My 2014 Tundra Double Cab TRD 4x4 Camping Rig Build Write up and Pics!

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
Hey Guys

It's been a LONGGG time since i built up a rig, but i am really enjoying this build. I do a lot of dirtbike riding/racing, and got tired of towing around and dealing with my toy hauler. Sold the toyhauler, and decided i was going to just build up my truck to serve the same purpose. Did a few months of research, and came up with what i feel is the ideal plan for this build, and i will try to explain why.

This build is a bit different then most. Even back in the day, when i built up a rig i always used the same, keep it as simple as possible. The less moving parts the better. I've done the whole roof top tent thing, it was "cool" but i never really dug the idea of that much weight messing up the center of gravity, and the 3-4mpg it eats up. Anyway, here is my build, not quite done, but getting there..

DONE:

STILL TO DO:
  • Suspension: Still undecided but leaning towards Old Man Emu
  • Clean up the wiring
  • Finish passenger side of fridge platform for storage
  • Line-X or similar coat the wood


The truck started out as a 2014 TRD SR5 4x4 Double Cab, bought new. First thing i did was swap out all of the chrome to the matte black OEM pieces that come on the base model.

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Since i very rarely have more than one person with me, and the truck is always filled with camping or dirt bike gear, i removed alll the rear seating, and designed a platform for the fridge, inverter, AUX battery, and fuse block

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I went through several iterations of how i wanted everything layed out and wear, and decided the battery would be in the center of the platform, mounted with an Artec Industries mount.

I went with the Odyssey PC2150 for the biggest deep cycle readily available. I mounted the Artect mount using flush stainless allen heads with barbed insert nuts underneath,

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For the dual battery system, i chose to use a Power Gate Perfect Switch Dual Rectifier Isolator.. I have used them in 3 other previous builds and they have performed flawlessly under the harshest conditions, and are made locally!

I mounted the Isolator under the hood in the engine compartment on the passenger side, close to firewall, and wired it all with marine grade custom cables.

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RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
For the inverter, i chose the Xantrex 2000 watt ProSine. It will power everything i need, and their legendary reliability is second to none. I mounted this as close to the battery as possible with the biggest cable possible to minimize voltage drop. I also installed a Blue Seas fuse block. I also rewired all of the OEM 12v outlets to be hot and run off of the AUX battery and installed a 12v and dual USB plug in the center console that always hot and tied into the Aux

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The wiring isn't 100% done and finished yet, and will definitely be cleaned up a lot!

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For the fridge, i really looked hard at all my options.. I have run the ARB, the Norcold, and an Engel back when I used to do this years ago, and had great luck with all of them. What i couldn't grasp is how much the price has gone up on ALL of them! The MT45 was $689 for years and years, and now its damn near a grand. I'm not holding anything back on this build, and i really don't have a budget limit, but I simply couldn't justify that much $ on a fridge.

After doing a lot of research, the Edgestar 60qt seemed to get rave reviews, and the dimensions fit my project PERFECTLY right behind the drivers seat.

The fridge is mounted on the drivers side, right behind the seat, and the way it is designed works perfectly, and does not need one of those very overpriced slide outs. Easy access.

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RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
One of the main purposes of this build and selling of my toy hauler was a place to sleep comfortably. The plan is to use the bed as a sleeping platform.

Again, i was blown away by the cost of the "expedition" drawer systems, and did not see a single one that went over the wheel wells to make one big sleeping platform.

While looking at options, i came across the "Decked" system. Found a shop locally that sold them and went and checked them out. A customer of theirs had one in their truck, and it was EXACTLY what i wanted/needed!

The price was almost 1/3 of what is currently out their, and its every bit at strong and functional! Very amazing product! Very simple to install as well!

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After installing the decked system, it was time for a camper shell. I looked at all of them, and decided on the Leer 180XR with the high roof, and roof rack rails installed. Took about a month to arrive after order, but its exactly what i wanted.

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Since i will be spending a lot of time in here sleeping and such, i ran (2) 12v outlets and a dual USB outlet to the bed, wired to the Aux battery, and always hot.

This pic is just a mock up, the wiring is done, but the box it still being refined! :)

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DT75FLH

Adventurer
I used the same system in my power wagon...the decked drawers with a cap....loved it, and liked how the drawers were only 200#....
 

character zero

dangerfoot
I like what you are doing with the tundra, I'm working on a similar setup for my 05. Been camping more, would like to just sleep in the back!
 

montypower

Adventure Time!
How tall does you platform sit above the truck bed? What is your head clearance from top of the platform to canopy? Like the direction you're going with this.
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
I like what you are doing with the tundra, I'm working on a similar setup for my 05. Been camping more, would like to just sleep in the back!

Thanks.. A few more details to work out, but I think this is going to be the ideal setup for ME and MY needs. Hopefully I can give you some ideas. Feel free to hit me up with specific questions.
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
How tall does you platform sit above the truck bed? What is your head clearance from top of the platform to canopy? Like the direction you're going with this.

Not sure why the platform pics didn't show up above. Weird.

It's 11" from bed to top of platform.

The reason I went with the high roof shell instead of the standard was that exact reason? So I could sit up.

I am 6'4" and can sit up comfortable and don't QUITE touch, but it's pretty close.

Thanks, more details and pics coming. Out of town and doing everything off my phone now.
 

montypower

Adventure Time!
What is the height from the top of the platform to the roof? Are there any other taller canopy options you considered?
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
What is the height from the top of the platform to the roof? Are there any other taller canopy options you considered?

I'm not at home and won't be for a few weeks to measure it.

Like I said, I'm 6'4" and can sit in it comfortably without touching

As for taller, yes, they make a few taller ones, but they are TOO tall in my opinion and look really awkward.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Wow, long time no see. Congrats on the new build. And shop around before you think all the prices have gone up ;)
 

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