1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Road Carpenter with leakage.

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by lionscourt, Mar 3, 2020.

?

Truck as sleeper or small Epro like trailer?

  1. Truck bed as sleeper.

    3 vote(s)
    33.3%
  2. Small trailer with sleeper.

    6 vote(s)
    66.7%
  1. Mar 3, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #1
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    So my long term goal is to become a road carpenter. In about three years, hopefully my daughter will go out to college. By that time I hope to have the build-out done. There are some considerations because I haven't figured out the layout yet. As a carpenter with tools I'm pretty much sure I'm going to have to have a small work or travel trailer. The question most likely will be a small off road travel trailer for sleeping comfortably without making serious insulation and build changes for living in bed of truck. Last couple days, I've watched numerous truck bed build outs.
    Anyhow. I've got time to decide and will periodically update on build. For now, starting with small issue.
    My Leer canopy leaks during the rain but couldn't figure out 'where' during the rain. Today was sunny day here in Southern Cal so use a hose and concentrated on side windows and front window of canopy near cab. Took a few moments to realize my Leer top is clear of leaks at all seals and window:)
    However, where the front corners of the canopy rest on bed, water was getting through to where I noticed it in bed front corners. Anyone else encountered this. Ill have to seal up those corners somehow.

    20200303_085814.jpg
    20200303_085736.jpg
     
  2. Mar 3, 2020 at 11:27 AM
    #2
    foxtrapper

    foxtrapper New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2019
    Member:
    #23856
    Messages:
    60
    Vehicle:
    2003 SR5
    Looks to me like your cover it an inch or so too rearward.
     
    speedtre likes this.
  3. Mar 3, 2020 at 2:03 PM
    #3
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    Looks like that to me, also. I bought the topper separately (500 miles away from home on road trip) and put it on quickly with former owner so never adjusted it again. I let you know after tomorrow. Too hot to get in the back of that truck today which might be another reason to do a small travel trailer for the sleeper.
     
  4. Mar 3, 2020 at 3:18 PM
    #4
    rock climber

    rock climber New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2019
    Member:
    #37106
    Messages:
    1,601
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2001 Sequoia 4X4, 2000 AC 4X4
    Mine did that too, right where I circled. Filling It with caulk only worked temporarily. I'd remove the top part of the bed liner.

    20200303_085814.jpg
     
    lionscourt[OP] likes this.
  5. Mar 3, 2020 at 4:18 PM
    #5
    Northwoods22

    Northwoods22 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Member:
    #35880
    Messages:
    222
    Gender:
    Male
    MN
    Vehicle:
    2013 silver tundra SR5 DC
    I’m excited for this. Road carpenter sounds like a cool gig.
     
  6. Mar 3, 2020 at 4:40 PM
    #6
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    JC was a road carpenter.
     
  7. Mar 3, 2020 at 4:47 PM
    #7
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    47DEF23C-1916-42B5-90D3-FA1A1A25374F.jpg I am a Road Custom Installer and it is a blast usually!
    I do mostly custom AV and Automation but really anything for custom electronics which also pretty much involves carpentry and all of the trades to get the job done.

    I have a Casita Fiberglass Egg and have had several different increasingly longer and nicer Eggs as I have progressed over the years.
    A few years ago I discovered the idea of converting small cargo trailers into mobile bedrooms and have done a few of those too.
    It is a lot of fun and really reassuring too as I can end up each day on my own bed if thats what I want to do.
    My clients pay all expenses and I can stay on Hotels whenever I want to but there is a lot to be said for camping ell over the place too and I really like to do so if I can.

    Have you looked over on tnttt.com?
    If not do so!

    Let me know if you want to talk about it.
    Ed
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2020
  8. Mar 3, 2020 at 4:50 PM
    #8
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    Member:
    #22934
    Messages:
    12,909
    East TN
    Vehicle:
    2002 AC
    I can't offer much help because my ARE shell leaks like the Titanic but I will offer up some suggestions. Look up double bulb weather strip. That's what the pros use when installing these. The only reason mine leaks is because it was made for a double cab and I have an access cab.

    You should be able to rain proof yours.


    IMG_20190302_162120_167.jpg

    IMG_20190302_162120_170.jpg
    IMG_20190302_162120_172.jpg
     
  9. Mar 3, 2020 at 6:34 PM
    #9
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    I'm pretty sure i can weather seal it as long as leak is coming from that seam. I moved it forward and tightened back down. The Top definitely looks like it fits better.
    Still leaked under extreme conditions--me shooting a high pressure hose through those areas--both from door side and down from roof. I'm pretty sure the flared out portion of the Top contributed to issue. My plan is to roll rear window down and clear caulk... Also spray painted trailer hitch cover to match, today....

    20200303_175645.jpg
    20200303_173850.jpg
     
  10. Mar 3, 2020 at 7:00 PM
    #10
    MrDirtjumper

    MrDirtjumper Ol’ dickhead

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2019
    Member:
    #32133
    Messages:
    1,053
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Slam Angelo, Texas
    Vehicle:
    06 DC TRD, 2wd to 4wd Conv.
  11. Mar 3, 2020 at 7:47 PM
    #11
    RollTide82

    RollTide82 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2018
    Member:
    #13390
    Messages:
    677
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra 4x4
    I used the butyl windshield kit you get at autozone for 20 bucks or so. Works perfect on my ARE shell on my Tacoma. Doesn't leak a drop and have had it for years
     
  12. Mar 4, 2020 at 4:37 AM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    The square caps allow water to intrude, as well as the clip holes which the total length of rail cap snap into, so its a good idea to butyl the entire length of the top bed rail.

    If I was installing a bed cap, I’d remove all the OEM plastic rails and replace them with the butyl plus foam before putting the cap on.
     
  13. Mar 4, 2020 at 4:46 AM
    #13
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    This area needs to be built up more than the side rails, because the metal is slightly lower than the side rails.
     
  14. Mar 4, 2020 at 4:48 AM
    #14
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    Your drop in bed liner will also cause problems when it comes to sealing a camper top, spray on bed liners are much easier to seal up.
     
  15. Mar 4, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #15
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,261
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    Is the butyl sticky?
     
  16. Mar 4, 2020 at 5:25 AM
    #16
    MrDirtjumper

    MrDirtjumper Ol’ dickhead

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2019
    Member:
    #32133
    Messages:
    1,053
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Slam Angelo, Texas
    Vehicle:
    06 DC TRD, 2wd to 4wd Conv.
    The stickiest of ickys.
     
    Black@Blue19 likes this.
  17. Mar 4, 2020 at 5:28 AM
    #17
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    Member:
    #22934
    Messages:
    12,909
    East TN
    Vehicle:
    2002 AC
    Agreed. But in my case the ARE shell has about a 3/4" gap because it was designed for a double cab bed. The shell doesn't even touch the bed right there. I used a long piece of pipe insulation and laid it across that gap but it still leaks.


    IMG_20190302_162120_169.jpg
     
  18. Mar 4, 2020 at 5:41 AM
    #18
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    Built up layers of API LDTT200P Topper Tape will work best.
     
  19. Mar 4, 2020 at 8:10 AM
    #19
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,261
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    What happens when you need to remove it? Or do you just always keep it on?
     
  20. Mar 4, 2020 at 6:27 PM
    #20
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    Nice to know I'm not the only one crazy enough to do it. Like that look!

    Looking over my bed length of my 06' Double cab, there is no way to really be both a tool truck and a camper, nor even a camper---impossible as necessary to change out shell completely to a workers shell and adding a work rack above. The bed on an 06' DC is 74.4":( while the single cab and access extended is around 98"--two feet longer--two crucial feet if wanted to do a camper bed or any living situation. So definitely moving in this direction (of trailer). Checked out TnTT and will join there as well. I have time but this will take proper organization and planning. The absolute necessary larger carpentry tools are portable table saw, 10" sliding miter saw, router table, and want to say a compact planer/jointer combo. Yes, I know about all the other tools but those are the large ones that will have to be dealt with first. Most likely I will put them in bed cabinets on rollers or heavy duty sliders for easy access. I plan on building break down table(s) for them. That decision made.
     
  21. Mar 6, 2020 at 12:54 AM
    #21
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    However..... Never go against your first instinct. Mine is to have one self contained rig. I think my compromise will be towards some form of camper/pop/up while adapting for heavy tool storage. This means that the present shell might go at that time.

    truck3.jpg
     
  22. Mar 6, 2020 at 4:09 AM
    #22
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    We all each different in our needs for sure but if I needed to be in just one rig and no trailer I would have to run out of a Van of some kind,no question about it.
    There is just no way that cold live and work out of the back of a short truck for both and still be ready to work each day.

    YMMV hopefully!
     
  23. Mar 6, 2020 at 4:15 AM
    #23
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,261
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    I guess it depends on how you envision yourself living and working. Will you be staying at camp sites? I don't imagine you'll be living at the work site, will you?
    Living out of the back of a truck will get old quick: going outside to piss/crap, no real place to sit and have a cup of coffee or a drink. If it were me, living space would be the first priority. Make it small and efficient but self contained: lights, toilet, shower, heat/AC, kitchenette... which means a travel trailer of some sort.
    If your truck is your living quarters, every time you need to go out -- for work, to eat, whatever -- you need to break camp, at least partially. With a travel trailer, you roll into town for a job, find your living spot, set up once, and don't have to think about it until the job is done and you move on.

    I'd set the truck up as the work vehicle. Set it up with sliding/rolling drawers, and a slide out work table. Get a commercial cap with locking storage on the sides and a rack on top.

    Have you thought about a toy hauler travel trailer? The space that's designed for carrying ATVs and motorcycles would be pretty handy for what you're talking about. Most toy haulers are behemoth 5th wheel giants. But there are smaller, more sensible versions out there. Check out this one on my local Craigslist.
    You have a few years to find one. You can probably find a good deal if you keep an eye out.
     
  24. Mar 6, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #24
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    This is really the reason that I got a truck in the first place.
    It also depends on the type of work you will be doing.

    If Rough work I have NEVER been able to stay on or near the jobsite and though I have welcome too many times there is just never a spot where I can set up that is not going to be in someones way at the wrong times. Just fate I guess?

    If Finish work then it is usually a different story and there is usually a lot more quiet site and often an already graded or finished hard surface that I can sit on. There is also often running water and electric and I am usually OK to use the facilities on the property as needed which is for me a pretty huge deal too.

    So with that in mind it only made sense for me to live from a trailer and work from a truck.
    They can be together but do not need to be together at the same time,this solves most of my problems while trying to still get the job done AND doing what I need to while having a good time which is really the whole point of this gig for me otherwise I will just stay in Hotels!

    So the Casita is a fully self contained tiny house that can park anywhere in any spot unlike many larger rigs that are self contained and the Converted Cargo trailer is just a box on wheels pretty much with everything I need except water for times when I will either not need water or I know I will not need it in the trailer and als I need to carry more stuff than just my truck can carry.
    I rarely use water in the Casita either but it is better to have it and not need it than the other way around too!
    If in a Campground water is never an issue if by myself.

    I built the cargo rig though where everything inside can either fold against a wall or store near the roof so when needed I have a Cargo Trailer but in 10 minutes have a cozy hotel room and there is also a real Stealth factor with the Cargo and I can often park it at places an RV would not be allowed.

    More than that though it just a lot of fun camping and not needing to break camp to get around.

    Again clearly YMMV.
     
    lionscourt[OP] likes this.
  25. Mar 6, 2020 at 5:19 AM
    #25
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    And for a little perspective here is my Casita in South Florida between jobs at a friends Mill stored next to his Raptor!

    I like to call this one "The Raptor lays an Egg"!

    37D0217F-7CF0-4F9F-A34E-FE8982EF1B37.jpg

    And here I am on a job in Downeast Maine a few years ago but I was staying in the house on this one!
    I got stuck out on the Island for 2 days in one of those Snain events and the rods were impassable but luckily I had prepared before heading out there as NOTHING was open out there at the time to buy anything.
    Not really sure what I was thinking?

    D782BA76-F243-4074-BA96-1BEDDB1DCA26.jpg 37D0217F-7CF0-4F9F-A34E-FE8982EF1B37.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2020
    lionscourt[OP] likes this.
  26. Mar 6, 2020 at 7:21 PM
    #26
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    It's pretty apparent to me that there is absolutely no way I would live out the back of my truck and work--not long term. I saw some rigs that would make it possible suck as custom work rack over custom work canopy but in the end, it's just too much customization required.
    I should be able to maintain my main home while working as a traveling carpenter mainly to get out and meet people and camp in great locations while making some money and connections. I would not be staying long term in the bed of my truck or camper unless I felt like it. In my eyes there are only two ways to do this, listed in terms of feasibility,comfort, and camping for a week in the beginning; either via a small trailer (like Epro or modified cargo trailer) or a modified pickup camper (not a pop up) as the top portion over the front of the truck would have to be dedicated to sleeping while the rest would be modified to carry essential carpentry gear.
    Keep in mind, I'm starting out in warm Cali, slowly.
    Even though I'm a few years off from getting going, I did start the process. I broke down my huge California King Bed and put it up for sale and bought a crank radio for my emergency kit.
     
  27. Mar 7, 2020 at 6:04 AM
    #27
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    You didn’t ask but here is what I would do:

    1) Keep Tundra and keep the bed open with no cap.

    2) Get yourself a tow trailer for your tools and keep it on work site.

    3) Write in contract that all expenses will be paid by your boss (contractor/homeowner). Stay at Ritz
    Carltons because if you are getting out and meeting people you’ll want to be around the money for future jobs.
     
  28. Mar 12, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #28
    lionscourt

    lionscourt [OP] 2006 DC SR5 4X4

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15102
    Messages:
    145
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 Tundra 4x4
    NO RUST, step bars, weathertech window and hood protectors, weathertech floor mats
    Ok. So it's raining pretty good for Southern Cal and it's going to be raining for a while. So I parked the back of the truck under the carport and let the front of bed (where leak was showing) get rained on. I ran out every fifteen minutes to check for leaks. It turns out the right side shell window is definitely leaking not the front area where I originally thought it was coming. I do think water can get through there but not just sitting in the rain which is what happens when I notice it. That's good news because it's should be much easier to fix the side window through caulking or weather seal as it easy to reach and I'm sure there are plenty of posts about it on youtube and here. Another thing I noticed was that my two side sliding rear shell window were open about a quarter inch--they don't seem to lock closed like they should so some water could have been running along the bottom seal of the window to a another point where it overfilled or gets out. I closed them and I'm still monitoring it to see if both windows are leaking.
     
  29. Mar 12, 2020 at 11:54 AM
    #29
    speedtre

    speedtre New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24808
    Messages:
    1,696
    Inland Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2006 BSM Toyota Tundra DC TRD 4x4
    Not related to the topic, but those later years 3rd Gen 4Runner wheels look really good on your DC FGT...just sayin'...
     
  30. Mar 12, 2020 at 1:45 PM
    #30
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,261
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    +1

    I've been looking for a set of those. Something about them just looks right to me -- much more so than the 16" options that came standard on the Tundra.
     
    lionscourt[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top