Tacoma Habitat AT

Has anyone mounted a hi-lift in the interior of the bed with a habitat? I know there are multiple bolt-on bed rail hi-lift mounts, but don't think they'd work with the way the habitat negates access to the bed rail.

 

I was going to attempt this with my AP hilift mounts. I didn't see what type of anchor was used for the habitat inside the rail. Was hoping I could just drill and tap into that. Or slip a couple single bolt anchors in between what he habitat uses.

Anyone know off had what the anchors look like for the habitat?

 

How are you guys building out the truck bed? I have in mind to either get a Habitat or GFC in 2019 or 2020, and want to build out a 'modular' camper setup. Tentative ideas are to have a ~15 gallon water tank and a battery box up in the front of the bed with a shelf above those for storage, possibly a mount for a propane tank. Along the driver's side, build a box/drawer that can both slide out the back of the bed when the tailgate is open, or flip open from the top to access while in the bed. On the passenger side, have a chest fridge at the rear, then a fold-down platform long-wise that could be used as a table for eating/cooking.

Still way early in my "imagining how awesome I could make it" phase... but I love to see what other people come up with.

 

I'm starting to plan out a new interior for my bed to replace my current test-run setup, which looks like this:



I plan to use the same press-fit extruded aluminum framing that the pictured cabinet uses to build a sliding drawer in the same place. Then I'll also be building an enclosed fridge slide in the place where my current slide is. You can also see in the back my 15 gal water tank that fits snug with the current setup.

 

I have a 24gal water bladder that sits on the floor of the bed under/in a plywood box that forms a shelf on top the fender wells. The left most 8" of the bottom is open and we typically stow our emergency ground tent in there.

Right rear is our fridge strapped down to some l-track. The remainder of our stuff is in hardigg boxes for ease. I was thinking is doing some nice built ins, but I can yank the camping kit out and use the truck.

 

I just started a designated thread for habitat ideas in the caps / toppers sections as I figure we are kind of clogging up the third gen forums with habitat BS.
I posted a picture of inside my habitat and you can see how my hi-lift is mounted inside the bed (its not mounted in pictures but you can see the mount)




Any habitat owners please stop in and share your ideas! :

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/at-habitat-reviews-ideas-and-bs-thread.532519/

 

5' bed. I'll check if it stands up a bit. The angle lip on either side that it rests on is a bit higher. Good idea on the rivets, I will likely do something similar. It flexes more than I like.

Proud to own one of these and glad to find that most people that own something like this are capable of fixing and maintaining them. (10-20 yrs from now, if one ever came up on a used market, no one should worry about buying them.) Incredible design and honestly, very serviceable. (Granted haven't had to do anything to it.)

 

I have. It was a bit homemade, but I'll snag some pics of it this weekend for you.

 

Sorry for the glare In the photo but it’s that time of day. I attached L-track with rivet nuts and made brackets based on the BensonX design on this sight- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-hi-lift-and-tool-mounts.260147/

Also used the same method to attach shovel, axe, fire extinguisher and maxtrax

 

Wow love this idea...what size rivnuts did you use? And what length L-track?

 

I just measured the L-track to fit along the length of AT's top mounting plate. Specifically, cut to 52". I forgot to measure the rear L-track while I was outside but it is essentially the width of the bed. I aligned the track just under the large, round mounting bolts, marked my holes, and drilled using a 25/64" bit. Installed 1/4"-20 rivnuts using a tool similar to mentioned above, and it all went together pretty quick.

 

I went and looked at my Habitat and mine doesn't as much aluminum showing under the bolts as yours does...I guess I'll have to put the L-track above the bolts...should still work I think

 

Would like to see pictures of your water bladder setup.

 

This is the box. The bladder just resides inside it. There is a 1/2 reenforced poly water line with a simple plastic ball valve that follows the right side bed corner to the tailgate. It's gravity pumped, and anything higher than 630' elevation I start to get a positive pressure in the bladder. Filling us through a hole in the top of the box. I'll be changing it a bit this year to use a standard boat filler plate and a water filter to get the tap water taste and minerals out. (I've had 69 kidney stones in 20yrs, I'm very particular about my drinking water.)

There is a strip of 3/4 plywood that is attached to the bottom side is the box top for strength, and it sits in the little notches on the fender well to "lock" it from siding our the back is the truck.



The bladder with little air prevents the sloshing and fluid hammer effect that you find with a hard tank.

 

Hmmm. this doesn't seem to be in 3rd gen forums anymore.

 

looking at the pictures it looks like your bolts sit lower 3rd gen compared to 2nd. I bolted my below 2nd gen. I dont think you will have any issues and may be stronger due to it being between bolts and bend in alum.

 

Howdy from Jackson Hole!

Thankx for this forum and expertise. You've convinced me not to get a Habitat. YMMV, but here's what doesn't work for me:

• Pictures show tooo much loose fabric on the tent. Even if it stands up to a few hard blows, stress will age the tent seams. Be prepared to drive to a motel or sleep inside your Taco when gale force winds blow or worse yet, the tent blows apart. I'm certain it doesn't come with a guarantee saying it's OK to drive down a road at 55 mph! Slop in the tent fabric when deployed is probably due to making the tent easily fold out for use.
• Because it's perched up high, there is no option for guy ropes staked to the ground. That sucker will shake & shimmy in high winds.
• The Habitat can't be easily dismounted for "guest housing" or a quick trip to the lumber yard for plywood. OUCH for me personally!
• What does a replacement tent cost? Prepare for an excruciating high price, as these tents are done in small batches, not mass produced, with zero competition for a replacement. Nemo tents are known for high-quality backpacking gear, but EXPENSIVE. Very, very EXPENSIVE. This ain't crap from KMart.
• Buyers are making a leap of faith the Nemo tent company and Habitat will exist and/or have partnership years hence. If this falls apart, you've spent a lot of $ to be hosed. Regardless of their undoubtedly current good intentions. Ouch!
• I'm not willing to bet my hard earned $ this isn't another Flippac, belly up dead in the water.
• I've got a large Big Agnes free standing tent with integral battery & LED lighting that's stood up to very hard blows. Beautifully designed. EASY & FAST to set up. The only accessories I bought are stakes that'll cement it down in sandy soil. New designs of inflatable sleeping pads with integral insulation are as comfortable as your bed at home.
• The Habitat will be a show stopper in campgrounds, people will be intrigued with its novel design and want to talk about it. Can this interest and envy be worth the cons I've mentioned above? Not for me.
• I'm sticking with my Big Agnes tent until perhaps someday I'll spring for a Four Wheel Camper.

 

@jberry813 legit account?

 

Not certain why this would be your first and only post on TW. I've had my habitat for over a year now, and in all manner of weather and wind, have had no problems. The habitat fulfills a niche for people that want this type of product. And as for Adventure Trailers, they've stood behind their product and customers everywhere I've seen.

 

You tell them Jackson Hole..... power to the people