ARE Walk-In Doors

Yes, it's on the swingout.

 

A better location than the bumper?

 

Yes, definitely. It's up high and gets way better visibility. I have considered moving it to the roof rack on the back, as that will put it even higher.

 

I pulled the whole platform out and will start from scratch.
(Platform made to fit '13 Tacoma AC, 11" boxes fit under the platform. See below)

Why?
The small door, getting in or out, with the platform in place, does not work for us (for sleeping).

Solution, so far. (Still thinking!)
>Sleep at bad level, no raised platform.
>Some sort of bed mat to flatten the ribs. Looking at Toyota brand mat.
>Might/probably use Exped SynMat Duo Pad. Fold and stand on one of the sides?
>Coleman sleeping bags, zip together. Roll, with pillows, and put forward.
>Anything stored in the back, that is in the way of sleeping, needs to fit in the cab, when we want to sleep in the back.
>For storage -- totes that fit on cab seat and cab floor.
>Thule box on top can hold a lot of travel/camping gear.
>Access cab, back seat, will have the ice chest.
>Personal clothes bag can fit at head or foot end, left and right side.

A definite downsize of road trip gear.
Buy food and supplies as we need them, instead of bringing it all.
Kind of like loading for a car, but bringing a truck.

 

That's what I did to start with in my MX, but there's just not enough space for gear - and I have the side toolbox behind one of my windoors.

Have you considered doing a half platform, or making an "annex" for you to get in / out, and then close up at the right height?

We got around the in and out difficulties of the small door by putting one of these:

$34 Camco Heavy Duty 9" Folding Step with Textured Non-Slip Surface - Folds Flat for Storage | 300 lb. Capacity | Great for RVs, Campers, Trailers | Use for Traveling or Campsites - Black, Tan (43638)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XY5BNK4 right below the door as soon as we stop. I considered doing a hitch step, but they were too expensive or too heavy for me to be willing to experiment with.

 

I like that toolbox. I tried to find it on ARE site.
Can it be added to my existing windoor?

The stepping is not the problem. Getting my feet on the truck bed and turning around onto the platform. Then putting the last platform piece in place. Reverse to get out.

You are right, with platform ... gear.

 

I think you can add the toolbox after, but you have to go to an ARE dealer and have it special ordered.

 

I was afraid of that. I do not like that system.

 

Has anyone had to re seal their walk in door ? my seal needs to be replaced, just seeing if anyone else has done it. thanks

 

How are you guys liking to set up? I'm thinking about going with the exact same thing. But wondering if there's enough room to crawl in and out of the small door with a raised platform

 

Tight.
I had a platform. Doable, but not fun. A little gymnastics move.
I would not do it again.

ARE DCU cap has better doors option.

 

Update.
All this works well.

One negative.
The Exped Megamat Duo M, when filled with air, pushes the bottom of the small door open. It is pushing on the hydraulic door cartridge.
It allows cold air in, and, most likely, will leak in rain. I deflated it for travel. Haven't had to sleep in rain yet. So, I am not sure it will leak in rain, while sleeping. Probably will.
The Exped Megamat is just too long for the walk-in door.

 

I have been trying to find a seal for the back glass door and can't come up with one. Called ARE and what they sent to the dealer is not what's on the cap. Anyone have experience with this seal? It's foam, and pushes into a channel around the glass door frame.

 

I’m thinking stick a plastic drinking straw inside connecting the two halves then black silicone the living shit out of it. Nap time.

 

Haha thanks I'll give it a shot

 

I was just looking at mine today. It leaks at the car wash.
Have you tried an authorized dealer?

 

Thank goodness I'm not alone! Yes, called a dealer about a year ago, never heard back let it go. Talked to one in town that said they'd probably want to sell me the whole door frame...how dumb. Went a few days without hearing back and I called ARE and talked to a representative. She was able to give me a part number. Coincidentally later that day the dealer called and told me the part number and that they sell it by the foot. It'd be $70....I know. Ridiculous but I was willing to pay to have the correct item to be an exact fit and not piece together any of the 100s of bulb seals on Amazon. Well I picked it up today and it's crap. I plan to call ARE again tomorrow and provide them pictures of what I have/want and what they sent. Pictures are what sent. What a poor substitute especially at that price point.

Edit: I'm hoping the woman I spoke to just had the wrong part number. Even though I gave my SN and explained to her what I needed on it. Nowhere on my WIC is a seal like this.

 

Ya. No.

 

Sad.
The authorized dealers are hit or miss here.
Boondocks in Etowah, NC (I think) is good.

 

The screws on the inside frame of the walkin door? That is for removing and replacing that seal, right?