Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

Yes, I like where this is going... I always carry a tape measure in the truck. We shall noodle on this tomorrow!

 

Downside may be getting to it when it's needed... I think Rich and Carlos may be suggesting a shelf for the spare and with that Softopper camper extension, I can just have my feets under it when sleeping back there.

 

Yes, and it would sit over your storage unit, allowing access to things inside.

 

The issue I could see with this is that by the time you get it up high enough to sleep comfortably underneath it, it could end up obstructing your vision.

And, if you're storing things underneath it, you will need to move those things in order to sleep in there. That's not really the biggest deal, though. I have to clear out the 4Runner to sleep on my platform.

 

Left my family in Las Cruces today and making the journey back home. Not trying to interrupt the platform creative process just giving some variety and photos. Distraction can sometimes be the mother of inventions too. Or just distractions. Ooh look a squirrel! Anyways visited Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument today. It’s the ruins of several churches from the Spanish Inquisition. Didn’t expect that did ya? They never do. Abo Ruins:



Gran Quivara:



Quarai:



Road where dispersed camp is tonight got a little rugged. Doubtful it shows but this is the only picture I got. Road turns up and left from here and there’s a three foot ledge after that. And clay that is mud. Nope.



Camp for the night somewhere east of Albuquerque. I saw one old Yota truggy on like 37’s go past my campsite but they came back pretty fast so I think the road ends not far from here anyways. Two other trucks bigger than mine noped out at the same spot so my judgement-O-meter seems accurate. Can’t have fires but 5G at camp watching YouTube vids, the luxurious life.



Cold, tired, bed, good night.

 

Looking at his earlier pictures, the tire may block the bottom inch or so of the window...I don't see that as a deal breaker. That solution would be much better than standing upright.

edit: https://twstatic.net/attachments/pxl_20241020_220550536-jpg.5866131/

 

Yes, I agree, height of the spare platform would have to be a compromise between high enough to comfortably sleep under (for my feet basically, remember 6' bed plus tailgate with the Softopper camper extension) and low enough to not obstruct the view much. I figure the storage space underneath could be used for my bedding. I still have to remove a cooler and storage box to sleep back there now, and that wouldn't change.

@OldSchlPunk maybe we can rig it up adjustable height with a motorized lift and a remote control! I've got all winter for this.

 

Excellent pics! No sign of the comfy chair there, thank goodness!

 

Great pics as always Adam, keep them coming!

 

If I'm reading this right it sounds like you want to sleep "under" the spare? Does not compute!

Putting the spare in the corner & the sleep platform just over the tyre would be much easier & leave some head room.

 

Much more head room for what is forming as a plan in my mind... The platform is only as big as the tire, 33" square, and is up by the cab. The platform is tall enough to get my feet under comfortably. Again, 6' bed and I'm considering this camper extension from Softopper, so the length of the tailgate too.

So, see the tire up by the cab? Now it's up on a platform keeping it maybe just a bit above the window line to not lose much visibility. All the head room and much easier to get to the spare if it's needed.

 

Another thought I had for rearranging my spare is/was using (2)4" bed bars and hang the tire from the bottom side instead of resting on top.
That would allow for decent visibility and room underneath for feet, or whatever
I think those are no go with a shell and ran into other road blocks with the tonneau so, it's a thought in process.

 

Dinner didn't sit well, couldn't fall asleep, got thinking of the platform...I have some ideas...this is going to be good! I'll try to sketch some things out for this evening.

 

Make sure you share these ideas.
I'm interested in solutions.

 

Like Dean said, the platform doesn't have to go all of the way across. 33"x33". And it can mostly sit over his storage box, tucked up in the right front corner of the box. Making the platform over the tire becomes a PITA if you need to get the tire out on the trail (or for a 5-way rotate). This way, the tire is always accessible...and kept low enough to not be a major CoG headache (and you can see over it to the rear). And, being passenger side, equalizes some Taco lean.

 

Going to throw it all past Dean this evening to get his thoughts...then, maybe I'll leak some...

 

The spare would fit far better if he got smart and upgraded to pizza cutters.

 

or bought a camper.

 

Well that would be the ideal option.

 

He had one, sold it...to @Thatbassguy.