gear in the Runner for an extended trip.

Well seeing as how you got the V8, instead of the V6, you could look into getting a used trailer and fabricating something for holding a RTT and other gear, or even buy a trailer already set up for that if you're inclined to spend the money.

The 4runner has decent storage space, but obviously doesn't compare to what a pickup offers in terms of utility. You can try to minimize your footprint and gear or you can look at a trailer...basically, you got options, especially since you have the v8.

 

[Sunpilot]

Well seeing as how you got the V8, instead of the V6, you could look into getting a used trailer and fabricating something for holding a RTT and other gear, or even buy a trailer already set up for that if you're inclined to spend the money.

The 4runner has decent storage space, but obviously doesn't compare to what a pickup offers in terms of utility. You can try to minimize your footprint and gear or you can look at a trailer...basically, you got options, especially since you have the v8.

I have given thought to trailers. It was my initial desire, to be honest. After considering things, I think I will go with the 4Runner by itself. If I find a trailer would enhance my adventures, and not impact my operating costs too much, I could go that route later on.

 

[SurferJacoby]

Good luck!

You ever consider a platform in the back for you and your company? Some good builds out there. You can cram tools and gear under it if planned properly. Get a good roof rack, please pass on GOBI, and set it up to your needs: gas, more lights, etc. Good luck on the build!

 

[Sunpilot]

You ever consider a platform in the back for you and your company? Some good builds out there. You can cram tools and gear under it if planned properly. Get a good roof rack, please pass on GOBI, and set it up to your needs: gas, more lights, etc. Good luck on the build!

What's the problem with Gobi?

 

[alia176]

I have a love/hate relationship with RTTs. While they provide a nice place for sleeping, they displace what I consider a great place for carrying/storing things. I'm not a fan of open racks so both of my rigs have Packasport storage pods and I love them. They're quiet, aerodynamic and forces me to keep things light and low profile. However, when the RTT goes on the 80, I lose all that storage space and because there are two medium size dogs in the cargo area, not much can be stored there either! Furthermore, my Columbus RTT changed the COG enough to be quite noticeable on the off camber stuff. I'm thinking of lowering the 80 to 3" and switching to 255 85 16s from 315 75 16s.

Sounds like you can get away with a RTT since you have a tiny dog so your cargo space can be utilized as true storage. If you get a SUV, removal of the second row seats will yield more storage. An exploration rig needs to have a decent boxed chassis for longevity so make sure you pick an appropriate platform. I think you're in the fun stage of your journey, trying to come up with the ultimate platform while minimizing the compromises.

I LOVE my 4th Gen and how it tows the Kamparoo. This is a low profile rig that is very efficient and easy to drive. That V8 is work of art and so tight. At 325xxx miles, I have zero leaks. Given that it won't see severe rock crawling in its future I'll set it up mildly while keeping the added weight to a min. I think it has more useful volume inside than my 80 but I love them both for their own attributes.

Ergonomics is very important so try out different rigs to see which one fits your frame nicely. On long trips, arriving at the destination well rested is a priority for me. Some of my friends arrive at the destination beat to hell with a minor hearing loss! Ok, I exaggerate but NVH should be a strong priority IMHO. The landcruiser allows me to sit upright and tall like a dining room chair vs the 4runner, which is a tad lower with my legs out front. I wasn't sure if my lower back would like the 4Runner seating style but so far so good, additionally, it's a quiet platform and it doesn't beat me up on long trips.

Good luck with your mission and PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Sunpilot]

I have a love/hate relationship with RTTs. While they provide a nice place for sleeping, they displace what I consider a great place for carrying/storing things. I'm not a fan of open racks so both of my rigs have Packasport storage pods and I love them. They're quiet, aerodynamic and forces me to keep things light and low profile. However, when the RTT goes on the 80, I lose all that storage space and because there are two medium size dogs in the cargo area, not much can be stored there either! Furthermore, my Columbus RTT changed the COG enough to be quite noticeable on the off camber stuff. I'm thinking of lowering the 80 to 3" and switching to 255 85 16s from 315 75 16s.

Sounds like you can get away with a RTT since you have a tiny dog so your cargo space can be utilized as true storage. If you get a SUV, removal of the second row seats will yield more storage. An exploration rig needs to have a decent boxed chassis for longevity so make sure you pick an appropriate platform. I think you're in the fun stage of your journey, trying to come up with the ultimate platform while minimizing the compromises.

I LOVE my 4th Gen and how it tows the Kamparoo. This is a low profile rig that is very efficient and easy to drive. That V8 is work of art and so tight. At 325xxx miles, I have zero leaks. Given that it won't see severe rock crawling in its future I'll set it up mildly while keeping the added weight to a min. I think it has more useful volume inside than my 80 but I love them both for their own attributes.

Ergonomics is very important so try out different rigs to see which one fits your frame nicely. On long trips, arriving at the destination well rested is a priority for me. Some of my friends arrive at the destination beat to hell with a minor hearing loss! Ok, I exaggerate but NVH should be a strong priority IMHO. The landcruiser allows me to sit upright and tall like a dining room chair vs the 4runner, which is a tad lower with my legs out front. I wasn't sure if my lower back would like the 4Runner seating style but so far so good, additionally, it's a quiet platform and it doesn't beat me up on long trips.

Good luck with your mission and PM me if you have any questions.

I made my choice of rigs. I purchased a beautiful '07 4Runner Sport about 2 weeks ago. I already started the suspension mods. The XREAS is gone, new Icon Overland coils and new Icon extended travel shocks ar installed in the back. Working on the front now. Having fun just contemplating what to do next! Buils thread on another board if you're interested. PM and I'll sen the link.