GOALS...
My build goal is to mimic the 79 Series we have rented on our expeditions in Africa with a few differences...Here is what we used..
https://bushlore.com/toyota-land-cruiser-79-4x4-camper-cruc2/
The major differences right off the bat is that I have a gas engine and the 79 Series was a diesel. The reason I went this route and not wait for the diesel that should be here first quarter 2020 is that our emission control equipment in US vehicles is some of the strictest in the world, even more so than what’s mandated in Europe. In Africa there is none of that ...stuff... and that makes those engines very dependable and provides great mileage. Something that I’m going to have to address. We’re planning on taking this truck to Baja and the latest info is that some of México has ULSD but not all. .....
I understand that Alu-Cab is in development to produce a cap for this truck and I can attest to its strength and light weight. I hope to also install their 270 degree awning. They make a sweet kitchen cabinet that will be accessible through one of the side doors that contains all your cooking utensils & pots so we’ll be ordering that as well.
On top we’ll be installing our Roofnest hard shell tent...or... we’ll put kayaks up there and use our overland trailer to haul the other depending on our trip.
Inside we hope to install a drawer set. The two manufacturers that we’re investigating are Front Runner and Alu-Cab. The FR can be ordered in a shortened single large drawer that will allow a ~16 gallon water tank to be installed at the front of the bed...a perfect spot. This is also made by FR. Another thing making us lean towards the FR is that they offset the drawer a little bit to one side and this will allow the fridge to be installed on the bed floor near the side door. We used this in Africa and absolutely love how it works...My wife is 5’-4” tall and this allows her to easily access the contents. She does not like the fridge slides that tilt down..
Of course there will be other things as they catch my eye....;-)
