Road Trip Prep Help!!

Hello Taco owners,

I write from SoCal embarking on a road trip this summer with my gf. Plan is to use the Taco, I'm thinking a camper shell, with bed frame and drawers underneath, may add a solar panel to charge devices. Questions are as follows:

1) Rear suspension is stock, should I add anything to support the weight for sleeping purposes, I don't think we'll be over 1500 lbs plus gear but you never know. What should I do first leaf spring support or shock upgrade?

2) Are 5ft shells really that hard to find, I've been looking for a used one under 900 but the picking are slim on CL and other sites, and help to point me in the right direction is helpful.

3) Roof Racks/Storage... is it worth it/ necessary? I don't plan on having THAT much stuff but I know when your living out of a vehicle there's more than you think.

4) How easy is it to have glass installed if I find a shell that has missing glass?

5) Parts list is as follows, if you have links or recs send them! Or junk yards in the area

For context: pre-runner 06' made in cali, 5ft bed 4x2

camper shell- used preferred
driver side mirror
4 wheel hubcaps 6 lug
top weather stripping both sides
right cover for bed storage
lock for tailgate?
solar panel?
Back gate for water jugs and tire, is it worth it?

6) what 5 tools would you bring on a long distance drive?, tire repair, air compressor, universal socket, etc...

 

I wouldn’t do anything other than make it road worthy. Maybe a shell and a sleeping platform, and drawers. Record what you take and when you get home figure out what you don’t use and what things you need. Repeat. As your trips get deeper into the back country, update suspension, etc.

Do that enough times and you’re gonna end up with what you need. If you want tools, a hundred dollar kit will probably be enough. Not handy? Don’t bother or stick to the basics.

 

Unless you are sleeping with the tailgate down I would just sleep in a tent on the ground. I could do the 5ft bed for one, maybe two nights but after that? Forget it.
Camper shell is a good idea though regardless. I love mine, I'd just never sleep back there

 

You definitely don’t need suspension upgrade just for sleeping back there IMO. I’ve done it for years. I upgraded my suspension with Ironman leaf packs last year because of the weight I was hauling regularly for work. I got a 6’ bed and it’s tight, can’t imagine sleeping in a 5’ but people figure it out. Check YouTube?

 

I would get a softopper, or do this:

 

I like the shell. Carry a tent for sure. But I'm 6' tall and either leave the gate down or in inclement weather, kitty corner.

 

Besides all that stuff make sure everything on the truck is lubed etc, drive train service and oil change. Also make sure you got plenty of coolant. Nothing sucks more than truck problems in the middle of nowhere

 

Yeah some people aren’t sweaty sleepers but me and my gf aren’t big people and we barely fit in the 6ft bed

 

Shells can be tough to find in CA for a reasonable price, especially if your on a time crunch. I ended up contacting someone selling their tacoma on craigslist and asked if they would sell the shell separately. I got lucky, but its something to keep an eye out for.

 

Thanx for all the advice so far guys keep it coming, yea the 5ft shells are like mining for gold out here in the golden state, I have standalone tent options but still want something to keep the gear locked up in a day hike situation, maybe just a cover...yikes hope i can find one before going to the dealer

 

You could try this version too, with the tailgate down and topper glass up. I had emailed them before to confirm it would work that way and they sent me pictures proving that it indeed does.

https://rightlinegear.com/truck-tents/suv-tent/

 

IDK what color yours is, but this isn't a bad price for the setup. You would have to replace the rear glass though.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...r-shell-short-bed-socal.716389/#post-25494038

 

If you’re gonna build a truck for over landing don’t use a Tacoma. Use a full size or you’ll eventually reach the point where you’ll be kicking yourself