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I'm in the process of deciding what to do along these lines. Actually a Micro RV for photography trip is what I'm looking to make, but I want it reasonably bear proof as I like exploring grizzly bear country. My plan is to totally replace the back bed with a small RV back. Right now I'm leaning towards doing a mini truck version of this build. I like the hard sided pop up back they did. My back would be a bit narrower than theirs. I had explored other ways of doing a hard sided pop up but rejected them. I also thought of using my pickup bed with a topper, but rejected that too. Not enough height for sleeping in the back. Because of the photography and often taking photographs at sun rise and sunset I figured sleeping in the back was a must. I don't want to be setting up and tearing down tents in the dark.
Another option I explored for awhile was to make both sides open up with gull wing doors. Much like the sides on this utie back.
Weight is the big issue. The standard 1/2 ton mini trucks only have a 1700-1800 lbs carrying capacity including you and fuel. Because of the rear axle design, don't go over it. If you want to go long miles without fuel depots you almost have to have a trailer to carry the fuel weight. Most of the trips I can see my self doing I won't need a trailer, but there are a couple up into the more northern parts of Canada that I would want the extra food, fuel and spare parts I could put on a trailer.
Strong opinion here. Anytime I make a modification to my 4Runner I always keep my trips to Baja in mind.
- Don't bob the bed. You want the storage. You might also want to consider the need to sleep back there. Cover it.
- Extra fuel. An auxiliary fuel tank is a must. Extra 20L cans are a good idea. I carry 35 gallons on-board when I go to Baja (17 factory tank, 14 NMMP tank, 5 on the rear bumper).
- Dual batteries are a must, even if the second battery just powers accessories.
- No tire larger than 33". Install a lift to match.
- Lower gearing is a must.
- At least a locker in the rear. ARB or electric are good choices.
- You must have a full size spare. Mount the spare on the rear bumper. The Marlin bumper is good for crawling, not exploring. Look at bumper designs from Slee and 4X4 Labs for ideas. They don't make them for minis, so plan on building your own, or getting one built.
- Winch, you must have a winch to get your butt out.
- Hi-lift jack. Get one and learn how to use it before you get stuck.
- Communication. Get a CB radio. Better yet, get a HAM radio license and a dual band radio. My ham works where cell phones don't.
- Consider a 12V fridge. Sometimes ice sucks. Run it off the second battery so you don't kill your starting battery.
...what worries me a little more is fitting a bench seat up front.
Good luck finding a bench seat that's in usable shape.... they wear out faster than buckets, and eat your back.....
I know this thread is a little old but I wanted to show my mini truck I am building into a adventure rig.
complete build up on expo forum too.
