overland surf rig

Hey all
Wanted to start a build thread of my truck. I’ve had it about a year now and now entering its second stage. I just got this used utility shell and have some big plans for it. I’ll post the whole story from the beginning of my taco, but for now I’m stoked on this new shell! It’ll give me so many more opportunities compared to my previous leer topper.

 

Side hatches are amazing

 

Welcome.

 

Looking forward to seeing what you do.

 

yo solid start!!!

 

So the first mods on the new camper began over the weekend. First step was to paint it black! I think it matches better than white and gives a cool contrast. Primed and rattle canned in the driveway. Came out pretty good.

 

Next steps are to figure out a roof rack solution. On my previous fiberglass shell I had a diy prinsu style rack that mounted on the roof tracks. You can see my old set up in the picture. I’ll go through this more later. My plan is to put that rack on this aluminum shell, but I think I need some bracing on the inside. I haven’t seen an aluminum shell with an extruded aluminum rack before so we’ll see how it goes.

 

Mocked up the roof rack tonight. Fits up there great. I have plenty of room to stack boards on the left side while the right side has rotopax and a storage case. I also want to get a cab rack from prinsu or Sherpa to add some more storage

 

Nice! Love to see another shelled Tacoma being out to good use

 

Rack is fitted! Was a heck of a job but it’s solid. Cab rack coming in on Tuesday!

 

This is the current set up. Mostly old from when I had my previous fiber glass shell. 6ft drawer with tool section, kitchen section, and a sink section when the stove is pulled out. Gear tunnel on the left side is amazing for surfboard storage. I’m planning on tearing this all out soon and redesigning it to have a half bed along with a small fold down desk for a mobile workstation. Also have a water connection back there to hold 12 gallons of water on board in my front runner footwell tank which lives in the cab.

 

Cab rack install complete! Fairly involved but not that hard of a job. Dropped the headliner to make sure I didn’t drill through any air bags. Up here I plan to get a longer storage case to throw gear in… maybe wetsuits, fins, surf accessories, recovery gear.

 

So now I can start telling the story of the truck… first things first I flew from California to New Mexico to buy it. I really wanted to avoid the CA taco tax and was looking for a clean condition manual access cab. Turns out Alberqurque had what I was looking for! 130k miles and one owner, great price plus a plane ticket. Drove it back to Ventura, CA over two days and 1,000 miles. Fun trip right after buying a new truck. TRD off road trim too.

 

Nice rig! How has the paint held up? Sand it beforehand? I just purchased what looks like the same topper, and am planning on painting it black.

 

Thanks! Yeah I sanded with 400, 600 and then grey scotch bright. Then primed and painted, the paint is pretty thin cause it’s spray paint. Putting on a good clear coat after gives it some more protection. I would do primer + filler if I were to do it again. Black definitely makes for a cool look I think

 

Been a minute, first test of the aluminum shell was Big Sur. Rack did well with holding fuel and 4 surfboards up there. Nice and strong. Definitely cold though with no insulation in there.

 

Started insulating with xps pink foam. Pretty much cut to fit snug so it stays in place but added some aluminum tape to seal the gaps. Still have to do all the doors, I think I’ll have to order some new struts to help out with the foam weight though. Once this is complete I’ll line the interior with some wood or veneer.

 

Then I went up to the lost coast. First camp at usal beach was nice. Peaceful and quiet on the weekdays with a few other campers around. just the roof insulation made a big difference. I pushed on to shelter cove the next day and then returned to SF. No surf up here, too many grey suits

 

Hi Aaron,
Great build! I was thinking of purchasing a Snugtop fiberglass for my long bed. Since you've replaced your fiberglass Leer, I'm just curious to why? Is the low ceiling and load capacity?

Thanks!

 

Haha hey Aaron,
It was mainly the low ceiling, I wanted to sit up inside and fit taller things in on top of my platform in there. Also the side doors are killer, I would never go without them again.
I actually might be selling this shell for a go fast camper here soon too.