SeekingZero - Adventure Build

Saying it can't get out of it's own way is being very generous.

 

Well, what's new since last April! A lot actually. I'm fairly excited to post the latest round of mods to the truck. I've spent most of this year focused on my bikes and haven't done much wheeling or truck trips. I have had plenty of time to get around to mods that I always wanted to have, instead of having to focus on what I needed at the present.

That said, this picture of my last oil change is the last time the truck was in this form.


After this, things started changing. The truck went to Milogen Fabrications here in the bay area to get a front hoop welded on, not because I needed one, but simply because I wanted it. I figured I'd give the whole front a face lift. I had the headlights properly gone through by @RECHELON and @HomerTaco rounded out the look with a new grille. The way I saw it, I also wanted to support the TW community as much as I could.





And off to the forest to enjoy the new front end. TACOMA lettering would follow.




And some more camping...



Alright, looking back, I did get out more than I thought with the truck, but still missed quite a few trips. This was the last trip I have taken this year, and the waiting has finally culminated...!




Continued...

 

How much was it to add the front hoop. Been thinking about doing that to my bumper as well

 

The next mods really change the truck, not just a front end facelift. Deaver springs, 1300lb over stock, toytec adjustable lift shackles, new tires, and a Vagabond Outdoors Drifter! I'll focus on the drifter, because springs are springs, and also, because I never took any pictures of the swap. I may add in some later.

I wanted new shoes and to fix the rear before I got the new camper. However, due to work travel, I didn't actually get the new springs on before I got the Drifter, and I'm actually glad so that I could really get a changce to feel the difference. I did send the shocks down to Accutune and let them go through them properly. They worked wonders on my fronts and sure enough, the rears are perfect!

This is with the old OME + AAL pack.


New shoes, then proper alignment.


Next up, Drifter.



New camp life! This calls for a new set up. Out with the old!


As you might believe, my old bed box is fairly heavy...and it's also for sale. It was purpose built for my needs, and having the drifter eliminates all those needs. So I started from scratch to get to a point where I can start building a new system. Best to build and test in increments while seeing how it all works when actually in use.

A platform is all I need to start, and a place for the fridge, the rest will come. The solar and electronics were also started and finished while I waited for paint to dry.




At this point, I mounted the solar panels and tidied up the wiring. I also took a couple cans of Flex Shot and entirely sealed the first gen bed, which has tons of holes on the tops of the bed sides. No more water or dust getting in this nice living area. Solar is wired in series to reduce wiring and as long as you get a smart charge controller, it can handle the 24V and translate it properly.







All ready to go for some winter Christmas camping in the mountains.

 

I think it was only a couple hundred. Milo does great work and he's definitely reasonably priced.

 

Looks great! Especially that wire job damn. Too bad the Drifter wasn't color matched I think it'd be better but still looks awesome!

 

I think I like it better black. Plus color matching lunar mist is practically impossible.

 

Bad ass!

 

Thanks guys. I worked with the guys at Vagabond on a color match option. That was my first intention. However, painting is the only way to achieve that and it just wouldn't have held up to the abuse. Powder coating was the practical way to go and I am not the least bit regretful. I definitely love the contrast.

 

I think it looks outstanding, especially with the black @HomerTaco grill.

That thing is gorgeous!

 

Thanks! I was really on the fence about color match or black for the grille. I think it turned out great, @HomerTaco did a great job!

 

This build is something to aspire to. Excellent job. That Drifter looks fantastic. This is the first 1st gen I've seen one on (other than my photoshopped version). The black is pretty sweet.

 

Awesome, love the 1st Gens.

 

who makes that camper shell?

 

Vagabond Outdoors

It's a lot more than a camper shell.

 

Thanks! To my knowledge this is the only first gen with a Drifter. Definitely much more than a shell!

 

Looking at your truck makes me miss my 1st gen, and I haven't even sold it yet.

 

There are definitely more. Makes me want one

 

What's all this 'yet' talk...