My 2013 Tacoma Access Cab Chinook build in progress

I doubt even a blueprint would keep me on leash. It would however make it easier to plan ahead for some of those inevitable changes. You've done a great job of documenting both the thought process and the physical implementation of your ideas. Anyone contemplating mods could learn something and increase their level of confidence by following this thread. I'm sure many other just enjoy reading the entertaing updates. It's certainly an impressive body of work.

 

Thank you Scott! I have tried to stay a few steps ahead as I progressed... today for instance, I temp hooked up a propane bottle and ran the generator... that has made my LP system become a priority as well as fine tuning my soundproofing! The propane system has to be systematic because my cooktop and fridge have appliance regulators that will only take low pressure feeds. The generator and grill have seperate regulators that need high pressure feeds straight from the tank...I am making all of the propane line connections in vented non-interior compartments of the camper..... I also received the new in line duct fan so the AC project just jumped up the priority list...

 

I have the LP system parts and pieces ready to install... a propane shop about 20 miles away was recommended to me and what a gem it was. A smart guy and everything I needed on the shelf including ready made hoses with flair fittings on both ends in increments from 2-20’...just great!

 

Incredible. You are defining "jack of all trades" with this build.

 

Thanks Justin! More like student of all trades. Everyday is a school day!

 

Worked on the propane system and got a lot done. Fabricated starboard plastic mounts for the secondary regulator and for the generator regulator...the generator reg has a push button prime button. I mounted the assembly in the back of a kitchen compartment... put the LP manifold together... ready to hook up appliances. Used a marine cable grommet where my propane line enters the camper... very tidy and water tight... my manifold and all of my propane connections are in the vented storage area where the grill stores... isolated from the camper living space.

 

Like a good book I'm going to have to reread this when it's done

 

Just worked a couple of hours this morning. I made and installed a diamond plate bracket for the primary LP regulator so it will be supported when the hose is disconnected from the tank.
Also removed the inline duct fan from my air conditioner cabinet...it did not have the CFM capacity I needed. I installed a 12V bilge blower in its place...230CFM... AC duct trial and error has been a PIA! I ordered another 120V fan online but when I got it it was huge! Kind of pumpkin shaped instead of a cylinder like the photo on Amazon.... No room for it. Getting returned. My 12 volt fan moves big air. I will wire it through a switch off of the step down transformer on my shore power distribution center. I want to get the AC in tomorrow.

 

Now that's some fan. Better to find out now than on the road. Hopefully your shake down cruise won't generate too big a list.
I know it's way late to even mention this and my appologies for doing so but it may help someone else later on... The biggest difference between a window system and a regular automotive system is that window systems are self-contained units. Would it be possible to separate the evaporator and condensor to relocate the heat generating part in a more easily vented location as the truck's is. It might even help with load balancing to shift some of the apparatus to the front of the truck.

 

I explored all of these thoughts Scott. I have every cubic foot accounted for. What I love about the window unit is that it is a hundred dollar unit to replace. If I cut it apart and run copper lines, etc etc, It would be better to use a small RV basement unit. Despite my trials I think my little unit is going to do a good job! I will report when I am doing my finish electric work in air conditioned comfort, god willing!

 

I expect so, I have one cooling my bedroom whichever is much larger rhan your Chinook. As usual you've considered things thoroughly. Can't sneak anything past ya.

 

My little AC setup is working good! Just temped in. Here is how it worked out...
Exhaust side is combo external vent (4”x12”) and 230 CFM fan pulling hot air to remove coil heat. And intake side is probably half outside air and half inside... not ideal for max efficiency on cooling a room but what the hell... I am cooling a tent. Cold air raining down on me!

 

Spent some time under the rig today securing all of the wire looms, hoses and harnesses after running the low pressure LP lines to the generator... burned through a pile of zip ties... that has been on the list for too long! The bottom of this rig is really tidy. I don’t think the pics will show it but the painted steel sub frame with fiberglassed structural foam inserts with undercoating look really clean..
As the summer heats up I am slowing down. Plugging away in the morning and taking afternoons off. I was hoping to be rolling to cooler climates by now but I am not really under any deadlines to finish... I planned a trip with my wife for the month of August... Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria... Looking forward to a break.

 

Siesta time is nap time.

 

I ran 12V wiring for the fridge and hooked up the propane line. I also cut the hole for the fridge vent and installed the vent...the refrigerator is back in its hole again and ready to be trimmed out...also cut the whole in the bulkhead facing the back of the passenger seat for the 12V switch panel... this panel has 6 fused switches... for fuel gauge, fridge, water pump and some lights... I will have my main interior LED lights on a separate dimmer and my oscillating fan has its own switch, just needs to be fused.
I am enjoying my slower pace and afternoons off...

 

My wife made some nice canvas covers to keep the UV off of the composite propane tanks!

 

Looks clean as expected. Speaking of vents, since the back wall of the cab is gone the vent went with it. Not sure what it does, maybe it mutes the wah-wah effect when the windows are down that old cars experienced. Is there any similar vent now or no longer a need due to the larger interior volume?

 

No longer a need for that vent Scott... I think the purpose of that factory vent or baffle from the factory is to eliminate compression of air when a door is quickly closed... when I had the pickup in flatbed form early in the build, I saw how that flap let air expell when the door was slammed due to the low volume of air in the cab....

 

I filled my countersunk nail holes in my hardwood trim around my floor hatches in the access cab. Sanded and stained that wood trim as well as the countertop and leaf for my kitchen... I covered the stainless steel kitchen sink bottom with grey felt where it can be seen through the open storage cabinet and then reinstalled the countertop. I plan to eventually install the felt on all of the inside cabinet surfaces...
Modified a sheet metal 4” duct register and installed it at the exit of my AC cooling fan so I can finalize and button up the generator compartment. I fit a split rubber hose on the edges that I cut so nothing can get cut or chafed on the edge and attached it to the welded steel subframe with self tapping screws...
My friend is getting ready to start staging a huge cruise ship job so I have been working on lessening my footprint in his shop. Left to my own devises I have been known to spread out! And spread out pretty good with all my half baked jobs... pile for propane, pile for electric, pile for upholstery etc etc

 

A tiny instant gratification job this morning... covered the AC enclosure in grey hull liner...most of the bare fiberglass inside the camper will get this finish.
Side note about my Air Lift airbags. They have fantastic customer service! I jacked up my installation by under tightening the plastic but on the right side bag on the initial installation allowing the bag to shift onto the shock and leak. They sent me a new one gratis even after I told them it was my installation error... after having my mechanic put the replacement on when they put the add a lift kit (I did not want to do it without a lift in this heat).... the other side is leaking! It is leaking where the rubber meets the plastic top. I assume it is from driving with the other bag flat... I called customer service and they are sending me the other gratis too! They are a rare company in this day and age! The posted pic is with the bags at 85lbs. I run them typically at about 50lbs. The extra pressure brings the back of the truck up quite a bit but pretty stiff on the ride. I have not played with the air pressure much yet...