Thought that backdrop looked familiar.
Im originally from Lone Pine
Welcome to the site!!
IdaCamper2.0
Thought that backdrop looked familiar.
Im originally from Lone Pine
Welcome to the site!!
Explorer
Very nice looking truck you have there. The utility bed is awesome..
The turtle build...must continue..http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ild(-revision)
Adventurer
Originally Posted by IdaSHO
Thought that backdrop looked familiar.
Im originally from Lone Pine
Welcome to the site!!
I love the Eastern Sierras!
Adventurer
OK, so I have had the truck set up with the utility bed for a few years now. It started as a daily driver/tow rig, like most fullsize trucks do.
When I got wrapped up in competitive rockcrawling/rock-racing, we added the utility bed for Chase/Service/Parts/Repair.
Once that hobby got too expensive, we started to focus the truck and our time towards family camping and exploring.
Like I said, this is not really as much of a build thread as it is some photos of what I carry in the boxes and how we are setting them up to be more useful for camping.
I will start out with a a few shots of the tools that I carry. I can't remember where I came across these nice CLC tool rools, but they are quality and I can fit a complete standard and metric ratchet wrench set in one bag.
DSCF6659.JPGDSCF6660.JPG
Adventurer
I will go backwards here for a second and show what the driver side horizontal drawer has in it at all times.
DSCF6671.JPGDSCF6672.JPG
It is a little tight packed in there and when we are camping, I rarely get into this box, but I have found that most every tool that I want or need to use is probably in there. If I need something more than is in this box, then I either have no business trying to fix the problem or I need a tow truck.
I will post some more detailed photos of all the goodies.
Adventurer
How much does the bed and camper weight? Can you feel it badly when your driving? I was really thinking about something similar for mine, but also maybe mounting a propane tank in the tall cabinet and make a pullout gas grill in the cabinet over the wheel well.
Adventurer
I'm about 2 weeks ahead of you on the tank and grill idea. I will post some pictures of that tonight.
I will say that weight is more than a stock bed, how much, I have no idea. The real issue is that, even though it is really convenient for all the gear, you can get a little out of control with packing too much gear. I have went through at least 4 phases of trying to streamline what I carry so that the truck doesn't feel fat and bloated going down road.
The Skamper is stripped inside, no kitchen no stove, just my Edgestar fridge, Port-Potti and beds The manufacturer tag say around 1000lbs I think? I would have to look again, I am sure they fudge those numbers.
So with all of that....I have no accurate estimation on weight increase over a more traditional set-up.
Adventurer
OK, since this was brought up, I will jump ahead and highlight a little camping gear, and how I have modified the bed to accomodate the kitchen that the Skamper is lacking.
Propane tank.
DSCF6683.JPG
Adapter hose.
DSCF6684.JPG
Cooking table ( This is the downfall of the side door not being large enough top to bottom. This table add-on had to be built.)
DSCF6682.JPG
DSCF6681.JPG
DSCF6680.JPG
DSCF6688.JPG
DSCF6690.JPG
Adventurer
Now back to the tool storage on the drivers side.
Dewalt screw gun with complete drill index and specialty drivers
DSCF6661.JPG
DSCF6662.JPG
Matco 1/2" drive electric impact. This tool is quite an investment, but sees ALOT of use!
DSCF6663.JPG
Assorted hammers and a wire brush.
DSCF6664.JPG
A small and large very awesome and very useful Matco extendable/swivel head pry bars.
DSCF6665.JPG
DSCF6666.JPG
Now, not all of these tools are what people "need" of "have to have" to go off-road or camping/exploring, these are just tools that I have had from racing and find them very useful, and it is kind of a security factor for me knowing that we are some what prepared.
Adventurer
Back drivers side box contains the other items, like tools, that you never want to use.......First Aid and Recovery Gear.
The short list is a Tow strap, shackles, air compressor, Gerber knife-saw kit, ratchet straps, 2 different First aid kits, jumper cables, blue tarp, tire repair kit, rubber gloves , and a BIG HAMMER.
DSCF6678.JPG
DSCF6675.JPG
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote