This truck is an excellent example of experience informed design. I'm fond of the particular kind of beauty that flows from practical necessity. Excellent build.
Totally agreed! I like watching hour long rig tours on my way home from work! This is a dope truck, obviously used! Don’t need all the glitz and glamour, just get out there and get dirty
The alternate universe where brad pitt became a hot shot wild land firefighter and builds out a tacoma with his own damn hands is the alternate universe that I want to live in. Well fuckin done. No frills, no $50k trucks, just a dude with the wherewithal to make it happen. An example for us all.
Exactly what I thought- There is a Brad Pitt out there for me, I just have to find him because I have a ford Ranger that I need built out just like this. Maybe he does house calls.
Thank you so much for spending the time and covering all of those details about this GREAT overland truck build! Both of your Tacoma’s are great and have so much potential for FUN in the outdoors!!
Wow....I've watched a ton of overland and vanlife build videos and Ben's rig is the best one yet. Perfect balance of offroad capability, livable, usable, space, and affordability.
Ben's mods and build are what every outdoorsman wants simplicity affordable I want!! one..... thanks so much for sharing this you have interesting neighbors best wishes Fairwinds really when the subject is so interesting the time left one wanting more
I’ve watched a lot of vids on builds, built a few truck campers and vans but this is the most well thought out real actual design that will see real usage. Awesome vid, you two fellas are great- I like how you guys carry yourself from your speech to your humor, real dudes. Keep up the good work.
Now that’s a rig. I’d rather watch an hour-long video outlining a guy’s work rather than a 15-minute video of someone that’s in debt up to his ears buying everything he can get his hands on and bolting it on. Well done.
My jaw dropped on the drawer being supported by the side bed rail support. Feature length in this case....incredible! Such an insane build and refreshing not to see a rig where everything was bought and bolted on
❤ Best 1 hour spent on YT in some time. We are all about simplicity with our build. Bed, table, counters..all plug any play systems. Anything more just adds more cost and weight. Waiting for the full walk around on your set up! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to make content to share with the world! ~Mark & Teresa
Damn this is great! How many "overlanders" have had the same rig for 15 years? Few. Well done. I'm 5 years in on my 95 4Runner and I hope I don't set it on fire with all the diy stuff I do to it 🤣 Learning to weld is getting higher and higher on my list of skills to learn. PS more hour long detailed diy builds are right up my alley, I'll watch if you put 'em out 🤙
I use good quality flux core for all my welding spending the extra $ for good quality wite is worth it. Just grab scrap metal and cheep home depot wire and blast away...
I didn't think I would sit through the whole video but glad I did, that awning is f×cking genius! I also camp out of a contractor cap and just back from a 2 month trip around the south west,a rear awning is top priority for next year. Thanks for the tour I'm so pumped up to dust off the welder and copy that free standing, telescoping design using a old tonneau cover I've got kicking around.
Wow I’m in awe!! Exactly as said before “No, don’t apologize for a “feature length” video” I more of a fan of great details then all the short hyped up videos on UA-cam with no “real” content to learn from!!
Good stuff! Love to see how people structure their builds. Been working on my build over the last couple of years as well. Also, Eureka dunes is a sick spot. Brought the family there last November.
Really appreciate this documentary format to cover these interesting builds and interesting people. It gives me a way better picture of the lifestyle. Informative and beautiful work!
I have been looking to get into building my own truck setup for a few years and this Tacoma has some of the most practical awesome design features I have seen. The back awning and the bed built on the rack is genius. I have looked but haven't run across anything quite like it. When I get around to doing something like this I will definitely have to steal some inspiration.
Ben is the man! And is also currently building a insane camper for the truck. Totally replacing the bed and the camper shell you see in this video. Doing a updated video on it once it completed!
@@OverlandUnderBudget He is a savant for sure.... currently researching my tacoma buildout, and this video had me pausing, pulling out a note pad, and second brouser window., to scratch concepts and parts I'm not familiar with.. looking forward to the new video!!!!!!!
It really didn't feel like a 1hr video, felt more like 20mins because it was well paced and super informative. All the little features really kept me glue to the screen to see what's next, I call that the Billy Mays effect because their were many, "BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!" moment.
This Is WTF I'm Talkin About!!! Function B4 Fashion, Simplicity has Always Been My Go To. Thanks Guys, You Both are Dope and Have Given A Lot of Ideas!
This is amazing! I absolutely love when a rig is just an accumulation of tweaks over time. I don't like when people are competing to make the most expensive build from the get-go
Watched the Whole Thing And...want more. The only reason it's so simple is because this guy lives it all the time and knows what works. Nothing more...nothing less than lots of experience...and ingenuity. Please pass on my thanks to Ben for his time on this as well as his service in the fire dept. I suspect he's pretty busy with all the fires going on in the west. your vidoe also prompted me to map out some route in Death Valley and the surrounds.
Man, Thats an epic set up for sure! Had me a 2000 Tacoma I got new until someone totaled it outside my house a few years ago, this has me missing my truck!!
Dude awesome video, I love my little tacoma, really cool to see what you guys are doing, hoping to somewhat follow your path. Incredibly capable trucks
My boyfriend just sent me this video. We are thinking of building out a utility campershell. This is awesome. Strong work. Can't wait to start fabricatin. 😁
I’d like to see more details on that fantastic rear awning. It would be cool to see some detailed shots of the collars mentioned at 56:18 that hold the rear awning in place at the front when stowed. Also, if possible, a clip showing the rear awning being stowed away/rolled up. I’m curious how it rolls back up on the cross bar that it is attached to. Great build, so many great ideas. Thanks for sharing. 🙏
Man, 5’10” is the ideal height. So many more options in the market of materials and Larger population of resources to draw from and therefore places to access.
I dig your tire /shelf combo. Did you make that? This was a great video. Thanks to Ben for your service. Ben's rig is sick. I have so many questions. I hope you guys do more vids. You 2 are cool
I’m using this as inspiration for my tundra. Been looking at this type of shell and then GFC comes out with theirs - love seeing more aluminum open side options on the market
I have the same SR5 Tacoma, same color, same lift, same size tires, same lumber rack but, with a fiberglass shell. I now have a bunch of ideas and future projects. 1 bad thing though, I'm 6" taller than the HotShot. Diagonal sleeping is the only fit.
Loved the video. Thanks for posting it and Ben, thanks so much for sharing your build and thought process. You’ve got a lot of skill sets but my personal favorite is the cool stuff you made welding and sewing. Heading over to Instagram now hoping to see more of your rig. All the best.
WOW....what a fantastic build!!! So impressed, the major components and little touches make so much sense. Thanks for the detailed view, I prefer this type of review... You have a new sub!
Thanks for Very thoroughly shared all the functions and details. Great video👍 I planned to purchase my first pickup 1st Gen Tacoma. Very inspirational.
Great vid! Thank you so much for sharing your humble build story. Its beautiful to see a design aspect that is straight to the point, economical, skilled and necessity. I see many of the "same" builds in different rigs, which is just fine and mainly due to me watching hundreds of hours of build outs... im addicited to learning new and different designs! Its all in the spirit of getting outdoors how ever you can and is very respectable. This is more my style of building out of need with creativity as the backbone. The wetsuit hanger is clutch! Keep up the adventuring!!!
I was wanting to do a very similar camper setup on my Ranger last year... But I wanted to make mosquito net that could be connected when the hatches are opened up. I really dig the computer fan idea though 😆
hello guys... Im in the process of doing a diy ceiling storage/cargo net type set up.. on your rig, how did you set your up? this must've been the 3rd time watching. very informative and simple and it all make sense!!
Thats a cool build. Gave me alot of ideas for my build. Thanks. Keep it up. Regarding the dunes, I would have drive to the top of it, we love playing in the dunes. Following you definitely .
Great video. Man these trucks sell like crazy here in Houston. I have a 3rd gen. Wish it was more comfortable though. Idk the seating position is a bit awkward. Might go back to a full size truck or a Camry which is weird because I haven’t really owned many sedans. But I test drove the camry and it was very very comfortable. Never thought I’d want a sedan. Lol
I have an 04 Tacoma v6 TRD 5spd in California with the extended cab, so this is nearly the same. One thing you can do in California if you have a camper installed is to relicense it as a car rather than pay commercial fees.
Dude, when you burn the local vegetation in a National Park you shouldn't record it and post it to UA-cam. Great video. Love the thought that went into that Tacoma. 🤙
Also shouldn't fly a drone in a National Park and post the footage. Actually just shouldn't fly a drone in a National Park. Cool rig, but not cool to do things that give off roaders/overlanders a bad reputation and get access to public lands closed to vehicles.
This truck is an excellent example of experience informed design. I'm fond of the particular kind of beauty that flows from practical necessity. Excellent build.
Well said! These are the best types of builds to watch and learn from.
Totally agree. The simplicity and reuse of materials is priceless. Well done buddy.
No, dont apologize for a "feature length" video. Sometimes its nice to kick back and watch things to get a lot of new ideas. I love your creations.
Totally agreed! I like watching hour long rig tours on my way home from work! This is a dope truck, obviously used! Don’t need all the glitz and glamour, just get out there and get dirty
That was an hour long tour video that I ACTUALLY watched. Love the engineering in this truck!
Sweet! It’s pure gold for those looking to do similar things thanks for watching and thanks to Ben for sharing his build
i did not realise it was an hour until I read that and checked!
The alternate universe where brad pitt became a hot shot wild land firefighter and builds out a tacoma with his own damn hands is the alternate universe that I want to live in. Well fuckin done. No frills, no $50k trucks, just a dude with the wherewithal to make it happen. An example for us all.
For sure
Exactly what I thought- There is a Brad Pitt out there for me, I just have to find him because I have a ford Ranger that I need built out just like this. Maybe he does house calls.
Thank you so much for spending the time and covering all of those details about this GREAT overland truck build! Both of your Tacoma’s are great and have so much potential for FUN in the outdoors!!
Wow....I've watched a ton of overland and vanlife build videos and Ben's rig is the best one yet. Perfect balance of offroad capability, livable, usable, space, and affordability.
Agreed!
Ben's mods and build are what every outdoorsman wants simplicity affordable I want!! one..... thanks so much for sharing this you have interesting neighbors best wishes Fairwinds really when the subject is so interesting the time left one wanting more
It’s pretty amazing. Seriously dialed in setup. Super glad I could share he work with everyone!
I’ve watched a lot of vids on builds, built a few truck campers and vans but this is the most well thought out real actual design that will see real usage. Awesome vid, you two fellas are great- I like how you guys carry yourself from your speech to your humor, real dudes. Keep up the good work.
Now that’s a rig. I’d rather watch an hour-long video outlining a guy’s work rather than a 15-minute video of someone that’s in debt up to his ears buying everything he can get his hands on and bolting it on. Well done.
Watched every minute. This world needs more budget builds and less gucci mall crawler stuff.
My jaw dropped on the drawer being supported by the side bed rail support. Feature length in this case....incredible! Such an insane build and refreshing not to see a rig where everything was bought and bolted on
This is by far the coolest set up I have ever seen! A lot of great ideas. Thanks for taking the time to make this video
❤ Best 1 hour spent on YT in some time. We are all about simplicity with our build. Bed, table, counters..all plug any play systems. Anything more just adds more cost and weight.
Waiting for the full walk around on your set up! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to make content to share with the world!
~Mark & Teresa
Ingenuity at its finest. Thanks for sharing Ben’s truck.
Damn this is great! How many "overlanders" have had the same rig for 15 years? Few. Well done. I'm 5 years in on my 95 4Runner and I hope I don't set it on fire with all the diy stuff I do to it 🤣 Learning to weld is getting higher and higher on my list of skills to learn.
PS more hour long detailed diy builds are right up my alley, I'll watch if you put 'em out 🤙
Haha right? Man i definitely look at wiring differently now then when I started!
2nd gen! I've owned mine for 14 years and she's got 320000 miles and going strong.
I use good quality flux core for all my welding spending the extra $ for good quality wite is worth it. Just grab scrap metal and cheep home depot wire and blast away...
I didn't think I would sit through the whole video but glad I did, that awning is f×cking genius! I also camp out of a contractor cap and just back from a 2 month trip around the south west,a rear awning is top priority for next year. Thanks for the tour I'm so pumped up to dust off the welder and copy that free standing, telescoping design using a old tonneau cover I've got kicking around.
Wow I’m in awe!! Exactly as said before “No, don’t apologize for a “feature length” video” I more of a fan of great details then all the short hyped up videos on UA-cam with no “real” content to learn from!!
Good stuff! Love to see how people structure their builds. Been working on my build over the last couple of years as well. Also, Eureka dunes is a sick spot. Brought the family there last November.
Really appreciate this documentary format to cover these interesting builds and interesting people. It gives me a way better picture of the lifestyle. Informative and beautiful work!
Thank you!
I have been looking to get into building my own truck setup for a few years and this Tacoma has some of the most practical awesome design features I have seen. The back awning and the bed built on the rack is genius. I have looked but haven't run across anything quite like it. When I get around to doing something like this I will definitely have to steal some inspiration.
All I have to say is if the world falls apart we need people like this guy who thinks of these things I am so impressed
This video containes the most usable information for camper buildouts I have ever seen... Thank You!
Ben is the man! And is also currently building a insane camper for the truck. Totally replacing the bed and the camper shell you see in this video. Doing a updated video on it once it completed!
@@OverlandUnderBudget He is a savant for sure.... currently researching my tacoma buildout, and this video had me pausing, pulling out a note pad, and second brouser window., to scratch concepts and parts I'm not familiar with.. looking forward to the new video!!!!!!!
It really didn't feel like a 1hr video, felt more like 20mins because it was well paced and super informative. All the little features really kept me glue to the screen to see what's next, I call that the Billy Mays effect because their were many, "BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!" moment.
This Is WTF I'm Talkin About!!!
Function B4 Fashion, Simplicity has Always Been My Go To.
Thanks Guys, You Both are Dope and Have Given A Lot of Ideas!
That was an hour well spent on UA-cam for sure !! Thank You
The storm footage was epic.
The guest is so legit... not all tatted, no oversized watch, all homemade, access cab. Working within his means
goofy
This is amazing! I absolutely love when a rig is just an accumulation of tweaks over time. I don't like when people are competing to make the most expensive build from the get-go
Exactly I’m way more impressed with this because most of us don’t have the kind of money that go into those huge expensive builds
Watched
the
Whole
Thing
And...want more. The only reason it's so simple is because this guy lives it all the time and knows what works. Nothing more...nothing less than lots of experience...and ingenuity.
Please pass on my thanks to Ben for his time on this as well as his service in the fire dept. I suspect he's pretty busy with all the fires going on in the west.
your vidoe also prompted me to map out some route in Death Valley and the surrounds.
Man, Thats an epic set up for sure! Had me a 2000 Tacoma I got new until someone totaled it outside my house a few years ago, this has me missing my truck!!
I absolutely lost it when the dude opened up the box with the rigged air locker. That is brilliant 😂
That is one incredibly well thought out rig. Well done!
Dude awesome video, I love my little tacoma, really cool to see what you guys are doing, hoping to somewhat follow your path. Incredibly capable trucks
Totally love the functionality and customization! Seems like a really neat and super bright young man. Keep up the great work. Thank you!
Bad ass dude. I’m a firefighter (former hotshot) for the USFS also and have a similar set up. Bad ass dude
Very Cool Tour, and nice Baja Home Sweet Homemade Home with all the amenities. Love people that think outside the camper.
My boyfriend just sent me this video. We are thinking of building out a utility campershell. This is awesome. Strong work. Can't wait to start fabricatin. 😁
Awesome, glad I could share Ben’s setup for others to use as inspo. Such good practical and proven Solutions
I’d like to see more details on that fantastic rear awning. It would be cool to see some detailed shots of the collars mentioned at 56:18 that hold the rear awning in place at the front when stowed. Also, if possible, a clip showing the rear awning being stowed away/rolled up. I’m curious how it rolls back up on the cross bar that it is attached to.
Great build, so many great ideas. Thanks for sharing. 🙏
Thank you. Ben is a bad ass. I got some great ideas from this video. I appreciate it!
Man, 5’10” is the ideal height. So many more options in the market of materials and Larger population of resources to draw from and therefore places to access.
I dig your tire /shelf combo. Did you make that? This was a great video. Thanks to Ben for your service. Ben's rig is sick. I have so many questions. I hope you guys do more vids. You 2 are cool
That awning is genius
100% and so easy to setup
people like this will lead the world on day
Love the channel! I’m thinking about moving into my double cab Tacoma!
Thanks man! And hell ya! That would be an adventure
Ditto
Wow. This was amazing. Hats off to Ben!
I’m using this as inspiration for my tundra. Been looking at this type of shell and then GFC comes out with theirs - love seeing more aluminum open side options on the market
I have the same SR5 Tacoma, same color, same lift, same size tires, same lumber rack but, with a fiberglass shell. I now have a bunch of ideas and future projects. 1 bad thing though, I'm 6" taller than the HotShot. Diagonal sleeping is the only fit.
In an ocean of high dollar hella sponsored broverland vids this vid was very refreshing
This video kicks ass! I’d love to see more of these deep dives into people’s set ups
Your buddy is a straight savage! Barefoot on that hot desert sand is nuts!
I'm 26 minutes in, and I no longer feel like an accomplished DIY'er 😆. But I'm very inspired!
Mannnn! There are so many little nuggets that Ben gave everyone! Awesome!
Holy cannoli, what a gold mine of information. Thank you!
Loved the video. Thanks for posting it and Ben, thanks so much for sharing your build and thought process. You’ve got a lot of skill sets but my personal favorite is the cool stuff you made welding and sewing. Heading over to Instagram now hoping to see more of your rig. All the best.
That awning is brilliant
This guy is brilliant. Practical design!
Sooo many cool features!
I thoroughly enjoyed that hour of fantastic watching!
Love it, thank you mark! So many good nuggets of knowledge just glad I could bring it to the people !
WOW....what a fantastic build!!! So impressed, the major components and little touches make so much sense.
Thanks for the detailed view, I prefer this type of review... You have a new sub!
Love the function over form build to this rig. I'm looking to build my 2002 taco and not break the bank.
Proud 6foot2 first gen taco owner lol. It works!!
Thanks for Very thoroughly shared all the functions and details. Great video👍
I planned to purchase my first pickup 1st Gen Tacoma. Very inspirational.
I seem to drive by this truck daily! Super dope rig!
Dude..Great video..no I didn't just waste an hour of my life..actually learned a few things..thanks.
This is my dream to do the same on my 2001 Tacoma. Nice man!
Amazingly inspirational ! I can keep watching. Thank you so much.
Ben is the DIY master!
Hey man saw ur rig on santa rosa a lil while ago, super sweet! Picking up a 00 tacoma today actually. Subscribing for inspo.
Smart guy. I like that hes got the 4 banger too.
Loved this yes the breeze sees even during the freeze and over the seas...
I really enjoyed this video! Dude has some really creative things going on in his truck.
Great vid! Thank you so much for sharing your humble build story. Its beautiful to see a design aspect that is straight to the point, economical, skilled and necessity. I see many of the "same" builds in different rigs, which is just fine and mainly due to me watching hundreds of hours of build outs... im addicited to learning new and different designs! Its all in the spirit of getting outdoors how ever you can and is very respectable. This is more my style of building out of need with creativity as the backbone. The wetsuit hanger is clutch! Keep up the adventuring!!!
the fans for mosquitos is super-clever!
Dude thats a beautiful tacoma
Love it! I love a nice long video sometimes. This was very relaxing.
I was wanting to do a very similar camper setup on my Ranger last year... But I wanted to make mosquito net that could be connected when the hatches are opened up. I really dig the computer fan idea though 😆
Wow, that is a very thorough build. Very nice indeed !
Incredible build so well thought out.
Been from a distance looks like Norman reedus
I've seen some of your vids before, but just now noticed your channel name - pretty catchy & clever!
Epic motivation good stuff. I'd like to see more on how to do eather the accessory battery or solar power.
Agreeed! I’ll be doing a dual battery setup similar soon!
Agreeed! I’ll be doing a dual battery setup similar soon!
We just got back from a 4 day trip in DV. Washboard galore.
McMaster Carr is a great resource for researching parts to optimize your builds.
This is 🔥 ..no pun intended. So practical and simple. Amazing!
Refreshing and impressive to see, the mass majority of the "overland" space is bolt on 100k garbage
hello guys... Im in the process of doing a diy ceiling storage/cargo net type set up.. on your rig, how did you set your up? this must've been the 3rd time watching. very informative and simple and it all make sense!!
Anyone know what kind of shell that is?
What a nice build, an a ton of inspiration for how you can customise your own!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thats a cool build. Gave me alot of ideas for my build. Thanks. Keep it up. Regarding the dunes, I would have drive to the top of it, we love playing in the dunes. Following you definitely .
Both cool guys great insight and just a good time :)
This was truly AMAZING!!!!! Thank you for the details …..I am inspired 🙌🙌
Simply Badass nature going on guys.🙌🏽
Great video. Man these trucks sell like crazy here in Houston. I have a 3rd gen. Wish it was more comfortable though. Idk the seating position is a bit awkward. Might go back to a full size truck or a Camry which is weird because I haven’t really owned many sedans. But I test drove the camry and it was very very comfortable. Never thought I’d want a sedan. Lol
Excellent video. Excellent build and rig.
outstanding walk around!! 💯👍
Great video,Ben is a genius, you got a new sub
This guy is surviving the apocalypse in his road warrior setup
Very tough looking set up. I like it!
6'3" 1st gen owner here, slept in the bed once diagonally, was not the best sleep.
I have an 04 Tacoma v6 TRD 5spd in California with the extended cab, so this is nearly the same.
One thing you can do in California if you have a camper installed is to relicense it as a car rather than pay commercial fees.
What a brilliant build this is
Dude, when you burn the local vegetation in a National Park you shouldn't record it and post it to UA-cam.
Great video. Love the thought that went into that Tacoma. 🤙
Also shouldn't fly a drone in a National Park and post the footage. Actually just shouldn't fly a drone in a National Park. Cool rig, but not cool to do things that give off roaders/overlanders a bad reputation and get access to public lands closed to vehicles.