Dave's 05 Tacoma Build

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travis.diller said:
So Dave, I noticed you have bounced around on the leaf springs. I had to do the same thing, very frustrating. I started with OME Dakar, then I added a leaf. After a year they looked flat so I called ARB to complain. They sent me a new set for FREE and said they should not be that flat yet. As soon as I put the new Dakars on I noticed they were flat as well.

I finally finished out with an 11 pack from Deaver. These things are AMAZING, and they are always smiling no matter what I put in the bed. Strangely they still flex on trails even when the bed is empty.

Where are you headed next in the spring department?
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I have gone around on springs too much but that's the joys of having a truck build that evolves as much as mine has. I had a "custom" Deaver 12 pack that was quite flexy but worthless IMHO for carrying weight full time like I do.

I've been working with AllPro providing input on what the next spring would be. I have a new set here in my garage now that I'll be putting on next weekend :spy

I'll post pics then but for now I'm happy to announce here on American Adventurist that they will be offering these new APEX Premium springs soon. Made in USA with about 1/8 inch wider leaves and nearly 13% higher spring rate than the APEX Heavies I have on the truck now (FS BTW!).

Stay tuned for pics and details.
 
I need to post some more current pics of the truck so here we go!

At Desert Rendezvous 2015, Fiamma awning deployed with shower enclosure attached

EDIT: I get a lot of questions about the FlipPac rain fly and the shower enclosure - both were made by San Luis Obispo Sail and Canvas (AT resells the rain fly):

http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/

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Rigid Nation! SR 50 light bar, SR 20 light bar and D-2's all on - can you say overkill?
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At SoCal Mountain Rendezvous 2015. Rain fly not deployed.
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Camper interior. Goose Gear, Thetford and Engel. Note side open friction hinge mod on fridge.
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Swing out and table. Note Frontrunner kitchen roll and Frontrunner flat pack boxes for provisions.
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Detail shot of commode location and Propex Heatsource HS2000 propane heater.
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Heater in its hidden home. Note duct through the floor - intake and exhaust cycle occurs outside the crew compartment ensuring zero risk of carbon monoxide issues in the camper.
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Rear view. Cutting board has been added to the swing out table to increase table size and utility.
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Some more pics of various bits :)

Night shot. LED over the tailgate has since been replaced with a more natural - and easier on the eyes - light thanks to Blkwgn
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Yes, it snows in California. And I found the ditch on the edge of the road...
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Winch on!
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Rear swing out in its current configuration.
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Dave, I've got to say that your truck is one of the nicest I've seen. It was great to see it in person at the DRV and MRV. Because of my height, I'll never own or drive one of these itty-bitty trucks, but yours really sets the standard for smart decisions and a truly well thought-out process.
 
The Joshua Tree trip with Goose Gear and Richard
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Headed out Berdoo Canyon
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Red or white light option in camp is nice
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Scouting for Desert Rendezvous 2015
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Much better LED light strip - thanks Blkwgn!

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LED light boxes in the camper with new USB ports and battery monitor. Switch allows me to eliminate any parasitic draw from these guys.

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Rigid D-2's VS brand new OEM Toyota headlight housings with upgraded bulbs - D-2's FTW!
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Detail shot showing Timbrens and Allpro U-bolt flip before the Allpro Premium springs went on.
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Always a great truck to look at and admire. Definitely a lot of time was put into this with a lot of trial and error. Looking good Dave. :bowdown
 
Dave, maybe I missed it, but what can you say about the performance of the HS2000 heater? Can you give me an example of how warm you were able to keep the Flippac at various outside temperatures? I am wondering what it realistically can do with the limitations of a Flippac and how long the propane has laster you on cold weather trips.
 
You have a LOT of airspace to heat in a FlipPac. And without the fly on it's really an uphill battle.

What I've learned is to use the fly - it creates a "double wall" effect. I also "direct" the heat into the upper sleeping area via a removable section of dryer duct. This helps a ton.

How hot? Not really hot but enough that I can be in there sans coat etc in 20 degree weather.

The key really is a realistic approach to heater use. Turn it on for 30 minutes before bed and by the time you climb in to hit the hay it's bearable to disrobe and crawl in. In the morning it's the same thing in reverse.

I never run my heater all night because I have a properly rated sleeping bag and it would be a waste of fuel. In this way, I can camp for a week in crappy weather and not run out of propane.

It's a luxury item but it works flawlessly - very quiet and efficient in my experience.
 
So after 4 years of faithful service, it's time for new shoes. These 255/85R16's still have some life in them and if someone wants them I'll give them to you for free as long as you come get them within the next week :)

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No holes, no patches in 4 years of service. I highly recommend BFG tires.

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What's next? More BFG of course! How about a set of spankin' new 285/75R16 AT KO2's just in time for our Death Valley Expedition?

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