Tacoma Build Advice
- Thread starter dirtpro06
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dirtpro06
Member
@ HorseshoeExpedition:
Good point on the roof rack, I'd forgotten to add that as something I am considering. Do you (or anyone else) find that having a taller bed cap gets worse gas mileage than a cab height one? I've spent many nights in the back of my '88 4 runner and felt like I had plenty of room so I never really considered a taller cap for the Taco.
Good point on the roof rack, I'd forgotten to add that as something I am considering. Do you (or anyone else) find that having a taller bed cap gets worse gas mileage than a cab height one? I've spent many nights in the back of my '88 4 runner and felt like I had plenty of room so I never really considered a taller cap for the Taco.
dirtpro06
Member
Still in the planning stage on this one - ended up starting my own business so my cash flow has been directed that way for awhile. No matter! It only gives me more time to learn from those who have gone before me.
My original thought was to get a DCLB with the sport package and add ARBs if desired. I'm now leaning more towards the TRD for several reasons. First, although being able to sleep in the bed would be nice 90% of the trips I go on involve base camping so I don't anticipate that need to arise except in an emergency situation. Second, Oklahoma "roads" are VERY narrow and windy (there were times when I've had to 3 point turn with my '88 4Runner) so I think in my case the extra length will matter. Finally, I'm still learning about the atracs vs front locker but from what I understand the locked rear/atracs combo should be able to get me into plenty of trouble as is!
Other changes to my planned design/things I've learned include:
no sleeping platform in the rear - replaced with drawer system (KISS) and fridge (so ready to be free of ice restrictions!)
I've learned that sealing the tailgate against dust is critical so I'll be researching the best ways to do this.
If I do a rack it will be very low profile - I plan to use it mostly to attach lighting options not to carry large amounts of gear (gotta keep the weight low).
Also considering icon suspension - looked at the price....ouch! (get what you pay for!)
read in the Xoverland build that the ARB bull bar is compatible with factory air bags....I wonder if the All pro is as well...(more research!)
I'll definitely get the back up camera on the truck....
CBI certainly does make some sweet rear bumpers!
A scan gauge will definitely make it into the truck
.....well I thinks that's all for now! Thanks to all those who have posted their builds! (too many to name) they are a WEALTH of information!
My original thought was to get a DCLB with the sport package and add ARBs if desired. I'm now leaning more towards the TRD for several reasons. First, although being able to sleep in the bed would be nice 90% of the trips I go on involve base camping so I don't anticipate that need to arise except in an emergency situation. Second, Oklahoma "roads" are VERY narrow and windy (there were times when I've had to 3 point turn with my '88 4Runner) so I think in my case the extra length will matter. Finally, I'm still learning about the atracs vs front locker but from what I understand the locked rear/atracs combo should be able to get me into plenty of trouble as is!
Other changes to my planned design/things I've learned include:
no sleeping platform in the rear - replaced with drawer system (KISS) and fridge (so ready to be free of ice restrictions!)
I've learned that sealing the tailgate against dust is critical so I'll be researching the best ways to do this.
If I do a rack it will be very low profile - I plan to use it mostly to attach lighting options not to carry large amounts of gear (gotta keep the weight low).
Also considering icon suspension - looked at the price....ouch! (get what you pay for!)
read in the Xoverland build that the ARB bull bar is compatible with factory air bags....I wonder if the All pro is as well...(more research!)
I'll definitely get the back up camera on the truck....
CBI certainly does make some sweet rear bumpers!
A scan gauge will definitely make it into the truck
.....well I thinks that's all for now! Thanks to all those who have posted their builds! (too many to name) they are a WEALTH of information!
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southpier
Expedition Leader
I think there's plenty of examples of drawers and sleeping space documented, so perhaps you don't need to do the either/ or decision. addition of a refrigerator just makes the space a little more cozy.
CBI has a first class product AND is an excellent company with which to do business!
CBI has a first class product AND is an excellent company with which to do business!
dirtpro06
Member
It's true, not sure why I immediately jumped to "or" rather than "and" on that one...contemplating this some more.
I've been updating some of my thoughts on the build as well - the general concept is the same but I want to build the truck slow enough that I can evaluate the truck between each step and prevent myself from making it too specialized (and too heavy). I've decided to simply update my thoughts on the build in further posts rather than simply update the original so there's a log of how my thought process has - and will continue - to evolve. Who knows maybe someone in the future will be interested
1. DCSB TRD - Overall length, length between the axles, gas mileage and most importantly turning radius made this decision. I can sleep in the bed if I have to but the primary sleeping arrangements will be a ground tent.
2. Still planning on an All Pro front bumper - I spoke with All Pro and they said the bumper would not affect how the truck senses impact in regards to deploying the airbag - crisis averted :sombrero:
3. Communications - I've backed down on this a bit. I'll stick with hand held units for initially and will install hard mounted solutions as necessary.
4. Rear Bumper - leaning towards a CBI Bushmaster sans swing outs here. I'd like to keep my gear inside the vehicle if at all possible to keep a more sleek look and deter theft.
Well that's it for now - back to work
I've been updating some of my thoughts on the build as well - the general concept is the same but I want to build the truck slow enough that I can evaluate the truck between each step and prevent myself from making it too specialized (and too heavy). I've decided to simply update my thoughts on the build in further posts rather than simply update the original so there's a log of how my thought process has - and will continue - to evolve. Who knows maybe someone in the future will be interested
1. DCSB TRD - Overall length, length between the axles, gas mileage and most importantly turning radius made this decision. I can sleep in the bed if I have to but the primary sleeping arrangements will be a ground tent.
2. Still planning on an All Pro front bumper - I spoke with All Pro and they said the bumper would not affect how the truck senses impact in regards to deploying the airbag - crisis averted :sombrero:
3. Communications - I've backed down on this a bit. I'll stick with hand held units for initially and will install hard mounted solutions as necessary.
4. Rear Bumper - leaning towards a CBI Bushmaster sans swing outs here. I'd like to keep my gear inside the vehicle if at all possible to keep a more sleek look and deter theft.
Well that's it for now - back to work
Last edited:
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