noob: here's my Taco project w/ camper setup

[dustboy]

I've had this '99 Taco since '02. Most modifications have been within the last year, these include LCE header (to replace cracked stock cast iron), 265's (up from OEM 225's), camper shell, modified leaf springs, custom rock sliders and pro-comp shocks. The current project is a sleeping platform with storage and a 12 gallon water tank.

This rig is all about getting out there to camp with friends. I want to be able to get as far away as I can in a rig that still has to spend 95% of its time as a daily driver.

I'll have more pics of the rest of the truck soon.


http://picasaweb.google.com/dustboy/DropBox#

I'm particularly eager to hear any suggestions on the water system. The design is meant to be simple, i.e., gravity fed, but if I have to do a pump I will.

[nickw]

I chimned in on this thread with an idea that I saw a couple weeks ago.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19295

[dustboy]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/dustboy/SOVCIfulsnI/AAAAAAAAACc/0qpT1Juk_OM/s800/img_0016.jpg

[BLKNBLU]

I don't know much about any of this but I did notice your comment about concern over losing water on steep uphill grades. Why not plumb in a shut off right near the fill point on your camper top? You know one of those deals where if the handle is inline with the tubing it's open and if it's crossline of the tubing it's closed. Some thing like this.

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/pvcvalve.html

[dustboy]

Why not plumb in a shut off right near the fill point on your camper top?

nice idea!

[dustboy]

just posted new pics on the picasa album, including the custom rock sliders.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/dustboy/SO1l5urGZoI/AAAAAAAAAGk/QnyhCAUmMLk/s144/IMG_2248.JPG

http://picasaweb.google.com/dustboy/DropBox#5254968382666991234

[ocdropzone]

looking at your set up you might consider some hose clamps on your fittings...
I also hope you don't break a leaf spring by inserting the junkyard leaf inbetween the 2 main leafs...I could be wrong but seems like the inserted spring should have been longer to the stock spring eyes....

[dustboy]

update on the camper project, including the latest on the water system, sleeping platform, and my nifty new Kelty shelter.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/dustboy/SPypA60P63I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/D8VEgN4vdHU/s144/img_0060.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/dustboy/SP9yoTbDLEI/AAAAAAAAAJA/BrHdJBn9zVw/s144/img_0063.jpg

[dustboy]

The gravity system is done-for, on the last trip, the water was a little trickle by the time the tank was half empty. So I ordered up this nifty little water pump from Camping World. It's very basic, just enough to move the water into your coffee pot. It has its own pressure switch so it only runs when the valve is open.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_PrLGB0JUQEk/SRD-kYRuL3I/AAAAAAAAAUE/CUgk8EjsmyE/s800/IMG_0068.JPG