Outfitting Taco for several months on the road

Just a dead bear that thought I would make an easy meal. I gave him a little belly ache, skinned him out and made some fantastic sausage out of him. Not to get off topic, just something to consider about camping in bear country that maybe the OP didn't think of.

 

Not that you don't make a valid point, because I agree with you, But I have been in and around some very heavily bear populated areas since I started hunting and the liklihood of even seeing a bear around people in a CG or around a traveled trail is slim. Especially with people making noise such as campers. With a secured food source away from your tent and vehicle I don't see why someone couldn't feel perfectly safe. I always have and until I run into the one bear that will prove me wrong I will continue to do so. Most bear "attacks" are provoked by the person involved when dealing with a black bear

 

It was brushing relevancy...I mean the OP is talking about camping in some of the states mentioned where the bear population is substantial...



but I'll pipe down for now

 

I've followed this thread for some time. Seems on topic for the OP.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317161

 

Get a V-6

 

V6 double cab long bed and TRD Sport for the comfy seats. 2 adults living out of a truck for an extended period - it is very very nice to have a full back seat so you don't have to unpack and wrestle with things to access what you're looking for.

I have a TRD sport DCLB and I found that a pair of Wet Okole neoprene seat covers added lots more comfort to the already improved seats. Those things are a great addition.

I have a fiberglass NorthernLite slide in camper which makes roadies in a tacoma awesome and much more comfortable. They only weigh 750 lbs and are hardly noticeable with the v6. If you picked one up used (mid or late 90's for about 6000-8000) you could use it until you're done with it and sell it for top dollar. All I did for a suspension upgrade was Timbren SES HD bumpstops for like 100 bucks.

Wool (specifically merino wool) clothing. You can wear a merino wool tshirt for a week and it still feels and smells totally clean. Merino wool socks can be worn for days too if you air them out at night. For trips they're terrific.

You can't go wrong on a trip like that in any truck if you have the right attitude. I had some great roadies in my 1990 reg cab 2wd Chevy s10 when I was 18. It was a $2000 truck and one of my favourite vehicles I've owned just because of the things I did in it.

Enjoy the trip and good luck.

 

V6 and a YETI cooler. Congrats on retirement!

 

True!

 

I am about your age, and have made 8-10 trips Memphis to Colorado, most in my previous truck, a 93 Mazda 2.6 5sp. Most all were at least 50% tent camping. My Tacoma is a V6 access cab, and both trucks had tonneau covers, soft cover on the Mazda, hard cover on Tacoma.

Not a fan of sleeping in the truck bed - you have to unload ALL your stuff. Also never did very much 1 night camping, usually at least 2-3 nights to justify camp setup time. Generally found inexpensive motels (mostly family owned/operated) easily without any reservations. Did long days across the the Midwest, ie 700 miles, if interstate. Once in the mountains, 100-250 miles or less, depending on attractions and sightseeing. I do suggest you do some "trial trips", ie long weekends, before your big trip, to get a feel for your comfort level mixing camping/other accommodations. Also get the govt camping pass, covers multiple federal agencies, usually 50% discount for camping, unless govt has the facility operating by a contractor.

Had NO trouble with the 4 cylinder Mazda - even towed my 4 wheeler on one trip including Raton and Monarch passes. Generally had the bed full, even with an extended cab truck.

Best wishes on the trip and congrats on retirement.

 

We have done quite a bit of camping, both vehicular and backpacking, so have much of the gear for a week or so (several tents, stoves,etc). What we have never done is taken off in a vehicle for several months.

Yeah, I'd pretty much decided V6, long bed, and loads of space behind the seats to keep the bed as clear as possible, probably remove the seats. I might even buy my first Auto trans in 40 years.

I'll have to try the seats in a TRD.... I don't actually mind the buckets in my AC, but not sure I want to spend months in them.

I imagine we'll hit motels a couple times/week... just to have nice shower facilities. We've also stayed in a few KOA campgrounds and they usually have showers.

I'm thinking some sort of small-ish screen/tent and a couple folding chairs... just so we could sit outside at night bug free (or relatively bug free).

 

Good advice, I appreciate it. Our plan is to do a lot of camping out of a truck next summer (2015) with several extended trips, and then hit the road for real in Mar/Apr 2016. I'll qualify for the pass early in 2015, and the wife already has hers (yes, I married an older woman).

Oddly enough, though I haven't owned an auto tranny in decades, I find myself thinking a bit more power, mated to an auto, would result in a bit less fatigue. Plus the extra oomph might open up some options by way of compact slide in campers.

Some sort of seat covers that add a bit of padding, and perhaps extended thigh support might be my next research interest.

 

two month trip around the states and canada a few years ago. 2/3 camping, 1/3 motel 6. used a Napier Sportz tent for longer stays like the grand canyon or Yellowstone.
http://www.amazon.com/Sportz-Full-S...id=1412881824&sr=8-10&keywords=tent+for+truck

a Leer 180 for a bit extra headroom
platform materials cost about 125 from Home depot

 

Just for the record. I live in Maine. A State with a Black Bear population > 30K. I've seen them in my back yard, and found one in my garage.

But it's always good to be reminded that one needs to remain vigilant and aware that open, or available, food containers ae inviting and can be dangerous.

 

Me likey......nice job.

 

Good to know. Just a heads up if you weren't a bear guy. Didn't know where you were from or I wouldn't have mentioned it.

 

Lot of good stuff here....

My input,

V6, 4x4, and a long bed. Rest will fall into place

 

I hate to say it, but what is the big deal. It does not sound like you are going to take off for weeks at a time out in the bush so you will most likely be in areas where you can get supplies. Other than some long treks between stops on the ALCAN highway it doesn't seem like you have to worry too much about running out of anything (you might consider a 5 gal Jerry can if you do the ALCAN). There is simply no need to go off on your trip looking like Teddy Roosevelt on an African Safari. Take enough with you for 3-5 days on the road and you will be fine.

 

Check out Expedition Portal and their forums. There is no better source for overlanding and expedition travel information.

 

Many years ago, a buddy had an early T pickup, one of the small ones, outfitted with what I considered to be an outlandishly large camper. that thing hauled his and his wife's butt all over the country for years. It was a four-banger automatic. In truth, it did lay down on him one time in Kentucky with a blown head gasket, but that was about it. It was virtually bullet proof...but slow!

My company had a fleet of the small trucks, always vastly overload with our equipment and driven into the ground. The biggest problem was a/c's (because they were constantly on) and brakes because of the heavy loads. Their reliability turned me off of Chevy's and for my personal truck I went to my '06 Tacoma prerunner.

For a vehicle intended for long hauls over months, I'd strongly advise a genuine four-door for the sake of repeated daily, convenient access to your kit.

 

@dcsbtaco