One Man Trail - Solo Adventuring in a 2018 Tacoma DCLB

[Ryan Barnes]

In Februay 2018 I purchased my 2018 Tacoma DC long bed with the intent on building a road-trip camp anywhere vehicle.




I just purchased a Leitner Designs bed rack and a James Baroud Evasion RTT similar to the ones below:






My first road trip will be in June for 2-3 weeks. About 2,000 miles up through the Sierra Nevadas and to at least 4 national parks.

After that trip, I have 3 more planned. The Big 5 parks in Utah, the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada off road, and the Trans America Trail.

 

[ddettamanti]

Do you have a photo of the tent on the rack all set up?

I just bought 2018 DCLB and a leitner rack, have a soft tent on order.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Do you have a photo of the tent on the rack all set up?

I just bought 2018 DCLB and a leitner rack, have a soft tent on order.

No but I will soon. Here’s the rack installed yesterday. I pick up the tent on Monday.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

The welds on the Leitner Designs rack are beautiful

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Working on a new rack that builds off the Leitner Designs ACS rack that will hold a solar panel above the cab and provide a mounting point for the Alu Cab 270 awning.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Made a set of magnetic mounts for the large iPad Pro. Works really well and doesn’t move on washboards.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Got the tent mounted. Stopped for the night in Sedona Arizona on the way home.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Got some solar stuff to install.

 

[jgaz]

There are some nice looking toys in the garage space where you’re working.
Nice job on the rack!

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Got the remaining pieces cut for the rest of the rack. Should be able to make good progress tomorrow.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

I ordered 4 gear pods from Leitner Designs and 4 multipurpose mounts. Ouch. Pricey. I’ll have them on the truck in a few days then I can work on lighting, air compressor mounting, and solar.

 

[downhill]

Nice Work!! If you really are a solo traveler, consider taking out the passenger seat. The possibilities for that huge space are amazing. I have had several vehicles over the years where I had the passenger seat mounted with quick release pins, so that I could drop in my solo unit easily. The first one was a 1969 VW Beetle. I had a set-up where I could sleep on the passenger side, with storage under the extended platform. With your craftsmanship, the possibilities are endless.

 

[Ryan Barnes]

Made some progress today on the roof rack.

 

[tonnydoodles]

well done!! but I think that rack is going to damage your cab roof.

 

[downhill]

well done!! but I think that rack is going to damage your cab roof.

I agree. It is definitely too close! as soon as the truck starts to flex over uneven ground you will get contact. That rack is close enough to cause a significant dent. I would leave at least 4 inches clearance