How is Life Temporarily Living in A Tacoma?

Hey guys.

Has anyone here ever lived inside Tacoma for an extended time?

Wether it was because of necessity or just for fun?

If so can I get some advice and pointers?

I'm in a situation where I may be living out of my Tacoma. This almost happened a few months ago. But thankfully it never happened since I was not prepared.

Now I am prepared as best as I can be.

Thanks ahead of time.

 

There have been a few threads that either directly reported on the topic or were planning on the topic.

I don't think there's much to be said because it's all dependent on your preparations for comfort, safety, sanitation, your food prep requirements, your ability to deal with minimalist living and your ability to deal with weather extremes when those days come.

It also has dependency on how your truck is rigged of course.

 

Really, this isn't even a "1st Gen Section" question but needs to go in another area as living out of a vehicle (a small truck at that) is an altogether different experience.

 

Every climber I know has lived out of their vehicle for at least a few months. A lot of them drive Taco's but I preferred my 87 Toyota Van. Lived out of it full time for 6 years working as little as possible and climbing as much as possible.

Are you still working or taking a road trip?

 

Where do I put it?

I was asking because my Tacoma is a 1st gen Tacoma, I wanted some feedback as to how people lived in their 1st gen Tacomas.

 

Not working. But I do have an employment coming up soon. In a few months from now.

 

Well at the moment I have all the equipment needed for camping, I have a camper shell to safely store my items.

 

Go on a two month road trip to places/hobbies that interest you. When you need a shower just find a local gym and pay for a day pass. Learn to eat and enjoy mostly dry goods. Top Ramen and potato are quick, cheap and can be done in one pot. Make SURE you have a backup can of fuel. Trust me. lol

 

Is there a site or app that shows you all the BLM places to camp for free?

I'm used to eating and surviving like that did 8 years as a Marine grunt. I've just never done this. Unfortunately my situation went south in a matter of minutes today.

But luckily I have a dream job coming up soon. I already have an employment offer.

 

Every state is different; CA doesn't allow more than 14 days in a 28 day period in the same spot and once you relocate, must be at least 25 miles away from where you stayed.

You don't even state what part of the US you're in (assuming you're in the US).

Just look up your local and state laws.

 

Currently in California eventually making my way to Florida where I permanently reside.

 

Well, sorry to hear about the situation although it's a good thing it's temporary.

Listen, Marines gotta look out for one another.

If you're living out your vehicle and feel like you need something put together/welded up, just let me know. I'm in the Central Valley CA and would be happy to offer some free work for ya if it helps your situation.

 

I have never lived in my Tacoma but have slept in it when it had a shell. The cab is not a comfortable place to sleep, so you'll need to figure out how to store your belongings and have a sleeping space. A platform for sleeping on, with drawers or storage space underneath is pretty common.

 

Thank you I appreciate it alot. We do have to look out for each other as Marines, and also Tacoma enthusiasts.

I may need help my valve covers are leaking oil and unfortunately I don't have a place to fix it.

 

If I was going to someplace I'd just research where was the closest free camping. Most climbing guidebooks contained that info 20 years ago. Now, it's easier just to google "free camping near xxxxxxxx". Spend a few hours looking at the map and figure out all the cool places between CA and FL.

 

It gets old fast !

As a former Ski Bum I did my adventures in the Winter.

All over Northern Mountain West . Being able to have more comfort then out of a Back Pack is nice.

Most times I was able meet someone and be able to take a Shower often.

I can only guess things have Changed since the Mid seventies.

 

Mammoth got bigger and has more ski bums then ever. Most of them driving Sprinters. lol

 

I think it depends on what you have set up around you. I spent 3 months basically living out of my teardrop trailer, and double cab moving between states from March with a couple of feet of snow, to June and 100 degrees a few years ago. It might have been easier for me though, I was bouncing between getting to driveway surf at my brothers, and camping with my parents (travel trailer with AC), staying in the area I was looking for a place to land, I was never in one place for to long, so I didn't ware out my welcome at any one place, though I had many repeated visits at several places.
Pack smart, make sure you can sleep comfortably, it makes a huge difference, keep a clean 'camp' and organized truck, if they don't notice you, they are less likely to have you 'move on'.
I hope for the best in whatever you are going through.

 

The 1gen rear cab window is easy to remove. I have an 'accordion boot' seal between the pinch weld of the cab window cutout and the shell, so there is no window between cab and shell and the seal is water tight. This makes it easy to climb through the rear window instead of having to enter the back camper window for stealth camping.

$70 Gordon Glass™ Accordion Boot Rubber - 10 ft | Spring Clips face The Same Direction

https://www.amazon.com/Accordion-Bo...355714&sprefix=accordion+boot+,aps,197&sr=8-3

 

Considering I’ve never been able to have a leak free topper on either of my 1st gens for 25 years, I think I’d be miserable.