2002 Tacoma build for extended stay in the desert

Well finally got the camper on for a test fit and see how it rides with the new suspension. Everything feels good. I think the next big project is painting the truck and camper. I have rear bumper ready to install but want to do paint first.

 

Awesome build! Looking into this camper now

 

Well been sanding and prepping truck and camper for paint. I am doing the Raptor liner thing. Never really tried a project of this type but I'm all in at this point. So probably have 10 short days into the prep work. I can only work mornings as it gets too hot by 11:00AM. So got the camper painted up today. Very pleased with the results. Raptor is a great product and if you follow all the instructions, watch some youtube vids and do proper prep work it is easy. Here it is:

 

Those UCAs are on the wrong side and upside down. The uniball should be relatively flat at ride height.

 

Thank you. I thought they didn't look right. The installer said they were and he is much more knowledgeable than I. After reading SqueakyP's post I did some reading and found out he is exactly right. When all brands of UCA's are installed the gussets should be on top. Mine are upside down and on the wrong sides of truck. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

Okay so today the truck got it's new paint.

 

Beautiful! Nicely done.

 

Looks like you live in the foot hills. Have you gone out to the fortuna mine yet? Have you ran though picacho peak yet?
There's some pretty cool roads in the area. El camilo dibalo.
there's one on the cali side too. But I cant rember the name sorry.

The raptor lining looks awesome!!

 

Yes Foothills. Yes I have been to those places and many more. I spend lots of time out in the middle of nowhere. So that's why I'm building this truck out. When I'm done I should be as comfortable out there as I am at home. I use to do it in a Geo Tracker and didn't feel like staying more than a night or two.

 

I grew up in yuma and surrounding areas. my mom lives in the foothills too.

 

Have been recently been looking into this option for a camper. Seems to check most boxes and better in wind with more room the GoFastCampers and about the same weight. How are you planning the sleeping platform? I was thinking of one that hinges in the middle that can be setup like a couch up against the back of the cab. Stoked on you build out.

 

I have just been thinking of the camper set up. I've had many more build things that have been using my time. I'll have it figured out and done by fall this year. Truck was the first priority. Biggest concern is my refrigerator. Trying to decide if it stays inside or slides out. So it will revolve around that.

 

Got the truck about 90% back together after the paint job. Still have to put my flares and wheel well liners back on. Got to change the UCA's out then I'll put the wheel well parts back on. I also got my rear bumper installed. Really happy about that. I must have moved that thing 100 times. Probably going to do a camo job. Been playing around with colors and application methods. Here's what it look like as of today.

 

Okay finally got the cammo paint job done. Got the camper mounted back. Sorted out my license plate mounting and light. So now it's time for a little break. Getting a few tweaks done from Jason this week. Then get some beach time in. Been putting a lot of time into the truck. My wallet and body need a break.

 

That is incredibly bitchin.’ I can’t wait to see more.

 

sub'd

 

Well the desert has finally cooled enough for me to get back to work. So I started to work out the inside of the camper. Decided to integrate my sleeping platform with storage. Used 2 sheets of 1/2 birch plywood, some 1X2's, a skill saw, jig saw, air stapler, wood glue, piano hinges and misc hardware. Next I will build a box where the fridge is sitting. The box will hold the fridge and house my solar set up. Mattress is a 4" foam pad inside a zippered mattress cover.

 

You're an inspiration. I had originally wanted a T59, but Tufport listed a used T55 for sale in September. I made the trek from Colorado and couldn't be happier with my purchase. It's too cold now in Colorado to work on the interior, but I'll spend the winter reading threads like yours to figure out how to finish it out. Thank you. Here's a picture from my drive home. (Yeah, it's a Frontier....on a Tacoma forum )

 

Awesome build! I looked at the Tufport units for a while. Went with a custom made aluminum camper shell in the end which eliminated the tailgate for a walk-in entry. I wasn‘t too happy with it, it just let way too much dust and water inside. Fitment and sealing of the door and rear area wasn‘t very good. You could see the light through the door frame when closed...




How‘s the quality of the rear door handle and lock? Can you close and lock it from inside? Is the handle dust proof?
And what‘s the length of your mattress/sleeping platform?

I wished they offered the T55 in a 6.5 ft length. I still think that would make an awesome camper on a 1st gen Tundra access cab.

Looking forward for updates!

 

Some updates on the build. I completed a few more items on the camper and have done several shakedown trips. I built the box the fridge will sit on and it will also hold my solar electronics and battery. I installed some Yakima roof rails, added a Baja Racks roof rack, my Road shower and the awning I bought through a group buy. So far very pleased with everything. I have done some pretty heavy hill climbing and it does great. Last thing will be the solar set up.

As for the above questions. No dust gets inside. No water after some heavy rains. Locks from inside or outside. Very strong and secure system.