AZ BS Thread 4²0

Yeah I liked it because of the tire mount option on the door and the ability to "stealth camp". The weight wasnt too bad either and there was mounting options for gas and propane externally as well.

I may as well take up welding and make my own stuff.

I like the GFC's a lot, though, just wish I could put more outside the cap without getting a swingout which puts me close to the Alu-Cab price unless I score one used.

 

Theres a lot of diy builds to check out.
I've been seriously considering trying to build this one of these days, I'd probably ditch the extrusion and weld all of it to save some cash. I think if you ditch the extrusion you can get it under $2k all in.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-diy-wedge-camper.604686/

You can also ditch the welded frame and go with extrusion for everything, but that adds about $1k.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqW7f7GM2kw

Another guy has done it out of wood and aluminum, no welding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1oBiyagdYE

Takes a lot of woodworking skill to get a result as good as his though.

I know if I tried to build out of wood it would turn out like absolute shit lmao

 

You have time to get it ready!

 

Yeah I'm familiar with both of those. Thanks for sharing, though.

I mostly would like to build a metal shell with a tailgate delete and sturdy enough door to mount a spare to. Keep center of gravity nice and tight and reducing net weight gain. The lack of such an option might be a clue about its difficulty, though.

 

I could never lose my tailgate, I use it as a table way to much. I do like the idea of having the spare closer though, that makes a lot of sense

 

Yeah the tire on the door definitely adds a lot of complexity.
Need some real beefy hinges on that door, maybe utilize one built for a bumper swingout like this: https://www.4xinnovations.com/Swing-Out-Tire-Carrier-Hinge-Assembly_p_109.html. That would be a lot of torque on the entire shell frame when the door is open too. Definitely possible, but you'll have to put a lot of thought into the design and support structure

 

Plus you have a 4 banger. Couple hundred additional pounds on a V6, you're not gonna notice. I notice every pound of beer, I mean pound of food going up highway 260.

 

Yeah theres certainly a trade-off to consider. I dont use my truck for work anymore and most everything I haul fits inside usually. If anything didnt it'd either go on the roof or I just snag a rental truck (or borrow my Dad's or Brother's)

Yeah I was considering the beefiness of that for sure. Not sure how exactly it would mount but it might be a separate piece from the shell then pressed with a gasket and fastened to hold them together but still allow a little flexibility.

The 4 banger is why I figured something this might be better. Net gain isnt as much cause Id lose the tail gate!

 

aww come awn man, its costs money to keep paying life insurance policies to workers families,,, even with the Lion and Hyena coverage.

 

Will you please build an extra for me when you are doing yours?

 

How you been dude?

 

Serious question. Is sleeping in a bed tent worth the extravagant price over the 5mins * N saved it takes to set up a ground tent? (+negatives like added body roll due to raised center of gravity and all)

 

Yes

 

Its worth every penny to be away from the hot/cold/uneven ground, away from spiders/scorpions/snakes, away from misc. critters and peasants down on Earth.

 

I am not the one to ask. I have always just thrown a sleeping bag in my truck bed, wrapped in a bivvy if necessary.

But now that ive got a little dude camping with me I have to figure out something less spartan

 

Sure, but I've never had those issues in a normal tent lol

 

I remembered/found a folding butane-filled extended reach lighter (a very high quality "Scripto" instead of a cheap-o "Bic") ... from earlier days when I needed one but do not use as much now.

 

Sounds like youll be sleeping in a tent then!

 

Damn, wish you were closer so I could get in on all the sick mods your looking at. I could use a sweet camper setup and I regret not doing the frame reinforcement plates when I took the back half of my frame down to bare metal

 

Hmm you look vulnerable