[SIZE=10.5pt]I have the opportunity to purchase a 1984 Four Wheel Fleet locally. The camper has been garage kept and looks to be in really good condition. The guy is asking 850 for the camper and 100 for the 2 jacks. First is this a good deal? It looks to me to be a good deal. Next will this camper fit in my 2003 Tacoma Ext Cab TRD? I think the dimensions will fit but am wondering if it will overload the suspension? Any help will be great![/SIZE]
It sounds like a good deal. Measure your truck and the camper to determine the fit, don't forget cab height. There is a fit guide on the FWC website, but it may not be accurate for a 1984. Take a good look at the lift panels to make sure they're in good shape.
Make sure your wheel wells are wide enough. If the cab is too tall, you can always built a small platform to raise the camper.
My guess is you will need to beef the suspension.
Make sure your wheel wells are wide enough. If the cab is too tall, you can always built a small platform to raise the camper.
My guess is you will need to beef the suspension.
RC Pilot Jim
Senior Member
NO KP
The 1980's model 'Fleet' was built for full size trucks - First Gen Tundra and larger.
The mid-size Tacoma we have today did not exist when that camper was built.
Call Four wheel 800-242-1442 ask for service and they can give you the info you are seeking.
===============================================================================================
That said, a few years ago I saw a '80's Fleet mounted on a first Gen (1998-2005)Tacoma. Owner had to make major modifications to camper get it to fit.
If your handy and looking for a project check the following before buying.
Measurements
Measure the width on the bottom portion of the camper - the part that fits between the wheel wells. And the bed rail height. and I believe the length was over 78 inches. If so. don't lower your tailgate (to support the back of camper) as doing so will block access to the hole that the tool to lower your spare tire fits into.
I guess the empty camper weight at 1,0000 pounds. You will need spring upgrade and airbags. We originally had our 2012 Eagle shell installed on a 1999 Tacoma Xcab. It weighs 1000 pounds dry. We upgraded the rear leaf springs to a custom 5 leaf set ($650).
I haven't had good luck with ad-a-springs, so wouldn't advise that option.
Hope this helps with your decision.
The 1980's model 'Fleet' was built for full size trucks - First Gen Tundra and larger.
The mid-size Tacoma we have today did not exist when that camper was built.
Call Four wheel 800-242-1442 ask for service and they can give you the info you are seeking.
===============================================================================================
That said, a few years ago I saw a '80's Fleet mounted on a first Gen (1998-2005)Tacoma. Owner had to make major modifications to camper get it to fit.
If your handy and looking for a project check the following before buying.
Measurements
Measure the width on the bottom portion of the camper - the part that fits between the wheel wells. And the bed rail height. and I believe the length was over 78 inches. If so. don't lower your tailgate (to support the back of camper) as doing so will block access to the hole that the tool to lower your spare tire fits into.
I guess the empty camper weight at 1,0000 pounds. You will need spring upgrade and airbags. We originally had our 2012 Eagle shell installed on a 1999 Tacoma Xcab. It weighs 1000 pounds dry. We upgraded the rear leaf springs to a custom 5 leaf set ($650).
I haven't had good luck with ad-a-springs, so wouldn't advise that option.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Jim, thanks for correcting my post. I didn't realize the Fleet changed that much over the years.
RC Pilot Jim
Senior Member
KP, Back in the old days for light campers they used "tripod with a winch, cable and angle iron" positioned at the balance point on each side to remove camper. Very shaky setup.
Best setup is 4 Ricoh hydralic jacks that are positioned at each corner that are used today.
Best setup is 4 Ricoh hydralic jacks that are positioned at each corner that are used today.
RC Pilot Jim
Senior Member
Wandering, before I found the money to buy the shell I too considered buying an '80's Fleet. Wouldn't fit.
Think the section between the wheel wells has to be narrowed.....to big a project for me.
My advice if your on a budget buy the shell model either FWC or ATC and build it out as you have the money. I know they are expensive, However if the owner takes care of it they can recover 50-60% of their investment because they are in high demand.
Think the section between the wheel wells has to be narrowed.....to big a project for me.
My advice if your on a budget buy the shell model either FWC or ATC and build it out as you have the money. I know they are expensive, However if the owner takes care of it they can recover 50-60% of their investment because they are in high demand.
RC Pilot Jim
Senior Member
Well then you should be ok...
Hmmm - I wonder if the one I saw was an old Hawk modified to fit a Tacoma???
I would still measure everything to make sure it will fit. The old ones are easier to purchase than to resell.
In any case good luck to you. Happy camping
Hmmm - I wonder if the one I saw was an old Hawk modified to fit a Tacoma???
I would still measure everything to make sure it will fit. The old ones are easier to purchase than to resell.
In any case good luck to you. Happy camping
KP, That's good news. The secret in the sauce is the set of measurements!!! Be sure of both the truck and camper.kpihera said:
To answere your question about jacks. There are tripod foot jacks that are placed at the center of balance. I think they may still be made, but have fallen out of favor and been surpassed by corner jacks. Check the Rieco site to see what is still offered.
Living The Dream
Senior Member
I have what I believe is an 80s Fleet in my 2009 Tacoma Access cab. It does fit. However I have no idea what someone did before hand so I guess it could have been narrowed, but I truly don't think it was.
The one thing I had to do to get it to fit my truck is but a couple of runners of wood between the bed and the camper floor. Before this the wings of the camper sat on the truck bed rails which is a bad idea.
I too have just the two jacks. It is a pretty sketchy situations when the camper is sitting just on the two jacks before you get the truck under there, but it works. Make sure you get the jacks symmetrical when using them. And also, on the side with the windows be sure you guide the jacks as they get weighted so you don't mess with the window framing.
So far I'm loving mine in my tacoma.
If its in good condition, specially water tight roof, solid lifting panels, decent canvas. I'd say 850 is a solid deal. I got mine for substantially lower with two jacks, but have since done quite a bit of work and money.
The one thing I had to do to get it to fit my truck is but a couple of runners of wood between the bed and the camper floor. Before this the wings of the camper sat on the truck bed rails which is a bad idea.
I too have just the two jacks. It is a pretty sketchy situations when the camper is sitting just on the two jacks before you get the truck under there, but it works. Make sure you get the jacks symmetrical when using them. And also, on the side with the windows be sure you guide the jacks as they get weighted so you don't mess with the window framing.
So far I'm loving mine in my tacoma.
If its in good condition, specially water tight roof, solid lifting panels, decent canvas. I'd say 850 is a solid deal. I got mine for substantially lower with two jacks, but have since done quite a bit of work and money.
Living The Dream
Senior Member
I put ride rite air bags in. All good so far. Maybe a little bouncy that I know if you go with struts and leafs its supposed to be better. It really depends on what you want. If you will take of regularly, I think airbags are the best option. If you are going full time instal might want to consider the other.
Plus the ride rites are quite easy to instal on your own if you know how to turn a wrench. Tons of videos and other forums about installing them.
I just realized you are gen 1 not gen 2. But still I think you can get it to work.... be creative.
Plus the ride rites are quite easy to instal on your own if you know how to turn a wrench. Tons of videos and other forums about installing them.
I just realized you are gen 1 not gen 2. But still I think you can get it to work.... be creative.
Missing Link
Senior Member
We had a 1989 Fleet on a 1988 Toyota pick up (pre Tacoma) for 10 years with no modifications to the camper whatsoever. We had a spring shop re-arch the stock springs and add an extra leaf to the stock spring pack. This made for a stiff ride without the camper, but was a perfect setup when the camper was loaded.
Hey, congratulations! Let's see some pictures.kpihera said:
Living The Dream
Senior Member
Congrats. Way to pull the trigger.
RC Pilot Jim
Senior Member
My congrats too.
Wow $750 for a 4 wheel camper
If you improve it please report with pictures.
Wow $750 for a 4 wheel camper
If you improve it please report with pictures.
Tomas Tierra
Contributors
Nice score!!
I ran around with an '84fleet on an '88 custom cab 4x4 Toyota for ten years back in the '90sThat thing went through Baja Hell (actuall heaven, but not for the truck) and madeit back every time. Probily 10,000 offroad miles.
I bolted through the floor to attach it, and built up the spring pack to carry it. The center of gravity was little back, but it wasn't that big a deal. Pack smart!
Sold it for $100 more than I paid after all those years and miles..
Have fun!! Post up some pics!
TT
I ran around with an '84fleet on an '88 custom cab 4x4 Toyota for ten years back in the '90sThat thing went through Baja Hell (actuall heaven, but not for the truck) and madeit back every time. Probily 10,000 offroad miles.
I bolted through the floor to attach it, and built up the spring pack to carry it. The center of gravity was little back, but it wasn't that big a deal. Pack smart!
Sold it for $100 more than I paid after all those years and miles..
Have fun!! Post up some pics!
TT
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