Thoughts on the Truckhouse Tacoma expedition camper...

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

The rear axle on the 2022 isn't as strong as the old ones, either. They'll need to do similar upgrades on the Tundra except for the engine. They might be thinking they can use the same camper mold for the Tundra, which would save some work for sure. In that case it would have to be a version with the 6.5 ft bed, either double or crew cab, so it would still have a long rear overhang.

In their literature they state that the frame is boxed, and they also have a torsion free system from Durrance Design Group. Seems redundant... aren't boxed frames usually hard mounted? Plus I thought the camper was attached to the cab? Would love to see more details on that. I was looking at their instagram, and noticed this video of them driving on a dirt road. It looks like there is a lot of flexing going on... ? Not sure what would be "normal" for a rig like this...

Looks like the frame is about to snap in half to me

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

In their literature they state that the frame is boxed, and they also have a torsion free system from Durrance Design Group. Seems redundant... aren't boxed frames usually hard mounted?

The “boxed framed” claim is misleading

My 2014 Tundra had a “boxed frame” they claimed.

It was boxed from the rear bumper to just in front of the leaf mounts then it was C channel

 

[tacollie]

Sure they will. The GVWR isnt all that different between the Tundra and the Taco believe it or not

I'm being an optimist that Toyota is actually publishing correct data for payload for a change. I guess you can call me an optimist?

The rear axle on the 2022 isn't as strong as the old ones, either.

I didn't realize the new trucks have a lower axle rating. That's too bad.

 

[rruff]

The “boxed framed” claim is misleading, My 2014 Tundra had a “boxed frame” they claimed. It was boxed from the rear bumper to just in front of the leaf mounts then it was C channel

I think you might be misremembering... they called it "triple tech". It's boxed only under the engine, then heavy closed C-channel to the front leaf mount, and wimpy C channel after that. I don't know what the Tacoma is exactly but I know there is a lot of open-C flex somewhere.

TruckHouse is stating that they box the frame... weld on plates to accomplish this... I think. There are kits to do this anyway. But if they did this I don't think a pivoting mount would be needed, or desirable. Of course, I don't know what they are really doing. The one prototype they showed last summer looked like it didn't have the finished rear end.

I'm being an optimist that Toyota is actually publishing correct data for payload for a change. I guess you can call me an optimist?

It looks like Truckhouse is simply doing their own thing. GVWR is out the window, and that means the buyer is responsible for the end result. Toyota won't help you if something breaks. Truckhouse might if they are still in business.

It's a cool design and I do hope they are successful. IMO they need to demonstrate the offroad prowess and durability though. Maybe race a Nimbl and a GXV on a challenging course...

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I think you might be misremembering... they called it "triple tech". It's boxed only under the engine, then heavy closed C-channel to the front leaf mount, and wimpy C channel after that. I don't know what the Tacoma is exactly but I know there is a lot of open-C flex somewhere.

I hit my head a lot racing motos so memory isn’t my strong suit…

Im no mechanical/structural engineer but boxing a frame in a spot where its supposedly going to flex is just moving the weak point.

At least from my uneducated redneck perspective

??‍♂️

 

[rruff]

Frankly, the current version I wouldn't drop 350k+ to be overweight out of the gate. For the money, I'd want a solution for that. (maybe the chassis is recertified, IDK, but even so...)

Pretty sure GVWR is set by the manufacturer using any criteria they see fit. It's to limit their liability and warranty. There is no standard set of government test criteria or anything. In the case of TH, the owner buys and registers the truck from Toyota, then TH modifies it. It's like buying any new truck and taking it to an offroad shop for extensive upgrades, and putting a camper on it. The fact that it's over GVWR and has a bunch of mods that Toyota doesn't approve, is the owner's problem. Or it's TH's problem... or the specific aftermarket component manufacturer... if you are able to make it their problem... .

I'd guess that with companies which stay under GVWR, you'd have a much better chance of retaining the manufacturer's warranty and liability.

Im no mechanical/structural engineer but boxing a frame in a spot where its supposedly going to flex is just moving the weak point.

Ya, the most critical spot will be where it transitions from stiff to flexy. On the Tundra this is in the closed C part of the frame that is pretty stout, but it still needs to be transitioned gradually. If done semi-intelligently, I think it would be less of an issue than all the people who solid-mount stiff flatbeds and campers on flexy frames. That puts a lot of stress on the forward mounting point.

 

[Zuber]

GVW is not just about the frame and suspension, it also includes brakes and temperature control of everything (trans, rear end, engine). It's very hard to make a 1/4t truck into something bigger. This has been covered.

If they had designed around a 1ton cab/chassis Ford/Ram/GMC their work would be so much easier. Those platforms are now universally the same. Flat frames of the same width. Upfitter ready electrics. De-rated industrial engines and transmissions. Finished weight would be about 10K with 1500 lb headroom. Mileage would probably exceed the TC with 2x the range. When new models of C/C come out, there would be no need to completely re-design the camper.

I keep looking for storage on this TC. I only see the ski box at the rear. Also, the oven and full size wet bath take up so much room for only occasional use.

Compare this TC to the Earth Cruiser Terranova. Compare layout, storage, capability and price. The EC is about $25-50k more. But then, TC would be just another camper company. They definitely are in a unique niche market.

 

[SootyCamper]

I wonder if they've sold any? Have yet to see any no promotional units in the wild(or on socials).

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

2 years later…

And….

It’s all still one giant social media fueled mystery

Thoughts and Prayers to those that forked out the comical $50k Non Refundable Deposit

 

[rruff]

They've built at least 3 (as of last summer), but I've seen no one claiming ownership.

Here is another one built on the shorter cab (access cab?). Says it weighs 8500 lbs, empty.

I'd really like to see rear suspension, axle, frame, mounting, etc... If anybody is at a show and doesn't mind getting dirty...

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

They've built at least 3 (as of last summer), but I've seen no one claiming ownership.

Exactly….

 

[DzlToy]

"A fool and his money, are soon parted."

 

[Christian P.]

I see one of these once in a while around here in Reno and Tahoe.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I see one of these once in a while around here in Reno and Tahoe.

That’s where they’re based out of

 

[msiminoff]

I'm friends with the owners of TruckHouse #2 and they are absolutely thrilled with the paved and unimproved-road performance of the vehicle. They've traveled in it all over the western US and through Baja Mex' without any mechanical issues whatsoever.

In the case of TruckHouse, the Toyota frame has in-fact been strategically reinforced ("boxed") to properly support the weight of the habitat.

By chance, I also happen to be the owner of an expedition camper (see photos) that's riding on an all-aluminum Durrance Design subframe. Their subframes are secured to the truck frame using several extremely strong, elastomeric mounts that are designed to safely distribute the load, and protect both the the habitat and the truck chassis from damage. This includes torsional loads from chassis movement as well as vibration and impact from the road conditions. As a result of the compliant mounting strategy I also notice a gentle motion of my habitat to what can be seen in the videos shared elsewhere in this thread.

IMO Durrance Design produces the very best engineered and finest quality subframe on the market today, period. (note: other than being a paying customer I am not affiliated with Durrance in any way)

(click thumbnails to see full size image)