New Life to My Old Rock Warrior

Hi all,
Thanks to the community for many searchable answers through the years.

back in 2011 I bought a new Rock Warrior Tundra. It’s got 128,000miles on it. Other than a topper its stock. And its been perfect. It still rides like new, feels tight, no rattles, no problems. Only thing beat is the paint. But for how I use the truck, fresh paint is not a bonus. Add to that everywhere we’ve been trailer camping since the pandemic hit is too crowded for our taste. Add to that the value of our trailer is higher than when we bought it- it was time to sell the camper and use the money for some new life to the Tundra. I plan to keep it another 10years, although it will likely go off to college with my kid in 6 or 7 years. Either way, were keeping the old truck.

Plan so far:
Adding a roof rack to the topper and a RoofNest Sparrow XL

Adding some shelves to the truck bed to keep the doggos above the gear. Will bolt to the bed rails. Have 2 60” wide x 24” deep shelves made from 3/4” red oak plywood. Painting them now, will add carpet to the tops when the carpet gets here. Considering carpeting the inside of the topper. Once I put in lights etc I’ll have wires going every where. A headliner would be nice. That job will be a chore and I’m not looking forward to it. Any tips are appreciated.

And got a DTC Truck bed tent so we can also have sleeping space in the bed of the truck. Toes go under the shelves, head on the flat tail gate enclosed by the tent. Can sleep 2 on the roof tent and 2 in the bed. One kid, one friend, 2 dogs, me and the wife should all be cozy and warm.

New stereo/speakers and powered 8” sub behind the seats. Cool that you can get an aftermarket head unit with Apple CarPlay. It’s time. The crappy stereo is the one thing I’ve never liked about the truck. At the same time, will have the car stereo install team put 2 12V outlets in the bed.

Katzkin vegan leather seats. Time for reupholster job. These seem very nice and will keep the wife happy.

Getting a leveling kit on today. I really like the stock ride of the truck and don’t want to mess it up with a lift. But a little more ground clearance up front and the ability to run some bigger tires are compelling. Bigger tires are on hold until I need new tires. Likely get some 18” wheels, 25-35mm offset and some 285/70r18 Nitto Exo tires at that time though.

Getting a Fab Four red steel front bumper- current bumper has several holes in it. And a new face will definitely add some new life. Same time I’ll get some rock sliders/ steps. Should have done this long ago...Been to the body’s shop, just once, to fix some dents in the doors.

We’ve been using a Dometic Fridge 45L powered by a Jackery 500 battery pack. That was sweet on our last pack pack trip. 48hrs, used about 35% of the charge in the battery, kept our lunch and drinks at a comfy 34F. Also has solar charger for longer trips and can charge from the power ports getting added to the bed during the stereo install.

I’m sure I’ll find some challenges in the process. Thanks up front for the help.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome from Nevada

 

Welcome from CO!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from SoCal

 

Welcome from AZ.

Just an FYI if you don't already know. Those Rock Warrior wheels seem to be somewhat coveted by the serious off road guys being that they are forged wheels. Something to think about.

 

Thanks all. I’ll get some pics up when I get to a stopping point.

Taco-Blender- good point about the RW wheels. It’s actually my wife who wants new wheels. Who am I to stop her? Maybe I’ll hold on to them. Maybe I’ll sell them. Too early to tell.

At this point I’ve got the new stereo in, and the Katzkin upholstery done. The upholstery looks factory. That’s a great upgrade for anyone in need.

Just got a call from the shop putting on the Fab Four Red Steel bumper- seems some issues noted on the boards here are real. Mounting brackets don’t line up. They’re trying to sort out of it can be modded to fit or not. Was hoping to have that done for a road trip this weekend. Maybe next weekend.

 

Welcome from so cal