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Red rectangle in middle is stabilization and flatter sleeping surface. Likely plywood.
then boxes built along the sides for storage of gear. my sleeping pads, 2x fit perfectly between wheel wells. camper shell will have side vent windoors but also side windoors will open like a hatch. Gives easy access to box stored gear through hatch along sides of bed. Primarily things like recovery gear, air compressor for airing up tires after letting air out for 4x4 comfort and traction, tools and other in the storage compartments.
Camp in bins. sleep and sit camp permanently attached to cabin side of bed. Kitchen and/or specialty items like inflatable kayaks in bins ready to be added to truck depending on the planned adventure
I'm building to sleep two, be mobile and almost like backpacking but in a truck so can adventure vs stay in one place all weekend. most people who build a shell setup like this build a platform and drawers underneath that pull out to make kitchen and etc but platform = less headroom and I hate it. I have ONLY found people who do that setup. I'ma make something better. this way I am dialed in just the same but can actually sit up in bed and have room for activities. I also don't want to be stuck in a coffin if I have to go into the bed during severe weather or something. Instead of drawers that pull out I will have to take bins out and set on ground but I dont care. Easy.
set up camp and break down camp in under 10 minutes
then once dialed in, adding roof rack for multi storage, shovel, axe, solar panel and more. Have a prjector now but might just swivel mount a small TV that I can hook my phone to so I can watch cardinals games on youtube TV no matter where I am.
LArger over cab campers do not work for me. lots more money but more importantly, I like to go 90mph on the highway and 50+mph on dirt roads, offroad and get wild. Too much weight and I dont need all the fancy stuff.
carpet interior for noise dampening but also can then attach velcro to black out curtains for closing out all outside light when going to bed.
Those are the notes I made the other day. I just spent some money dialing in the truck and doing essential maintenance since it is at 180k miles and I want it to go 100k more at least. Doing diff fluids, spark plugs, new radiator hoses and more on my own.
Next major jump is getting a shell. Probably head down to the dealer this weekend and get it set up, usually arrives a month later.
Once I have the shell, gear and everything dialed into truck, I can see how much it may sag from weight. Once I know that, I am going to do a 4-6" life front and back. I currently ride 33's but want room to go 35s on the next upgrade. Also will be switching to 4.10 gears as the 33s already give me trouble going to payson and the 35s would be worse. 4.10 should be plenty without sacrificing top speed.
more to come.