Let's see those Alu-cab setups

i really like how the contour matches the body lines near the cab on the 4th gen. its the one thing i dont like about the 3rd gen version

 

I do like that fitment piece up front, it's a nice detail they did this round to make it look like it belongs on there. Does the third gen Alu-Cab model have the same front vertical accessory rails to where you could fashion up your own piece to install, by chance?

 

i haven't seen one. i asked some account on IG once with no reply. Not sure how you would attach it though

 

With how much the beds of older Tacomas flex I wouldn’t be surprised to find out there isn’t room a blanking plate like that.

 

Explorer question. I have read through the entire section and didn't see anything so I thought I would ask. Has anyone seen the need to carpet the inside of the canopy? I have marine carpet left over from an older fiberglass canopy and that seemed to help with moisture build up. Being in the PNW sweating inside the canopy does seem to be a problem if you camp in it.

 

moisture build up would be a problem with anything if you sleep in it right?

 

It looks good on there. One thing that I wouldn't be comfortable with though is the gap wings. As soon as I saw the 4th gen body lines and that extra bit of body hanging off the back, I was interested to see how Alu-Cab addressed it. I know how much these frames flex. And unless they made the frames a lot more rigid, (doubtful), I could see those scraping paint. I'd keep a close eye on it maybe do a suspension flex test to take some measurements. I could also see snow packing in there and making a giant ice cube. Probably not a concern if you don't see much snow though.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. Yea definitely good points. The frame is pretty rigid, seemingly more so than Gen-3 trucks with the new chassis design. The linked/coil sprung rear and front suspension design seem to handle most of the work. I ramped it out and it doesn't have issues with body contact. Not exactly real-world scenario but I'm confident it will clear in all cases. I don't go "wheelin" in this truck anyway, I use it to get out in the woods, trailheads, camping, fishing, dirtbiking, etc, but I don't take it through off-road parks. I usually see dicey roads but nothing that will cause extreme flex and cause me concern.

 

You could insulate it, foam board, spray, carpet or whatever you like. A lot of it will depend on weather outside and your airflow/ventilation. Even purpose-built RVs will sweat inside if you winter camp and run a heater. I have a travel trailer that has that issue, especially the typical single pane windows. It's a balance in temperature, insulation and airflow.

 

Right on. I don't know much about the new frames. It something I've noticed a lot more of our (3g) frames flexing. I've noticed the difference in body flex / body gaps side to side and it is pretty apparent. My truck pretty much just sees light offroading so far as well. I just didn't want it to possibly scratch your new ride. Looks nice man. Enjoy!

 

For sure, I appreciate the insight. It's always good to hear thoughts and feedback around the forum, thanks for your time sharing, and appreciate the compliment! Been a fun truck so far.

 

Got the new back window installed. The fit is questionable. Looks like they changed the seal design from the riveted frame on the early one (which I have) to a bulb seal on the newer Explorers. Emailed Alu-Cab about it and waiting to hear back. Anyone with an early Explorer care to post some photos of the rear hatch glass?



I believe the later Explorer's had just a bulb seal around the glass. (photo borrowed from @cludwing)

Update: Heard back from Alu-Cab. Looks like somewhere along the way someone installed a wrong window on the back of the canopy. They used the window between the cab and front of the canopy on the back hatch. Trying to locate the correct seal shown below.

 

Yeah that awning is a real PITA to install! Once installed its awesomesauce though!