Supercamper

[SuperCamperos]

Hey guys, thanks for all the support. Holly's posting another blog entry showing some of the minor mods we've been making as we try to stuff another baja trip in during the xmas madness. We finally weighed the truck, coming in at 4520 dry (including camper, suspension mods, fridge, extra battery, compressor, etc.). A bit heavier than expected. We didn't weight it prior to starting this whole project, but I believe its curb weight new is about 3500 lbs (2004 TRD 4x4 extra cab loaded). Does anyone have a more accurate weight? Adding up all the materials used, we came up with it weighing 1000 lbs, which seems to work out except we took the bed off. So whatever the bed weighs is weight I can't account for. I'm hoping the curb weight of the stock truck is really more like 3650, so all our weights make some sense. Weighing the bed is difficult right now since it is standing upright in the garage just packed with junk. I'm guessing its 150-200 lbs.

Regardless, we're running a little heavy, probably 5200-5300 with all of our gear. Does everyone agree frame reinforcement is necessary? Most of the weight is going through the forward bed mounts straight into the forward spring mount. It seems that weight going through the aft mount would be much worse for bending the frame. If I keep the airbags, the Demello style reinforcement would interfere. Has anybody boxed the back side of the frame in that area?

On the blog, Jim was saying that the wheels/tires are usually the weakest link of the stock truck. The tires say max load of 2400 lbs each. I can see the aluminum wheels cracking eventually, so maybe steel would be the way to go fatigue wise.

Also does anybody use the hellwig rear sway bars? It seems to be tweaking the frame a little where the two bars clamp on to the frame. Seems like a crappy design to me because it is just wrenching the frame. I hope its not going to be a problem on this trip but in the future, if I keep the bar, I think I will box the frame in the area, run a tube through and attach the rod with a rod end.

Alright, thanks for the help and we're off to Baja to escape the Christmas Frenzy so you won't hear any replies for a couple of weeks. In the meantime check out our last minute mods on the blog:

http://www.thesupercamper.blogspot.com/
:camping:
Ryan and Holly

 

[Clutch]

Very cool camper...maybe you should start your own business?

I would ditch the airbags and get a custom leaf packs made, by a company like Deaver. Tell them what you'll be using them for and they can build them specifically for you. And a set of high performance shocks too. Like everything else it is up to personal opinion what they run and what purpose they will fulfill. Brands like Donahue, Bilstein, Race Runner, and others make very nice shocks for your application.

EX: http://www.racerunnershocks.com/

I would reinforce the frame too. It would be awful to bend the frame the whole way down in Baja.

There are quite a few people on here that know a heck of a lot more on the details than me. I am sure you'll get the answers you are looking for. I am learning alot from these guys.

 

[Scott Brady]

The truck is not too crazy on weight. My Tacoma is at nearly 6,000 lbs.

The 2001+ Tacomas have frame reinforcement incorporated into the frame. Additional reinforcement wont be required for your application until a heavy rear bumper or rear fuel tank is added.

I would also recommend researching a proper suspension system for the rear of your truck, using a custom multi-leaf rear spring pack dialed to your wet weight (like a Deaver or Alcan pack), along with shocks valved for the load. With good front struts you will not need airbags or anti-swaybars in the rear. Shock dampening and proper spring rate is the key to good handling and sway control.

I would stick with the stock tires and wheels unless you plan to drive more technical terrain or have extra cash for "bling". The tires are well within the load you have and the wheels are ultra-high-quality hub centric TRD models. Just keep the PSI in the rear at 35 until you have time for a chalk line test.

Thanks again for stopping in. Your project is an inspiration. All the best on your trip

 

[p1michaud]

Frame Reinforcements

Hey guys, thanks for all the support.

We finally weighed the truck, coming in at 4520 dry (including camper, suspension mods, fridge, extra battery, compressor, etc.). A bit heavier than expected. We didn't weight it prior to starting this whole project, but I believe its curb weight new is about 3500 lbs (2004 TRD 4x4 extra cab loaded). Does anyone have a more accurate weight?

If I keep the airbags, the Demello style reinforcement would interfere. Has anybody boxed the back side of the frame in that area?

On the blog, Jim was saying that the wheels/tires are usually the weakest link of the stock truck. The tires say max load of 2400 lbs each. I can see the aluminum wheels cracking eventually, so maybe steel would be the way to go fatigue wise.

Ryan and Holly

Very nice trailer, can't believe all the time and effort you guys have put in. For some information about Tacoma weights, take a look here.

As for the steel wheels, I would think that your aluminum wheels would be fine. Most people here have Tacomas that weight as much or more than yours but here is a good read on Steel Wheels vs. Aluminum Wheels.

Finally, I would strongly recommend installing the Demello Frame Reinforcements for your application. Some guys have boxed their frame over on the TTORA board, but it's a ton of work. Some good reading here on the Demello Frame Reinforcements.

All the best and good luck in your travels.
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Grim Reaper]

Hey guys, thanks for all the support. Holly's posting another blog entry showing some of the minor mods we've been making as we try to stuff another baja trip in during the xmas madness. We finally weighed the truck, coming in at 4520 dry (including camper, suspension mods, fridge, extra battery, compressor, etc.). A bit heavier than expected. We didn't weight it prior to starting this whole project, but I believe its curb weight new is about 3500 lbs (2004 TRD 4x4 extra cab loaded). Does anyone have a more accurate weight? Adding up all the materials used, we came up with it weighing 1000 lbs, which seems to work out except we took the bed off. So whatever the bed weighs is weight I can't account for. I'm hoping the curb weight of the stock truck is really more like 3650, so all our weights make some sense. Weighing the bed is difficult right now since it is standing upright in the garage just packed with junk. I'm guessing its 150-200 lbs.

Regardless, we're running a little heavy, probably 5200-5300 with all of our gear. Does everyone agree frame reinforcement is necessary? Most of the weight is going through the forward bed mounts straight into the forward spring mount. It seems that weight going through the aft mount would be much worse for bending the frame. If I keep the airbags, the Demello style reinforcement would interfere. Has anybody boxed the back side of the frame in that area?

On the blog, Jim was saying that the wheels/tires are usually the weakest link of the stock truck. The tires say max load of 2400 lbs each. I can see the aluminum wheels cracking eventually, so maybe steel would be the way to go fatigue wise.

Also does anybody use the hellwig rear sway bars? It seems to be tweaking the frame a little where the two bars clamp on to the frame. Seems like a crappy design to me because it is just wrenching the frame. I hope its not going to be a problem on this trip but in the future, if I keep the bar, I think I will box the frame in the area, run a tube through and attach the rod with a rod end.

Alright, thanks for the help and we're off to Baja to escape the Christmas Frenzy so you won't hear any replies for a couple of weeks. In the meantime check out our last minute mods on the blog:

http://www.thesupercamper.blogspot.com/
:camping:
Ryan and Holly

On the wheels:
As for steel over Aluminum.....If you were rock crawling it I would say Steel all the way. They can be hammered out if you bend one.

Now on my tow rig (1988 3/4 ton Suburban 8600lb GVWR and 10k towing capacity) I just ditched the steels becasue all 4 were warped from brake heat. I went with a Set of 589 knock offs from Eagle that were up to the task weight rating wise. My wheel assembly weight went down. Ride improved 10 fold. Couldn't be more happy.

On the back side of the rims on your truck it will probably have the weight they are rated for. With your truck if the rims are up to the task I would stick with them. Keep eyes on you local boards and Taco board http://www.tacomaterritory.com/ and a good chance you could pick up a matched set of rims for spares for cheap.

The Aluminum is also MUCH lighter so again with the types of roads you are running Unsprung weight is the enemy.

Tire wise I would step up to something like a BFG KO or KM with a D service rating. I know you can get the KO in an E rating in some sizes. The E-rated I think will be a problem because they run very high pressure, 80 psi in most cases. The D rated is 40-65psi max depending on the size. Here is the spec chart http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/specs/all-terrain-t-a-ko/44.html and you can compare all the sizes. Remember that tire's weight rating is at full pressure. Aired down so you can keep your teeth in your head on a washboard road you are at a lower weight rating so you want to up the tire capacity to keep in the safe zone.

Front you might want to look into the spindle gusset that is available for that. There are reports on snapping off the casting just below the upper ball joint. Mostly coming from the Desert race crowd but with the extra weight it might be something to consider. $25 bucks for the set it would be cheap peace of mind. About 2/3 the way down the page.
http://www.chaosfab.com/toyaccess_taco.html


As for the frame issues....People are seeing problems. Toyota has had complaints of failures under extreme use for a long time. Even though your load is right over the spring mounts there is still a lot of rotational movement going on as well...in your truck it might be even more since you no longer have the bed fighting it with the pivot on the rear camper mount.

I would consider platting and reinforcement or a brace over rails to clear the bags. Just be real careful with welding. You can actually make a stress riser by making a continuous weld. You would probably be best served to weld and inch skip a couple inches, the recommended way to weld a "fish plate". That will help keep form making a brittle area along a weld.

Welcome to the site! I very much enjoyed reading about your truck build and travels. You guys did an awesome job! :clapsmile

Now I need to go read the latest update!

 

[BogusBlake]

Also does anybody use the hellwig rear sway bars? It seems to be tweaking the frame a little where the two bars clamp on to the frame. Seems like a crappy design to me because it is just wrenching the frame. I hope its not going to be a problem on this trip but in the future, if I keep the bar, I think I will box the frame in the area, run a tube through and attach the rod with a rod end.

You might want to check out the sway bars from Stock Car supply. They'll send you a torsion rod with a custom length (and rate if you need it), a tube with bushings to house it in, and some machined arms and heims to link to your axle. I've seen a few people put them to good use on the rear of linked Toyota buggies.

Scott is also right about running rear shocks with proper damping for your application. Ill bet if you fix that issue first, your swaybar situation will go away.

Again, great work!

 

[Clutch]

My Tacoma is at nearly 6,000 lbs.

Holy Crap Scott!

How are you on power? Did you ad a supercharger to help with the extra load?

 

[Scott Brady]

Holy Crap Scott!

How are you on power? Did you ad a supercharger to help with the extra load?

Yeah, thats what I said when the scale operator gave me the ticket. The truck also has a 65% rear weight distribution. The rear of the truck weighs as much as a stock double cab.

No supercharger, just 5.29 gears. I am happy with how the truck performs.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Bienvenidos a ExPo SuperCamperos! (me es espanol es muey malo)

Ryan and Holly, I am still amazed by your camper project, well done!
Glad to see you guys post up here :beer:

 

[Clutch]

No supercharger, just 5.29 gears. I am happy with how the truck performs.

Ahhh...5.29 gears would help alot.

I remember when I first bought mine, we went out to Florence...simply amazed how much grunt the little Tacoma has.

I have been thinking of supercharging mine, so it would pull mountain grades a little better, since I load it down with gear and a trailer carrying a couple of dirt bikes on it. It does fine now, but, a little more power would nice.

 

[Brian894x4]

After you drive a 116 h.p. 22RE truck that weighes 5300-5400lbs. A Tacoma of any weight is a race car.

 

[Clutch]

After you drive a 116 h.p. 22RE truck that weighes 5300-5400lbs. A Tacoma of any weight is a race car.

Oh...I know I had a '85 4Runner and a '93 4WD Regular cab.

 

[Super Doody]

This is a very cool setup, check it out!

http://thesupercamper.blogspot.com/

That is pretty cool. How did you and Scott for the link?

 

[Super Doody]

Hey guys, thanks for all the support. Holly's posting another blog entry showing some of the minor mods we've been making as we try to stuff another baja trip in during the xmas madness. We finally weighed the truck, coming in at 4520 dry (including camper, suspension mods, fridge, extra battery, compressor, etc.). A bit heavier than expected. We didn't weight it prior to starting this whole project, but I believe its curb weight new is about 3500 lbs (2004 TRD 4x4 extra cab loaded). Does anyone have a more accurate weight? Adding up all the materials used, we came up with it weighing 1000 lbs, which seems to work out except we took the bed off. So whatever the bed weighs is weight I can't account for. I'm hoping the curb weight of the stock truck is really more like 3650, so all our weights make some sense. Weighing the bed is difficult right now since it is standing upright in the garage just packed with junk. I'm guessing its 150-200 lbs.

Regardless, we're running a little heavy, probably 5200-5300 with all of our gear. Does everyone agree frame reinforcement is necessary? Most of the weight is going through the forward bed mounts straight into the forward spring mount. It seems that weight going through the aft mount would be much worse for bending the frame. If I keep the airbags, the Demello style reinforcement would interfere. Has anybody boxed the back side of the frame in that area?

On the blog, Jim was saying that the wheels/tires are usually the weakest link of the stock truck. The tires say max load of 2400 lbs each. I can see the aluminum wheels cracking eventually, so maybe steel would be the way to go fatigue wise.

Also does anybody use the hellwig rear sway bars? It seems to be tweaking the frame a little where the two bars clamp on to the frame. Seems like a crappy design to me because it is just wrenching the frame. I hope its not going to be a problem on this trip but in the future, if I keep the bar, I think I will box the frame in the area, run a tube through and attach the rod with a rod end.

Alright, thanks for the help and we're off to Baja to escape the Christmas Frenzy so you won't hear any replies for a couple of weeks. In the meantime check out our last minute mods on the blog:

http://www.thesupercamper.blogspot.com/
:camping:
Ryan and Holly

Ryan and Holly,

I was the knuckle head that for got the link for the supercamper from surfermag.com forum and thne posted it on TTORA. Glad to see you guys are on this board.

Man, you're living the dream. Got super cool camper truck and a beautiful pro surfer lady. All you need is a dog and lots of gas for traveling :jump:

Edit: someone else also mention this but here are some more examples. Should have read then post

In terms of rear frame re enforcement this the probably the best way to do it. This a tacoma project truck made for long travel dez racing. Basically boxing the entire rear end. Takes a lot work and fabing:

http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=186298

What most people who carry a lot of weight have done is this:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34694&highlight=demello+frame

Basically welding a plate on the outside of the frame. Its the quick and easy way to do it but you really got a becareful with the weld because it can do more dammage to the frame.

You guys should also get rid of the stock trd front shocks. i bet the truck rides like a wet noodle esp with all the weight. Coilovers will give you awesome control for handling which need in 3rd world contries sometimes for evasive manuvers.:safari-rig: And the best coilover tested by tacoma offroaders are donahoe racing (designed by Cal Poly Mech Engineering Grad who also owns a tacoma). They don't sag and provide very good handling.

And if the air bags don't work out give deavers or alcan a call for a custom set of springs. Its probably the best way to go.

Good luck and please keep the blog entries coming

 

[SuperCamperos]

I don't know if I should be posting here or the suicide hotline...

Our Mexico trip was a disaster. An accident on the highway in Baja has left the camper somewhat damaged and the truck on the verge of being totalled. At least we had insurance. At least the camper is somewhat intact. At least we're not dead. But this sucks.

So holly's therapy is the blog if you wanna check it out...

http://thesupercamper.blogspot.com/

I'm just trying to get the thing working again. The leaf springs are broken, the transmission is leaking, the axle is no longer perpendicular to the wheels, but most troublesome is the frame is bent. The tweaking is mainly at the shackle mounts. There are photos on the blog. Does anyone have experience with something like this? Can it be bent back? Is it worth the risk of the truck never driving the same again? The problem with totalling the truck and getting a new one is that it wouldn't be new. The camper will only fit on 2004 and earlier Tacomas so I'll be getting someone's 50,000 mile problem. Ours still only 3000 miles on it--thanks in part to a 400 mile tow truck ride from El Rosario to Redondo Beach.

So, regardless which truck is under the camper, I'm going to get some custom springs from Alcan and probably go with the Bilstein 5100s. Our weight completely loaded incl us is 5400 lbs (2900 rear axle, 2500 front). If I'm driving alone, with minimal supplies, the weight is more like 4800 lbs. I'm going to request springs that give us 0" lift when fully loaded, which is probably somewhere around 1.5" when driving alone. We don't need huge amounts of travel since we aren't rock climbing--just highway, sand, washboard, and some mud. I'm trying to keep the CG as low as possible. Does this make sense? Any other theories?

I must say also that the sway bar I installed really helped the cornering and sway problems on the highway. Ten minutes before the accident I removed it because I didn't like how the attach points were tweaking the frame. The truck was noticeably more sloppy. Ten minutes later any frame tweaking caused by the bar just didn't matter anymore. This isn't what caused the accident though. That was just pure crazy Mexican driving. Hopefully with the Alcan suspension upgrade, the sway bar won't be necessary.

Some side notes for anyone ever going to Mexico: Buy insurance! We got insurance from GE Seguros through Sanborn's. They have been pretty good so far. Its easy to buy online also. We also just buy it for one day on the drive down and one or two days on the drive back. No need for it when you are camping. Also bring a 4 band cell phone--invaluable to get a hold of an english speaking adjuster back home when the Cop is telling you that if you want a police report your truck is going to have to be impounded for a month or so. Finally bring some cigarettes, rum, and nudie magazines to calm the cop when you call his bluff. Speaking decent Spanish also helped us immensely as no one spoke any english including the adjuster that they sent to assess the damage. If learning a new language is too hard, bring an extra bottle of rum, and also another for all of your woes because destroying your truck just sucks...