Would the FlipPac be a good choice for my 2011 Reg. Cab Tacoma?

[will1]

By looking at various pictures, I wouldn't think so, but I'm open to suggestions.... What would be a good alternative for my truck if the FP is not feasible? (6 ft. bed) I'm also open to the idea of removing the bed altogether (for a permanent solution) and making it a flatbed if a suitable self-contained (slip-on) camper becomes a possibility (the problem here is that the budget for it is around $4-5K - yes, I know....:drool
What's your suggestion??

 

[ETAV8R]

You're not giving us much information here. What/where do you plan on using it? How much research have you done here and other sites? I love my flippac and haven't even done a build out on the inside like Tacodoc and Wasurf. Check out their rigs...may change your mind.

Welcome to the portal.

 

[suntinez]

Why do you think it won't work? The flippac fits most everything.

A 6ft tacoma bed would be one of the standard sizes for a flippac, unless they've done something really strange to Tacomas this year.

The FWC and ATC slide-in campers (and others) are pretty popular too, without having to convert to a flatbed.

 

[NotAMog]

The FlipPac works pretty well on a 1st generation Tacoma standard cab with a 6' bed -

It does sag a bit in the back with the stock springs. Some of that is from the weight of the new rear bumper and the spare tire being relocated to the swing gate. The sag will soon to be fixed with a set of custom Deaver springs.

 

[will1]

No, don't get me wrong, I find the FlipPac an attractive option and am actually considering one... I'm very familiar with Tacodoc's thread (he's done a fantastic job on his truck!) - I just didn't realize they made an FP that was a perfect fit for a Tacoma reg. cab's 6ft bed (very good to know that -thanks!) as I read somewhere it only came in two sizes....one for 5ft bed Tacoma's (like the one Tacodoc has) and a larger size to fit full-size trucks. From the pictures you have posted, the FP actually looks very good on a 6ft bed Tacoma!

I mentioned the option of removing the bed altogether and going with a self-contained camper because after reading the blog available at: http://thesupercamper.blogspot.com/2006/09/super-camper-inspiration-concept-and.html I must say I have fallen in love with that concept and with the camper that guy and his gf have built for basically around $10K (which includes refrigerator, solar panel, extra battery/improved electrical, stove, and several other options). As far as functionality and looks go, and quality of materials/durability, that's way superior to the FP concept IMO....but you got to do the work yourself. So I'm just exploring the various possibilities and have posted here to get some expert feedback.

Question: for those of you that have opted for the FlipPac....how do you usually accessorize it in order to make it reasonably functional as an expedition vehicle? I know Tacodoc's truck is a great example, but was wondering how others averagely go about it (your choices for heater, stove, refrigerator, etc - if any) and what kind of expense I'm looking at on top of the $4-5K it takes to get the basic FP shell. Many thanks...

 

[Harp]

Flippac fit

I have a short bed flippac that was on an 04 Taco. The fit was good with a little overhang on each side. I purchased a 2011 Taco and the newer generation Taco does fit a little differently. the bed of the Taco is tapered, the front is wider than the back. Mine overhangs on both sides about 1/2 inch in the back but in the front the sides of the bed are about 1/2 inch wider than the Flippac. I removed the factory bed rails because they are higher than the front and tailgate of the truck. I found the top of the bed has slots for the bed rails attachment and the stake holes. The holes in the front of the bed extended out far enough the Flippac did not cover them. More of a cosmetic issue than anything. Since the newer Tacomas come with bed rail covers they don't make a low profile cover you can order. I know Tacodoc just covered them with the rubber gasket between the Flipac and the truck. I covered the top of the bed with a thin sheet of carbon fiber sheet to give it support then made a thick sheet of bedliner material which was cut to fit and glued down over the carbon fiber to cover the holes. looks pretty nice. Waiting to get my Flippac back from having some things done to it to put it back on.
As far as I know the size of the Flippac has not changed to fit the sides of the newer Tacomas. If I am wrong someone let me know. Even with the slight fit issues I still very much enjoy my Flippac and look forward to many more years of fun with it.

 

[VikingVince]

It does sag a bit in the back with the stock springs. Some of that is from the weight of the new rear bumper and the spare tire being relocated to the swing gate. The sag will soon to be fixed with a set of custom Deaver springs.

Nice looking rig...I'd suggest keeping the stock springs and getting Firestone air bags instead of the custom Deavers. I have a custom Deaver 10 pack...it still sagged a little when heavily loaded. I added air bags...no sag of course...wish I hadn't spent the money on the Deavers...the air bags make the Deavers more or less irrelevant.

 

[tanglefoot]

If you're interested in amenities, have you looked at pop-up truck campers? You could almost get into a new one from some manufacturers with your budget, or you could choose practically anything from the used market. Then you can remove it and still have a pick-up, as opposed to a frame-on camper like the Supercamper. I really like the Supercamper as well, btw, but I just don't have the ingenuity or resources to go about anything like that.

I picked up a pop-up for $500, freshened it up some and threw a little solar panel on the roof. I can't get enough of it. For $2-3000, you can get a really nice one, used. Almost all of them already have the fridge, stove, sink and furnace.

 

[will1]

I have a short bed flippac that was on an 04 Taco. The fit was good with a little overhang on each side. I purchased a 2011 Taco and the newer generation Taco does fit a little differently. the bed of the Taco is tapered, the front is wider than the back. Mine overhangs on both sides about 1/2 inch in the back but in the front the sides of the bed are about 1/2 inch wider than the Flippac. I removed the factory bed rails because they are higher than the front and tailgate of the truck. I found the top of the bed has slots for the bed rails attachment and the stake holes. The holes in the front of the bed extended out far enough the Flippac did not cover them. More of a cosmetic issue than anything. Since the newer Tacomas come with bed rail covers they don't make a low profile cover you can order. I know Tacodoc just covered them with the rubber gasket between the Flipac and the truck. I covered the top of the bed with a thin sheet of carbon fiber sheet to give it support then made a thick sheet of bedliner material which was cut to fit and glued down over the carbon fiber to cover the holes. looks pretty nice. Waiting to get my Flippac back from having some things done to it to put it back on.
As far as I know the size of the Flippac has not changed to fit the sides of the newer Tacomas. If I am wrong someone let me know. Even with the slight fit issues I still very much enjoy my Flippac and look forward to many more years of fun with it.

So it doesn't fit perfectly on the new Tacos as it did on the old ones... However, if it fits on a 2011 Taco as well as, say, Tacodoc's on his 2005, then no biggie... It would be nice to see pictures of yours once you get it back on your truck!

 

[will1]

If you're interested in amenities, have you looked at pop-up truck campers? You could almost get into a new one from some manufacturers with your budget, or you could choose practically anything from the used market. Then you can remove it and still have a pick-up, as opposed to a frame-on camper like the Supercamper. I really like the Supercamper as well, btw, but I just don't have the ingenuity or resources to go about anything like that.

I picked up a pop-up for $500, freshened it up some and threw a little solar panel on the roof. I can't get enough of it. For $2-3000, you can get a really nice one, used. Almost all of them already have the fridge, stove, sink and furnace.

WOW! That's great to know.... :wings:
What brands/models of pop-up truck campers do you think I should be taking a look at that would be great with my 2011 reg. cab? Can you post a picture of your pop-up?

 

[tanglefoot]

I just spray-painted it...

heehee--the improvised curtain rod. The lower bed's roomy enough for me and two mongrels. The upper bed accommodates two humanoids.


The availability and pricing is better at the end of camping season than in the beginning, but it can't hurt to look. I wouldn't limit yourself to any specific brands--just see what's around. Most manufacturers have a model or two for compact trucks. Mine's an 8' so it goes to the end of the tailgate but I like the added space. This one's a Four-Seasons--they're not made anymore.

 

[SLO_F-250]

WOW! That's great to know.... :wings:
What brands/models of pop-up truck campers do you think I should be taking a look at that would be great with my 2011 reg. cab? Can you post a picture of your pop-up?

Will,

I agree with Tanglefoot. I basically did the same thing. Camper for $700 fixed it up, added some personal touches and a fridge, and now am $1200 into the whole project with about 13 great weekend trips on it in the past year with my first longer one (10 Day) heading out to Utah coming up. Plus the girlfriend loves is an is always happy to go off for the weekend in the camper which is a HUGE plus! :wings:

Link to Tanglefoots camper thread:

Link to my build thread is below in my sig.

As far as brands, with your budget a used FWC, Northstar, Phoenix, are just a few that are great brands. Pluses and Minus's to each. It just depends on what you want to use it for. There are plenty out there that fit your truck and help me out guys for specific's. Mine is a 22 year old wooden Skamper (not around anymore), and I have no complaints. Its not an FWC, but for the price I couldn't go wrong.

Good luck with making the decision! Keep us all posted and the questions coming. I think either way you go New/Used/Pop-up/Flip Pac you will enjoy it. :ylsmoke:

 

[will1]

Thank you for your pictures, links and suggestions.
I'm looking into pop-ups right now.... :victory:

 

[NotAMog]

I stopped in the FWC factory to check out their campers before I got the FlipPac. I was very impressed with the aluminum frame and the general design. Unfortunately, I wanted to be able to garage my rig and the FWC was just a little bit too tall on the truck to fit through a 7' door.

For ideas on something that replaces the truck bed you might want to pick up issue No. 155 of Australian 4WD Action magazine. I picked up that issue today at my local Barnes and Nobel. There is an article on "Slide-ons", "tray-backs", and "slide-in" units. It could give you some ideas if your going to build your own or modify something. Bed replacement units seem to be more common in Australia than here in the US. They have some very impressive designs there. Other than the one Adventure Trailers had on their web site I haven't seen any others in the US.

Here is a list of links from the article -

http://www.activecampers.com.au

http://www.adventurecampers.com.au

http://www.challengecampertrailers.com

http://www.cm-campers.com.au

http://www.detourcampers.com.au

http://www.evolutioncampers.com.au

http://www.islandercampers.com

http://www.kimberleykampers.com

http://www.freedomoffroad.com.au

http://www.scaphafab.com.au

http://www.travelander.com.au

http://www.trayon.com

http://www.wilmax.com.au

http://www.wombatco.com.au

 

[will1]

i stopped in the fwc factory to check out their campers before i got the flippac. I was very impressed with the aluminum frame and the general design. Unfortunately, i wanted to be able to garage my rig and the fwc was just a little bit too tall on the truck to fit through a 7' door.

For ideas on something that replaces the truck bed you might want to pick up issue no. 155 of australian 4wd action magazine. I picked up that issue today at my local barnes and nobel. There is an article on "slide-ons", "tray-backs", and "slide-in" units. It could give you some ideas if your going to build your own or modify something. Bed replacement units seem to be more common in australia than here in the us. They have some very impressive designs there. Other than the one adventure trailers had on their web site i haven't seen any others in the us.

Here is a list of links from the article -

http://www.activecampers.com.au

http://www.adventurecampers.com.au

http://www.challengecampertrailers.com

http://www.cm-campers.com.au

http://www.detourcampers.com.au

http://www.evolutioncampers.com.au

http://www.islandercampers.com

http://www.kimberleykampers.com

http://www.freedomoffroad.com.au

http://www.scaphafab.com.au

http://www.travelander.com.au

http://www.trayon.com

http://www.wilmax.com.au

http://www.wombatco.com.au

thanks!!