Tacomarin’s Chubby Unicorn Build

Thanks to the links for the drawer building, will be sharing those!

I got a quote from Tradesman today, I spec it to be as similar to the spec on the ARE, but Tradesman have the sliding windows which would be ideal. Their bid was $2,750, when my bid from ARE was $2,350, so not far off. Tradesman wants $200 to install when ARE is $100 I think. I don't think ARE has a drop down window, it's not listed on their build sheet. Also Insulation is a must either done at the factory or by me.

Either way lots of great options and ideas. So glad to have guys like you to discuss this stuff with! Would be awesome to meet up and check out the builds! I'll message you.

 

Window's and color will offset the warmth. I didn't want to pay for color matching or paint and I wouldn't have gotten magnetic gray regardless because it would increase the temps inside and to the touch. You're probably not gonna be hanging out inside during the day unless there's a storm and if that's the case it shouldn't be too warm.

As far as dents go these have been used for years as contractors shells/caps and most of the used ones I've seen online are still in pretty good condition. I think I'd rather have a dent than a scratch in gelcoat/paint of a fiberglass shell.

 

Happy to help! I imagine the sliding windows and drop down window will add a couple hundred to the bill. Install would be pretty straightforward to do yourself, just not sure how that would work logistically. Also, the Tradesman seals are really good. I assume ARE uses something similar but having been in ours in some pretty wet weather, it was nice and dry inside.

 

Those are all really good points. And a dent in the white won't show up as much as it does in darker colors. Regardless of the color, if you aren't pared under a tree near a river during the middle of the day in July, I don't think you're going to be hanging out in any truck bed!

 

So many things to consider! Can't wait to get a aluminum shell all set up!

 

If it wasn't so pricey to color match I would have the Cement Gray even though my truck isn't CG.

The sooner you order the sooner it's done. Tradesman is about 8weeks when I ordered last month. Picking it up late July.

Edit: got the call today that my shell is ready! I'll have pics to share soon. Was hoping to get the drawer done before the installation.

 

Got my lift installed this weekend with the help of @moweryaviation . Went with OME 888 coils on Bilstein 5100 shocks (at 0), Light Racing SPC UCA, and Dakar HD leaf packs with 5100 shocks. Many thanks to @HeadStrong Off-Road for working with me to get the right setup! Also put on @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc u-bolt flip with a 3 degree shim and superbumps front and rear. Added stainless brake lines up front and extended stainless brake lines in the rear. Also replaced the drivers side needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. I’m extremely pleased with how it looks and drives. New wheels for sure down the road, but for now I’m really glad to have the ass end out of the weeds! Now it’s time to go enjoy it!

 

Nice work!

 

Had a little time to work on the truck this weekend. Just re-torqued the suspension bolts and did the diff breather mod. Buttoned up a few other loose ends but nothing too fun. Also got the Kuat pivot installed too which is a pretty sweet swing out hitch option. More to come soon (hopefully).

 

Breather in the tail light I see. Nice placement.

No takers on the knolly eh?

 

No and didn’t want to lower my price much more. Going to keep it for another year or so.

 

Picked up a Prinsu Toprac from @Catfish21 and got it installed this weekend. Also threw on a lower-profile vent top earlier in the week and had a new shelf added in the cap by Access Mfg on the driver side between the cabinet and front of the cap. Getting ready to add an awning and some water capacity to the top here soon.

 

New shoes! Picked up these 16x8 SCS Ray10s from @BudMan about a month ago. They were well loved on the trail. I was planning on just slapping them on but decided to repair the trail rash on the faux bead lock ring. I’m pretty happy with how they came out and excited to put my own trail rash on them now! Now to see how long I can stand not having 285s...

Before


During



After

 

Looks great.

 

More additions to the inside for storage and organization. We were obsessively hunting for some organizers to put on the back of the cabinet and front sides of the cap. I came across the inserts that Pelican makes for the insides of the lids of their cases and found this one that fits pretty much perfectly.

It has a hard plastic backing so I just riveted it to the back of the cabinet. The pouches are all ballistics nylon and have really solid zippers.




For the sides we found

$8 AutoMuko Seat Side Organizer, for Use On Any Front Passenger Car Seats for Cars, Trucks, Mini Vans and SUVs with One-Year Limited Warranty

these organizers that are meant to go on the sides of seats. No idea why you would want that. But they fit perfectly on the sides of the top. They have a cardboard backer so I just cut the straps off and screwed them to the inside of the skin. They aren’t nearly as nice as the pelican organizer but the price was right and they fit the bill.

 

Added a Plano case to the Prinsu to hold my leveling blocks and recovery gear that was previously eating up space in the bed cubbies. Surprisingly adding the case significantly cut down on wind noise from the shell. I originally wasn't too keen on adding more stuff on the roof but I'm really happy with how it turned out.



And here's a sexy shot from the weekend.

 

I love this truck! Very well done build.

 

Thank you!

 

it's sexy when it's dirty man

 

Very nice build! I ran across your build while searching for DCLB information. My 2018 quicksand DCLB is due at the dealer later this month. Like you, I have a very similar vision for a overland daily driver that can still do "truck work" from time to time. I really like the Tradesman toppers you and a few others have, unfortunately with me being on the Gulf Coast, I'll probably have to settle on an ARB DCU or fiberglass model.

A couple of questions for you. How big of a hit did you take on gas mileage with the topper and ST Maxx? Also, how do the tires ride? I really like them, but i worry about the heavy E load tires on a light truck.