1988 Four Wheel Camper Grandby renovation and Tundra Fit

[Ourayphotography]

Ouray. Congrats on the decision. I think you'll be very happy with it once you are out camping. In regards to the sale, there is a different part of the site the 'gear exchange' http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/15-gear-exchange/

Not sure how to price a project like yours but I am sure someone will take the torch. Looking forward to seeing you awesome truck with the new camper.

Side note: what brakes do you run on your tundra. Was coming down a steep trail today and was full on the brakes and still moving a bit, not the funnest way to travel. Was not full puckers but defiantly a sign to redo the brake before winter. Let me know what you are running for brakes if you have a chance. - Tim

Thanks Tim.
Yeah, I think a new shell will give me plenty to do. I just did the airbag install yesterday. I am still frustratingly stuck on deciding Hawk vs Grandby, and the FWC guys said I need to decide this week. Ugh

OK, I will look at that link to sell the old one. Agree, I have no idea where to price it. I guess just post it and put offer.

Funny you talk about the brakes. A few buddies with first gens just did black bear and talked about how sketchy the brakes are on the downhill. They are definitely undersized. I spoke to a guy at the last FWC show, and he spoke about the scary braking when the camper is on, and he had a big ram truck. I need to do some serious thinking about it. My front rotors are pretty warped right now. There is a guy on the first gen group doing a big brake upgrade kit, so you might keep an eye out. I also have a buddy in Cali that races yotas, and he recommended sticking with OEM rotors. This is something we need to really think about living in the steep mountains.

Are the brakes worse now on the new truck than on your old truck?

 

[Living The Dream]

I am not sure if the brakes are worse on old truck (2nd gen tacoma) vs new truck (05 tundra). Too many variables. In my tacoma I had the 5 speed so I did a ton of engine braking. Actually in the 80K miles I put on that truck I never did that pads and it still stopped very strong even with camper.

With the new tundra I was on a pretty steep decline, on dirt and rocks, but I was not slipping it just wast stopping. I had my pedal all the way down and was certainly not going out of control, but I was inching forward just a bit and required me to commit and get it done.

I don't want to drop cash on a big brake kit, Ill probably just check the rotors and get net (high end) pads. If I had to guess my truck probably just needs new brakes. I have yet to look

 

[Ourayphotography]

Been gone a while so I thought I would do a quick update.
The new camper is home.
My custom flatbed worked out pretty well, and I have been doing a bit of fab on it and i will try to get some pictures up and running. Boy, still a lot of work to do!

 

[klahanie]

^ Well that's alright !

What's the plan for filling in the upper deck space: boxes, folding sides or ...? We did folding sides for ease and versatility but boxes could be better for dust and water.

Thx for the update, gonna be a nice rig. !

 

[Ourayphotography]

The beginning of the new high clearance bumper.

 

[Ourayphotography]

^ Well that's alright !

What's the plan for filling in the upper deck space: boxes, folding sides or ...? We did folding sides for ease and versatility but boxes could be better for dust and water.

Thx for the update, gonna be a nice rig. !

Thx. Not sure the plan on the side storage as of yet. I will prolly fab some drop panels and not do enclosed tool boxes. I am thinking Storage bins in there would be very modular. I may do a diesel heater in there as well. ANy pictures of your set?

 

[klahanie]

Box was built like a UTE tray with folding side for general cargo. When hauling the camper the sides simply give access to that 'lost space' of a PU tub.

A bit of a mess but shows a few tricks with this design: grey water tank (blue collapsible), batteries outside of camper (giving more interior space), and LPG can be relocated (oem lpg cabinet becomes outside storage).

Closed, cleans up nice. Note the weld-on barrel hinges, bottom of sides allowing removal. Draw bolt at forward bulkhead end secures side in up position

As stated there is a forward bulkhead and, obviously a tailgate, which help contain items but I do use hold down straps, some attached to the camper lower wooden walls.

Just one way of rolling ...

HTH

 

[Ourayphotography]

Box was built like a UTE tray with folding side for general cargo. When hauling the camper the sides simply give access to that 'lost space' of a PU tub.

A bit of a mess but shows a few tricks with this design: grey water tank (blue collapsible), batteries outside of camper (giving more interior space), and LPG can be relocated (oem lpg cabinet becomes outside storage).

Closed, cleans up nice. Note the weld-on barrel hinges, bottom of sides allowing removal. Draw bolt at forward bulkhead end secures side in up position

As stated there is a forward bulkhead and, obviously a tailgate, which help contain items but I do use hold down straps, some attached to the camper lower wooden walls.

Just one way of rolling ...

HTH

Thanks a lot for the pictures. That is kinda my direction I am thinking