From Ellie to Ellsworth - A Tacoma Transformation (new car, new name, some of the old mods)

Meet Ellie. She is a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 2x4. We love her dearly.

We will be chronicling her adventures, mods, and eventual gender reassignment here... Stay tuned for updates.

Spoiler alert: We turn her into a 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 and rename her Ellsworth in Feb 2023.

But, the story begins with...

Mod #1: GFC Camper

We acquired it from Craigslist San Diego on 2/5/22 for $7,000.

But, it was originally installed on someone else's White Tacoma Double Cab 6 Foot Bed on 9/2/21 - https://gofastcampers.com/blogs/pro-team/toyota-tacoma-1870.
Order #: 1870
Product: V2 Camper Panel
Color: White
Install Date: 2021-09-02
Location: Idaho

 

Mod #2: Pull-Out Bike Tray

Idea credit: https://faroutride.com/slide-out-bike-rack/
**Note: Tacoma with camper shell has WAY LESS height/clearance than a camper van... There will be a V2 for truck bed bike mounting in 2023.

This ended up being overly heavy/bulky for our use case. We don't actually need the tray installed for everyday use. We'll move to a simple plywood plate with fork mounts on the next build... stay tuned.

 

Mod #3: Suspension, Wheels, & Tires

SUSPENSION & 2 IN LIFT: Bilstein 6112 front; Bilstein 5160 rear; Built Right UCAs
WHEELS: 17" MR704 Method race wheels
TIRES: LT285/70R17 Toyo Open Country A/T III
INSTALLER: THE TRUCK SHOP ($6,500)
INSTALL DATE: 3/9/2021

 

Note: Tire tread is 14/32 inches after ~1 year (2/25/23 garage photos below versus 3/6/22 install above).

 

What an awesome build! You stole that GF camper

 

Mod #4: Camper Dust Vent

What & why: This mail-truck/horse-trailer vent pressurizes the truck bed to keep dust out while off-roading.
Parts: https://dogboxparts.com/product-category/air-vents/
Inspiration: https://forum.gofastcampers.com/t/sealing-and-dust-in-the-bed/505/30

 

We got super lucky on the GF camper found locally. Skipped in line for sure. Your comment made me fact-check my purchase price. It was $7,000. I forgot that $5,000 is the Venmo limit... then we had to pay the difference in Zelle. Worth every penny nonetheless.

 

Haha still a good deal at 7k

 

Do you have one or are you in line for a new one? Curious to compare notes with a fellow GFC-er. We've had issues with the brackets. Trying to figure out how to tighten them enough for off-road terrain without bending/flexing them too much.

 

I actually do not. I’m on the hunt for a GFC but just haven’t been able to find one used.

 

Mod #2 VERSION 2: Plywood Bike Tray Deconstructed

Step 1: deconstruct the bike tray
Step 2: repurpose the base plywood to fit the width of the truck bed
Step 3: cut holes to secure it to the stock D-rings imbedded in the bed cover
Step 4: secure it with some wedges and screws**
*We'll revisit this part on VERSION 3. This was a temporary mod to enable a Presidents Day adventure ride (3 secure bikes, 1 truck)!

 

If you're willing to drive to Southern California instead of Idaho, we've seen a lot in the area. I'd check Craigslist San Diego & Craigslist Los Angeles.

 

Very true I keep seeing some on Vilmontmarket on Instagram down in LA and SD. I actually grew up in SD so could always visit my family on the trip

 

Mod #5: GZila Rain Fly Holders

What and why: flexible poles to keep tent cover open during the day (for partial shade and easy entry/exit)
Parts: https://www.gzila.com/products/rain-fly-pole-holder
Inspiration: https://forum.gofastcampers.com/t/gzila-rain-fly-pole-holders/3013