My 2013 Toyota Tacoma build ( from start to now )

Hey all,

Let's start this journey together.

I recently bought a 2013 Tacoma Crew Cab Long Bed 4x4 (CCLB) and after taking it camping to the Grand Canyon decided that I need better insulation than a truck tent can offer, and room. A lot more room. Let's call this my recreation of van life.

For the past 6 weeks I have been watching camper build threads and today I have taken all the measurements I needed to start this journey.

I also did a to scale rendering on sketch up. I know the truck I am using is a 3rd Gen not a 2nd Gen but at least it's a long bed. I am or was worried about the over all figment over the cab. My plans are fitting a Queen sized mattress above the cab or at least a full.

I will be working with an all aluminum frame, fiberglassed plywood construction and XPS 400 or XPS 600 foam insulation.

This is going to be a lengthy and detailed build thread with A LOT of pictures.


Thank you all for the inspiration.

Here are pics of the first night home

 

This is my current camping setup.

it actually works VERY WELL. But not so much when it's @ 20*


Anyways.

also had made a bed kit to keep me off the bed floor.

Camping was comfortable. But I just need more.

 

Let's fast forward a bit,

I just made a few renderings this afternoon. Let me know what you think.




I changed some things around the back side to allow maximum space utilization.


The square front will eventually be rounded a little bit but for now it is what it is.

 

My uncle started a similar project. I don't know what model it was but it was a 70s full sized Chevy 1 ton with a 327.

Fast forward 2 years, my family moved away and returned. His project was now a pile of epoxy coated wood. Instead he bought a thing, similar shaped what you have in mind. It slept 5 comfortably, little toilet, 4 burner stove, little sink, dining room table that converted to a bed. It was over 40 years ago so I don't remember his reasons.

If you have the time, patience, ambition, and plenty of friends who will help for beer, you might end up happy with the results. Best of luck & happy camping!

 

I appreciate it. I will be posting pics along the way.

 

Looking forward to seeing this build! I've always wanted to do something like this.

 

Thanks I am waiting on a few quotes.

 

I have to edit the final chop but the structure overall won't really change

 

Just a thought why not try and find a slide in camper that would suffice for this? It's so big now you might as well just buy a boxed style U-haul truck and go with something like that. I have a feeling what you are going to find is that it's really top heavy and COG will be really off. I don't know how safe it will be off roading. Would an RTT work and then build something to go around the sides of the bed to enclose it?

 

Man, I love your enthusiasm! Good luck!

 

I have been looking at slide ins as well. The problem with that is, a slide in will cost me $$$$ if I am able to find something to fit between the wheel wells. I have a soft tent setup in the truck that works at the moment. But it isn't insulated and gets super cold so camping in the winter is a no go. That's why I have started looking at building an aluminum frame to help keep weight down.

My biggest reason is to challenge myself and see whether I am able to make a "comfortable" camping space for fishing, or long road trips.

I'd like a vehicle that I can Take camping in all sorts of weather.

I see the concern about COG and what you're saying. And it make's perfect sense. I have also been brainstorming and messing around with ideas that would make a permanent fixed setup. which would bring the COG WAY down, give me water storage, hot water and add an extra 2' of space across.

Kind of like the TACOZILLA Tacoma @ SEMA. Or the truck house.

There are certain takeaway's I really liked from either.

but..

we shall see and time will tell.

 

Yeah, I hear ya those slide in campers were never cool per se until social media and influencers told everyone they were cool. Honestly if it were me, and what it sounds like you really want is a trailer? Why not go for a smaller trailer, lift it and put some bigger tires on it and off-road hitch and roll that. It’s already built, has everything you’re wanting and needing and it won’t cost anywhere near the amount that build you are looking to do. I love builds and what not but just seems like once you get it in your truck it’s not coming out. Your COG, height clearance will be affected. Plus once you get somewhere you can take it off the hitch and go explore. Just a thought