Bobcat Shell on a Toyota Tacoma

[Norman1974]

Hi Everyone. Anyone have a Bobcat or a Bobcat Shell on a base model four cylinder Tacoma? I am considering getting a Bobcat shell and wondering if an older Tacoma with the 2.4 four cylinder can handle the camper.


Norman

 

[Argonaut20]

If you are wanting to climb steep grades at 80 mph or blow the doors off a Corvette on the highway, maybe not. On the other hand, with some suspension beefing, the 4 cylinder will get you where you want to go. It'll likely give you better mileage than the V6, too. There have been folks on the forum that have used 4 cylinders. Hopefully they will chime in.

 

[Skeeter]

Hi Norm,

I only had a 98' Ford Ranger with the 2.5L engine when we bought our Eagle shell. Despite my best efforts to lighten the camper, it really struggled on any hill. The engine works way too hard and it will wear it out much quicker. The dangerous part is when the other drivers are trying to pass you on those steep hills! On a good note, my mileage was 27 to 30 mph! I used hyper miling techniques for fuel savings.

In a nut shell, yes it will work, but sooner or later you should upgrade your truck for safety. The only thing I did for the supension was add Rancho shocks. I didnt want to pour money into somthing that I knew I was going to replace. We bought a used Tacoma witht the 3.4L and it is much better on the steep grades. If I was to do it all over again, I would of just bought a 1 ton truck and a Hawk and be over with it! Hope this helped. -skeeter

 

[chnlisle]

Hi Everyone. Anyone have a Bobcat or a Bobcat Shell on a base model four cylinder Tacoma? I am considering getting a Bobcat shell and wondering if an older Tacoma with the 2.4 four cylinder can handle the camper.


Norman

Dolphin put a cab/chassis motor home on a Toyota and Nissan and sold tons of them. The auto trans couldn't get out of it's own way but the stick was, shall we say, passable. Either way it weighed a whole lot more than a Bobcat.

 

[BSS]

I've had a FWC on a singlecab 2WD ('96) and will tell you first hand it's not a very desirable combination no matter what your goals are for it. You'll need to install heavier-duty leaf springs or supersprings (NOT add a leafs), a heavy duty clutch, and new tires and wheels to suit your load range and stability needs at minimum (unfortunately, the increase in rotating weight will further rob you of what little power you already have). If it's an automatic transmission, forget it. There's already too much power loss there to make it worthwhile. I'm assuming here that you have the stock 15" wheels and passenger/LT tires that came stock? This because the 2RZ/2.4L motor only comes in 2WD trucks.

Will it "work"? Yes. At very least; it's slow and unsafe. At best, it still blows. On these trucks, the difference is night and day under load. You'll never get it into 5th gear on the highway, and even still the brakes are less than adequate. I don't want to rain on your parade but would hate to see someone spend all that money just for a let down.

 

[generubin]

I had a FWC on my 4 banger, automatic, 1990 Toyota. I drove it all the way to Alaska and back. No problems. I kept the speed to about 60 or 65. Mpg was 20. I had custom rear springs made from some company in El Monte, Ca, I forget their name. And, obviously as I am alive to tell the story, I installed a brake proportioning valve compensation bracket.

The only difference you have between your 4 banger and a 6 cylinder Toyota is power. The 6 cylinder has the same inadequate suspension, axles, diffs and brakes. In fact, even the Tundra requires suspension mods, so do most 1/2 ton domestics.

The "right way" to do it is with a 3/4 or 1 ton domestic.

But, if you are cool with taking it slow and easy, and if you do some sort or suspension mod on the rear and D or E tires, you will be fine. As long as you do the one most important thing!: When you mod the rear suspension, you are putting lots of weight in the bed yet it is at a height of an empty bed. You have fooled the brake system into believing there is no load. There is a brake proportioning valve that sends all braking to the front when there is no load in the rear. You need a 2 inch (or so) brake proportioning valve bracket mod so that your rear brakes kick in. Otherwise you simply won't stop in an emergency situation. Search this site for "toyota proportioning valve".

 

[Norman1974]

Hi Everyone. Anyone have a Bobcat or a Bobcat Shell on a base model four cylinder Tacoma? I am considering getting a Bobcat shell and wondering if an older Tacoma with the 2.4 four cylinder can handle the camper.


Norman


Thanks everyone for all your responses and suggestions. I am still considering getting the Bobcat shell which can't be too heavy and taking it slow and easy the truck should be just fine with some upgrades. With so many places to camp here in San Diego county it will be short trips while the camper is loaded and most of the time it will be empty.

 

[chnlisle]

Thanks everyone for all your responses and suggestions. I am still considering getting the Bobcat shell which can't be too heavy and taking it slow and easy the truck should be just fine with some upgrades. With so many places to camp here in San Diego county it will be short trips while the camper is loaded and most of the time it will be empty.

This is one I delivered in February. It does have Ride Rites but he's taken it all over the White Mountains, Chiricahuas and the Black Rock Desert with out any problems.

 

[Argonaut20]

Once again, if you want to maintain speed up the steepest mountain, blow by most traffic, or out drag a Mustang, the 2.4 Tacoma isn't going to do it. On the other hand, if you can adjust to taking your time, the truck will likely serve as a carrier for a Bobcat or Bobcat shell. The extra power of a 6 is nice, but for most short trips that you describe, the 4 will get you there and back. Pack light and well.

I pulled a 3500 pound Argosy with a 3.4 liter 6, way more load than you are thinking about. Most times, people could pass when they wanted, we could make it up the hills (but not at 75 mph), and we could enjoy the scenery. My current 4 liter truck makes the tow easier, but it is still a matter of planning for the places you want to go with the equipment you have.

One day, maybe you will want to buy a long wheelbase Kenworth, put a flat bed on it with a spectacular custom camper, and be the envy of many campers. Until then, use what you have with care.

As an aside, I once met a full time Airstreamer in the early 70's. He towed a 30 foot Airstream with a Chevy stove bolt 6 powered 1/2 ton truck (may have been a 3/4 ton). The best part was the rock shop equipment and rocks he had in the back of the truck. He went all over the country with this rig on roads that were not as 'improved' as they are now. Was it 'safe'? Did it overstress the truck? (He didn't wreck or break down to my knowledge!) I do know he enjoyed what he was doing. It's in the attitude.

 

[Norman1974]

Hi Everyone. Anyone have a Bobcat or a Bobcat Shell on a base model four cylinder Tacoma? I am considering getting a Bobcat shell and wondering if an older Tacoma with the 2.4 four cylinder can handle the camper.


Norman

Hi Everyone. I have another question. Has anyone put a Bobcat Shell on a second generation Tacoma? I am thinking about getting a new 2012 Tacoma base model with four cylinder and a five speed. I would think a new Tacoma could handle the camper better than the older Tacoma since it is a bigger truck with a more powerful four cylinder.

 

[Gerdo]

One major concern is where you live and where you want to travel. If you live or travel thru the high altitude mountains, the 4cyl will struggle more. If you aren't in a hurry the 4cyl may be fine but the 6cyl would do better. A 1/2 ton would do better and 3/4 or 1 ton will haul the best, all with fuel mileage penalties.

With that said, sometimes too small of an engine will get worse gas mileage than a bigger engine because it's working harder.

 

[brp]

I have a complete Bobcat on a 2011 Tacoma, Double Cab, Short Box, V6, 4x4. I had the rear leaf spring technical service bulletin performed by the dealer. This adds a 4th leaf to the rear spring pack. Normal is 3, except in Canada they get 4. This was free, info here T-SB-0359-10 DEC 10 - Suspension - *Updated* Rear Spring Harsh Ride
at
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7107-tsb-list-2005-toyota-tacoma.html

I also added Firestone Ride Rite air bags. This combination worked really well for me. The truck has been down some really fun/questionable/stupid trails in Death Valley and I was pleased. I do think that the 3 leaf pack would be adequate with the Ride Rites, not sure though.

Regarding the V6/I4 question. The I4 would feel underpowered by todays standards. However, look at a Sunrader or Dolphin RVs of the past. Way heavier, less aero, dual rear wheels, and less powerful, by a lot, than the 2.7 I4. People took those all over the place, no problem.

My thought is that you would be fine if you are willing to concede going more slowly up the mountains and maybe having a hard time into a tough head wind. I think about the lower price to purchase, fuel, maintain, insure, .... a 4 cylinder, and that is a trade I would have made if I could have the 2.7 in the 4 door, 4x4. They don't make it.

One important detail, which I have yet to address, is to make some kind of fairing so that the camper is just not scooping air at highway speed. There is a lot a space between the roof of the 05-12 Tacoma and a Bobcat. It is very turbulent and I honestly feel and 60mph+ an I4 with a fairing would give the same response as a V6 without one.

Ok, one last thing, then I will be quiet. The turnbuckels that hold the camper to the truck, they came lose. They are totally sufficient for 99% of driving. However, on tough trails like the Lippencott in Death Valley, I think some type of spring loaded or "elastic" turnbuckle would be helpful. I am not sure if this is a Tacoma thing, a Bobcat thing, or a physcics thing, but something(s) was flexing and stressing the buckels a lot.

 

[frigid north]

Hi Everyone. I have another question. Has anyone put a Bobcat Shell on a second generation Tacoma? I am thinking about getting a new 2012 Tacoma base model with four cylinder and a five speed. I would think a new Tacoma could handle the camper better than the older Tacoma since it is a bigger truck with a more powerful four cylinder.



I put a Bobcat Shell model on a 2008 2.7 liter 4 cyl, 5 speed manual, toyota tacoma access cab, thats the one with the reverse rear doors. I had the toyota dealer add the 4 leaf TSB spring pack to the rear axle. Then I drove around the western United States, Canada, and Alaska for one year. I liked the way the truck handled when the camper was on the "light" side, but when I added more weight i would definently notice a difference. It was slow going through mountain passes about 35 to 45mph depending on the grade. It was slow going against a headwind. It was difficult to start the truck moving in first gear especially when starting on a hill. Getting on the freeway on-ramps and getting the truck up to freeway speed was also a challenge that would make me nervous, especially in California.

I think that my average highway speed was 45 to 50 MPH. I could get it to do 60 or 65 MPH but I could tell that the engine was working hard for it and my gas mileage would drop. It was better to keep it around 50 to 55MPH. i think i was getting around 20 to 21MPG at these speeds.


Driving around town in this setup was no problem.It goes good in 2nd and 3rd gear, its a small pickup with a great turning radius. Probably the biggest issue was starting out in first gear on a steep hill.
Overall I think that the 2.7 liter was just slightly underpowered for the Bobcat in most situations, of course there were times when I had a strong tailwind and was loving it. It seemed like the engine was working too hard most of the time.

I have switched to a Toyota Tacoma with the 4.0 liter V6 with the same Bobcat Camper and love the extra power, I dont have any of the previously mentioned issues now. I also upgraded the suspension front and rear and it handles great, I like the size of the tacoma and i think its a good match to the Bobcat. I can always turn around and find a parking space no matter how small.

 

[takesiteasy]

I have switched to a Toyota Tacoma with the 4.0 liter V6 with the same Bobcat Camper and love the extra power, I dont have any of the previously mentioned issues now. I also upgraded the suspension front and rear and it handles great, I like the size of the tacoma and i think its a good match to the Bobcat. I can always turn around and find a parking space no matter how small.


Can I ask what you did to your suspension? I have a 2011 Tacoma AC V6 4WD TRD and am considering a Bobcat camper shell with few options- aiming for minimum weight. I know our gear will still add up weight-wise. I am trying to decide what improvements to the suspension I should do. Based on what I have read here, there are options ranging from new spring packs, Timbrens, air bags, front coil overs... I don't know what is really needed. I have had the rear spring tsb done but that is it so far.

 

[frigid north]

Can I ask what you did to your suspension? I have a 2011 Tacoma AC V6 4WD TRD and am considering a Bobcat camper shell with few options- aiming for minimum weight. I know our gear will still add up weight-wise. I am trying to decide what improvements to the suspension I should do. Based on what I have read here, there are options ranging from new spring packs, Timbrens, air bags, front coil overs... I don't know what is really needed. I have had the rear spring tsb done but that is it so far.


Yes, for the rear suspension I got the OME dakar leaf pack CS047R and then added the D6XL xtra leaf, for a total of 8 leafs including the overload. For the rear shock I went with the OME N182 shocks. For the front I went with ICON adj coilovers so that i could level the truck. I think I gained a couple inches with this setup but it handles great and never bottoms out no matter how much gear I load up the camper with. I also went with a load rated D tire.

I have never taken the camper off the truck. If I did I am sure that the rear leaf pack would be way too stiff. When I had the rear TSB spring pack on my old truck it would would often bottom out and sag a little when loaded. People are always impressed at how well the truck handles on and off road. I spent a lot of time on tacoma world reading up on suspension upgrades for the Tacoma as there are so many to chose from.
I definetly would not change my current suspension but I am considering upgrading to a new Upper Control Arm for the front. I can post a picture of how it sits now with the new suspension if you want.

 

[Overland Hadley]

...but I am considering upgrading to a new Upper Control Arm for the front.


What would be your reason for going to new UCAs?

And I agree, OME is the best. I have the regular 7 leaf pack and Timbrens. This works best for me as I have the truck unloaded most of the time.

 

[takesiteasy]

thanks for the info. frigid north-photos are always great.

 

[frigid north]

About the UCA for the toyota tacoma, from what I have read the aftermarket UCAs are stronger, give more articulation and provide more adjusment for alignment when the front is lifted. Also they add more clearance between the inside tirewall and the ball joint. I have noticed that with my current set up the balljoint is really close to the tire sidewall.

Actually the real reason for wanting them is that they look cool and the ones from ICON are machined from aluminum billet. I have a hard time resisting shiny aluminum things.

 

[Overland Hadley]

.... I have a hard time resisting shiny aluminum things.

I think I am also infected by the alumabug.

Can you post some detail on the foam under the c-o? Is it straight foam or do you have it wrapped in aluminum?

 

[frigid north]

I think I am also infected by the alumabug.

Can you post some detail on the foam under the c-o? Is it straight foam or do you have it wrapped in aluminum?



Its a rigid foam board with some painted plywood veener on the bottom with the edges wrapped in aluminum trim with some silicon sealant. The trim is fastened to the edge under the cabover.