2024 Tacoma with FWC?

[Jack]

19 years later, Toyota has a true upgrade to the 2nd and 3rd generations and they can now be purchased at dealers. Anyone with experience with a FWC - mounting, mpg, etc.?

 

[JHanson]

I'm about to get one to review. Given the significant upgrades in chassis (fully boxed once more), power (especially the torque peak at lower RPM), and load capacity, the new generation should be far more capable of handling a FWC.

 

[Kodachrome]

I'm looking at the Trailhunter, but I am wondering given the rear coilovers if one can use Firestone airbags on it? The payload capacity is only 25 pounds more than my 2005 so I am curious as to how this might all work.

Given the boxed frame, how do you even mount the attachment points?

 

[Kodachrome]

Ok, I just talked to Marty at ATC and he said there is a big issue with the new design of the bed and hardware. In my case, putting my 2009 Bobcat in the new Taco really makes the long story short that it will need longer bed to frame bolts.

The issue with that is that the stock ones are not long enough and are some proprietary Toyota thread so you just can’t toss some garden variety new bolt in there.

He said right now, FWC won’t even touch the 2024 Tacomas since there is no solution in place yet. He also suggested something like Torklifts but I’m not a fan of those from a tampering and off road standpoint.

I put down a deposit on my Trailhunter today and it will likely take 5-6 months to fill the order so I have time to research this and mull it over…

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I wonder if TorkLift is going to make anything for the new Tacoma. I used their external frame mounts when I moved my Cougar to the new Super Duty. It’s very secure, but not something for tight trails.

 

[CraggyMan]

Just a note on the Toyota bed bolts mentioned above. I stripped one out on my 09 Tacoma so I found a machine bolt that just fits inside the Toyota bolt hole, I believe it might have been 3/8". I used a high grade steel bolt and secured it with lock washers and lock nut. Obviously you have to crawl underneath to tighten and have someone up above (or use a vise-grip) but mine has not loosened up at all with many years of rough road travel. This would solve the bolt length problem, but probably not the best solution for all 4 attachment points.

 

[Kodachrome]

Just a note on the Toyota bed bolts mentioned above. I stripped one out on my 09 Tacoma so I found a machine bolt that just fits inside the Toyota bolt hole, I believe it might have been 3/8". I used a high grade steel bolt and secured it with lock washers and lock nut. Obviously you have to crawl underneath to tighten and have someone up above (or use a vise-grip) but mine has not loosened up at all with many years of rough road travel. This would solve the bolt length problem, but probably not the best solution for all 4 attachment points.

Marty told me it is a proprietary thread now in use. It’s possible a different sku number bolt could work, perhaps one from a current model Tundra.

 

[Vic Harder]

Proprietary? I find that highly unlikely, and I really like Marty. Sounds like a trip to the parts counter at Toyota is in order.

 

[Upland Roamer]

I'm about to get one to review. Given the significant upgrades in chassis (fully boxed once more), power (especially the torque peak at lower RPM), and load capacity, the new generation should be far more capable of handling a FWC.

Good Morning, I was getting ready to put in an order for a base model FWC Fleet. Dry weight at about 1100 lb.s In my search for the right camper I was deciding on camper then truck. The Fleet meets all my needs as I have outfitted it. Retired and will be my bird hunting rig. Now test driving Tacomas and been very underwhelmed with power of two I have driven. Tough to imagine what adding 12-1300 lb.s wet weight would do. Drove the 2024 Tacoma yesterday and much more impressed. Was going to upgrade older Taco leaf springs at minimum. Now reconsidering. Saw your comment here and wondered if you could offer any advice. FWC not currently putting Fleet on 2024 Tacomas but think they are getting closer and I am willing to wait some. I know coil springs likely to require some upgrade as well. Thank you

 

[rubberlegs]

Admittedly I'm not into power and don't mind slowing down driving long uphills. We do that hiking after all. But I've not noticed any power issues with our Tacoma/Fleet. It's definitely overweight though as the payload is more than 1100 lbs with food, water, full tank of gas, etc. If that's a concern, maybe you need a truck with more payload capacity. We baby our truck due to it being overloaded. It hasn't stopped us from going on some pretty rough roads or driving 1000 miles on freeways and highways.

 

[Upland Roamer]

Thanks, maybe just need to be willing to do the same. Likely just the reality with mid sized truck.

 

[JHanson]

Good Morning, I was getting ready to put in an order for a base model FWC Fleet. Dry weight at about 1100 lb.s In my search for the right camper I was deciding on camper then truck. The Fleet meets all my needs as I have outfitted it. Retired and will be my bird hunting rig. Now test driving Tacomas and been very underwhelmed with power of two I have driven. Tough to imagine what adding 12-1300 lb.s wet weight would do. Drove the 2024 Tacoma yesterday and much more impressed. Was going to upgrade older Taco leaf springs at minimum. Now reconsidering. Saw your comment here and wondered if you could offer any advice. FWC not currently putting Fleet on 2024 Tacomas but think they are getting closer and I am willing to wait some. I know coil springs likely to require some upgrade as well. Thank you

I have no doubt, after reviewing a 2024 TRD Off Road model Tacoma, that it is far better able to handle a load such as a FWC than the previous generation. The chassis is certainly substantially improved, and the engine is also a leap forward (never mind that it's "only" a four compared to the previous six), given a torque peak at a proper, diesel-like 1,700 rpm instead of up in the sports-car stratosphere where it has been. Models with coil spring rear axles will be easier to upgrade to handle extra weight—and let's not forget the looooooong overdue rear disc brakes. But you need to keep in mind the substantial differences in payload ratings between models. There are a couple specced for 1,700 pounds, which would make it possible to load a Fleet along with necessities and passengers and theoretically remain under factory GVWR. You'd still need to upgrade rear springs and shocks, however.

My full review will be out later in Exploration Quarterly.

 

[DesertDog]

Thanks, maybe just need to be willing to do the same. Likely just the reality with mid sized truck.

First thing you should decide is if you plan to keep the camper on the truck full time.
Following comments are based on my experience with a 3rd Gen, Tacoma and may not apply to a 4th gen.
The Tacoma suspension is optimized to operate empty to up a few hundred lbs of load before ride quality noticeable suffers. True you can make suspension upgrades for heavier weight but take the camper off and you then have an extra stiff suspension and your truck will drive like, well honestly, a truck from 1965. Other options involve airbags which are specifically designed for large weight changes but have their own disadvantages, nor may not yet be available for a 4th gen.

My opinion: If you want a truck where the camper is frequently taken off, then you may be better off with a larger truck where the weight of a FWC is not going to bounce your suspension from full zero load to full GVWR each time the camper is installed or removed.

 

[Upland Roamer]

I have no doubt, after reviewing a 2024 TRD Off Road model Tacoma, that it is far better able to handle a load such as a FWC than the previous generation. The chassis is certainly substantially improved, and the engine is also a leap forward (never mind that it's "only" a four compared to the previous six), given a torque peak at a proper, diesel-like 1,700 rpm instead of up in the sports-car stratosphere where it has been. Models with coil spring rear axles will be easier to upgrade to handle extra weight—and let's not forget the looooooong overdue rear disc brakes. But you need to keep in mind the substantial differences in payload ratings between models. There are a couple specced for 1,700 pounds, which would make it possible to load a Fleet along with necessities and passengers and theoretically remain under factory GVWR. You'd still need to upgrade rear springs and shocks, however.

My full review will be out later in Exploration Quarterly.

I have no doubt, after reviewing a 2024 TRD Off Road model Tacoma, that it is far better able to handle a load such as a FWC than the previous generation. The chassis is certainly substantially improved, and the engine is also a leap forward (never mind that it's "only" a four compared to the previous six), given a torque peak at a proper, diesel-like 1,700 rpm instead of up in the sports-car stratosphere where it has been. Models with coil spring rear axles will be easier to upgrade to handle extra weight—and let's not forget the looooooong overdue rear disc brakes. But you need to keep in mind the substantial differences in payload ratings between models. There are a couple specced for 1,700 pounds, which would make it possible to load a Fleet along with necessities and passengers and theoretically remain under factory GVWR. You'd still need to upgrade rear springs and shocks, however.

My full review will be out later in Exploration Quarterly.

Will continue to research and sort this out before buying truck. Have put in order for FWC and will be ready in January/Feb so have a few months anyway. I don't think I will get close to that 1700 lb.s. Short bed TRD OffRoad payload sticker that I drove is 1200 pounds. Good to hear that you feel it is an improvement over 3rd generation. Look forward to reading your review when it come out.

 

[Upland Roamer]

First thing you should decide is if you plan to keep the camper on the truck full time.
Following comments are based on my experience with a 3rd Gen, Tacoma and may not apply to a 4th gen.
The Tacoma suspension is optimized to operate empty to up a few hundred lbs of load before ride quality noticeable suffers. True you can make suspension upgrades for heavier weight but take the camper off and you then have an extra stiff suspension and your truck will drive like, well honestly, a truck from 1965. Other options involve airbags which are specifically designed for large weight changes but have their own disadvantages, nor may not yet be available for a 4th gen.

My opinion: If you want a truck where the camper is frequently taken off, then you may be better off with a larger truck where the weight of a FWC is not going to bounce your suspension from full zero load to full GVWR each time the camper is installed or removed.

Camper will stay on. At least that is my thinking right now. In talking to shop that would install my leave springs on 3rd gen and do a lot of FWC Fleet work on Tacomas; they take into account on and off of camper. May definitely be more of an issue with new Tacoma. And yes bigger truck has always been consideration. Just don't want the bigger camper, Hawk model.

 

[DesertDog]

Camper will stay on. At least that is my thinking right now. In talking to shop that would install my leave springs on 3rd gen and do a lot of FWC Fleet work on Tacomas; they take into account on and off of camper. May definitely be more of an issue with new Tacoma. And yes bigger truck has always been consideration. Just don't want the bigger camper, Hawk model.

Let us know what they recommend. I follow the FWC page on TacomaWorld and no one there has yet posted about a 4th Gen with a FWC.

 

[JHanson]

If the camper will stay on permanently, upgraded springs are by far the best approach, whether leaf or coil. If it will be removed between trips I know of no spring rate that would afford an acceptable compromise. Better to install air bags in that case. You'll want new shocks as well, at least on the rear.

 

[Upland Roamer]

Let us know what they recommend. I follow the FWC page on TacomaWorld and no one there has yet posted about a 4th Gen with a FWC.

Will do. Still trying to track someone down who has the Fleet on a 2024 and can offer some advice. No luck as of yet.

 

[Bread]

Any new news on the 2024 Tacoma? I’m having some real doubts about them. My 2011 Tacoma 4wd 6cyl with FWC Fleet Shell has been rock solid crisscrossing North America for the last 10 years. Only modifications are ALCAN 10 leaf custom springs, sway bar and E rated tires. It rides great.

Not only concerned about the 2024 model rear coil springs handling the camper weight, but the motor and transmission are untested as well.

Thinking about getting a used 2022 Tacoma 4dr with 6’ bed instead. That way I can transfer my custom ALCAN springs from my 2011 model to the 2022 model and keep rolling.

Btw: Hurricane Helene did a number on our 2014 FWC Fleet. Cherry tree landed right across the tongue sticking out over the cab and bent it down considerably. Tried bending it back in place using jacks and timbers but it still ain’t right. Insurance company considers it a total loss so going to get a brand new FWC Fleet and a new or almost new Tacoma to go with it!

 

[rubberlegs]

I'd sure want to wait a couple years to see how the gen 4 Tacoma reliability turns out. Many Toyota hybrids are very reliable.... but....