Preparing Truck For The Camper

[walker.malone]

Thanks to those who offered their thoughts about ATC window flaps and about 4cyl vs 6cyl.
Have decided on the 6cyl 4.0 Toyota Tacoma Ext cab. Just ordered my ATC Bobcat today (refer, furnace, power fan,rack 110 and aux battery, wired for (maybe) solar later. Have driven a 95 reg size 2wd 2seater chevy van last couple years and looking forward to heat and the ability to stand up inside!
The big questions now seem to be what changes to I need to make to get the truck ready for the camper... Am thinking airbags, better springs, heavier tires, and a backup camera. I plan to use it from northwesternmost Washington (Makah reserv/Olympics) down into Calif along coast and into Death Valley area. For this time of year am definitely thinking tires that are good for snow. I am especially trying to figuire out the airbag/springs/both question. This will be my first truck/camper combo, tho I have fond memories of an old Chevy Luv and an old Ranger ext cabs with plain toppers in the past down in the south. I will continue to go thru old posts about these subjects, and I thank all who can respond.
Walker

 

[pods8]

This has been hashed out a bunch but if it was my money/rig. I'd do air bags, then consider tires and probably not bother with the springs or camera but add later if I though they were needed.

 

[The Saints]

I just recently got my Bobcat. I own a 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD. I replaced the springs on my rear end and we love the ride now. It does not feel like we have anything on the back. I wanted to go with springs, because mechanical seems to me to have less failures than airbags. I hear of alot of people complaining of their air bags going bad, developing leaks. You never hear about someone complaining about there springs going flat unless there is too much weight. So that is why I upped the poundage capacity by replacing my springs.
Good luck to your choices. You will love your new camper. I am glad you went with ATC.

 

[Alex]

Here is what I did.
1) Firestone air bag. You need to have air bag or springs.
2) Add-a-leaf to the rear leaf springs. There is a TSB for 05+ Tacoma which can get a 4 leaf rear spring to replace the 3 leaf one.
3) Bilstein 5100 shocks all around. The stock shocks does not have enough damping to control the added weight.
4) Nitto load range D truck tires. The stock tires are like marshmallows comfy but sometimes just a little to unstable.
5) Backup camera. It's pretty nice to have and make sure I don't back over some small kids.

 

[walker.malone]

Here is what I did.
1) Firestone air bag. You need to have air bag or springs.
2) Add-a-leaf to the rear leaf springs. There is a TSB for 05+ Tacoma which can get a 4 leaf rear spring to replace the 3 leaf one.
3) Bilstein 5100 shocks all around. The stock shocks does not have enough damping to control the added weight.
4) Nitto load range D truck tires. The stock tires are like marshmallows comfy but sometimes just a little to unstable.
5) Backup camera. It's pretty nice to have and make sure I don't back over some small kids.


Thanks Alex, and all others who answer. Marty at ATC spoke of you and DarrylA. I was hoping you would answer this. I really enjoyed reading about your trnsition from your westy to the Bobcat.

 

[Darryla]

Hi Walker: I think you should follow what the guys that have the latest version of the Tacoma have. I have the earlier generation and what seems to work for me, may be much different than what is right for the new Tacoma. The only comment I have on Air Bags is, if you are going to have someone put them on, make sure they have experience as I believe you will be drilling holes in your frame and you need to make sure this is done right. Particularly, since your bed is made out of some sort of composite as I understand. Do not take it to your local tire shop who may not know what they are doing. Also, if you do decide on helper springs such as Supersprings, look on-line. I saved over $100.00 on-line. But, I did put them on myself. Other than good shocks, look into a rear stabilizer. Even with air bags, it may not get the sway out.

Do your research. I put mine together less than a year ago and I see already there are interesting new ways to deal with the suspension problem.

Oh, and you are going to love the Bobcat. Yes, you made a big investment. But, you will find out if and when something comes up ATC will take care of you better than you were expecting.

Have fun.

Darryl

 

[Alex]

Darryl,
Luckily both AirLift and Firstone air bag for 05+ Taco does not need frame drilling.
Good tip on sway bar for the rear.

Alex

 

[mtn-high]

I installed Timbrens. Didn't wanna mess with pumps....and living where it routinely drops to 0F or below at night in Winter and there are lots of harsh chemicals applied to the road I didn't wanna chance brittle rubber/air leaks/etc. like I see on this forum from time to time.

no, they aren't adjustable....but they certainly won't leak or fail.

good luck in your quest

mtn

 

[walker.malone]

I installed Timbrens. Didn't wanna mess with pumps....and living where it routinely drops to 0F or below at night in Winter and there are lots of harsh chemicals applied to the road I didn't wanna chance brittle rubber/air leaks/etc. like I see on this forum from time to time.

no, they aren't adjustable....but they certainly won't leak or fail.

good luck in your quest

mtn

Hey Mountain High,
Thanks for your thoughts. You see alot of snow there, maybe you have some thoughts about tires for winter? What do you use to hold to the road when it is slick? How do the all terrains do? The Tacoma comes with BFG 265-75-16s but I havent heard back on the letter rating. I am still learning about tire choices and am hearing folks like the heavier side walls on D and Es for off road, but what about for getting there?
Thanks, Walker

 

[mtn-high]

We've already had a few days on the ice here. Still a few inches on the ground too. Shouldn't be long before we can't see the ground anymore. C'mon April! (after 26 winters I'm kinda over it)

I go through tires like crazy up here. Part of the reason is that tires are cheaper than trucks...so when I see em about 1/2 gone I get a new set. Better than calling the tow truck and mashed fenders...or worse.

Running Toyo Open Country AT...if I got the name right (I'm so into trucks and workin on em and such....NOT)

I suggest you buy 6 -10 ply tires with a LT (light truck) rating rather than a Passenger truck/car tire. You'll get about 1/3 more tread right off the bat and you WILL notice a difference in the ride/drive.

good luck

mtn