At 9000lbs, you’re not only 2k over your gross weight rating, you’re also well over your axle ratings. Front axle is rated for 4K lbs; rear is rated for 4150. Seems lots of people overload their Tundras without issue, but being over GAWR full time would lead me to suspect bearing failures at some point in the future. Toyota seems to rate these very conservatively, but you still have a semi-floating (read: not heavy duty) rear axle with waaay more weight than it’s rated for. Curious how this works out over time. Beautiful rig regardless.
Another variation of my solution:. They make a brass 90 degree hose fitting. Screw it into your outlet and leave a short piece of hose running down the side of the camper. This could be secured with clamps and high bond tape from 3M
You know if you had a pull-out hose that screwed into the side of the camper, you wouldn't need the extra piece. Just unlatch / unscrew it and hang it down or put into the grey water tank. Shove it back in and relatch / screw in when done.
I too have a truck camper however I couldn't see spending the money on both a new truck and camper. So what I did was search for a used truck and camper and I completely rebuilt both. I purchased a 98 GMC 2500 for 2 grand and a 94 truck camper for 1500.00. I put another 3 grand into them and now I have a pretty sweet truck with many bells and whistlers and a camper that has many comforts. I also have that stupid drain for the sink. I set mine up to charge the batteries three ways. I can plug it in, use my solar or charge from my alternator. I have never run out of power. I love my truck camper and wouldn't change a thing. I think if it weren't for the need of some wanting more space and comfort this is the way to go. I think if more people would try truck campers they would be pleasantly surprise at how comfortable they are. Love the channel, Happy Trails.
I agree! I think there are some super cost effective options out there to test the waters. They also allow you to be more capable and get to further off places!
I’ve never been a fan of buying somebody’s cast off vehicles and I usually keep mine until they really start costing me $$$. Now that you’ve bitten the bullet and bought your new truck, hang onto it. You shouldn’t ever regret it. After a couple of years it will feel like an old friend
Last winter in Mexico I ran into a woman in her 80's who was living in a very similar setup, the same poptop camper unit, and I was really impressed with how easily she was able to get it up and down and how nice it was inside. Been traveling in my 82 Westy but planning my long term next rig, and headed towards the same solution. Thanks for the info.
Just got done watching your review! Sounds like things are going well overall. Suggestion on the gray water that may make your lives a little easier. Stop by a local hardware store, Lowe’s or Home Depot, pick up two 90 degree hose fittings with barbed ends, one garden hose style and the other pipe thread (I assume that’s what they use for the gray tank on the tray), a length of hose and a few hose clamps. Add a mounting clamp in the middle to help it keep close to the camper (you could use a screw from the back side of the furnace, away from the exhaust, so you don’t have to drill any holes) You can have a semi permanent fix that will hug close to the body of the camper yet allow you to not have to go through that step every single time. 😊
While I have a 1st gen Tundra, with over 210,000 trouble free miles, of which I’ve towed a 4,500 lbs. trailer over 43,000 miles, I think the 2nd gen Tundra is better suited for your rig. They have a much stronger drive train, better payload and 4 wheel disc brakes. People complain about the 2nd Gen fuel mileage, but in real world comparisons when loaded, they are about the same as the Big 3. Granted a diesel would get better mileage, but you would need to account for maintenance cost and the difference of gas vs fuel. Keep up the good videos, love the honesty of your reviews.
This may be already suggested for your sink drain issue. But if you were to get clear 3M protective film (same stuff they put on the front of new cars to protect against rock chips and salt) on the area that gets wet with the sink it would protect the finish. It's a cheap alternative and won't effect the look of your rig. Hope it helps!
Wow. You guys are total professional reviewers. Well composed, well lighted, quality vid, in focus, well spoken. Perfect. As a professional photographer myself, and contemplating a pop-up set up similar for my wife and I, I really appreciate your efforts here. Good beta and perfectly filmed.
Just have a plumber braze a nice brass or copper line on the outside with a few clamps and you will have a permanent drain. You can clamp and unscrew it if you decide to change it when removing the camper from tray.
I recommend a back seat delete. Its just 2 of you and a cat. Do not need those seats back there and you can organize a lot more things back there than what you current have. Just a thought.
Good videos, thanks. re: the shower curtain set up. You can heat weld plastic sheeting. I've seen videos were people have made inflatable flotation bags for kayaks with this method. That means anything you want to do won't be a problem. My idea of an indoor camper shower is basically a full length tube with an overlapping door and about 12" to 18" of sealed bottom with a hose attached to drain the water. Once you figure out how to weld the plastic (it's basically ironing it together. I haven't done it... yet) you can try different combinations until you figure out something that sets up easily, drains well, and can be easily turned inside out and hung outside to dry. (Remember sunlight is a mildew and stink killer. My swimsuit I wear under my wet suit started stink, I washed it a couple of times - no luck. Then I hung it outside in the sun for a couple of days, turning it around and inside out. It smells like new. Same thing with nylon military surplus ski skins I bought on eBay. They arrived still a bit damp and smelling of mildew. I just hung them outside, same thing a few days, turning them around so all surfaces got sun.) For a hurricane, in an urban area, say you're in Florida. Instead of trying to get on the jammed interstate, what if you just parked in a parking garage. You could move around as the wind changed direction. I haven't done this, so if I were near an approaching hurricane I'd want to get good local information. The thing about a parking garage is it presents a very narrow opening, even along the entire open side of the structure, to flying debris. A tree coming at you would be far more likely to hit concrete, or another level than to come through the opening and hit you. The tray shelf. Yes. I once cut a 'kitchen counter' out of a snow bank and set up on it. It's amazing how having the space you need at a comfortable height is so helpful. Using it for chores is not a chore, it's a happy moment. re: weight and build. I've made a couple of kayaks. A camper is a six sided box makes sense. Big flat sides. A kayak is always two types of curves everywhere. Lightweight cedar strips and a couple layers of fiberglass and epoxy. Strong and stiff. A plywood kayak is about 1/8" thick plywood, each panel is curved, where they meet is two curves. These are tied together every couple of feet with wire and then the seams are taped and epoxied, then the wire removed. Incredibly strong and stiff. Now that I'm determined to do basically what you're doing, off road, camper of some sort, and I'm watching videos, I see too much weight. (If I could get a rig like yours that got 20 mpg, I'd buy it today). For one build it took three guys to lift the roof rack onto the truck. I know enough engineering to know that thing is too heavy. I guess I'm going to have to shut-up and make something.... What thing I'm interested in about your rig is how easy is it to build from the frame up? I looked at your list of videos and thought, why not start at the back - so the 6 month video. Then go back. If I was to match what you did with DIY plywood kayak construction Each side would look like you'd cut a wedge out of a square, and pulled those two edges together. At the corners would be, at the back curves meeting. At the front corners, for less wind drag, a long panel in between the front panel and the sides, fat in the middle and to a point at the top and bottom... Roof same thing. Doors and windows would have to be inset so they can be flat. The whole thing fiberglassed and epoxied, but I'd leave the glass woven texture, not add more epoxy to smooth it out. The golf ball divots lowering its wind resistance. Could always fill them in later. And of course a pop top. The basic box wouldn't weigh more than 100 - 150 lbs. It would be 1/8" thick, plus the glass. (You don't have to read this or respond. We're all cooped up. I'm thinking out loud.... I did just come up with a design.... For the pop-up I'd have the bottom 'open box' with a 2x3 frame around the top. Same on the top - top. With the opening hardware, fabric sides, and of course the 'weather seal' (not just rubber but the top going over the bottom board.) I guess thanks. Replace the fridge. In the meantime, keep the once a day stuff in any kind of box on the bottom. Imagine you open it up and it's all boxes open at the tops: No coldness pouring out the bottom. After about 300 of videos like this, and especially the ones from the off-road trade shows. Almost all of the companies are doing the exact same thing but with some variation. Your needs apparently aren't in that list. (I started to look for a pop-up with out the queen sized bed over the cab. Haven't found one that isn't just an expensive box. Why haven't they done anything about air resistance? It's like they don't want to think about it. Also they like to talk about weight as affecting gas mileage. Not as important as air flow, especially at road and interstate speeds. To double your speed you need 8x more energy to push against the air, this might be off. A good used vehicle pays for a lot of gas. The ladder and stuff could be put in a pod on the surface of that back. And hey, Florida plates. How crazy is my hurricane parking garage idea? What I think should have been happening by now is manufacturers should've been paying attention to what everyone is doing and figure out how to do it better, lighter, maybe cheaper. (Roof top tents. Why are they so expensive, so heavy and so big? They don't have to be. ) Safe travels.
You defiantly went in the right direction buying the Tundra. I have a 2017 Tacoma , it is so underpowered and the fuel economy with a camper on the back would be much worse than your Tundra .
Awesome!! 4WC is building my Flatbed Camper up now and is installing their very first Redarc Manager 30 system for power management!! I asked them and they said yes!! Cant wait to get it on the road! Hope to see you out there!
Hi Mak just a idea for your sink drain. Use a 90° hose fitting, and run it down the side of the camper. To Secure it to the camper use a double sided tape fastener to the side of the camper it would not hurt to finish and easy to remove if you had to. .
This is a dream for so many people. But yet, on a few have the balls to take action in this direction. Most of us are trapped in the Hamster wheel of the concrete jungles and screens.
@videobenji I would be really interested in hearing more about this side of the story. I've always suspected a lot of people who choose this alternate lifestyle with a plan to do it long term, indefinitely or even for 5 years end up changing their mind on how fun or fulfilling or interesting or economical it really is after a year or two. Although I too am seduced by channels like this one (and I think these guys are 100% authentic about their preference to be doing exactly what they are doing now) I wonder if the formula for the majority drawn to these vids is something closer to a 1 or 2 year adventure and then sell the expensive full timing rig, go back to a home/apt. base and simultaneously build out an old used mini-van for shorter road/camping trips with the economy of a used purchase price, good mpg and simplified rig build out. Do you have any more in-depth thoughts or a blog about your comment above?..same question to BoundForNoWhere if you are reading this or anyone else? I think I would like to do this and I will do this in some form be it a Van or 4x4Camper. I'd probably do a year of travel in North America to get experience and the rig dialed in and confidence built in both my abilities and the rig's, and then a year traveling through Central and South America. I could not afford the platform these guys are using so I appreciated their comments on maybe doing this on a 1st Gen Tundra to save costs. I'd also want to buy the camper and fitting out with the strategy of least depreciation so after a two year adventure, I would minimize the difference between what I spent to acquire everything and what I was able to sell it all for 2 years later. With good planning, some of the expensive stuff (equipment) bought for the rig could be re-used in the mini-van build later. Any comments or strategies or blogs/vids that relate to this idea would also be appreciated. Thanks to "Bound For NoWhere" for continuing to inspire us who are in the dreaming and planning stages.
Late to the party but wanted to comment on your choice of rig. I don't think there is a more reliable truck out there than the Tundra. You will only have to spend money on oil changes and brake jobs and those might be covered under your warranty. My husband just sold his 2012 which he drove on construction sites every day. Everyone else at work had Fords and Chevys and were constantly having issues with this and that, mostly little stupid things that you wouldn't expect to have troubles with on a brand new truck. While it might not have the best fuel efficiency it is the most reliable and comfortable ride out there and I think you will be very happy together on the road!
That's an awesome rig! Pro: Your new Tundra has warranty has many more off road upgrades available than the first gen. I thought about getting a new truck, then reconsidered when I checked the GVWR. I'd be swapping a lighter truck for a heavier truck with no added net carrying capacity. My '06 Tundra DC 4x4 gets 14-15mpg with the 4.7L but she's maxed with a FWC Hawk slide in. For now I'm happy with no truck payment.
Appreciate the insight. Am on our 2nd build. First one is one 2000 taco xtracab 4 cylinder and second one is 2003 taco doublecab.v6. Only real negatives are less space and payload capacity which mention. The smaller footprint won out. Maybe a fullsize truck in the future... ot maybe not. Time will tell
I also like the small footprint of my 06 Tacoma and our home made sit down only truck camper. Payload at 1200 lbs is enough but found out that the 4 cyl. model 2017 has a payload of 1500 # in 2 wheel version. So toying with the idea of going rear wheel drive with a rear diff lock to save on gas when not carrying the camper. Or maybe not as we use it to camp in the winter on remote snowy roads. 4wheel on your truck?
@@marcpikas2859 - both are 4x2. The 2003 taco v6 has electronic rear locker. I am considering a limit slip diff to replace the oem open diff on the 2000 taco 4 cylinder. That being said. We dont rock climb etc. Also, with winch and other self-recover equip are pretty comfortable off pavement
You guys made the right decision on the current model yr Tundra. The first gen Tundras have much smaller engine and the biggest issue is its brakes. We had a well optioned hawk on 2006 Double Cab Tundra. Even with full brake upgrades, I didn’t feel completely safe about its braking abilities. Check out tele step ladders. They are extremely compact when folded. Can you add flip out steps on your camper which is an option from FWC ? You guys did a great job with the build!
@@BoundForNowhere I'm referring to the wall mounted folding grab steps like these: www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200330981_200330981. They use to be an option and are mounted on the rear wall of the slide in campers.
I’m not sure if someone else suggested it but your could make a hard line from copper that can go from your drain to your grey tank and mount it so it could be left permanently but still be removed.
The snorkel, is definitely a must-have for low-land off-road travel. And flooding in cities. We had a snork installed on our Rubicon, we haul behind the RV. Two years...never had to use it/test it. But it gives us a comfy feeling. It's also a good idea, in California, to have flame resistant tires. The cost & comfort level are the big drawbacks.
I totally understand your idea of wanting a 1st Gen Tundra. The only issue with any Toyota truck in that year range is OEM parts, many are now discontinued. I've owned a lot of Toyota trucks and the older ones are getting harder and harder to get replacement OEM parts, not junky aftermarket ones. Yes, your new Tundra is quite large, but it's all brand new and when the time comes to fix/replace things, you will still be able to get quality OEM parts. :)
Great video as usual. There are trade offs to every adventure vehicle, not the least of which is price. While your current setup is near the top, #1 in my opinion is a 170 4x4 Sprinter from Sportsmobile or Outside Van or a 144 from Storyteller Overland. Having said that, for the money I think a full size 4x4 truck with a Lance 650 truck camper is the best compromise (price, capability, amenities, etc). Also, Owen hit the lotto with you...
I completely agree with you, however my only concern with the Lance and other hard sided truck campers is that they can make your vehicle really top heavy. But that's just our opinion. And thank you, that is very generous of you to say!
Thank you for this review. I'm considering the Four Wheel Camper after my retirement. One of the major considerations is the truck. Your review of the Tundra was very illuminating. Again Thank you, I've 'Liked' and "subscribed" and I look forward your future posts.
Cool video. As much as i sometimes want all these amenities, we don't live out of our camper so we "settled" on a more bare bones lightweight camper made by OVRLND Campers, similar the project M. The inside is built out minimally. And I purchased a used first gen Tundra to put it on last year and it's worked out great. All said and done. I'm under $30,000 for the whole setup and it's perfect for a weekend warrior or long road trips. I suppose if I was living out of this, I would end up a four-wheel campers like this one. Nice job on your build so far.
Thinking of your sink drain, how about a rigid pipe externally mounted directly to the holding tank? It would look a bit steam punk, which is cool. Maybe camouflage it by painting it like the exterior?
Very nice rig! I'm looking at the Woolrich Hawk version! Everyone should know that as soon as you modify any vehicle you will potentially loose warranty options and your insurance will not insure certain upgrades/changes or charge radical upcharges to your policy.
Suggestion, just get some small puming from home depot with a 90. Screw it on and go straight down to bottom of norweld tray. Attach with small strap to tray to secure bottom .color match pipe to camper..
Lots of choices. Like the four wheel camper tops. Only thing is winter camping. Not sure it's best option. They've got the new light and weight top which works with my ZR2. Tundra a little big for hard core off road.
I have a cheap solution for your grey water plumbing issue. Leave your house attached and cut it 2 inches long or so. Go Tina hardware store and get brass male and female hose ends OR you can get brass quick connects. When you are not using the tank it will act like a gutter and direct the falling water away from the camper side. When you use your tank. Screw the rest of the house on or quick connect down to your tank. The only issue would be if the wind is blowing it may blow It on your camper. What do you think???
I'll look forward to a video update. Any other problems for.me to solve? I love this stuff. BTW I have a 1 ton GMC with a large Northstar igloo camper and I was shocked to see that I get 1-2 mpg less than you do. Now I don't feel so bad about my mileage.
Wonderful moderation. You're a natural, and very nice photography with blurred background. 4 wheel is close to us and we looked it over and it didn't meet our needs, but everyone is different. Good luck to the two of you!
Mak just keep being you and your rocking it like a movie star! You can always fill bottled water containers and when you drive heat them up and shower with that. Just a thought in case you guys are in between places and showers.
@@BoundForNowhere like under the hood in the engine compartment. I used a tent shower in Helmand and warmed bottled water up my in the generators. Some mornings it could be below the teens so you were doing calisthenics while showering lol! Usually one to prep, bath, and one to rinse.
Got so pumped when you mentioned first gen tundras!!!! Yas!!! That’s what I went with. Definitely not the same caliper build as this but has been such a fun project. See ya on the ol dusty trail!
Thank you for the great review! Now that it’s been a couple of years, could you do a specific review of the indoor shower (Pro & cons and any modifications you’ve made to it)? Has it caused any moisture damage to your finishes? I’m considering a FWC Fleet slide-in with the the expensive indoor shower option and want to make sure it’s right for us. Love your high quality videos!
Have you thought about re gearing the differentials the re gear could gain you 2 to 3 mpgs. Also the grey water hose problem could be solved with a 90° quick connection. It will save the threads on the camper connection and make the process easier (no drilling). Just a suggestion to your problem. Love the vids and your channel
Try adding a union and a 3" or 4" pcv nipple ( or whatever doesn't stick out to far) to the gray water drain and then you won't need to worry about hooking the hose up every time. Other than when dumping the gray water to the ground is a issue. Then you can use the hose. peace
Looking at something very similar four wheel camper on a four F250 flatbed,Curious I’d like to spend most my time in the desert in hot weather you guys stay stay cool in there
I think I would have opted for a propane fridge, and heater inside the camper. That is what we have in our 06 Casita SD travel trailer, it is a large fridge too, good for 10 days at a time on the road, sips propane very slowly. I did enjoy watching your pro's and con's video of the Tundra/camper. I don't think you would have liked the 1st gen tundra once outfitted, it gets horrible mpg with that 4.7L. A buddy had one. 11-12 mpg seems good to me for your outfit. I desert camp a lot for a week at a time, detecting gold nuggets, mainly around the Majuba mountain area of Nevada, I rough it with a Leer 180 shell on my Tacoma and tow a 08 Rhino SXS to get around with in the desert. Looking forward to more of your adventures.
Great video and very good overview at the end especially the negatives. As for the electrical setup and FWC reaching out to you after you had to do all the mods to get 110V off shore power ... You seem to think that was generous of them... on the contrary...that information saves them engineering costs... I hope they paid for the information you provided. Great video...
Have you considered a semi-permanent gray water line on the outside of the camper using pvc? Seems like it would be pretty easy, but you might want to take it off for right off road trails...still might be kinda nice to just always be able to use the sink without hooking up the hose.
I "had" the perfect camp set up- 2001 Ram 2500 DIESEL 4x4 Quad Cab short bed with a 4Wheel Camper. Only issue was not being able to store my kayaks and toys on the roof without taking them down when setting up the 4Wheel Camper... oh yeah, and that my wife wasn't into wilderness camping...
One day you should set up a separate gray water system for the shower with a ultraviolet and filter system because you can have almost unlimited time in the shower off of 3 gallons of water. You can get the filter and ultraviolet stuff on amazon for under $200 and you can just use your existing gray water tank because it’ll filter and sanitize everything in it for shower water etc.
You are actually doing very well on gas millage all things considered. The Tundra is really only out performed by certain Special edition trucks built with the express purpose of Off-roading. Given your set up, I would not doubt that trucks ability to pull another 8k LBS more on a trailer, that is me assuming the camper is about 2k. The newer Tundras also corrected issues that the old tundras had, such as the Drive train being able pull a LOT more than the frame was capable of pulling. There stands a decent possibility a first gen Tundra would have had worse mileage with a smaller camper than your current gen. Good job!.
thanks for sharing! We are looking at a FourWheelCamper flat bed as well and are curious if you looked into alternatives to Norwell. They are quite a bit more expensive than other flat beds out there such as Alum-Line but we're not sure if that brand is as solid. Really appreciated your input on the height changes involved in upgrading to the bed with drawers..... hope to see you on the road someday!
Have loved Roxanne since you got her. Awesome rig. You mentioned c of g as a reason not to get the drawer. If you build another some day, you could offset the wheels with back spacing a half inch outward to counter the higher bed. After getting big red, I'm liking the storage. I did widen the track. Please keep making the awesome videos. Love to watch your travels.
I really enjoy listening to your presentation Mak, you come across very genuine, and engaging with your facial expressions, and just the way you address things, very cute. Owen does good, he just doesn't have freckles. I totally agree with the Tundra purchase even though the gas mileage sucks. I think the 1st Gen Tundra would have limited some of the space you now enjoy, but it would have been more 4WD worthy. I would have never considered the Flat Bed before, but after your reviews the actual floor space is much better.
Tundra’s are great trucks but the MPG is awful. I get 10 towing, about 14.5 just the truck. You’ll be glad you got the extended warranty, if it is through Toyota they will stand by it. I got the 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. I would like to see a video on what the truck, the mods and the camper cost if your willing.
Hey there! Yes we're thinking that we will do a video like that in the new year covering all the edits to the truck as well as all the edits that we've done to it since being on the road with it!
I believe both Tundras with 1 million miles you're referring to were with the older 4.7 V8, which was a much more straightforward design and damn near bullet proof. The 5.7 is a heck of a motor, time will tell if it is as reliable as the older V8s Toyota produced. Also, it's worth noting that both of those Tundras came from the southern states so they weren't exposed to harsh elements seen in the winter or salt on the roads.
Unless your truck is having to constantly downshift, I don't think tow haul mode is really necessary full time. I only use tow/haul going up and down steep hills or when I hear the transmission shifting more than once every few minutes or so and get a couple of miles better gas mileage by not using it when I don't think it's needed. Just food for thought.
I have a friend who has a Tundra with a Palmino pop top camper and he complains about 2 things - poor fuel mileage and piss poor refrigerator. I would take the factory one out and purchase a slide rack system and install an Overland type refrigerator in the space left by the factory one. They are top open units in various sizes, run off of 120v or 12v and very efficient and they even off dual zone units if you need a freezer and refrigerator.
Cool build. Ever thought of the reg cab? Tge first gen i believe didnt have the 5.7. Sprinter van or diesel truck ever cross your mind? I’m leaning ram 2500 reg cab.
The payload for those trucks is about 2k max. Which is probably what that camper is with all gear and fluids. Anytime the truck is pulling a load or has a payload it’s recommended from Toyota to increase engine response, maintain lower gears longer down and up step grades and slight engine breaking when available.
My friends Tundra was all built out nice but the extra weight somehow bent the frame. There was some spots that had rusted right through. Wouldn't pass inspection, he had to ditch the whole thing. It was a nice build too :-(
You mentioned at the beginning of the video that there was a link that gave the modifications you had to do to the Tundra to be able to carry the FWC. I would be interested to learn what suspension/tire mods you had to do in order to carry the weight of the camper. The link you gave was to a Day in the Life of the camper, but no mods info (although that was an awesome camping location). Could you point me to the suspension mods video, if you have one? Thanks!
Do you have a video explaining your power conversion on your camper? Will most likely end up doing it to mine. Looks like 2 years later nothing has changed in that regard
Can you comment on the limits of a full sized truck versus a midsize, specifically on possible destinations a full size might not fit. Waffling on which way to go to get the whole family into the wild.
It honestly just depends on what your putting on it. If we were just going to do a RRT we would have done a Midsized truck, but since the camper is heavy we just couldn't consider a the midsized options. In our 9 months in it thus far we've never found anything that we couldn't make it to due to our size, but we don't live in the NE where the vegetation is far more dense then it is out west.
Toothpaste does not damage an auto finish directly. However, toothpaste (not the gel type) is a very mild abrasive, so I guess it could scratch the paint IF you rub it. But it’s not going to damage your paint, because if it were that harsh, the FDA wouldn’t approve it for human use.
At 9000lbs, you’re not only 2k over your gross weight rating, you’re also well over your axle ratings. Front axle is rated for 4K lbs; rear is rated for 4150. Seems lots of people overload their Tundras without issue, but being over GAWR full time would lead me to suspect bearing failures at some point in the future. Toyota seems to rate these very conservatively, but you still have a semi-floating (read: not heavy duty) rear axle with waaay more weight than it’s rated for. Curious how this works out over time. Beautiful rig regardless.
Another variation of my solution:. They make a brass 90 degree hose fitting. Screw it into your outlet and leave a short piece of hose running down the side of the camper. This could be secured with clamps and high bond tape from 3M
You know if you had a pull-out hose that screwed into the side of the camper, you wouldn't need the extra piece. Just unlatch / unscrew it and hang it down or put into the grey water tank. Shove it back in and relatch / screw in when done.
I too have a truck camper however I couldn't see spending the money on both a new truck and camper. So what I did was search for a used truck and camper and I completely rebuilt both. I purchased a 98 GMC 2500 for 2 grand and a 94 truck camper for 1500.00. I put another 3 grand into them and now I have a pretty sweet truck with many bells and whistlers and a camper that has many comforts. I also have that stupid drain for the sink. I set mine up to charge the batteries three ways. I can plug it in, use my solar or charge from my alternator. I have never run out of power. I love my truck camper and wouldn't change a thing. I think if it weren't for the need of some wanting more space and comfort this is the way to go. I think if more people would try truck campers they would be pleasantly surprise at how comfortable they are. Love the channel, Happy Trails.
I agree! I think there are some super cost effective options out there to test the waters. They also allow you to be more capable and get to further off places!
One of the most reliable vehicles on the planet, great choice!
If your looking for more space remove the seat in the crew cab. It's a simple project to build a cabinet with slide out drawers.
Thats where we store some things and our cat while we're driving
I’ve never been a fan of buying somebody’s cast off vehicles and I usually keep mine until they really start costing me $$$. Now that you’ve bitten the bullet and bought your new truck, hang onto it. You shouldn’t ever regret it. After a couple of years it will feel like an old friend
You are absolutely right. This truck is so good to us every single day, it's just scary to take on debt when none of our others required that.
Last winter in Mexico I ran into a woman in her 80's who was living in a very similar setup, the same poptop camper unit, and I was really impressed with how easily she was able to get it up and down and how nice it was inside. Been traveling in my 82 Westy but planning my long term next rig, and headed towards the same solution. Thanks for the info.
That's awesome, well we too are coming from an 85 Westy and can't speak more highly about something along these lines!
I like that you obviously thought about your presentation. Succinct, focused, quality information.
Just got done watching your review! Sounds like things are going well overall. Suggestion on the gray water that may make your lives a little easier.
Stop by a local hardware store, Lowe’s or Home Depot, pick up two 90 degree hose fittings with barbed ends, one garden hose style and the other pipe thread (I assume that’s what they use for the gray tank on the tray), a length of hose and a few hose clamps. Add a mounting clamp in the middle to help it keep close to the camper (you could use a screw from the back side of the furnace, away from the exhaust, so you don’t have to drill any holes) You can have a semi permanent fix that will hug close to the body of the camper yet allow you to not have to go through that step every single time. 😊
While I have a 1st gen Tundra, with over 210,000 trouble free miles, of which I’ve towed a 4,500 lbs. trailer over 43,000 miles, I think the 2nd gen Tundra is better suited for your rig. They have a much stronger drive train, better payload and 4 wheel disc brakes. People complain about the 2nd Gen fuel mileage, but in real world comparisons when loaded, they are about the same as the Big 3. Granted a diesel would get better mileage, but you would need to account for maintenance cost and the difference of gas vs fuel. Keep up the good videos, love the honesty of your reviews.
Honestly agree with everything you just said!
This may be already suggested for your sink drain issue. But if you were to get clear 3M protective film (same stuff they put on the front of new cars to protect against rock chips and salt) on the area that gets wet with the sink it would protect the finish. It's a cheap alternative and won't effect the look of your rig. Hope it helps!
Wow. You guys are total professional reviewers. Well composed, well lighted, quality vid, in focus, well spoken. Perfect. As a professional photographer myself, and contemplating a pop-up set up similar for my wife and I, I really appreciate your efforts here. Good beta and perfectly filmed.
Just have a plumber braze a nice brass or copper line on the outside with a few clamps and you will have a permanent drain. You can clamp and unscrew it if you decide to change it when removing the camper from tray.
We added that recently and it's a total game changer!
I recommend a back seat delete. Its just 2 of you and a cat. Do not need those seats back there and you can organize a lot more things back there than what you current have. Just a thought.
We have considered it, but love being able to have other people along for the ride every once in a while so we sadly can't part with the seats.
Good videos, thanks. re: the shower curtain set up. You can heat weld plastic sheeting. I've seen videos were people have made inflatable flotation bags for kayaks with this method. That means anything you want to do won't be a problem. My idea of an indoor camper shower is basically a full length tube with an overlapping door and about 12" to 18" of sealed bottom with a hose attached to drain the water. Once you figure out how to weld the plastic (it's basically ironing it together. I haven't done it... yet) you can try different combinations until you figure out something that sets up easily, drains well, and can be easily turned inside out and hung outside to dry. (Remember sunlight is a mildew and stink killer. My swimsuit I wear under my wet suit started stink, I washed it a couple of times - no luck. Then I hung it outside in the sun for a couple of days, turning it around and inside out. It smells like new. Same thing with nylon military surplus ski skins I bought on eBay. They arrived still a bit damp and smelling of mildew. I just hung them outside, same thing a few days, turning them around so all surfaces got sun.)
For a hurricane, in an urban area, say you're in Florida. Instead of trying to get on the jammed interstate, what if you just parked in a parking garage. You could move around as the wind changed direction. I haven't done this, so if I were near an approaching hurricane I'd want to get good local information. The thing about a parking garage is it presents a very narrow opening, even along the entire open side of the structure, to flying debris. A tree coming at you would be far more likely to hit concrete, or another level than to come through the opening and hit you.
The tray shelf. Yes. I once cut a 'kitchen counter' out of a snow bank and set up on it. It's amazing how having the space you need at a comfortable height is so helpful. Using it for chores is not a chore, it's a happy moment.
re: weight and build. I've made a couple of kayaks. A camper is a six sided box makes sense. Big flat sides. A kayak is always two types of curves everywhere. Lightweight cedar strips and a couple layers of fiberglass and epoxy. Strong and stiff. A plywood kayak is about 1/8" thick plywood, each panel is curved, where they meet is two curves. These are tied together every couple of feet with wire and then the seams are taped and epoxied, then the wire removed. Incredibly strong and stiff. Now that I'm determined to do basically what you're doing, off road, camper of some sort, and I'm watching videos, I see too much weight. (If I could get a rig like yours that got 20 mpg, I'd buy it today). For one build it took three guys to lift the roof rack onto the truck. I know enough engineering to know that thing is too heavy.
I guess I'm going to have to shut-up and make something.... What thing I'm interested in about your rig is how easy is it to build from the frame up? I looked at your list of videos and thought, why not start at the back - so the 6 month video. Then go back.
If I was to match what you did with DIY plywood kayak construction Each side would look like you'd cut a wedge out of a square, and pulled those two edges together. At the corners would be, at the back curves meeting. At the front corners, for less wind drag, a long panel in between the front panel and the sides, fat in the middle and to a point at the top and bottom... Roof same thing. Doors and windows would have to be inset so they can be flat. The whole thing fiberglassed and epoxied, but I'd leave the glass woven texture, not add more epoxy to smooth it out. The golf ball divots lowering its wind resistance. Could always fill them in later.
And of course a pop top. The basic box wouldn't weigh more than 100 - 150 lbs. It would be 1/8" thick, plus the glass.
(You don't have to read this or respond. We're all cooped up. I'm thinking out loud.... I did just come up with a design....
For the pop-up I'd have the bottom 'open box' with a 2x3 frame around the top. Same on the top - top. With the opening hardware, fabric sides, and of course the 'weather seal' (not just rubber but the top going over the bottom board.) I guess thanks.
Replace the fridge. In the meantime, keep the once a day stuff in any kind of box on the bottom. Imagine you open it up and it's all boxes open at the tops: No coldness pouring out the bottom.
After about 300 of videos like this, and especially the ones from the off-road trade shows. Almost all of the companies are doing the exact same thing but with some variation. Your needs apparently aren't in that list. (I started to look for a pop-up with out the queen sized bed over the cab. Haven't found one that isn't just an expensive box. Why haven't they done anything about air resistance? It's like they don't want to think about it. Also they like to talk about weight as affecting gas mileage. Not as important as air flow, especially at road and interstate speeds. To double your speed you need 8x more energy to push against the air, this might be off. A good used vehicle pays for a lot of gas. The ladder and stuff could be put in a pod on the surface of that back.
And hey, Florida plates. How crazy is my hurricane parking garage idea?
What I think should have been happening by now is manufacturers should've been paying attention to what everyone is doing and figure out how to do it better, lighter, maybe cheaper. (Roof top tents. Why are they so expensive, so heavy and so big? They don't have to be. ) Safe travels.
You defiantly went in the right direction buying the Tundra. I have a 2017 Tacoma , it is so underpowered and the fuel economy with a camper on the back would be much worse than your Tundra .
The power and fuel economy was 100% why we didn't go that route unfortunately!
Awesome!! 4WC is building my Flatbed Camper up now and is installing their very first Redarc Manager 30 system for power management!! I asked them and they said yes!! Cant wait to get it on the road! Hope to see you out there!
Thats amazing! You're going to love it so much!
Just started looking at these campers. Great video thanks so much!!!
Hi Mak just a idea for your sink drain. Use a 90° hose fitting, and run it down the side of the camper. To Secure it to the camper use a double sided tape fastener to the side of the camper it would not hurt to finish and easy to remove if you had to. .
This is a dream for so many people. But yet, on a few have the balls to take action in this direction. Most of us are trapped in the Hamster wheel of the concrete jungles and screens.
If I could give the gift of anything, it would be the bravery to chase a life that makes you happy! The world would be a better place because of it!
The balls to spend $100k
thats because 90% of the world will never be able to afford to do this kinda thing
all hail VEGETA- the Super Saiyan GOD YUP.........
@videobenji I would be really interested in hearing more about this side of the story. I've always suspected a lot of people who choose this alternate lifestyle with a plan to do it long term, indefinitely or even for 5 years end up changing their mind on how fun or fulfilling or interesting or economical it really is after a year or two. Although I too am seduced by channels like this one (and I think these guys are 100% authentic about their preference to be doing exactly what they are doing now) I wonder if the formula for the majority drawn to these vids is something closer to a 1 or 2 year adventure and then sell the expensive full timing rig, go back to a home/apt. base and simultaneously build out an old used mini-van for shorter road/camping trips with the economy of a used purchase price, good mpg and simplified rig build out. Do you have any more in-depth thoughts or a blog about your comment above?..same question to BoundForNoWhere if you are reading this or anyone else? I think I would like to do this and I will do this in some form be it a Van or 4x4Camper. I'd probably do a year of travel in North America to get experience and the rig dialed in and confidence built in both my abilities and the rig's, and then a year traveling through Central and South America. I could not afford the platform these guys are using so I appreciated their comments on maybe doing this on a 1st Gen Tundra to save costs. I'd also want to buy the camper and fitting out with the strategy of least depreciation so after a two year adventure, I would minimize the difference between what I spent to acquire everything and what I was able to sell it all for 2 years later. With good planning, some of the expensive stuff (equipment) bought for the rig could be re-used in the mini-van build later. Any comments or strategies or blogs/vids that relate to this idea would also be appreciated. Thanks to "Bound For NoWhere" for continuing to inspire us who are in the dreaming and planning stages.
Late to the party but wanted to comment on your choice of rig. I don't think there is a more reliable truck out there than the Tundra. You will only have to spend money on oil changes and brake jobs and those might be covered under your warranty. My husband just sold his 2012 which he drove on construction sites every day. Everyone else at work had Fords and Chevys and were constantly having issues with this and that, mostly little stupid things that you wouldn't expect to have troubles with on a brand new truck. While it might not have the best fuel efficiency it is the most reliable and comfortable ride out there and I think you will be very happy together on the road!
That's an awesome rig! Pro: Your new Tundra has warranty has many more off road upgrades available than the first gen. I thought about getting a new truck, then reconsidered when I checked the GVWR. I'd be swapping a lighter truck for a heavier truck with no added net carrying capacity. My '06 Tundra DC 4x4 gets 14-15mpg with the 4.7L but she's maxed with a FWC Hawk slide in. For now I'm happy with no truck payment.
I like the no truck payment thing!
Goose Gear has a 60/40 rear seat delete system you can put in the Tundra. Would give you more storage options.
Wow! I don't know why I didn't know that! I feel like we might need that!
Appreciate the insight. Am on our 2nd build. First one is one 2000 taco xtracab 4 cylinder and second one is 2003 taco doublecab.v6. Only real negatives are less space and payload capacity which mention. The smaller footprint won out. Maybe a fullsize truck in the future... ot maybe not. Time will tell
I also like the small footprint of my 06 Tacoma and our home made sit down only truck camper. Payload at 1200 lbs is enough but found out that the 4 cyl. model 2017 has a payload of 1500 # in 2 wheel version. So toying with the idea of going rear wheel drive with a rear diff lock to save on gas when not carrying the camper. Or maybe not as we use it to camp in the winter on remote snowy roads. 4wheel on your truck?
@@marcpikas2859 - both are 4x2. The 2003 taco v6 has electronic rear locker. I am considering a limit slip diff to replace the oem open diff on the 2000 taco 4 cylinder. That being said. We dont rock climb etc. Also, with winch and other self-recover equip are pretty comfortable off pavement
You guys made the right decision on the current model yr Tundra. The first gen Tundras have much smaller engine and the biggest issue is its brakes. We had a well optioned hawk on 2006 Double Cab Tundra. Even with full brake upgrades, I didn’t feel completely safe about its braking abilities. Check out tele step ladders. They are extremely compact when folded. Can you add flip out steps on your camper which is an option from FWC ? You guys did a great job with the build!
Thanks so much! We opted to not get those stairs because they take up more space when folded and are hard when camping in a tight wooded area
@@BoundForNowhere I'm referring to the wall mounted folding grab steps like these: www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200330981_200330981. They use to be an option and are mounted on the rear wall of the slide in campers.
I’m not sure if someone else suggested it but your could make a hard line from copper that can go from your drain to your grey tank and mount it so it could be left permanently but still be removed.
The snorkel, is definitely a must-have for low-land off-road travel. And flooding in cities. We had a snork installed on our Rubicon, we haul behind the RV. Two years...never had to use it/test it. But it gives us a comfy feeling. It's also a good idea, in California, to have flame resistant tires. The cost & comfort level are the big drawbacks.
I love that the 4x4 camper people reached out about your power source it would be great to see improvements for future builders too
Word on the web is that there's gonna be a Hybrid Tundra coming out in 2021.
I totally understand your idea of wanting a 1st Gen Tundra. The only issue with any Toyota truck in that year range is OEM parts, many are now discontinued. I've owned a lot of Toyota trucks and the older ones are getting harder and harder to get replacement OEM parts, not junky aftermarket ones. Yes, your new Tundra is quite large, but it's all brand new and when the time comes to fix/replace things, you will still be able to get quality OEM parts. :)
That is an interesting thought that we've not had yet. I had no idea that was a problem!
Amazing review. First-Gen Tundra owner here.
First Gen Tundras are, like you said a great platform, mine has over 300,000 miles and I still drive across the country with it
Have thought about putting your spare on a mount on the rear and having a storage tray built to go where the tire is now,just a thought !
Darrell Knox nope,but it’s still a good thought !
Great video as usual. There are trade offs to every adventure vehicle, not the least of which is price. While your current setup is near the top, #1 in my opinion is a 170 4x4 Sprinter from Sportsmobile or Outside Van or a 144 from Storyteller Overland. Having said that, for the money I think a full size 4x4 truck with a Lance 650 truck camper is the best compromise (price, capability, amenities, etc). Also, Owen hit the lotto with you...
I completely agree with you, however my only concern with the Lance and other hard sided truck campers is that they can make your vehicle really top heavy. But that's just our opinion. And thank you, that is very generous of you to say!
Great information w/a nice personal touch. You folks have good insight on how roll efficiently and still have fun.
hahaha thank you! That is a really nice compliment in our books!
Thank you for this review. I'm considering the Four Wheel Camper after my retirement. One of the major considerations is the truck. Your review of the Tundra was very illuminating. Again Thank you, I've 'Liked' and "subscribed" and I look forward your future posts.
Cool video. As much as i sometimes want all these amenities, we don't live out of our camper so we "settled" on a more bare bones lightweight camper made by OVRLND Campers, similar the project M. The inside is built out minimally. And I purchased a used first gen Tundra to put it on last year and it's worked out great. All said and done. I'm under $30,000 for the whole setup and it's perfect for a weekend warrior or long road trips. I suppose if I was living out of this, I would end up a four-wheel campers like this one. Nice job on your build so far.
Thinking of your sink drain, how about a rigid pipe externally mounted directly to the holding tank? It would look a bit steam punk, which is cool. Maybe camouflage it by painting it like the exterior?
We're starting to play with some ideas that people have tossed out here! Either way we think we can do something about this!
Very nice rig! I'm looking at the Woolrich Hawk version!
Everyone should know that as soon as you modify any vehicle you will potentially loose warranty options and your insurance will not insure certain upgrades/changes or charge radical upcharges to your policy.
We checked with Toyota before all of our modifications and all are approved under our warrenty!
Suggestion, just get some small puming from home depot with a 90. Screw it on and go straight down to bottom of norweld tray. Attach with small strap to tray to secure bottom .color match pipe to camper..
Good stuff guys. Definitely one of the coolest builds out there!
You are too kind!
Lots of choices. Like the four wheel camper tops. Only thing is winter camping. Not sure it's best option. They've got the new light and weight top which works with my ZR2. Tundra a little big for hard core off road.
Awesome build for sure. Thanks for noting the pros and cons. Makes sense.
Our pleasure!
I have a cheap solution for your grey water plumbing issue. Leave your house attached and cut it 2 inches long or so. Go Tina hardware store and get brass male and female hose ends OR you can get brass quick connects. When you are not using the tank it will act like a gutter and direct the falling water away from the camper side. When you use your tank. Screw the rest of the house on or quick connect down to your tank. The only issue would be if the wind is blowing it may blow It on your camper. What do you think???
You guys have the greatest ideas! I love this solution we're going to have to give this a try!
I'll look forward to a video update. Any other problems for.me to solve? I love this stuff. BTW I have a 1 ton GMC with a large Northstar igloo camper and I was shocked to see that I get 1-2 mpg less than you do. Now I don't feel so bad about my mileage.
It's obvious you two put a lot of research, thought & planning into this build. Good to know it works out so well using it in real life.
Thank you so much! haha yeah we are also chronic over thinkers, but hey why not when it's your house!
Wonderful moderation. You're a natural, and very nice photography with blurred background. 4 wheel is close to us and we looked it over and it didn't meet our needs, but everyone is different. Good luck to the two of you!
I'm the original owner of a 2001 Tundra. 20 years and the only problem was a broken oxygen sensor, $150 repair. It still runs like a clock!
It is so cool that you mentioned using a first gen Tundra because that's what I have and I've been thinking about using it as a rig!
Mak just keep being you and your rocking it like a movie star! You can always fill bottled water containers and when you drive heat them up and shower with that. Just a thought in case you guys are in between places and showers.
Yes! There are some cool little water bottle attachments for that out there!
@@BoundForNowhere like under the hood in the engine compartment. I used a tent shower in Helmand and warmed bottled water up my in the generators. Some mornings it could be below the teens so you were doing calisthenics while showering lol! Usually one to prep, bath, and one to rinse.
Got so pumped when you mentioned first gen tundras!!!! Yas!!! That’s what I went with. Definitely not the same caliper build as this but has been such a fun project. See ya on the ol dusty trail!
I think it's such a solid option!
I know an owner of a Tundra who got 1 million miles. Toyota took the truck for R'nD. They also gave the owner a new Tundra.
This is a great, informative video! You two are living the dream; thanks for this.
You are so very welcome!
Thank you for the great review! Now that it’s been a couple of years, could you do a specific review of the indoor shower (Pro & cons and any modifications you’ve made to it)? Has it caused any moisture damage to your finishes? I’m considering a FWC Fleet slide-in with the the expensive indoor shower option and want to make sure it’s right for us. Love your high quality videos!
Have you thought about re gearing the differentials the re gear could gain you 2 to 3 mpgs. Also the grey water hose problem could be solved with a 90° quick connection. It will save the threads on the camper connection and make the process easier (no drilling). Just a suggestion to your problem. Love the vids and your channel
Gotta say Roxanne is a badass name! Glad to see you're still liking the tundra.
Try adding a union and a 3" or 4" pcv nipple ( or whatever doesn't stick out to far) to the gray water drain and then you won't need to worry about hooking the hose up every time. Other than when dumping the gray water to the ground is a issue. Then you can use the hose. peace
I like that idea!
Looking at something very similar four wheel camper on a four F250 flatbed,Curious I’d like to spend most my time in the desert in hot weather you guys stay stay cool in there
Thank you. Very concise and clear review.
Our pleasure!
I think I would have opted for a propane fridge, and heater inside the camper. That is what we have in our 06 Casita SD travel trailer, it is a large fridge too, good for 10 days at a time on the road, sips propane very slowly. I did enjoy watching your pro's and con's video of the Tundra/camper. I don't think you would have liked the 1st gen tundra once outfitted, it gets horrible mpg with that 4.7L. A buddy had one. 11-12 mpg seems good to me for your outfit. I desert camp a lot for a week at a time, detecting gold nuggets, mainly around the Majuba mountain area of Nevada, I rough it with a Leer 180 shell on my Tacoma and tow a 08 Rhino SXS to get around with in the desert. Looking forward to more of your adventures.
Great video and very good overview at the end especially the negatives. As for the electrical setup and FWC reaching out to you after you had to do all the mods to get 110V off shore power ... You seem to think that was generous of them... on the contrary...that information saves them engineering costs... I hope they paid for the information you provided. Great video...
Have you considered a semi-permanent gray water line on the outside of the camper using pvc? Seems like it would be pretty easy, but you might want to take it off for right off road trails...still might be kinda nice to just always be able to use the sink without hooking up the hose.
I "had" the perfect camp set up- 2001 Ram 2500 DIESEL 4x4 Quad Cab short bed with a 4Wheel Camper. Only issue was not being able to store my kayaks and toys on the roof without taking them down when setting up the 4Wheel Camper... oh yeah, and that my wife wasn't into wilderness camping...
The are hose snap on attachments that can def make your life easier.
One day you should set up a separate gray water system for the shower with a ultraviolet and filter system because you can have almost unlimited time in the shower off of 3 gallons of water. You can get the filter and ultraviolet stuff on amazon for under $200 and you can just use your existing gray water tank because it’ll filter and sanitize everything in it for shower water etc.
Thats a really cool idea!
You are actually doing very well on gas millage all things considered. The Tundra is really only out performed by certain Special edition trucks built with the express purpose of Off-roading. Given your set up, I would not doubt that trucks ability to pull another 8k LBS more on a trailer, that is me assuming the camper is about 2k. The newer Tundras also corrected issues that the old tundras had, such as the Drive train being able pull a LOT more than the frame was capable of pulling. There stands a decent possibility a first gen Tundra would have had worse mileage with a smaller camper than your current gen. Good job!.
I’m willing to bet there a quick detach hose that you can get so you don’t have to keep twisting on and off your hose.
Nicely done critique. Your cons were very helpful and honest. Thank you!
Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏
Thank you so much!
So much fun. Thanks.
Thank you so much
I love the your rig! I would change one thing, interior color for temperature. I swore I’d never have a black interior again after my gti.
Ha, my 2016 JK also has the same name... Different spelling...Rocks Anne !!
Project ElectricEye well said
thanks for sharing! We are looking at a FourWheelCamper flat bed as well and are curious if you looked into alternatives to Norwell. They are quite a bit more expensive than other flat beds out there such as Alum-Line but we're not sure if that brand is as solid. Really appreciated your input on the height changes involved in upgrading to the bed with drawers..... hope to see you on the road someday!
Same to you! Best of luck and see you out here!
Apologies if asked before. Why not those 4x4 Mercedes Sprinters or Dodge 3500? Thanks and Happy Adventures
Man living the life.
This major upgrades wont void the warranty? I was told yes just with a camper and no mods. Interesting to hear your reply. THANKS.
Have loved Roxanne since you got her. Awesome rig. You mentioned c of g as a reason not to get the drawer. If you build another some day, you could offset the wheels with back spacing a half inch outward to counter the higher bed. After getting big red, I'm liking the storage. I did widen the track. Please keep making the awesome videos. Love to watch your travels.
I really enjoy listening to your presentation Mak, you come across very genuine, and engaging with your facial expressions, and just the way you address things, very cute. Owen does good, he just doesn't have freckles. I totally agree with the Tundra purchase even though the gas mileage sucks. I think the 1st Gen Tundra would have limited some of the space you now enjoy, but it would have been more 4WD worthy. I would have never considered the Flat Bed before, but after your reviews the actual floor space is much better.
Tundra’s are great trucks but the MPG is awful. I get 10 towing, about 14.5 just the truck. You’ll be glad you got the extended warranty, if it is through Toyota they will stand by it. I got the 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. I would like to see a video on what the truck, the mods and the camper cost if your willing.
Hey there! Yes we're thinking that we will do a video like that in the new year covering all the edits to the truck as well as all the edits that we've done to it since being on the road with it!
I think you have a great rig. Some Tundras have gone a million miles. One was for an oil co. Hard usage indeed.
Yeah we heard about that one! Then Toyota bought it back from them to study it!
I believe both Tundras with 1 million miles you're referring to were with the older 4.7 V8, which was a much more straightforward design and damn near bullet proof. The 5.7 is a heck of a motor, time will tell if it is as reliable as the older V8s Toyota produced. Also, it's worth noting that both of those Tundras came from the southern states so they weren't exposed to harsh elements seen in the winter or salt on the roads.
Unless your truck is having to constantly downshift, I don't think tow haul mode is really necessary full time. I only use tow/haul going up and down steep hills or when I hear the transmission shifting more than once every few minutes or so and get a couple of miles better gas mileage by not using it when I don't think it's needed. Just food for thought.
Very professional
Why thank you!
Roxanne is beautiful.
I have a friend who has a Tundra with a Palmino pop top camper and he complains about 2 things - poor fuel mileage and piss poor refrigerator. I would take the factory one out and purchase a slide rack system and install an Overland type refrigerator in the space left by the factory one. They are top open units in various sizes, run off of 120v or 12v and very efficient and they even off dual zone units if you need a freezer and refrigerator.
I love Four Wheel campers but they seem to not keep up with the needs/trends of the essential accessories needed. They need to get with the times!
Cool build. Ever thought of the reg cab? Tge first gen i believe didnt have the 5.7. Sprinter van or diesel truck ever cross your mind? I’m leaning ram 2500 reg cab.
Why do you leave the transmission in tow/haul mode? I don’t think this setup requires this.
The payload for those trucks is about 2k max. Which is probably what that camper is with all gear and fluids. Anytime the truck is pulling a load or has a payload it’s recommended from Toyota to increase engine response, maintain lower gears longer down and up step grades and slight engine breaking when available.
Have you ever used tow/haul mode in a Tundra? We call it the fun button for a reason. The truck is basically neutered if you don't have that mode on.
Have you looked into doing an air dam? You might recover a couple mpgs. I did when I had a Finch on my Tacoma.
No we haven't, but that's an interesting idea!
What's an air dam?
My friends Tundra was all built out nice but the extra weight somehow bent the frame. There was some spots that had rusted right through. Wouldn't pass inspection, he had to ditch the whole thing. It was a nice build too :-(
That is absolutely gut wrenching. I'm so sorry to hear that.
Most realiable truck out there, if you would have gotten a GM or ford it would have already left you out there stranded!
hahah we are a bit biased but we do agree ;)
Obsessed with you guys inspired
Love that truck and setup.
Thanks so much!
You mentioned at the beginning of the video that there was a link that gave the modifications you had to do to the Tundra to be able to carry the FWC. I would be interested to learn what suspension/tire mods you had to do in order to carry the weight of the camper. The link you gave was to a Day in the Life of the camper, but no mods info (although that was an awesome camping location). Could you point me to the suspension mods video, if you have one? Thanks!
Do you have a video explaining your power conversion on your camper? Will most likely end up doing it to mine. Looks like 2 years later nothing has changed in that regard
Keep in mind that drain hose may freeze up in winter depending where u are. Bring it in overnight maybe?
It def freezes!
Nice set up you two
Thank you so much! We really love it!
Excellent video ty for all the info, pretty girls get out and do it too! 🍻
You are so very welcome! Happy to share!
Can you comment on the limits of a full sized truck versus a midsize, specifically on possible destinations a full size might not fit. Waffling on which way to go to get the whole family into the wild.
It honestly just depends on what your putting on it. If we were just going to do a RRT we would have done a Midsized truck, but since the camper is heavy we just couldn't consider a the midsized options. In our 9 months in it thus far we've never found anything that we couldn't make it to due to our size, but we don't live in the NE where the vegetation is far more dense then it is out west.
Toothpaste does not damage an auto finish directly. However, toothpaste (not the gel type) is a very mild abrasive, so I guess it could scratch the paint IF you rub it. But it’s not going to damage your paint, because if it were that harsh, the FDA wouldn’t approve it for human use.
Thanks for sharing this review, good information to have.... How much was the whole set up of the vehicle/camper?
right at 100k
Bound For Nowhere lots of cheese. Thanks!
This rig is amazing!! I love it soo much!!!! ❤️🧡💙🥰
We do too!