Everything is currently undergoing some form of R&D. Everything is simple, cheap, and effective. Hopefully…
I figured out that 1" hardware is too long for the beer cap awning. 3/4" will be tried tomorrow. The 1" bolts scar the extrusion powder coat.
I’m not sure how the awning will do in wind. I’ll keep this thread updated.
Peace.
Loving the simple build! You should join https://www.facebook.com/groups/pomanoverland2 they specialize in simple items for all things outdoors!
So I was actually already using the 3/4" bolts on the beer cap awning setup yesterday. Those definitely scar the extrusion. I tried the 1/2" bolts today and still get some scarring. I think a washer may move the ends out just enough to prevent scarring. R&D continues…
Peace.
CAMP TABLE MOUNT
using straps and some cool strap brackets that I got from Strapworks.com
Keeps it secure while driving, but out of the way and easily accessible through the side panel.
Peace.
Added some flop flop / shoe hooks to the door side of the extrusion.
I don’t like bringing flops or shoes into the tent as they drag dirt or sand near my pillow bc I sleep towards the rear of the truck. These hooks should make hanging my flops easy while keeping them handy to put on before exit down the ladder. Simple.
I used these Cold Shut chain repair gizwidgets as hooks. They needed to be bent outwards a tad to allow easy installation.
Peace.
Just added a jerry can rack that I designed to fit my Thule swing out. Doesn’t give great off road clearance, but does swing out of the way go open the tailgate. I suppose I could remove the swing out for short sections of rough road if the going got really tough.
Peace.
Copied the Dog Rig doggie vent system, but without the adjustability.
Used a shoestring on the side panel. Not sure about long term strength. We’ll see.
Peace.
Beer cap awning R&D completed. The awning would be secondary to cabaña mode.
2 washers allow some scarring of the extrusion, but it is reduced. The preferred mounting point of the guy lines would be trees, large bushes or similar. If I had to mount to stakes in the ground, it would work for two seated people. See below.
Couch mode within an open cabaña will still be the first choice go to mode for shade or rain.
I think this awning cost me in the range of $30-40.00. Cheap and easy. I doubt that it’ll stand up to much wind.
Peace.
Love seeing the evolution. How are you liking the white on silver? Did you go that route for heat reasons? I also have a silver 3rd gen and I’m getting closer to my GFC being built though currently with a “gray”. Seeing yours has me second guessing. 
Peace.
I went white because I like the look. Heat deflection is an added advantage. Generally, I hate when things looks like there was an attempt to match and its a miss.
Peace.
Maxtrax mounted directly to the yakima bars.
I had 3 extra yakima mounting brackets so I just used those. Why pay for some maxtrax mounting system? Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “What about theft?” I’ll use a bike lock to secure them if I’m in a situation that I’m worried. I did drill a rear mounting hole as I only had 3 mounting brackets.
About $4 in hardware and I used some extra yakima crap I had laying around. Yay! If you decide to mount your maxtrax this way, the yakima brackets are available directly from yakima or Amazon. Cheap. $15-20.
Peace.
Damn, those maxtrax recovery tracks aren’t cheap!
Peace.
Added a simple camper mirror. Works great for shaving and contact lenses…
Used a cheap visor mirror that I found on Amazon attached to a small scrap of wood. Used a bracket to attach it to the GFC under one of the bedrail cap nuts. I store it in my cargo trunk most of the time. Simple install when camping.
Peace.
Dang, and u got the updated hinges (no rivets). I’m jelly
Pictures of the simple build packed for a weekend fishing trip sleeping in bunk mode. I keep my bedding in the black trunk all the time. I keep all my kitchen crap in a small tub so that makes packing a snap. Chairs and ladder are in there full time as well. Just add cooler, water, and firewood (when necessary).
Needless to say, when my wife comes along, the back is packed tighter…
Peace.
How is your suspension handling now after you’ve been out fully loaded? I’m trying to go the route you did. I pack light prob 250lbs of gear at most. I just got my GFC and want to keep my Tacoma close to stock height but worry about bottoming out on the leafs.
The suspension is fine. With a heavy load including water and firewood, it will bottom out occasionally. With a lighter load, it won’t bottom out. It drives like stock when empty. That’s what I really appreciate. Most of the time, the truck is basically empty.
Peace.
Copied a great idea from this forum to add a simple side table to cabaña 706. Had this finished piece of wood hanging around so I used it. Ideally the table would be a little bigger, but
with this piece of wood it’s easy to store in the camper.
Peace.
Just added a mount and height extension for my solar shower using one awning mount, a 3/4" aluminum rod, and some rope ties.
Fill the shower on the ground, hoist it up to the top, tie off with two half hitches, then shower!
My shower is untested. I will report back after first use. I believe it will work adequately.
Peace.
My “friend” wants to know if this works with a bag of wine. Pls report back.
