Posted by Sean Bagshaw on August 11, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I'm just back from a 5 day climbing/photo trip in the Sierra. I might have some keeper photos from the trip to share soon. Until then I thought I would share a shot of my buddy Chuck's Sierra assault vehicle parked under the stars on our way home Saturday night.
He works for an awning company. When it comes to outdoor gear, if he can't make it, he doesn't own it. The truck is a two wheel drive Toyota Tacoma regular cab with burly off road tires and adjustable shocks. He removed the stock bed and fabricated his own flatbed, tail lights, gas can holders, running lights, equipment boxes, etc. He has constructed several attachments that go on top of the flatbed including a lumber rack, side walls for hauling brush and/or trash, a large enclosed pen for his dogs and this bright yellow stretched vinyl canopy he has dubbed the "Chuck Wagon". The Chuck Wagon is nearly stand-up height, has two fold down beds, lights, ventilation, tons of storage space and a locking metal storage box for valuables. It is completely waterproof and easily withstands winds far in excess of freeway speeds. It is light enough that one person can lift it on and off. In keeping with the theme, it sports graphics of a bronc riding cowboy on each side.
He regularly gets asked how much money he would charge to build one, to which he replies "there is no amount of money that could get me to go through the hassle of building another one of these."
Posted by Sean Bagshaw on August 11, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Here's a little better side view.
Posted by Kosta Koeman on August 11, 2008 at 7:58 PM
Sean,
I love it!
So much more sophisticated than the sleep platform I built for my 95 Pathfinder. As I no longer have that vehicle, I'm now just starting to make another one for my Subaru Impreza WRX. Being able to drive places and not having to futz around with a tent is so nice. The only problem I have faced was being in Yellowstone/Grand Teton and keeping food inside the vehicle were we were sleeping. The solution there seems to be an Autohome Columbia rooftop tent (http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/columbus_variant.html for those interested).
3 cheers from a guy who is a little handy, but nothing like your friend
Kosta
Posted by Eric Hahl on August 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Thats really cool!, the Chuckwagon and the photos.
Great photos but no tech specs? This is one sweet "one of a kind" photo-rig!
Posted by Adrian Klein on August 13, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Sign me up for an outing in the modren day Chuck Wagon. That is one unique and amazing set up. And the photo with the sky lit up with stars makes this even better. The 1st is my fav of two. Nice work Sean.
Hey nice photos, Sean. I think your friend may want to seek a patent for this design and have someone else produce it for sale. Might be more than quite a few "takers." Wow, that's creative-- er, his and yours.
Posted by Cliff Dodge on August 15, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Pretty neat set-up and nice picture. Modern day chuck wagon eh?
Discussion
7 repliesHe works for an awning company. When it comes to outdoor gear, if he can't make it, he doesn't own it. The truck is a two wheel drive Toyota Tacoma regular cab with burly off road tires and adjustable shocks. He removed the stock bed and fabricated his own flatbed, tail lights, gas can holders, running lights, equipment boxes, etc. He has constructed several attachments that go on top of the flatbed including a lumber rack, side walls for hauling brush and/or trash, a large enclosed pen for his dogs and this bright yellow stretched vinyl canopy he has dubbed the "Chuck Wagon". The Chuck Wagon is nearly stand-up height, has two fold down beds, lights, ventilation, tons of storage space and a locking metal storage box for valuables. It is completely waterproof and easily withstands winds far in excess of freeway speeds. It is light enough that one person can lift it on and off. In keeping with the theme, it sports graphics of a bronc riding cowboy on each side.
He regularly gets asked how much money he would charge to build one, to which he replies "there is no amount of money that could get me to go through the hassle of building another one of these."
I love it!
So much more sophisticated than the sleep platform I built for my 95 Pathfinder. As I no longer have that vehicle, I'm now just starting to make another one for my Subaru Impreza WRX. Being able to drive places and not having to futz around with a tent is so nice. The only problem I have faced was being in Yellowstone/Grand Teton and keeping food inside the vehicle were we were sleeping. The solution there seems to be an Autohome Columbia rooftop tent (http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/columbus_variant.html for those interested).
3 cheers from a guy who is a little handy, but nothing like your friend
Kosta