Shell and mods installed

These are the modifications I've made to my 2016 Tacoma. Road and breakdown tools on the left, camping equipment will go on the right. It's a bit snug in the 5 foot bed, but if I lay diagonally, it's doable.

 

looks good

 

Sorry for the duplications. Having some technical difficulties on this end. (Knowledge based, i.e.).

 

Thank you. Anybody else done anything similar with their Tacoma? I know there's a lot of them out there, and this was borrowed from a few of them.

 

I lιĸe wнaт yoυ dιd υѕιng a тιgнт neт ғor тнe ѕcreen on yoυr ѕнell . looĸѕ good . And your Basset Hound is so damn adorable.. I love basset hounds

 

Thank you! The "tight net" is actually metal hardware cloth that was hot dipped in plastic. It was an option, (Pet Screen),when I bought the topper, to protect the screens from the dogs, or, me pushing my big feet through the screen in my sleep. hahaha!

 

any details on the drawers and platform setup ? I'm looking to build the same exact one for my short bed . Your setup looks real nice and sturdy.

 

Nice
One suggestion. Load your heaviest gear in the passenger side bin to offset you, battery, and gas tank all on the driver side. Tacoma lean.

 

The platform is made of 15/32 plywood, with a 2x10 in the center. I assembled everything first, then put the carpet on the deck. That way, the screws don't show. I put the deck in BEFORE the topper was installed last week. Once the topper is on the truck, there's no way to install it. The deck is 1 sheet of plywood, installed cross-wise, and the two hinged access panels were made from the left overs. The two boxes run the length of the bed, and is made from 2x8's and more 15/32 plywood. The handles on the drawers were installed vertically for a reason, to keep the boxes from moving side to side when I'm driving. They meet the tailgate between the "slats." Also, to take advantage of the 3 inch screw locations that hold the sides to the front of the drawers, two of the holes in each handle are attached taking advantage of them, to make the handles less likely to pull off when pulling the drawers out. I will end up putting carpet on the underside of the drawers to make sliding them out a bit easier. It's not too difficult as it is, but the drawers are somewhat heavy by themselves, and coupled with the weight of the tools and equipment, I think it would just be a bit easier.The barrel bolts were mounted under the handle just to keep the boxes exactly in place all the time, but I need to do more thinking on this, and will probably move them to another location. There's a three plug power outlet mounted on the driver's side, which is wired hot all the time. No need to turn the key on for power. I can charge my phone, cameras and other stuff from there. The power outlet was a freebie from the topper installer because he missed my install appointment and wanted to make it right by me. He did.

This is NOT designed to be a bug-out vehicle in any way. It's merely for the traveling with my dog, Rudy. He has his own bed in the back as well. The truck is a two wheel drive. I kinda wish I had purchased the 4WD, but it was a bit cost prohibitive. Rudy and I travel considerably together on our adventures, kayaking, fishing, camping, hunting, etc., even in the worst weather. I have several tents, but sometimes, you just need a hard shelter, and this fits the bill just fine for its intended purpose. Thank you very much. Oh, the Bassett is Snickers, and he is a lot of fun! Rudy is half Bassett, half Beagle, ergo, a Bagel! He is the consummate camper and hunter, and the best dog I've ever known! Love these boys!

 

I like the cap and also the drawers. Thanks for outlining your plans. You thought of stuff I wouldn't have.

 

I have taken your suggestion seriously, and swapped both boxes, putting the lighter camping box on the driver's side, and the heavier tool box on the passenger side. It has made a slight difference in handling on the road. Thank you

 

That clip fan is a great idea.

 

in for pics of the dogs

 

Took the Pet Rider seat cover from the back seat and put it in the back for a little extra protection against muddy paws and boots. Also, put a couple of gun racks in to hold my fly rods, and of course, my guns. This isn't intended to be an occasional camper, though it will be used very little during the summer months. During the winter, however, we are gone nearly every weekend. Planning a trip to the mountains of Arkansas next month for a week or so. I think I've got all the bugs worked out of it now.

The pic of my dog, Rudy, jumping is just another example of how fearless the boy is. There is nothing he won't try to overcome! I love this dog! In fact, I bought the topper so that we could travel more together, and more comfortably. It's going to work out just great!

 

No prob. I load that way in my truck as SOP, keeping heavier stuff to the front and passenger side whenever practical.

 

Is that a short box? I'm looking to build something similar, because Truck Vault is in the "unobtainium" territory. I'm 5'11". Wonder if I would fit diagonal like that in my short bed...

 

Yes. It's a 5 foot bed. At 6 feet, I can sleep quite comfortably if I lay diagonally and still have room for Rudy and his bed in an opposite corner.

 

looks awesome! how did you attach the screens?