BajaNomad

Tacoma Lumber Rack/Shell questions

Bajaboy - 10-8-2013 at 09:55 PM

I currently have an 05 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4wd with a shell and a Columbia Autohome. My kids are getting bigger so it's probably time to buy a new Tacoma with four doors. I'd like to keep my Autohome and buy a new shell but would also like to get a roof rack. I'm thinking about getting a lumber rack and modify the front of it to hold a few duffle bags. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, or input? I live in San Diego and welcome any suggestions for metal fabricators.

Thanks in advance.

Zac



[Edited on 10-9-2013 by Bajaboy]

David K - 10-8-2013 at 10:13 PM

Have you been to Tacoma World forums Zac? Everything about Tacomas, mods, accessories, projects... just search.

Bajaboy - 10-9-2013 at 06:28 AM

Thanks guys.

willyAirstream - 10-9-2013 at 06:48 AM

Fili in Loreto does excellent custom tube work at very reasonable prices.

Plastic bed

huesos - 10-9-2013 at 07:51 AM

Not to be a wet blanket, but you have the first model that went to the new polymer bed system. Keep it in mind as you design a light weight rack that you should not plan on loading heavily at all. I realize that no one appreciates hearing this news and that Toyota refuses to talk about it. I have located a company that can produce the lightest shell made but they are NOB. These can be ordered from dealers in San Diego and Spring Valley and are of the old style one inch square aluminum tube and siding design. To me, absence of weight and water shedding are the most important concerns.

Bajaboy - 10-9-2013 at 08:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
Not to be a wet blanket, but you have the first model that went to the new polymer bed system. Keep it in mind as you design a light weight rack that you should not plan on loading heavily at all. I realize that no one appreciates hearing this news and that Toyota refuses to talk about it. I have located a company that can produce the lightest shell made but they are NOB. These can be ordered from dealers in San Diego and Spring Valley and are of the old style one inch square aluminum tube and siding design. To me, absence of weight and water shedding are the most important concerns.


So which company? I am buying a 2014 but assume it's the same problem with the bed.

rts551 - 10-9-2013 at 08:12 AM

Also Zac. Check with Curtis (on this forum and in your area). I think youv'e see the rack on his Tundra.

Shell

huesos - 10-9-2013 at 08:27 AM

The shell company is Lifetime but they would prefer an order from a dealer anyway. I will probably be ordering one to fit under an existing lumber rack and the company seemed to be willing to build to any restrictions in dimensions.

David K - 10-9-2013 at 08:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
Not to be a wet blanket, but you have the first model that went to the new polymer bed system. Keep it in mind as you design a light weight rack that you should not plan on loading heavily at all. I realize that no one appreciates hearing this news and that Toyota refuses to talk about it. I have located a company that can produce the lightest shell made but they are NOB. These can be ordered from dealers in San Diego and Spring Valley and are of the old style one inch square aluminum tube and siding design. To me, absence of weight and water shedding are the most important concerns.


http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Tacoma-2013/expert-review/

Tacoma comes with a composite inner bed, lighter than steel yet tougher and more durable. The bed features two-tier loading and an integrated deck rail utility system with four adjustable tie-down cleats. The rails are compatible with numerous Genuine Toyota Accessories, including cargo-bed cross bars, a fork-mount bike rack, and other useful items.

Here is a You Tube from a Tacoma rack manufacturer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD3N1CD5lDI

Bajaboy - 10-9-2013 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Also Zac. Check with Curtis (on this forum and in your area). I think youv'e see the rack on his Tundra.


Thanks Ralph...Curtis and I have plans to meet up in the next week for pizza and beer...I will definitely pick his brain. He has a great set up.

DavidE - 10-9-2013 at 10:28 AM

Anything exposed outside I like to keep under lock and key. 1/2" U-bolts welded onto a rack really work neat. I would love to find a source of cut-proof netting to secure cargo with.

805gregg - 10-10-2013 at 06:19 PM

With your kids growing fast you might want to look at a Ford 1/2 ton, much bigger and better milage

Curt63 - 10-10-2013 at 06:34 PM

Zac's kids had a ball playing in the back of my truck when I visited in July. Everywhere we went they jumped in the back of my truck for the ride around town.

I tried to get them up on the cargo rack to look for whales , but they didn't like that too much.


Bajaboy - 10-10-2013 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With your kids growing fast you might want to look at a Ford 1/2 ton, much bigger and better milage


I don't really want a bigger truck just a bigger cab. We do a lot of exploring on tight roads and a bigger truck is not suited for this. Also, the gas mileage looks comparable. I do wish there was more competition to the Tacoma, though.

woody with a view - 10-10-2013 at 08:12 PM

Zac, there is no competition for a Toyota. they are fairly bulletproof for 200k miles with regular preventive maintenance.

jimgrms - 10-11-2013 at 09:00 AM

Zac google Baja rack, they have a lot of diff racks

Bajaboy - 10-11-2013 at 02:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jimgrms
Zac google Baja rack, they have a lot of diff racks


I like their racks but.....I want to put a shell on and also my Autohome. Currently my Autohome is on my shell. This time around I would like to transfer the weight of the Autohome directly to truck body and thus my thought of using a modified lumber rack.

805gregg - 10-15-2013 at 07:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With your kids growing fast you might want to look at a Ford 1/2 ton, much bigger and better milage


I don't really want a bigger truck just a bigger cab. We do a lot of exploring on tight roads and a bigger truck is not suited for this. Also, the gas mileage looks comparable. I do wish there was more competition to the Tacoma, though.


Make sure you read the owners manual, now if you don't check the oil every 600 miles you lose your warranty, it seems toyotas now burn enough oil that you had better check it often. A post on THT (The Hull Truth) the Toyota owner stated at 70,000 mile his Toyota burned about 1 qt every 1000 miles, ( the same as my neighbor across the street), he took it to the dealer, (same as my neighbor) and asked them why, they showed them the owners manual, thet said you need to check the oil every gas fill up, or no warranty, my neighbor traded his.

WOW !!

captkw - 10-15-2013 at 07:07 PM

That's a oil control problem I have not heard about !! keep a case of oil with for long trips,,I guess:?:

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]

woody with a view - 10-15-2013 at 08:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With your kids growing fast you might want to look at a Ford 1/2 ton, much bigger and better milage


I don't really want a bigger truck just a bigger cab. We do a lot of exploring on tight roads and a bigger truck is not suited for this. Also, the gas mileage looks comparable. I do wish there was more competition to the Tacoma, though.


Make sure you read the owners manual, now if you don't check the oil every 600 miles you lose your warranty, it seems toyotas now burn enough oil that you had better check it often. A post on THT (The Hull Truth) the Toyota owner stated at 70,000 mile his Toyota burned about 1 qt every 1000 miles, ( the same as my neighbor across the street), he took it to the dealer, (same as my neighbor) and asked them why, they showed them the owners manual, thet said you need to check the oil every gas fill up, or no warranty, my neighbor traded his.


i'm not calling BS but it's BS! my 2011 camry goes 10k between oil changes on sybthetic 0w-20 iol. it even says so in the owners manual. nothing about checking the oil or voiding warrantee's....:rolleyes:

willardguy - 10-15-2013 at 08:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With your kids growing fast you might want to look at a Ford 1/2 ton, much bigger and better milage


I don't really want a bigger truck just a bigger cab. We do a lot of exploring on tight roads and a bigger truck is not suited for this. Also, the gas mileage looks comparable. I do wish there was more competition to the Tacoma, though.
its a travesty you cant buy a badazz VW Amarok 4wd TDI up there. there's tacoma's competition! :no:

David K - 10-15-2013 at 10:30 PM

My third Tacoma V-6... and not one went through oil, leaked oil, or any motor problems... nearly 300,000 miles in total. Factory recommended change is every 5,000 miles (dino)... and I always try to do it before then.

David K - 10-15-2013 at 10:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
That's a oil control problem I have not heard about !! keep a case of oil with for long trips,,I guess:?:

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]


Its not true... they couldn't sell so many trucks otherwise. Toyota is #1 because they are made so well, and have so few issues that buyer loyalty and referrals have to be one of the best in the industry.

willardguy - 10-15-2013 at 10:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
That's a oil control problem I have not heard about !! keep a case of oil with for long trips,,I guess:?:

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]


Its not true... they couldn't sell so many trucks otherwise. Toyota is #1 because they are made so well, and have so few issues that buyer loyalty and referrals have to be one of the best in the industry.
david, are you high on drugs? #1 at what? fords F150 has and is the best selling truck in history. your tacoma doesnt even come close! and im a toyota guy;D

David K - 10-16-2013 at 08:26 AM

Toyota is #1, I didn't say the Tacoma was the best selling truck... Unless you are talking about mid-size trucks? The Tundra will be knocking on F-150's door soon enough. However, it would be nice if an American brand could be #1. I wish Jeep would improve quality, as I think they are cool and wish they had a truck again... but with the quality of a Toyota, naturally! :biggrin:

monoloco - 10-16-2013 at 08:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Toyota is #1, I didn't say the Tacoma was the best selling truck... Unless you are talking about mid-size trucks? The Tundra will be knocking on F-150's door soon enough. However, it would be nice if an American brand could be #1. I wish Jeep would improve quality, as I think they are cool and wish they had a truck again... but with the quality of a Toyota, naturally! :biggrin:
The Tundra was a nice truck until they turned it into a big bloated gas hog.

CortezBlue - 10-16-2013 at 10:03 AM

for your older high mileage trucks use your regular oil and replace one quart with Mobil 1.

Mobil 1 will give you those perfectly formed synthetic molecules to help reduce friction and the standard oil will get into those tight spaces and scratches in the pistons and piston walls to make sure they are getting bated in oil.

Just my 2 pesos