Thinking of buying a utility shell for a stealth/adventure vehicle camper.

[Telcobilly]

I have a 2 piece deck about even with the bed rails. To get the full shell headroom, I would need to lift up one of the deck panels and clear a small part of the floor to give me the full height. When I'm done I just lower the panel back. I think this would make sponge baths and dressing easier. Down the road, I'm thinking of adding a converted cargo trailer like Bob's.

 

[highdesertranger]

I cannot visualize this at all. highdesertranger

 

[masterplumber]

Based on what I remember your set up looked like many many pages ago, I actually always wondered why you didn't have a space by the back doors where you could have full height. I think a well would be a great idea, and if you can fit some sort of toilet in there so much the better.

As for a cargo trailer for longer term stays, I of course think that's a great idea, since I have one. Just for info, mine is a 6x12 v nose and I don't think your Toyota would have a problem towing it, as long as you don't plan on flying up the hills. I weighed it recently, and with only 5 gallons of water and no motorcycle it weighed 2860 lbs. fully loaded with my usual 10 gallons of water and my KLR 650 I estimate it weighs approximately 3200 lbs.

 

[Telcobilly]

Masterplumber, that's exactly what I had in mind. By lifting one of the plywood deck panels towards the wall, I could clear out a small area on the floor of the shell to semi stand in or use the potty. Once I was done, I would lower it back down to have the whole deck area. I think it would be easier to raise the side with the bed, as I wouldn't have to move anything first. This would ease changing clothes or sponge bathing. I'm pretty much living in a similar space in the big truck now.

 

[Telcobilly]

Masterplumber, that's exactly what I had in mind. By lifting one of the plywood deck panels towards the wall, I could clear out a small area on the floor of the shell to semi stand in or use the potty. Once I was done, I would lower it back down to have the whole deck area. I think it would be easier to raise the side with the bed, as I wouldn't have to move anything first. This would ease changing clothes or sponge bathing. I'm pretty much living in a similar space in the big truck now. 
The Tacoma had a 5k lb tow rating minus the weight of the shell I'm guessing. I'm looking at cargo trailer conversions for ideas now.

 

[Telcobilly]

I just got off the big truck this past Saturday.  I'm taking 4 months off and I'm going to try to do only 8 months in 2016. The company is getting 40 brand new Volvos, so I'm going to get a nice truck when I get back.
I'm prepping my rig for the road now.  Just got the oil changed and a K&N air filter.  I also got the grille sprayed with Line X today.  Everything else I used peeled off.  Looks really tough now. Lol

 

[akrvbob]

It would be great if you could come on by and visit with us in the Arizona desert!!
Bob

 

[Telcobilly]

Hi Bob, are you going to be in the Quartzite area? That would be awesome to meet you in person.

 

[WriterMs]

Hi Bob, are you going to be in the Quartzite area? That would be awesome to meet you in person.

See "Gatherings" on the menu near the top of this website. Has a map and the dates for the big to-do. LOL

 

[akrvbob]

I'm in Quartzsite now and will be till the beginning of December, then I'll move to Ehreneberg which is on the border right by Blythe.

Stop on by!
Bob

 

[Telcobilly]

I'm in Quartzsite now and will be till the beginning of December, then I'll move to Ehreneberg which is on the border right by Blythe.

Stop on by!
Bob

I know it well. I truck through there all the time. I sometimes get fuel at the Ehrenberg Flying J. BTW, I just watched that documentary with you and other van dwellers last night. Very good. I really can identify with the philosophy of everyone in it. What area was it filmed in?

 

[akrvbob]

I know it well. I truck through there all the time. I sometimes get fuel at the Ehrenberg Flying J. BTW, I just watched that documentary with you and other van dwellers last night. Very good. I really can identify with the philosophy of everyone in it. What area was it filmed in?

That was in the Sierra NF between Yosemite and Sequoia NP, above Fresno, CA. Beautiful area!
Bob

 

[akrvbob]

I know it well. I truck through there all the time. I sometimes get fuel at the Ehrenberg Flying J.

My Ehrenberg camp is 3 miles from the Flying J just down the frontage road and up on the plateau.
Bob

 

[Telcobilly]

A variation on my rig. Nice, but I'm sure it's spendy and no stealth.

 

[masterplumber]

I've seen that one pop up several times, it is a nice rig. The good news is the young man who owns it actually lives in it full time - or at least did when it was built a few years ago. He likes to travel the Southwest and Baja surfing etc... I used to have a Four Wheel Popup on a pickup. The key to not being noticed sleeping in it is to sleep on the bottom bunk with the top down. It just looks like a cool truck parked on the street.

 

[Telcobilly]

I've seen that one pop up several times, it is a nice rig. The good news is the young man who owns it actually lives in it full time - or at least did when it was built a few years ago. He likes to travel the Southwest and Baja surfing etc... I used to have a Four Wheel Popup on a pickup. The key to not being noticed sleeping in it is to sleep on the bottom bunk with the top down. It just looks like a cool truck parked on the street.

Small world! Thats cool to hear about that. I thought a rig like that was used for recreational purposes only. That's virtually the same truck I have. So it's pretty workable with the top down?

 

[Belinda2]

Telcobilly,
I have enjoyed your posts. I haven't "caught up" on your posts in a while and glad to see you are still on line. Have a great Thanksgiving, Telcobilly!
Belinda2

 

[Telcobilly]

Telcobilly,
    I have enjoyed your posts. I haven't "caught up" on your posts in a while and glad to see you are still on line. Have a great Thanksgiving, Telcobilly!
Belinda2

Thanks Belinda, Same to you, have a great Thanksgiving as well. I got off the big truck less than 2 weeks ago and won't return until March 2016. I'm arranging my life to allow me to work 6 months / take 6 months off until I can get social security (if it's even around by then, I'm 57).
William

 

[Telcobilly]

I epoxied folding hooks in the front of the shell to allow a cargo net to be attached. This will better contain my stuff in the front overhang. I tried extra strong 2 sided tape, no bueno, came right off. I've been combing through this site and Youtube videos to get ideas to maximize the liveabilitiy of the shell. I want to do some sort of moveable chuck box for canned/bottled goods, silverware, plates ect with a work top. It would be used to store the goods and have a prep/eating surface, all in one. Any & all pictures/suggestions are welcome.

 

[Telcobilly]

I bought a Harbor Freight ratcheting cargo bar to replace the flimsy one I broke.  This one was $22 and seems to be sturdy &  secure in the shell.  I was able to get the clothes on the bar with the clothes basket under the hanging clothes. 

http://m.harborfreight.com/ratcheting-cargo-bar-96811.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

I got my heater out and tested.  I already have the long hose/filter,   so I'm going to get the bigger tank.  I'm think I'll lock it to my bumper at night when I'm using the heater.  I have a carbon monoxide alarm and a propane sniffer.