EPIC USA TRIP 2014 (will be...pic heavy)

In about 60 days I will be embarking on a 9,000+ miles, 20+ states, 30 day trip across this amazing country of ours...the good ole USA!!! I will be leaving from Georgia traveling all the way to Cali then up to Washington then back hitting as many National Parks and sites that I can along the way. I knew my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee would not suit my needs for this trip thus the reason for the purchase of my 2012 Toyota Tacoma DCSB. I am hoping to carry my 2014 Honda CRF250L Dual Sport motorcycle and my 2 person kayak.

I joined this site to learn from others on what will make my trip easier as far as my Tacoma is concerned. I have been stalking threads that deal with camping, camper tops/shells, fuel economy, long trips, etc...so with out further ado...these first pics are of:
1. my Tacoma as she sat at the dealer
2. her first trip out with her little sister KiKi (a 2013 Ninja 300) to a track day at Virginia International Raceway
3. her first trip to Durham Town with her other little sisters (dirt bikes & 4 wheeler)

 

This should be good...should start a blog or youtube channel to keep others posted along the way. Wish others could go out and do this...

 

My first purchase related to the trip and the truck besides the truck itself came yesterday. A couple of the things I thought I wanted or needed were:
1. Roof Rack / Rails to carry Kayak
2. Tonneau Cover OR Camper Cap / Shell / Top

Yesterday (IMO) I scored a 2 for 1 off Craiglist. I was able to buy a Camper Top with Racks already on it...2 for 1...all for just $300!!!! I am happy because it is Aluminum which makes it light enough for me to easily put on and remove all by myself, all the hinges work really well, it opens up on all 3 sides so I will be able to get to stuff easily, and it fits pretty good. I was going to paint it black to match the car better but the white black look is growing on me...(most likely it will get painted black).

(As always...suggestions or helpful comments are appreciated!)

 

I would black out or heavily tint the windows. Traveling those distances, you don't want curious eyes from all around the country peeping in on what you have. If you plan on sleeping in the covered camper portion at all, tinting would let you see others, but they would not be able to see you...

 

Paint that thing to match.

Good luck on the trip, man. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll be retiring from my 2nd career in 10 years and I plan on doing the same thing with my wife, traveling around the USA, except in a legit motor home. I'd like to see every state that I haven't seen yet.

 

Thanks...I was contemplating a BLOG...or at least a place to keep all photos and a description of what I did that day so family and friends could keep up with my travels. I will most likely just end up doing it on Facebook since its the easiest place for me to place pics and descriptions where my closest friends and family could get to them easiest. I don't know, still figuring out what would be best for that.

 

Definitely leaning towards painting black.

Tinting windows deep black was on the agenda for security reasons. I also need to change out the locks because it didn't come with keys.

I dont think we are planning on sleeping in the camper unless its an emergency or something. PS...I havent tried it but would we fit in there with legs staright. I mean, in theory I am 68 to 70 inches long and that short bed is 60ish inches long. Anybody else sleep in there short beds with ease?

 

Awesome dude...thanks for sharing! I have only been a few miles pass the Mississippi so I am looking forward to seeing "a different world" out there in the west. Thanks for sharing.

 

Another part of my trip that was important to me was taking "CrayCray" (my 2014 Honda CRF250L Dual Sport). The catch is/was to not take up the truck bed. I have used the carrier in the pictures below for a while and have used it with relatively no problems with many different bikes. It is rated at 500lbs while the motorcycle I am carrying is only 300lbs. I know the bike is leaning in the pictures, I had started unstrapping her when I remembered I wanted to take a picture. I do want and need to make some better tie down points and add some security since the bike will be sitting on the back of the truck for almost 30 days.

(As always...suggestions or helpful comments are appreciated!)

 

I'm looking forward to the adventure and all the pictures!! I think you need a new Youtube channel for us to watch all the action. Check this link out its something similar i think everyone will enjoy it!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/ExpeditionOverland

 

rad man

 

Sub'd for pics.

 

Plasti dip the topper, love the dirt bike. The most fun you can have with your clothes on!

 

Cap painted...gave it 7-10 light coats every 10-20 minutes in clear 65 degree weather but in the shade. I usually mess things up painting because I do not have the patience for so many coats but luckily I had other projects I was working on at the same time so I was able to take my time and do it right. Taping off for over spray and taping off windows and other stuff took forever but it was worth the time I spent on it. I think it came out nice...texture on camper top helped hide mistakes though I didn't find any blobs of paint or globs of over spray. I also ordered 4 clamps and keys for the locks off ebay and all worked great.

$$$ SPENT ON CAP::
$300 for CAP/TOP with 3 clamps
$15 Keys for Locks
$25 4 Clamps (to clamp top to bed - original came with 3 - yes I over did it BUT rather safe then sorry)
$10 4 cans of paint
--------------------
$350 TOTAL


BEFORE:::


AFTER:::

 

Looking good...

 

me too!!

 

I love traveling. I'll be keeping my eye on this thread for pics. I think we're too close for you to be stopping over here and I'm off the beaten path but, if you find yourself around Oxford, Mississippi shoot me a PM and we'll hit a decent local food joint.

 

Too bad you are too close in relation to how far I am going. Hahahaha!!

 

take your time through colorado and i might try to come find you!