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I want to start camping again. (The unintentional build)

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by GODZILLA, Apr 27, 2021.

  1. Apr 27, 2021 at 3:13 PM
    #1
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Trying not to mod it
    This won’t look like a typical build thread beyond the first couple posts because it originally started out as a brainstorming session for me to sort out stuff I wanted for camping. Well, by the time I was ordering the stuff I realized “Well shit. I’ve got a build thread here.”




    The quick and dirty as she sits now pic.

    Well, I traded Vera for Saffron. Firefly fans should definitely get that one!

    Downsized from a Tundra to a Tacoma, but upgraded from an SR5 to a TRD Pro. Fits my needs better, and I only really miss the rear defroster so far.

    [​IMG]



    Say hello to Vera. Firefly fans will get the name.


    [​IMG]


    Pic will be updated as things change. In post 2 I will try to chronicle the journey and update it with any additions. Post 3 was how this thread started... before it became a build thread.

    2019 SR5 Crewmax in Cavalry Blue
    Mods and additions in the current pic are:

    • Dirty Deeds 10" BAMuffler system without the resonator
    • Falcon Sport Tow/Haul Shocks by TeraFlex on the level setting
    • Coachbuilder +2 Shackles and carrier bearing drop kit
    • Stealth Custom Series Ray10 wheels in gunmetal +25 offset
    • Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires in 275/70R18
    • RCI Off Road rock sliders, engine, transmission, and tank steel skid plates
    • Jomax Customs ABS armor
    • Jowett Performance Filter Housing
    • Fumoto Valve
    • Bedliner from a trusted body shop
    • Toyota Cavalry Blue TRD Sport grille and hood bulge
    • Toyota TRD all black shift handle
    • CaliraisedLED 7" Bed Rack
    • iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 RTT
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2022
    a_double, Black Wolf, Oey12 and 7 others like this.
  2. May 11, 2021 at 9:36 PM
    #2
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Wyoming
    Vehicle:
    2023 Solar Octane TRD Pro TACOMA, 2022 Honda CB500X
    Trying not to mod it
    I’ll try to keep it chronological. I Purchased the truck new in 2019 with the packages pictured below. Requirements for me were LED headlights, center console with the larger fuel tank, the amazing, and navigation. Those were all in the last 3 packages, so everything else was just gravy.

    upload_2021-12-5_5-50-43.jpg


    The day she came home with me.

    upload_2021-12-5_5-51-12.jpg


    For the first mod, I lucked into a crazy group buy on the most epic 10" muffler system, courtesy of @dirtydeeds!

    upload_2021-12-5_5-52-20.jpg


    Then a Labor Day Sale with @RCIoffroad let me snag engine, trans, and fuel tank skids, plus some rock sliders. Got the sliders bed lined locally and had the bed done too. First pic here is still one of my favorites of the truck.

    upload_2021-12-5_5-55-1.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_5-55-49.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_5-58-16.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_5-56-7.jpg


    Next I decided to reduce the chrome with a TRD Sport grille and hood bulge, and at some point the TRD shifter from Cool Springs Toyota. @Roman is still a parts god, even if their online sales department has come to an end.

    upload_2021-12-5_5-57-8.jpg

    This thing is the mod I touch every day I drive the truck, and I love it.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-1-24.jpg


    At this point I was pretty happy with the truck. Because I had originally intended not to mod at all, I felt like I was done. Then I saw @CementTurdOffRoad's truck here https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...5-gen-tundra-today.713/page-1020#post-1368197 and I knew I had to get those wheels.

    Long story short, I worked with @scs_vuth to get my hands on a set of 5 Gunmetal Ray10 wheels. I wrapped them in 275/70R18 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires that I got at a steal from Wal-mart.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-8-37.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-8-52.jpg


    Another member posted up a crazy low price from Amazon for some Gator Floor Mats. They are just Husky brand, but way less money. On sale I paid less than $100. Very pleased with them so far.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-11-17.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-11-27.jpg


    Again, at this point I thought I was done. The only suspension that ever interested me were the Falcon Sport Shocks with Tow/Haul adjustment by TeraFlex, but I felt they were just too costly for what you got. I don't tow anything heavy but I love getting this out for some fun times!

    upload_2021-12-5_6-17-40.jpg

    Well, because I tow that thing I couldn't pass up a once in a lifetime group buy set up by @French Avocado for the Falcons. Thank you, Steve!

    I also added a little tribute to our resident Pigeon Overlord, @Squatting Pigeon, so I believe I have the only set of Pigeon Shocks on a Tundra. These were coupled with Coachbuilder +2 shackles to maintain some rake.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-21-43.jpg

    Here she is getting an alignment afterwards.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-23-30.jpg

    The Falcons were set to level the front, the shackles bumped the rear, so it was a little lift the whole way around that maintained a factory rake look. The gutter/curb drops a fair bit in the pic so it looks level, but she's face down booty up. :anonymous:

    upload_2021-12-5_6-27-30.jpg


    And of course I had to try it out. These are from Casper Mountain in Wyoming.

    upload_2021-12-5_6-28-26.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-28-38.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-28-58.jpg


    After the minor testing on Casper Mountain a buddy and his wife accompanied me on a trip to run over Imogene Pass in Colorado. We started in Telluride and headed toward Ouray. Poor line choice resulted in my rock sliders paying for themselves. :D

    upload_2021-12-5_6-31-9.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-31-20.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-31-30.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-31-40.jpg

    upload_2021-12-5_6-31-56.jpg


    Slightly less exciting mods without pics are the Fumoto drain valve for the oil pan, Jowett Performance billet aluminum filter housing with another drain valve (Thank you @Prostar 190 for pointing me toward that one!), and then I have the Jomax ABS armor thanks to @14burrito. I still have an ESP rear seat storage bin to install too.

    Great pics and install guide for the Jowett Performance Filter Housing from @Inquiringone
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/billet-oil-filter-cap-with-drain-valve-installation.65512/

    I don't have pics of my ABS armor but here's a link with plenty. https://www.tundras.com/threads/new-product-release-for-07-to-21-tundra.70102/

    That's the journey in a nutshell so far. As you will see if you move on in the thread the camping mods are starting to be ordered as well. Then I'll be done. No, really. I mean it. :laughing:
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2022
  3. Jul 2, 2021 at 1:12 AM
    #3
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Trying not to mod it
    I toyed with the idea of a small toy hauler and just can't do it. Too much $$$ for something that I don't think I'd capitalize on. Restricts mobility too much, etc. This brings me to a RTT as a quick, simple option, so I am now faced with trying to figure out the logistics and options. Lots of bed rack options out there, lots of RTT options, and I don't know a bunch of people that have either of them. Researching for the last few hours I have been able to determine a few things I like/dislike, but being able to use you guys as a sounding board to learn from your experience (and mistakes) is one of the major benefits of this forum.

    This is going to be a long process, and I will likely have to get these items piecemeal because I am really broke right now. I hope to be ready to go by next summer, but it may take longer than that.

    I'll try to layout what I've got, and what I'd like in an organized fashion. I'll have a Bold topic, then numbers below with comments, ideas, or questions. Bullet points as needed for further breakdown. If you answer by referencing the Bold Topic and the number it will help my simple mind keep track of what you are telling me. Thanks in advance!

    My Truck Info/Additions
    1. CrewMax 4x4, so good interior room for vulnerable items, but less bed space.
    2. RCI skids on engine, trans, and fuel tank.
    3. RCI Sliders (Driver side still has one bolt that hasn't been installed yet. #38GallonProblems)
    4. 275/70R18 tires on +25 offset wheels
    5. Falcon Sport e-Tow/Haul Shocks *Pending Install* For now they are in a box under a bed. :oops: INSTALLED! Love them.:D
    Things I need

    1. Bed stiffeners - If I am going to put a bed rack on the truck and haul a tent on it, I imagine this is needed? I have no idea what ones would be best or if the brand matters.

    2. Spare Tire Holder - I bought a matching spare when I got wheels, and I don't want to hang it underneath to get beat up with rocks thrown by the tires and such. So my spare has been riding in my back seat for security... That need to change. Suggestions for the bed would be welcome, but see the 5th bullet point under number 5.

    3. Bed Rack - Lots of options, and price ranges. I don't need it to haul more than the tent, and maybe a Kayak or two eventually
    • Shorter rack could keep the tent closer to the roofline, or below for better aerodynamics.
    • Higher rack would make hauling longer items like kayaks possible by clearing the roofline.
    • Adjustable rack (Yakima HD) could do both.
    4. Roof Top Tent - So many options, but I do have some needs/wants.
    • Hard top is a must. Easier for one man setup and takedown. Especially in crappy weather/wind.
    • Prefer a side opening tent as the bed on the CrewMax would make anything really long a problem with overhang.
    • 4 person capacity is greatly desired, but a 3 man might be acceptable. Never know if I'll have to share. At the very least it is highly likely that my dog will go with me on many trips.
    • Not planning on a bunch of winter camping, so 4 season is not a must. Might be nice on an ice fishing trip, though. Definitely needs to be able to handle rain and wind.
    5. Camping Supplies
    • I've got a good sleeping bag for myself. Any guests would have to bring their own until I get spares.
    • Camp stove/grill. Warm food is nice to have. Recommendations? Ones to avoid?
    • Camping utensils and dishes. Any special sets or brands that you guys have found to be amazing?
    • Heater for colder nights? Do I really need one in a RTT?
    • Storage... a Decked drawer system would be a good way to store the camping gear and still have it accessible, but holy crap are they expensive. Not sure anything else is going to beat the ease of use, accessibility, and security they bring to the table.

    Preferences that apply to everything above
    1. I REALLY don't want to drill holes in my truck. I am pretty sure bed stiffeners will require it, but anything that can go on the factory Rail System will.
    2. Low maintenance items are always preferred, even if they are more expensive.
    3. In direct contradiction to the statement above; I'd like to not go broke setting this up. I'm ok paying for quality, but not for names.
    4. If you have suggested products for anything above, would you be kind enough to provide a link?

    EDIT: I am not new to camping. I love to see the willingness of members here to teach and share knowledge, but I have the basics down. You guys all rock, and I appreciate all the engagement on this topic. The purpose of this thread is to spitball primarily about the gear, see if there is gear I've not considered as alternatives, and to someday be a build list of how I have set up my truck for camping.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2022
  4. Jul 2, 2021 at 1:13 AM
    #4
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Trying not to mod it
    Items being considered (will edit as this changes)

    Bed Racks

    RCI is out due to my personal concerns with the mounting plate construction. Tons of people rock this with no issues, but I know my damn Irish luck, and I'm not willing to risk it.
    Cali Raised is the winner for me. Forum member testimony, price (on sale for November), and supporting a forum vendor put this in my shopping cart. ***UPDATED*** 1/29/22 - There was some damage (cosmetic) to the unit I was shipped, I vented, howled, calmed down, and would still get a Cali Raised LED rack again. They say they are also implementing changes in policy and equipment so future customers don't have the experience I did. If they follow through on that remains to be seen.
    Leitner loses out for three reasons. Drilling, cost, and height. If I can avoid drilling I'd like to, the price is nuts, and I'd like to keep the tent as close to at or below the roofline of the truck as I can. It's an amazing rack, but it's just not for me.
    Can't find them in stock anywhere, and overpriced.
      • Similar concept to the Yakima, but wins out on multiple factors
      • No Drill
      • Comes fully equipped with crossbars and sidebars
      • Adjustable Height
      • Aluminum keeps weight down and won't rust (HW still might)
      • 450 lbs Dynamic load and 1350 lbs Static (That is the entirety of my Tundra's payload as a static load)
    Overland's rack only loses out because I opted to support forum members and go on their recommendations. That's it.

    Alternative to a Bedrack Camper Shell
    • Just thought about it, and some toppers can be reinforced to accommodate roofracks that can take a RTT. Holy crap.:eek: Priced some of these. 3 times the cost of bed racks is the norm. I'd have to get a used one that was built for a roof rack, and even then it'd cost more. Barring a crazy good deal on a used one, camper shells are OUT!

    RTT Options

    ***UPDATED*** 1/29/22 - Well, this wound up being a nightmare. New product and the issues were apparent from the get go. It's all hashed out from this post https://www.tundras.com/threads/i-w...nintentional-build.91512/page-12#post-2577504 onward in this thread. Suffice it to say, I would not do business with Roofnest again. Too much risk of cheap Chinese manufacturing issues.
    • Roofnest Condor XL https://roofnest.com/product/condor-xl/
      • Looks to be solid design
      • Plenty of room
      • Easy setup and takedown
      • Cheaper than the iKamper
      • LED lights inside and outside
      • Includes shoe and gear bag
      • Slip on locks for the struts are a nice touch for extra confidence in windy conditions
    Well, Roofnest wins, but not the Condor XL as originally intended. They introduced a brand new fold out tent that is a little smaller, but much tougher. Combined with Black Friday pricing I couldn't pass it up. Meet the Condor Overland! (personally hate the name, but love the idea)

    https://youtu.be/aw_oU-E9wT8
    The Tuffstuff has been eliminated after watching some longer term reviews and videos where people showed that the quality just didn't quite seem to match the Roofnest or the IKamper. Get what you pay for, I suppose.
    • iKamper Skycamp 2 https://www.ikamper.com/products/skycamp2/
      • Huge
      • Fast setup and takedown
      • Most expensive model being considered
      • Available in with a bedliner like coating that protects it against sun damage
      • Replaceable fabric and different material options for the replacement
      • Quality is touted by owners
      • Shoe and gear bags are both sold separately
      • Option to get an inner insulated tent for colder weather (4 season)
      • My brother has one, so I can get a hands on look at it
      • Flagship of hard shell RRTs, but no extras included
      • Would have to mount on top of a camper shell or very tall rack due to length (see pics below for higher rack and overhang if low rack is used)
    [​IMG]
    upload_2021-7-3_0-43-49.jpg
    The iKamper is out for 2 big reasons; Size and cost. You can see in the pic above that there's really no way to run it below the roof line unless you want to have a massive overhang in the rear, and then it's just so damn expensive. Bonus reason, I've not seen any review that hasn't mentioned that you need extra padding in the tent because it's built to Korean standards of comfort.



    Bed Stiffener Options
    Final thought - Do I actually need the stiffeners? Does the Decked system do anything to stabilize the bed sides?

    Storage Solution Options

    • Totes
      • This is the economy storage solution
      • Gear and totes can be removed for full bed access
      • Flipside of above: Gear MUST be removed for daily driving
      • Can be used in bed or on trailer
    • Toolbox/large locking box on trailer
      • Could be permanently attached to the trailer
      • Keeps trailer/SxS specific items out of the truck
      • Flat lid could double as a table/prep space if tall enough
    Tire Carrier Options

    This is going to be challenge for a few reasons. If I have a Decked Drawer system it is going to lift the wheel/tire up enough that mounting to the factory Rail System might not be feasible. I'd like to have some security for this as well. SCS wheels ain't cheap, and scum will thieve anything that isn't bolted/locked down.

    Camp Stove/Grill
    Thanks for the recommendation @BravoDeltaRomeo

    Camp Dishes
    • Currently I'm thinking any generic set of durable dishes would work. So far, that is the general consensus as well.
    Heater
    • Unsure if this is necessary. If it is, I need to research what would be effective and safe in a tent.
    All research shows that a heater in a RTT is a bad idea. Good thing my pug likes to snuggle up!

    Water/Shower
    • Waterport https://thewaterport.com/
      • Not cheap, but it's simple and there are a few sizes to choose from
      • Doesn't require batteries
      • Water pressure decreases with use
      • Safety valve to prevent over pressurizing the tank
    • Cheap Bastard DIY alternative
      • Requires power
      • Relatively cheap
      • Constant water pressure
    https://youtu.be/DGAahsNBnUE

    Tankless Water Heater

    @831Tun had an awesome suggestion here https://www.tundras.com/threads/i-w...unintentional-build.91512/page-4#post-2310854 for a portable tankless water heater! I never would have thought of such a thing. Definitely something I need to keep an eye on.
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2022
  5. Jul 2, 2021 at 1:13 AM
    #5
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    This post is going to be edited and updated with final decision/purchased items

    Bed rack - Cali Raised LED short bed mid height
    • Ordered from @memario1214 with Hot Shot Off Road.
    • RECIEVED AND IN MY STORAGE UNIT!:yay:
    Roof Top Tent - Roofnest Condor Overland
    • Ordered to capitalize on the $300 savings from Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
    • RECIEVED AND IN THE BED OF MY TRUCK!:yay:

    The True Solution For My RTT

    Hilariously enough, after the fiasco of the Roofnest purchase detailed in post 4 and later in the thread, I will likely be going for a Go Fast Camper. https://gofastcampers.com/
    For all my trying to do this on a budget all I got was grief, headaches, and a sour taste in my mouth. I'm going with a company that manufactures their stuff right here in the U.S.A. and who has an office that isn't halfway across the country.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2022
    Damie Street likes this.
  6. Jul 2, 2021 at 5:38 AM
    #6
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    As my wife and I currently use a ground tent and are planning to get a travel trailer, I can only help with some of your questions.

    Sorry if I missed it above but a key question would be: what types of places would you be camping? Any amenities where you'll be going or will you be out in the wilderness?

    Air mattress: not sure what your back issues dictate here but if you're planning to go with one of the thin, self-inflating ones, consider getting a "foamie" to go under it for a bit more comfort. If you're going with one of the big, thicker ones just be aware that it can be chilly on cooler nights. Consider an extra quilt to go between you and the mattress. Remember to get a hand pump (dual action ones are pretty quick) if not going with the self inflating kind.

    Camp stove: a two burner Coleman is the way to go in my opinion. We run propane but white gas is also an option.

    Dishes: go with something cheap or see what you can cobble together from stuff you already have. I wouldn't spend a lot of time or money here. Metal cutlery is really nice for eating but plastic plates and bowls are fine. My parents actually use paper plates, both to cut down on the number of dishes they have to do and to cut down on the amount of paper they need to start campfires.

    Not sure where exactly you'll be camping and if you'll be going rain or shine but consider some type of shelter that will keep the rain off while you're cooking and eating. We have a pop up Coleman that's really quick and easy to set up but the sides are mesh so it offers limited protection. Kind of depends on how big your tables are. Barely fits over a standard picnic table but would be good over something smaller.

    If you won't be in campgrounds, you'll need tables for cooking and eating on. I'm not exactly sure what's available in this space but I would say something aluminum that folds up is probably a good option.

    If you don't have one yet, get yourself a good folding camp chair (the kind that goes into its own carrying bag). You can get crappy ones for like $15 but if you spend a bit more for a name brand (Woods, Coleman, outbound, etc), it will last way longer.

    Get yourself some big plastic bins (Rubbermaid or similar). Mine are 45 litre(~12 gallon) GSC heavy duty flip totes.

    If you don't already have a cooler, consider getting yourself the one that's rated for keeping ice the longest, especially if you'll be camping in the heat off the grid. Mine is a Coleman 4-day but I kind of wish I'd gone with the Coleman Extreme 5-day.

    For ice, we just fill a few juice containers that we saved about 3/4 full of water and keep them in the deep freeze year round. My wife also found that the ice packs we got in a Hello Fresh box we got for free one time surprising work pretty well.

    Water jug? If you'll be camping in serviced campsites, you could go with a soft one to save weight and space. Otherwise, get a 5 gallon hard plastic one if you don't have one already.

    If I think of anything else, I'll add it in.
     
    GODZILLA[OP] and Booney like this.
  7. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:02 AM
    #7
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    If you’re starting from scratch, skip all this expensive gear or you’ll never go.

    Regardless of everything else, and no matter how/where you’ll camp, skip the drawer system; they’re ridiculously heavy and far less convenient than you imagine. And no, they won’t help stiffens your bed. Bins work better because you can organize them by use of contents. Plus, you’ll sometimes want to set up a few feet away from your truck/ drawer system. Finally, those drawer systems eliminate so much vertical space in your bed. And, if you do get a rack, low is better! Less drag = better gas mileage, handling, less top-heavy.

    Skip a ton of weight and cost (and see if you’ll even enjoy camping) by starting with a Gazelle hub tent (sign up for their email… you’ll likely get a -30% off coupon), they’re easy to put up, take down, about water and bug proof and you can stand up. And you can pre-heat with a buddy heater if you want. You will not want to use a heater in an RTT do to no solid floor space.

    2 burner Coleman is a great place to start.

    Let guests always bring their own bags; using a “guest” bag is kinda yucky.

    Check out all the social media and Craigslist markets; people who bought this stuff last year are already figuring out they’re not camping like they thought they would, and dumping the gear.
     
  8. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:10 AM
    #8
    Booney

    Booney New Member

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    It looks like you have a project on your hands turning your truck into a money pit. Never done that myself. really. I haven't. seriously. really dammit. quit laughing. Where do you live in Wyoming? I might have some camping gear you can have.
     
  9. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:10 AM
    #9
    TucsonTundra1794

    TucsonTundra1794 ASCM #6-11 I'll buy if you're willing to ship

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    Looking forward to seeing the progress!
     
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  10. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:11 AM
    #10
    ryanryan34

    ryanryan34 "Its almost done"

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    2016 Supercharged Overland Build
    Supercharger, Carven Cat-Back, Rough Country Heavy Duty Front and Rear Bumpers with grill insert, , BDS 3" Suspension Lift, 18x9 XD 820s, Kenda Klever 33x12.5, AJT Designs interior items, De-badged, Tuffskins custom door sills, RCI Skid plates. Victory 4x4 Bed rack and Stiffeners. Roofnest Condor XL RTT
    As far as bed racks go may want to add Victory 4x4 in the mix. I have the half rack which I have been really happy with (https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VFSBR.html) and I also have Victory 4x4 bed stiffeners which were easy to install and add additional tie down points. I am a running a Roofnest Condor XL RTT. Couldn't be happier, sleeps myself, my wife and two young kids with some room to spare even. As far as tire carrier goes Wilco Offroad Hitchgate Solo is a great option (can mount I believe up to a 33 inch tire) also still able to use a 2 inch receiver and add additional things on the back of the tire carrier (https://wilcooffroad.com/shop/hitchgate-solo/). Hope that helps and happy camping.
     
    GODZILLA[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  11. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:23 AM
    #11
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Appreciate the input. I'll check the tire carrier, but my tires are a bit over 33". Still worth looking into.
    Victory, however, is not a business I will patronize if there are other options.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2021
  12. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:40 AM
    #12
    TucsonTundra1794

    TucsonTundra1794 ASCM #6-11 I'll buy if you're willing to ship

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    Looks like half the victory site is just reselling other vendors products.
     
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  13. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:41 AM
    #13
    ryanryan34

    ryanryan34 "Its almost done"

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    Just checked again, the Solo fits "all compact and mid-sized trucks, SUVs and cars with tires up to 35″. I have had a few friends RCI bed racks and have been really happy with them. And will Bed stiffeners if you are going to do with a Decked system make sure the stiffeners are capable with a Decked drawer system. Some will tell you up front in the description, others you may have to contact the company to ensure they would work together.
     
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  14. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:42 AM
    #14
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    Except really, copying others’ designs and selling as their own.
     
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  15. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:42 AM
    #15
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    I prefer to be away from heavily occupied campgrounds, but some places it's unavoidable.

    The RTTs I am considering come with foam mats inside. I'm not a fan of air mattresses. Always hurt in the morning.

    Good info, and kind of what I was figuring, but it's been a while since I've checked out any of them. Wasn't sure if somebody reinvented the wheel.

    I'd like to go as sustainable/reusable as is feasible here, but paper stuff will be on hand in case.

    This is a good point, and there are a few things I'm considering. I'll edit previous posts once on a PC. Phones make it tedious.

    You mean I can't use my tailgate as a counter for cooking? :confused:

    I have a cheap cooler, but I'll likely get a better one to supplement it.

    Bottled water is a staple for camping, but I like the sustainable nature of reused jugs. Thank you!
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2021
  16. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:44 AM
    #16
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Yeah, owning a Tundra and being on this forum...:spending:
     
  17. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #17
    TucsonTundra1794

    TucsonTundra1794 ASCM #6-11 I'll buy if you're willing to ship

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    Oh shit, you're right. I noticed quite a few Rago items on there but the photos are different and usually when they sell for another vendor they use the same photos. That's f***ing bull. These are the guys who should be taken down. I bought a custom roof rack for my 4runner years ago from an awesome guy whos company was Winston metalworks, guy made amazing products but was shut down by Gobi because he was starting to get traction with his company. His designs were all original but he just didn't have the money to go up against them and ended up going out of business. Poor guys like that get shut down but this guy stays running. Sorry for the rant, it really gets me when companies do this crap.
     
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  18. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:54 AM
    #18
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    [QUOTE="AzureNightmare, post: 2306161, member: 35514”]
    You mean I can't use my tailgate as a counter for cooking? :confused:
    [/QUOTE]Not if you commit to a Decked system to store everything. It’s pretty entertaining watching guys try to work out how and where to move all the hot in-progress meals and stove so they can access the drawers to get that one thing they forgot to unpack.
     
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  19. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #19
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Not starting from scratch per se. Just starting over.

    Really? I saw one set up for camping in a thread on here that looked like a nice set up.(I'll find it when back on a PC)
    If I can make my bed less couch/appliance friendly, maybe people will quit asking me to help them move.:rofl:

    Smiles per gallon, baby! :oldglory:

    I know I enjoy camping, and I just want to get back into it. Part of why I quit was I hate setting up ground tents. The RRT seems to make setup and take down much better.

    Do people who think things are "yucky" actually go camping?:boink:

    This forum is my only social media, but I have friends and family that I can enlist for this. It was a classified ad that clued me into the Tuffstuff RTT.
     
  20. Jul 2, 2021 at 7:59 AM
    #20
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    All that aside, Victory lost me with their mishandling of their roof rack issues and poor treatment of valid customer concerns. The same stuff that got them banned on here.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2021
  21. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:05 AM
    #21
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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  22. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:41 AM
    #22
    SwampThing

    SwampThing New Member

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    If you’re going with a Deck’d system, I have one and like it a lot, I would lean towards the Cali Raised bed stiffeners. I have the Total Chaos ones and needed to trim plastic on the Deck’d system. I’ve heard you won’t need to do that with Cali Raised.

    You mentioned security so I would look at the iKamper too. It has some included and optional locks so you can’t open or remove it without keys. I have one and it’s very nice. From what I researched, the material is much tougher than similar cheaper offerings (like what you’ve listed).

    I’m also looking for tire carrier options as I have the Deck’d system and a cap. Right now, my spare is strapped down flat inside the cap. I’d love to free up that room. I’m between something like the Rigd Ultraswing and a full blown swing out bumper. They each have pros/cons like weight, price, and retaining safety features (BSM, parking assist, relocating rear cam, etc.)
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2021
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  23. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #23
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Hmmm. I seem to recognize the truck in their product images.:thumbsup:

    How big a pain is it to put the rack on, and take it off? Can you do it solo, or do you need another body for the job?
     
  24. Jul 2, 2021 at 8:52 AM
    #24
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    It does look familiar :anonymous:

    I have taken it off and on quite a few times and it’s doable in my opinion. It weights maybe 50 or so pounds and is more awkward to swing around without whacking the bed than anything when taking it off.
     
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  25. Jul 2, 2021 at 10:27 AM
    #25
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Up to you but I doubt I would.

    I don't think I've ever bought single use plastic water bottles for camping. I just fill all my Swell/Nalgene/whatever bottles the day before and toss them in the fridge or freezer then in the cooler and fill my 5 gallon jug just before I leave.
     
  26. Jul 2, 2021 at 2:05 PM
    #26
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    I was joking. I wouldn't either. A table you can move about is always nice when camping.
    I have used a small grille on the tailgate to cook up some burgers and dogs for lunch, though. It's okay for a meal on a day trip, but it's not a long term solution.
     
  27. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:15 PM
    #27
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    This image was actually part of what made me think of Decked as a good storage option for camping stuff. It'd keep the gear in the truck full time, so I wouldn't be forgetting things. I don't have a garage, so trying to store camping supplies is going to be part of the challenge.

    [​IMG]

    Image was from this thread in Post 2. https://www.tundras.com/threads/what-are-you-running-in-your-decked-system.41964/#post-1879603[/QUOTE]
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2021
  28. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:28 PM
    #28
    LarryDangerfield

    LarryDangerfield MIT (Mod in Training for the next 10k years) Moderator Secretary

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    Okay I have to play devil's advocate here. Are you 100% set on a rooftop tent or would you consider just a quality ground tent? There are some quality ground tents that set up super fast.
     
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  29. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #29
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    On that note, I forgot to ask how long you'll be going for at a time. Any more than a couple days in a tent you can't stand up in is not that much fun.
     
  30. Jul 2, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #30
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA [OP] Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Totally welcome to think outside the box, but I despise ground tents. They are part of why I fell away from camping in the first place. I've not seen any 4 man ground tents that you can put up in windy and wet conditions that the hard shell RTTs can pop up in. That's part of why the soft RTTs are off the list too.

    I really considered a quality wall tent for a time. I've camped in those, and they are great, but they are a bitch to set up solo. It was really down to trying to find a toy hauler that fit my toy AND didn't outclass the Tundra, or the RTT while towing my current flatbed trailer.
     

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