2001 Tacoma Xtended cab 4WD SR5 build

The build (or, rather, the shopping spree) continues: instead of mounting a second tank have decided to just get a Jerry can. Have looked at Rotopax, and although immensely popular (Rotopax and the high lifts are ubiquitous in mall parking lots in Scottsdale, AZ) I went with the true and tried NATO jerry can. Also got a Made in Australia BPA-free 22 liter water tank. Both came with mounting cages.

 

And the amazingly tiny fire extinguisher

 

This is what the narrower tires look like:

 

woah, they sell those? i need a new one for my 97, mines doesnt retract no more

 

yeah all you need is your VIN. Ordered mine by phone as it needed to be special ordered by them.

 

is there a video of how to install it? how much? thx

 

Beware of mail order as the explosive charge makes it a hazardous shipment. I ordered from dealer then picked up. Your price might be different just call your local dealer.

No video sorry but is pretty straightforward, 2 bolts.

 

yeah tht was my worry cus some people say itll explode but ive seen it its just a couple bolts, sounds good thx

 

Disconnect the electric connector first then it’s straightforward

 

I have one of the weld-it-yourself bed racks and it’s time to install it.

Have mounted the rails on the bed and tack welded the rest with MIG then took it off. Started to TIG it but it was slow going with weird out of position seams. So I just MIG-ed it up. Will drill some holes for brake lights then paint it.

 

Ttwo more from earlier in the process

 

Whatcha planning to use the rack for?

 

• Attach the two sets (four total) MaxTrax -- they need some sturdy attachment.
  
• Will also fit the 2nd spare wheel inside the bed, on the driver side, in the back. Although the wheel carrier will mostly be attached to the bed, I think some crossmember will be attached to the rack (haven't designed it yet).
  
• Water jerrycan.
  
• The gas jerry can is already attached to the bed.
  
• Plan to carry a full length shovel and that will need some home too. Got one of the foldable infantry shovels but it is not comfortable to use, and there is no penalty in carrying a full length one, so the foldable one goes back.

 

So it's all thought out, that's good.

Was telling myself "hope he doesn't put a roof top tent on that!"

Nice to progress.

 

Haha, good point, no rooftop tent in my future. As I am a complete noob am still sorting out what I want to do and how I want to use the truck.

For now it will be mostly day trips; if overnight/weekend, will stay in a cabin or motel. Will carry basic recovery kit, 2 gravel bicycles for the wife and me and such.

If this lifestyle works for us, will consider some sleeping arrangement, but not in a few years. Sleeping will not be on the truck, rather in a teardrop (pod style) trailer or similar. There are interesting tradeoffs with each and every choice, but the on-the-truck builds I have seen do not appeal to me. Don't intend to start a flame war; these are subjective preferences, but my main concerns are two-fold: (1) the on-truck builds usually reduce the off-road ability of the truck due to weight, and (2) ultimately don't offer comfort features like bathrooms.

 

You'll figure it out; we all do through trial and error.

For me, I ran a roof top tent on my Tacoma but sold it after a year and a half of use. It didn't limit my off-road ability at all, but found it was really inconvenient trying to get it level. That and it was stupid loud in windy situations.

With the 4Runner or Land Cruiser, if I'm going solo I find it comfortable enough to sleep in the back otherwise tent camping for me!

That's glamping enough for me having been a backpacker for several years, doing everything primitively.

Teardrop would definitely be nice...wife's been talking about one

 

BTW just had that feeling when you simultaneously gain the highest certification from OSHA and Vogue magazine.

Stay safe out there while looking sharp, yo!

 

That and the shorts....I wear boots in my own garage even and I'm only OSHA10

 

Once painted, I will see how much heat distortion the welding has caused. Perhaps it’s not gonna fit on the bed.

 

You think having welded it distorted it enough?

I would've welded the parts up while they were still 'mounted' to the bed.

Remember though, being that the pieces are cut appropriately to size...if it did 'distort' and cave inward slightly, it can bend outward once you attach said hardware.