The planning stage of an Overland Build. ***Long Post***

Hello all,

First off I wanted to thank everyone for the warm welcome yesterday and the insight that has already been shared with me regarding some of these plans. That being said BEFORE I start to drop my hard earned cash on piles of parts I thought I would compile my lists onto 1 post and get opinions and thought and probably some better ideas. So here goes nothing.

First off the criteria of my build.
I'm looking to convert my brand new 2017 DCSB Off-Road Auto into a adventure travel vehicle, yes I know overlanding is so hipster right now but I'm not exactly new to this, just very new to Tacoma's and looking to take this build quite a bit farther than my previous exploits (Futon mattress under my Leer Cap, Yeti Cooler in the back seat and all my "gear" in totes tossed in the back. Anyway please save your judgments... HAHA That said here is what I'm looking for in MY build.

1) Daily drivable- Good on gas, new car reliable, warranty still mostly valid, the "big stuff" removable for winter time (SALT) driving. I'm not wealthy so I still work on average 6 days a week and drive 50 Miles round trip to and from work. So this has to stay reliable and good on fuel.

2) Capable- I am in no ways looking for a Rock Crawler Nor a Desert flyer, what I am however is looking for a rig to get me across the country on PAVED roads, and through the fire roads and logging roads in my local area (water can be an issue, I had it pouring right through the firewall on my 13 JK Unlimited Rubicon). Also I plan on a 2 to 3 week trip every year either to the North (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick) or to the West (The FAMED Colorado Jeep trails around Telluride). In additional to the yearly big trip I plan on perhaps 1 weekend a month 9 months a year either hunting or fishing out of it most likely in the Adirondacks.

3) Cost?- I guess this goes without saying but as I said I am not a wealthy guy, I do work an excessive amount (average right around 55 hours every week) so I can afford to by the right gear if it will make an honest difference. What I won't do is cut corners only to wish I had bought better later, Buy Once, Cry Once has been my motto since I got my first job.

Ok now on to the GEAR!!! I'm going to list my plans so far and my reasoning for that choice if you have a better idea or just think mine is plain silly, please let me know. No feelings will be hurt and no money has been spent... yet

1) Tonneau Cover- Undercover Ridgelander with one extra set of bars. This was by far my biggest decision, I have been looking at what I think is every option out there and here is why I chose this as my first choice.
a. Low profile for the tent. I want my RTT below my cab height for Lower Center of Gravity, Better clearance under everything, better fuel mileage, ability to lift my dog up into it without terrifying him, and finally the ability for my wife and I to remove it via quick release attachments to be listed later.

2) Bed Stiffiners- Please school me on these??? Best brand are they really needed?? My bed area will be subject to weight and offroading stress.

3) Rear Rack- The Ridgelander comes with 2 sets of towers and bars and recommends a 3rd for a RTT, On top of these 3 bars I plan on mounting a Frontrunner Rack in as large a size as will fit without overhang and still allow the Tonneau to raise when the RTT is removed.

4) Spare tire carrier- Wilco offroad- Already own this one, it came off my last truck, Solid unit solid company, lots of options and it is hitch mounted so it is removable and STRONG. I am not a fan of carrying a spare under any vehicle that sees offroad use plus not sure how big a spare fits under a Taco.

5) Roof Top Tent- Frontrunner with Quick release brackets, as stated above I want a light low pro tent that is quickly and easily removable. From what I can see this one is the best choice.

6) Awning for the rear Rhino Rack Dome 1300- Got to be covered while cooking, but since this will be basically at top of Bed height I think the dome is the best choice???

7) Fridge and slide- ARB 63QT- Again like all my choices a lot of this is because of space and physical dimensions. From what I can tell the ARB with slide will fit below the tonneau and slide out without lifting. This wont be ordered until tonneau is installed and measured.

8) Sliders- HELP ME Bolt on is my preference, prefer them tight to the truck, IE not looking like a step.

9) Phone and tablet mount- Hondo Garage, though I'll probably use RAM X-mount for the phone. That vent mount is the coolest thing I've ever seen! lol

10) Lift Kit- OME or ICON Stage 3? other options no real idea. I need increased capacity and good road manners No crawling, or high speed.

11) Wheels- Stock are fine in my mind if they work, if not ICON's maybe and my stock set will become winter rims. 17's if I have to change...

12) Tires- 33's would be ideal, tall and skinny likely my first choice especially if it mitigates cutting my truck up. Had T/A KO2's in 35" on my last truck they worked well.

13) Winch- prefer a hidden mount???

14) Lighting- Switch pro system, dual battery trays under hood, Ditch lights, some kind of light bar that works with the hidden winch, or grill mounted light maybe?

15) other- Axel breathers, and??? Other Ideas???

16) Husky liners, had weather tech in my last truck I do like these much better and they're cheaper. Bought the day I got the truck.

Well that was everything off the top of my head. Obviously there's lots of other things I need and or already have I was trying to focus on Tacoma specific stuff. Thanks for the HELP!!!!


-YOTA

 

So, did you get to the Ridgelander yet? Curious if you are satisfied with your decision. That is #1 on my list.

 

I didn’t. In fact i need to update this and or delete it all together. I talked to a number of members here who have one and they all LOVE it, however i decided to pre-order a new GoFastCamper through Hondo Garage, ultimately I’m losing the low profile, but saving significant weight, and the GFC, allows me livable space below the tent as well. Of course if you’re looking at this Tonneau for a different purpose besides adventure travel none of this really applies. Long story short if i was gonna go Tonneau this would have been the only one i choose.