hoverlover’s “there are many like it, but this one is mine” extra long title bs thread and build too

I’ve thought about the seat delete to but some kiddos ride in the back every once in a while. I saw this setup not to long ago can’t stop drooling over it. But my budget would dictate 2x4s and some type of paneling.
https://www.goose-gear.com/collections/tacoma

 

Took the wife out last night for drinks and dinner. We talked a lot about my school bus idea. She said she'd give it a try for a year and see how it goes. So, I think this is the plan for the next 577 days. I want to do one more year of rice pollination. It's fun and relaxing. It's almost like a paid vacation. Hell, if you've got the right people around it is a vacation. After rice I'm going to reapply at Era Helicopters to fly in the Gulf again. They typically do a 2 week on/2 week off rotation and the pay would be about 4x what I make now. That will give me 2 weeks at a time to build a skoolie and a means to pay off the great majority, if not all of our debt. The goal is to keep only my truck, dog, cat, and a few things that will fit inside the bus. To be permanently living on the bus by my birthday next year.

A bus with the right engine and gearing (they're out there) will have more than enough guts to pull my truck in a 28x8.5 enclosed trailer. I've already taken the truck and measured it against a trailer I liked, it fits inside with 3/4" on either side of the wheel wells and clears the doorway while on the ramp by three inches. There will also be enough room inside the trailer for my larger tool box, two cabinets, and a small work bench.

So, that's the latest scheme. Been researching buses and drawing up floor plans.

 

Those are bad ass!
I'm going to have to look into those a bit more later on

 

Awesome plans I hope it comes through for you.

 

Maybe you fellas could point me in the right direction. I’ve slowly acquired almost everything I need to setup my solar system. (Two batteries, controller, panels,inverters and all necessary wiring.) What I haven’t figured out is how I’m going to mount the batteries. I would prefer in the bed and enclosed. But I have a spare tire carrier back there so it could be a little tight. behind the seat is possible I suppose. they would be charged independently so don’t necessarily need to be together. Any tips would be appreciated.

Or feel free to tell me to go pound sand

 

Have you considered removing the plastics behind the rear seats and having a real short wire runs as well.

 

@Deathdealer another option is a trolling motor battery box they’re already wired with the basics minus the mptt controller. Portable and could be a working mans yeti zero.

MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center

$91 Minn Kota 1820175 Trolling Motor Marine Battery Power Center

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PTHKMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HBAtEb3PS7Q49

Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and DC Ports

$65 Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and DC Ports

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AE2TG7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZEAtEb6S6MZF8

 

Kick rocks!

Kidding

Removing the storage bins on the driver's side opens up a lot of room. I don't have any measurements from when I pulled mine anymore but it shouldn't be a problem to fab up a custom bracket and run two batteries side-by-side. If you remove the plastic on the back of the seat you gain an extra 3/4" or so. The passenger side will give even more space.

^ this is another excellent and viable option.

There are two other methods that come to mind but it'll be dependant on your requirements. Are you thinking about adding 2 or using two batteries total? If you're looking to add two new batteries (3 total), there are dual battery cages that fit the factory location and there is another that fits on the passenger side under the hood near the firewall. You could combine the dual cage and the aux for 3 batteries total.

If it were me, I would add a small toolbox in the bed...





...and build a false floor or a separate compartment in a corner with a flip-up door for access to the extra batteries, controller, and inverter. You would then gain extra lockable, weather-resistant storage in the bed without sacrificing too much real estate for the battery bank and accessories.

 

@MattCowsmasher thank you for the guidance. I had not considered the boxes you suggested. Definitely have a little more to research now.
Removing the rear seats is not a problem. I’ll look into that as well!

@hoverlover thank you as well. Unfortunately the tool box idea won’t work for me. Just not enough room. Even though that is exactly what I need. Just smaller. And still able to mount to the bed somehow behind the tire carrier.
To answer your question I will be adding two batteries so there will be a total of 3. But the two I’m adding should be towards the rear(behind the seats or in the bed) and will only be used for led camp lights, fridge, a speaker etc.
Ideally what I’m looking for is a box that can be secured in the bed, just big enough to hold two batteries and an inverter/ adapters. But you’ve both given me some great ideas to start this project. Thanks again fellas

 

Awesome sounds like a fun project keep us updated on what route you take.

 

Cool cool cool, sounds like you're going to have a pretty slick setup. Looks like you could keep the hard plastic on the backside of the seats too

 

I also forgot I didn't update since I talked to the clutch butcher on Monday so here ya go, anyone that may be following that drama.

I never heard back from the shop after I sent the texts. So Monday I stopped by at 430 to see if they had found my parts and if we could resolve things. We talked about half an hour and at the end of it I got him to agree that the work was sub-par and to redo it and he got me to agree that I'm picky about the work on my truck. I already knew that. I told him that the first time I met with him. He wants to make it right. He offered to put it back on the lift and have his most senior mechanic break it down and put it back together. I took some time to consider it and agreed to give him the opportunity. But I will be hanging out in the bay to help and supervise.

I have been having second thoughts about that decision since I agreed to it.

I'm waiting for the new o-ring for the dust plug to arrive so I have time to call it off or just never show up.

The new dust plug seal was only $5 but the inspection hole cover from Toyota is like $130 and he said he doesn't know where it is. If he can't find it then he can find me a new one.

 

I've been noticing my clutch pedal has been changing it's feel. It started off very soft. Almost unsettlingly sorry. It has sorely started to stiffen up. Now it's as stiff as it was before.

 

Crawl box shipped yesterday

That puts it here Wednesday or Thursday.

Which means I can start installing it over the weekend.

I plan to take it and all my parts to North Carolina to get some help from my dad. He's a drive train god. Like literally.

Anyway, if all goes according to plan, I should have the ADD deleted, FJ case installed, trile sticks done, everything sealed, and the crawl box installed by Wednesday/Thursday next week. If I can get this all trail tested, I think another Moab run might be in the cards for March!

Cannot wait

 

lol that's the first thing I'm gonna do. I mean that's the whole point of it, amirite?

 

Darn skippy I’m so happy for ya can’t wait to see it in action.

 

You heading East soon?

 

Hell yeah, same here

I'll try to leave Friday evening, it's a solid 20hr drive. Usually takes me about 28 with fuel stops and a nap.

 

I know that drive lived in Manteo for a 1.5 years plus I was born in Goldsboro.
Safe travels buddy