Sorry for the wait! Here’s night two living in the scrapyard travel truck! 😁⠀ •⠀ After staying up way too late (a common occurrence) I decided to make a shorter drive than originally planned, from central Pennsylvania to western PA, where I had some great food, and an awesome stay at Clear Creek State Park (except for a dead battery in the morning)!⠀ •⠀ Pennsylvania has been a pleasantly surprising place to visit but we’ve gotta keep heading west!⠀ •⠀ I’ll be cranking out more videos this week! ⠀ •⠀ Stay tuned! 🤟⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
We did it folks! The scrapyard truck is officially all built out and on the road, making its way across the country! 😁⠀ •⠀ I’m beyond thankful for the gracious support of my family, friends, and lifelong teachers throughout the build process and these first two weeks on the road. ⠀ •⠀ It’s been a big adjustment living out of a small truck and constantly being in a new place but I ain’t complaining!⠀ •⠀ My first long-form full-length video is now live on YouTube! I hope you consider following along for this cross-country adventure, because it’s gonna be epic!⠀ •⠀ The truck currently has 263,000 miles… How many more miles do you think she’s got to go?⠀ •⠀ Lots more to come soon 🫶⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 22:⠀ •⠀ It’s all fun and games until you open your fridge to find your eggs and yogurt froze and exploded all over the place!⠀ •⠀ With the fridge/freezer relocated to the cab, we can rest assured that our precious cargo is safe, and we’ve freed up more room in the garage. 👍⠀ •⠀ I also want to make sure we have a dry place to cook when it’s raining and a shaded place to sit outside during the hot summer months. The added hooks and 10x10 awning should have both of these bases covered. 😎⠀ •⠀ Only a few more things to take care of before we can hit the road! Stay tuned!⠀ •⠀ See you in Part 23! 🤟⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 24:⠀ •⠀ That’s a wrap folks! 🤟There’s definitely more details to cover in the full tour video (coming to YouTube soon)... I just didn’t want to bore you to death with a hundred part build series 😅⠀ •⠀ I’m officially out on the road now, living out of the scrapyard truck. ⠀ •⠀ Short-form videos will continue to be posted here, and I’m stoked to introduce long-form content on my YouTube channel (linked in my bio) as well! I’ve been filming every day from sun up to sun down, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you all!⠀ •⠀ If you were just following along for the build series, that’s okay too :) Just know that this isn’t the last salvage to scenic vehicle we’ll be building! What kind of salvage project do you want to see next?⠀ •⠀ Thank you so much to everyone involved in making this dream become a reality. It still feels unreal.⠀ •⠀ Much love ❤️⠀ •⠀ Jake⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ #diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 23:⠀ ⠀ Lesson learned 😅 Do the hard math the first time so you know what you need the first time…⠀ ⠀ Originally, I had only done some quick math with a handful of the items I needed to charge, but I didn’t sit down, make a thorough list, and calculate exactly how much power I’d be using.⠀ ⠀ Using the Power Consumption Calculator spreadsheet, I was able to play around with different amounts of time using (or charging) devices, AND I was able to see how feasible it would be to stay charged up in different weather (solar) conditions. ⠀ ⠀ The power stations I purchased are BOTH great in their own ways, but I’d highly recommend using the calculator I created (linked in bio) if you’re considering purchasing a power station of your own.⠀ ⠀ I’m posting this video from the road and can’t wait to start sharing adventure content soon!⠀ ⠀ See you in Part 24! 🤟⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 21:⠀
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Let there be light… on the interior! 🙌 I’m super stoked with how clean all of our lighting solutions turned out, inside and out.⠀
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For the garage, I opted for 12 volt, hardwired lights because battery-powered lights would likely be affected by the cold here. The 40 inch bar and 12 inch bar were perfect for my needs, and the optional dimmer switch was a must!⠀
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For the cab, I went a simpler route that didn’t require dropping the headliner or additional wiring. I found some super slim battery-powered lights that had all the features I was looking for and more. Warm color temperature option, dimmable, and magnetic mounts!⠀
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We’re coming down the homestretch! Please leave any last minute suggestions below or forever hold your peace. 😂 Thanks for being a part of this adventure!⠀
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See you in Part 22! 🤟⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 20:⠀
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Let there be light! 🙌 The stock lighting on the scrapyard Tacoma was nothing to write home about, so before we head out into terrain where there aren’t lights for miles, I figured we should make some upgrades!⠀
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Instead of replacing both headlights, I popped in some new LED bulbs. The fog lights received the same treatment, and boy am I impressed with the results. Not to mention the off-road LED bar that will turn any dark trail as bright as day! ⛰⠀
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To make sure I can see what we’re doing around the garage when parked up at night, I also installed some detachable LED lights to the garage. For how inexpensive they were, I’m super impressed with the brightness and adjustability. Plus, they’re solar powered! 🌞⠀
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As always, I’ll add links to everything in my bio for those who want to learn more. 👊😎⠀
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See you in Part 21! 🤟⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 19:⠀
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Overland aesthetics leveled up! 🕹🚚 Aside from looking pretty cool (if you ask me), these traction boards might be a lifesaver out in the desert or mountains when we run into soft, slippery terrain.⠀
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Cutting the threaded rod to length and getting everything to thread on nicely was definitely sort of a nuisance, but it was well worth it in the end. I’m super stoked with how these look on the back of the truck. 😁 What do you think?⠀
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We’re getting super close to being able to push off and hit the road! From here, we’ve got a bit of lighting work to do and some more accessories to mount up. Thank you to everyone for your helpful suggestions and all the love in the comments! 🫶⠀
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See you in Part 20! 🤟⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
The algorithm must be keeping a close eye on me, because this picture of a truck snapped in half literally popped up in my feed the other day 🤣⠀
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In all seriousness, I do feel like the truck’s frame can handle the weight. We won’t know exactly how much I’ve added until we hit a weigh station, but I’m estimating we’re within the payload capacity. Plus, this truck appears to have had the replacement frame recall completed.⠀
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This airbag install was surprisingly easy, and I’m super impressed with how well they work! For those interested, I have put together a list of all the parts used so far, and I will be uploading a detailed airbag install video to YouTube soon (both linked in my bio 😎).⠀
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See you in Part 19! 🤟⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
We’ve got sun power! This power bank can handle up to 500W of solar, but I’m hoping this 200W panel is enough to keep things charged up with enough sunlight.⠀
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I mounted the panel up with a plastic bracket system because I’ve heard the slim, metal z-brackets can be sort of flimsy. Plus, these plastic brackets leave a nice big gap between the solar panel and roof, which should help keep things cool (and hopefully put less force on the panel driving down the road).⠀
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We’re getting super close to wrapping up the build and hitting the road! I can’t wait to share this adventure with all of you!⠀
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See you in Part 18! 🤟⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 16:⠀⠀
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This heater installation took a lot longer than it looked in two quick videos, but I’m stoked to have a way to stay nice and toasty through the night.⠀
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Thank you to everyone for your suggestions in the comments! I wouldn’t have thought to install heat shielding without you! 👊 For those interested in the specific stuff I’m using, it’s all linked in my bio.⠀
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About five weeks into the build process now, I’m realizing just how quick custom projects like this can take *much* longer than expected… That being said, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope to be on the road in less than a week.⠀
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The next couple episodes will be packed with fun upgrades and accessories, so stay tuned!⠀⠀
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See you in Part 17! 🤟⠀⠀
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#diy #project #satisfying #progress #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 15:⠀
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I totally underestimated how long this build would take, and we’ve sort’ve missed the fall foliage out west.⠀
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That’s alright though, we’re still gonna have an epic trip. It’s just going to be a little bit colder and snowier than expected!⠀
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However, that means we’re gonna want some sort of heat source (other than running the truck for heat 24/7). Luckily, I was able to squeeze this little heater into the cab and the thing cranks! (Link in bio) 🔗↗️⠀
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We’re nearing completion but have a few more exciting goodies to add. Stay tuned! ⠀
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See you in Part 16! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 14:⠀
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While it was a tedious job, I finished installing weatherstripping around the rear doors of the garage to keep water out.⠀
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Per my mom’s clever recommendation, we’ve also got some nice bright taillights wired up and mounted to the rear of the garage. I don’t think anyone’s gonna miss this thing cruising down the road now!⠀
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I’m super excited to edit and share the next video with you soon. We’re going to be installing some cozy creature comforts 😁 ⠀
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See you in Part 15! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #asmr #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 13:⠀
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Any turtle experts here? 🐢 Who was the little guy who paid us a visit in the driveway?⠀
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I’m really happy with how the cargo bags and primary water jug fit on the inside of the doors, and I think the storage shelves are a pretty efficient use of storage space. What do you think?⠀
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Lots of exciting accessories are going on this week. Stay tuned!⠀
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See you in Part 14! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 12:⠀
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What’s worse than getting a flat tire on the side of the road? Well, popping a tire out in the middle of the desert without a spare definitely doesn’t sound as appealing 😄⠀
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To lower the spare tire on this truck, there are three sections of steel rod that connect together to be inserted through a small hole above the license plate. I didn’t realize that lowering the tailgate prevents direct access to this hole…⠀
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Luckily, I was able to pound these sections of rod through and they flex just enough to still rotate when in a bent position. This was a tricky job but we got ‘er done! ⠀
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Next comes the exciting part. Decking out the interior and garage with shelving and accessories!⠀
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(I’m not sponsored by Nitto, but if you tag them below maybe we can team up!)
Scrapyard travel truck Part 11:⠀
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Finally! The garage is built and we’ve got our first coat of paint down. Well, technically it’s a waterproof “stain”but same thing, right? What do you think of the color choice?⠀
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She still needs at least one more coat of paint, but once that’s taken care of, we can dive into building out the inside for gear. Some goodies remain to be installed on the outside too 😁⠀
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Thank you all so much for your support on this build! I’m stoked to have you along for the ride. I would love to hear any suggestions down below 👇 because this build is still underway! Anything I should add?⠀
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See you in Part 12! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 10:⠀
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Looks like a forgot a hinge or two 😄 I’m really happy with how things are coming along though! The door fitment is nice and tight, and all of the plywood siding lined up well.⠀
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Next will be some locking hardware and paint. I can’t wait to see this thing finished!⠀
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The build is definitely racking up the pounds with these 2x6’s, but I have some goodies to upgrade the rear suspension, so I think it’ll be alright. We’ll find out soon!⠀
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See you in Part 11! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 9:⠀
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Walls are up and roofing is on! Completing both of these steps was slightly more challenging than I had expected 😅⠀
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I owe a big thank you to my Dad for lending a hand with the front, slanted roofing, and thank you to Sam for coming over on a Friday night to help me put the walls up!⠀
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From here, we’ve got a tiny bit of siding to install around the tailgate, and we’ll need to build some doors to go on the back! Fingers crossed, we should be cruisin’ from here.⠀
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What do you think of the garage so far?⠀
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See you in Part 10! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 8:⠀
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It looks like we missed our shot at the Colorado foliage, but we’re still making progress. Slowly but surely!⠀
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Weight was definitely a bit of a concern when designing this with 2x6’s, but after sliding the frame around on the truck, it doesn’t seem outrageously heavy.⠀
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Attaching the plywood siding is definitely gonna be a two man job, so hopefully someone can lend me a hand!⠀
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See you in Part 9! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 7:⠀
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If Toyota ever built an epic overland rig, I’d imagine it would look something like this (minus the salvaged lumber part). ⠀
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Many of you have asked why I built my bed in the cab, and among other reasons, keeping my bed open to haul adventure gear was a big factor! Now the Yamaha should have a cozy bed too. I’m stoked!⠀
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What do you think of the wall framing design? Will these 2x6’s be strong enough to survive off-road antics?⠀
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See you in Part 8! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 6:⠀
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With the interior wrapped up, it’s time to build an epic garage for adventure gear on the back of the truck!⠀
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In Salvage to Scenic style, the lumber I’m using to build the garage was salvaged from an old project. 2x6’s are probably overkill and are definitely going to be pretty heavy, but at least the thing should be pretty solid.⠀
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What do you think? Is this Taco gonna hold up with all this weight? 😄⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 4:⠀⠀
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Interior conversion complete! Let’s go! A few accessories remain to be installed but we’ve got a cozy bed, headboard, and desk all built out!⠀⠀
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Next comes the big gearbox on the back. We’re probably gonna be pushing the Taco’s payload to the max with how beefy the box design is looking.⠀⠀
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Stay tuned! See you in Part 5! 🤟⠀⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 3:⠀
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Slowly but surely, we’re chugging along on this interior conversion! ⠀
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The sleeping platform part of the bed is complete, now we just need to finish up the bedside area and headboard.⠀
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What do you think I should put on top of the carpet for more padding? Will just my sleeping bag be comfortable enough?⠀
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See you in part 4! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 2:⠀
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A few challenges have presented themselves as I’ve delved into this bed build but we’re making good progress!⠀
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Both bed supports are bolted into factory seat bolt locations and feel super solid 👌⠀
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Next step is getting the sleeping platform cut out and surfaced with something a little more friendly than bare plywood!⠀
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Let’s get it! 💪⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
Scrapyard travel truck Part 1:⠀
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In hopes of getting out to Colorado ASAP, I’m trying to keep this build quick and simple.⠀
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The Tacoma has a relatively flat floor, but the raised storage area in the rear poses a slight challenge for a flat sleeping platform.⠀
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I’m creating a couple supports that will run across the floor to bridge the gap between low and high points.⠀
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Stay tuned for more! 🤟⠀
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#diy #travel #roadtrip #nomad #vanlife #solotravel #vanbuild #carcamping #truckcamper #overland #adventure #explore
