My 2013 Tacoma Access Cab Chinook build in progress

Pulled the rest of the rear interior trim and was very concerned to see that there is a bunch of air bag apparatus on both sides of the rear window...Took a ride to chat with the service manager at Toyota to understand how it all works... Pulled the back window in preparation for the walk through cab cut that is happening tomorrow. With the rubber back window trim gone we got to see how it fits on the back of the cab with all our guesswork modifications and I am really happy with the fit!
Pat modified the exhaust for the generator. It is a tight little installation package. Note the aluminum utility box and generator to see how we are using every bit of basement area....
Tomorrow we cut the cab... it feels like all downhill from here..

 

Will you be boxing-in the generator, etc., to keep the road debris from fouling things? Looking forward to seeing more!!

 

Awesome, subd

 

It will be enclosed with and some soundproofing will be used Srspicer... there will be some louvers to insure airflow as well.... there will be access to service the genny from above through the floor... not sure if it will be hinged or a lift out hatch.

 

Wait, you're fully mating the fiberglass to the truck cab?!

 

I'm trying to figure out the " Pat modified the exhaust for the generator"- are you connecting the generator into the stock muffler?

 

Fantastic work! That's a mighty big project

 

So cool. Looking forward to following this project.

 

The walk through was cut out with no drama but it was scary to do...note in the side view pics all the air bag equipment. The side curtain airbags are still fully functional.... also reinstalled all the plastic interior trim and cut the headliner... i will need to trim back some of the plastic trim and make my transitition into the camper space. I will sort that out when I start the interior finishing...
Also incorporated steel frame support for the diamond plate aluminum wheel wells/fenders...
It was a good day.
Some fiberglass work and fairing and God willing the camper shell may be mounted by week end. I have been very fortunate to have a friends shop to work in but he is getting ready to need his space back soon. I want to get the camper weather tights ASAP.

 

I am so excited about this build!!!

 

BAJATACOMA, The stock generator muffler is being used but mounted below the set. The exhaust pipe and muffler flanges were cut off and welded to a newly configured exhaust pipe...

 

Yes Toyko!!! A badass class C offroad expedition style RV with enough comforts so my wife will travel with me!

 

Ok, so now you're committed...

 

I was committed when I bought the truck for the project BuddyS!

 

Patrick had a great idea to design an aluminum water tank that would make use of the heat coming off the tacoma muffler for hot wstrr.., Hot damn, great idea. This is the start of it. The radius part will be 3/4" away from the muffler. According to my math...14 gallons.
The steel subfloor us off for ospho, prime and paint...

 

Just out of curiosity, did you install a larger fuel tank? This is an awesome build, but I wonder if the extra weight you are adding will reflect in the fuel MPG when all is done.

 

I will pick up some extra fuel tankage Greg... I am working that out but not firm yet an the plan... it wil, be interesting to see what the mileage does. I am being thoughtful about the end weight... I have done a very good job of keeping the center of gravity low as well ...

 

Got ya.

I'm sure you're aware of it, but be very careful working around the airbags. I'm not sure about Tacomas, but the side impact airbags on some vehicles (Volvos for example) have a separate power supply (battery) and can fire even after the main battery is disconnected. If you aren't sure it would be worth calling your local dealer to find out. Airbags can seriously injure you if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

I visited our local toyota dealers service manager to understand them.... of note was that to never reconnect the battery if the truck was not on a level surface from side to side. If the truck was unlevel and the battery was connected, the air bags could blow thinking the car was rolling over...who knew? Also, all the air bag wiring and circuits are yellow.