Telcobilly
Observer
Hi Folks,
This build has been rolling around my head for almost 5 years when I purchased the truck. Now that I'm back in the oilfield, the dream is coming to fruition. My preference would be a 4x4 truck, but this is the truck I have and it's paid for so I'm making the best of it with some thoughtful mods and upgrades.
Firstly I swapped the wheels for 15X7 Kragar Soft 8's and Goodyear Wrangler 235/75/15 A/T's. For them to clear, I installed an add-a leaf in the rear, raising it 2" and a spacer lift in the front, giving me 1.5" extra clearance.
I had Brian at Beefed Taco in Fallbrook, CA weld me some sturdy HW tube bumpers front and rear to replace the flimsy stock bumpers. I then installed a pair of 100W Hella's on the tabs of the new bumper.
Next came the Durashell 165 slide-in utility body purchased from Fleetwest in Tempe AZ. It is supposed to weigh 400lbs and is pretty aerodynamic..no wind noise, but you can feel it back there. It's stout fiberglass and stainless hardware, built in Canada. It's 67" high from the bed floor, 75" long at the bed, 110" from the front of the overhang to the doors and 62" wide at the bedrails.
Three years of OTR trucking taught me how to live in a small space and what to use to be comfortable. It's basically a flat top truck sleeper turned lengthwise. Also, If I ever replace the truck, it will be another Toyota with a 6' bed, allowing me to keep this rig.
I put in a plywood deck with a carpet runner which raises up for easy access to my food and clothes below. The cot give a little more storage below for taller items and full access to my plug in cooler.
Just purchased this Honda EU 2000i generator today. I think I can hold off on a portable a/c until next year..
I'm going to install these two clear access hatches in the rear doors, saving me a $1000 with a boat hatch on the roof. Plus, I'm reluctant to hack up this shell and possibly add leaks..
This build has been rolling around my head for almost 5 years when I purchased the truck. Now that I'm back in the oilfield, the dream is coming to fruition. My preference would be a 4x4 truck, but this is the truck I have and it's paid for so I'm making the best of it with some thoughtful mods and upgrades.
Firstly I swapped the wheels for 15X7 Kragar Soft 8's and Goodyear Wrangler 235/75/15 A/T's. For them to clear, I installed an add-a leaf in the rear, raising it 2" and a spacer lift in the front, giving me 1.5" extra clearance.
I had Brian at Beefed Taco in Fallbrook, CA weld me some sturdy HW tube bumpers front and rear to replace the flimsy stock bumpers. I then installed a pair of 100W Hella's on the tabs of the new bumper.
Next came the Durashell 165 slide-in utility body purchased from Fleetwest in Tempe AZ. It is supposed to weigh 400lbs and is pretty aerodynamic..no wind noise, but you can feel it back there. It's stout fiberglass and stainless hardware, built in Canada. It's 67" high from the bed floor, 75" long at the bed, 110" from the front of the overhang to the doors and 62" wide at the bedrails.
Three years of OTR trucking taught me how to live in a small space and what to use to be comfortable. It's basically a flat top truck sleeper turned lengthwise. Also, If I ever replace the truck, it will be another Toyota with a 6' bed, allowing me to keep this rig.
I put in a plywood deck with a carpet runner which raises up for easy access to my food and clothes below. The cot give a little more storage below for taller items and full access to my plug in cooler.
Just purchased this Honda EU 2000i generator today. I think I can hold off on a portable a/c until next year..
I'm going to install these two clear access hatches in the rear doors, saving me a $1000 with a boat hatch on the roof. Plus, I'm reluctant to hack up this shell and possibly add leaks..
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Well done. It's nice to see someone get to combine this hobby with making their living.
