VBTaco Build

After a 6 month wait, lots and lots of spray paint and way too many hours trying to get these mounted, I FINALLY have proper rock sliders. I cannot wait to get back out to the trails with the additional clearance!

 

Had an empty spot on the Switch Pros from @SDHQ OFF ROAD so I said why not? Tis the season!

 

I’m guessing that’s too big to fit in the back seat pocket

 

Yeah, once it's filled it's got some girth to it. However, this one might? I haven't tried to measure back there. https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/collections/tools/products/tool-bag

 

how do you like the smart cap?

 

Late on responding to this sorry. I love it. IDK if it's worth the cost over a standard fiberglass one but it's been great so far.

 

Not a lot of updates on the build for awhile but I just didn't have the energy over the holidays to deal with mods or doing them in the cold. Things are warming up and I've gotten back on it. I spent the last few months planning the bed storage and camping setup and collecting parts. The bed will feature water, power, air and gas with a fridge, hot water heater, store and sink. This weekend I got started on the lower frame. I used 1x6 stock with dados to save some money and weight. The sides are 3/4 plywood and once I have the drawer slides in place I'll make some reliefs for weight. I'll run by and grab more plywood for the top this week. This will be 2 parts so I can remove it when necessary and was all designed around the 10g water container. With the 14" height I think I have space for an additional drawer on both sides so I'm showing a rough mock here.

I also got tired of tripping on the fuel skid laying my garage since the fall and got that on. Finally, I added a GMRS radio last month and have started collecting parts for the 2nd battery install.

 

This year has been packed full of events that have prevented me from being able to get out and take advantage of the weather so I haven't done much since the fall. However, I'm getting back underway. As the bed storage comes together I've realized I need to add a bit more support to the rear it so I added the last leaf to the RXT pack. It took me the better part of Saturday as an amateur but it's done now. I'm glad I paid to get the front done a few months back. The heavy mechanical stuff is not what I'm best at for sure. I also add the battery box for the new starter battery. I have a second to add this summer. Next weekend we're heading to Uwharrie so it'll be a few more weeks before the bed storage is in place.

 

Uwharrie didn't disappoint. There were some great trails and the event had reservations for a ride on private land throughout the day. Friday night's late-night wheeling was the best part.

 

i keep coming back to this build...want to model mine after this but the RSI smartcap is so bank.

 

No doubt it's super expensive but I am going the buy once cry once route. I started off cheap with the steps and that was an instant regret. You can go a bit cheaper with Snugtop and Leer etc. I like the color matching look and fitment better of the fiberglass. However, now having owned both over multiple trucks, this is far superior from a utilitarian aspect. Everything from gas to shocks are expensive right now. I'm only doing this once so I have tried to go all out and use this stuff over the next 10 years.

 

It's been slow going but here is some progress on the kitchen and storage. Left is cooking/cleaning/sleeping and right will be fridge/utensils and tools/water/air/gas. I have another drawer to make and hope to have the custom stove pop-up done (shown mocked up).
So so so much left to do including relief cuts for weight, wiring, plumbing, carpet, hatch covers, tiedown points, drawer faces etc. Note that the "wing" that goes over the wheel well is only on the right. The left will come off so I can remove the drawers if need be. This will all be wired with a fuse box behind the fridge to a 4awg Anderson plug running to the front with a Redarc BCDC1225d.

This has been difficult without a plan. I was mocking it up on the fly after over a year of dreaming it up. Lots of trial and error. If I had to do this again I would go with all 1/2" plywood. The 3/4" is just super heavy, was way too expensive in this day and age and way overkill. This thing will be a rock when it's done but I really don't think it's needed.

 

Great truck, and great job with such a comprehensive build so quickly

Is that Lunar Rock?

Also, did you have to have any programming done by the dealer for your TSS after lift or grill swap? TSS is one reason I've held onto my 2017 so long.

 

Thanks so much. I wish! It's just regular Joe cement union gray. It has been relatively quick but I really wanted to get this one to the major done stage and enjoy it for 10 years vs my last one and build it slowly selling it once it was done. I haven't done anything with the TSS. My opinion is that the truck went up 2.5" and the sensor went down about the same. My biggest worry was the bar up front obstructing it but so far no issues. Radar works as it should and I'm the opposite lol. I bought the truck for the safety and extra boojie features.

 

I realized I haven't posted in here and only on Facebook for a good bit of the summer. Progress has been very slow with the heat and to be honest I haven't been super motivated over the summer. As of today, the unit is mostly put together and in the truck. Wiring is underway and then plumbing needs to be finished followed by the wings and drawer fronts. Lots of mistakes and learning moments have happened but I feel confident this will be done in the next few weeks for some fall trips!

I went with a marine carpet. This is going to get dirty but will be fine with water. I'll just need to vacuum it from time to time. I'm sure I will redo this in a year or 2 and may try vinyl or some sort of rubber mat. I color matched the paint at Home Depot in a semi gloss



I actually had to cut the entire back off of the draws and boxes because everything was a tad too long. The tailgate has a slight angle and the handles didn't clear even with the gap I left. The drawers either blocked something or didn't clear something by a 1/2". I was pissed for several weeks before redoing it.



Everything was made to fit this water container and the fridge. Here you can see the recessed L track for quickly tying down things like my tent, chairs etc. After multiple trips I've learned how much things get tossed around on rough trails.



Water pump and pressure tank. Probably overkill but it will help with the sink and shower.



Everything on the business side is installed. Fridge, air, fuse box, water, pump, pressure tank and gas (5# with a strap on those D rings).



Gas pop up. Stores flat but needs to be vertical for use. This needs some finish work on it still and a better bracket for the handle.



Rago 2nd battery box and Redarc BCDC. This will hold a group 35 AGM. It's not a massive lithium setup for converters and big accessories. I'm only camping in 1 spot per night with trail rides and charging in-between. I also have an ecoflow river for the tent and device charging. This will power LED scene lights, the sink before and after dinner and the fridge. I will be adding solar to the Smart cap down the road and have a Noco dual shore power charger coming for before and after trips.





Assembled in the truck. I have the d rings and turnbuckles in as well now (not shown here).


Everything opened. I posted this open a few months back if you missed it. I've started on the drawer fronts and handles this week and hope to be done end of September.

 

Over the last 2 weekends I made some solid progress on the wings and faces. The wings are resting on metal l brackets and attached with magnets. On the face, the right side will house switches, gauges and charging ports. I'm thinking up some kind of storage for my fishing rods and awning poles on the left at the moment. I also picked up another group 35 and hope to start wiring this coming weekend.

 

Wow, that’s really amazing craftsmanship. It looks like professional quality work, but better because it’s customized. Good stuff.

 

@Road_Warrior thank you so much. It shows better in pictures but trust me, there have been plenty of learning moments and mistakes. It is really coming together though.

 

Yeah I’m sure that took a good amount of trial and error. I wish I had the skill to do that type of build.

I think a sliding drawer just on the drivers side of my bed would be great. I have a toolbox on that side of my cap that has access from the side. It would be very useful to have a drawer under that and keep the rest of the bed free. Since I’ve already lost a bit of storage on that side of the bed anyway. I doubt I’ll ever do it though lol

 

Snagged some new to me fogs from @douglas_ngo