Chux's 2013 Beach Buggy Build

Did you get your shell new?

 

Yuppp bough it brand new as the first thing I ever did to the truck. It was about $1500 from a local shop. As an average truck owner before TW thought ID save money on it and not get the cross bar track system on it, was just planning on carrying surfboards and kayaks. Know now what the truck intensions are I woulda got a reinforced cap or saved up for an Alu-Cab canopy. I have some small stress cracks in certain spots but overall the cap has been fine with the off-roading and camping abuse I've given it. I don't recommend saving the couple hundred and just mount shit on a base cap but it's not like my cap isn't holding up to weight on it..

 

Great advice, the quotes I'm getting online say $2400-$2600 since I want windoors and such. Alu cab ones are $3k huh?

 

I just bought an aluminum contractor shell. Would you say its safe to mount a 100lb RTT on it? I will eventually add some internal supports. And I do a fair amount of off-roading, though probably not as much as you..

 

Im not sure if the aluminum ones are stronger. What do you think? I picked up a used one for 200 that has windoors.

 

probably a bit more sturdy than mine. Ive got some ideas that still might work out

 

how?!!?

 

craigslist, my friend.. Ill go look for you now, in SD. Ill post some links on your build

 

PB high clearance came in this week.. going to install next weekend

 

<<{must insert photo of your truck}>>

 

Headed out to the beach this mornos, never loaded the SUPs since the Thule cargo box and RTT. It fit rather well and even found a spot for the paddles right on my awning mounts, everything so snug I'd drive outta state like this. Just gotta avoid low bridges..



Teaching my wife steps needed for beach driving and some tricks and tips cuz she wants to take the truck on the beach while I'm at work



https://youtu.be/i0IdSajyCSw

 

I say it's pretty awesome that the wife wants to drive the truck. Mine hates even getting in it. #shortgirlproblems

There are times where I wish she'd take the truck. Beats having to drive 3 hours to rescue her because she smashed her oil pan while off road in a mini-cooper and puked oil all over the side of the road.
#truestory

 

Hope shes a good driver! Women and blindspots don't mix well. And your truck is one giant blind spot in the back for sure! Mine is blind on the sides

 

How does one offroad in a mini?

 

Hard work and dedication.

 

Yea my wife has a Kia Soul, but after driving the truck and seeing the capabilities she wants 4wd next. Not sure what but she loves the FJs, just not a great family car.. I like the idea of her in an SUV cuz like you said she can run over curbs and keep going, safer in wheather conditions like snow also.

And she is short as well. She got her own step stool we pack for camping

 

She might be a better driver than you cuz she don't care bout blind spots

 

Haha! I keep the same folding stool in my truck for the MIL (even shorter).
I keep a lanyard on it so she can pull it up after she gets in. She says it's bad enough she needs help getting in the truck, the lanyard helps her regain some independence.

Wife was actually looking at the Subi Crosstek. AWD is close enough. Someone posted a picture of one in Pismo that was built "rally style". Slight lift, wide stance, big tires and crash bar with lights. Showed it to her and she just shook her head.