Taco Life: Part II
Just over a year ago, I started my Taco Life. My Dad and I endeavored in a project that has changed the way I live and travel. That is when I got my Toyota Tacoma and began modeling it to live out of! I have loved it, we have gone on plenty of adventures. Between the Taco, Ocoee and myself, we have seen a lot of miles and landscapes this year. It has been mostly wonderful, but there were some problems that came up…
The Rack
The rack that we had bought and worked around was an aluminum ladder rack. It looked the part but was not sturdy enough. If we had added cross bars and bolted her to the frame, it may have held better. However, I learned the hard lesson. It was purely held in by C-clamps and many times I could actually see it moving in my mirrors, in and out and front and back! It was a sight that was not pleasing to see. And it was wrecking my truck.
Close to the end of the season, I took my truck to a shop in Moab to have the rack looked at, as I was not trusting it anymore. I was right not to! The guy there said two more good bumps and the rack would likely collapse. He was a godsend and helped me weld and rig her up on the spot so I could make it back to Ohio and work from there.
I got back safe and sound, and after a bit of convincing, I had my Dad take a look at it and take it off. A few months went by, totally rackless, as we thought over what to do next…
I simply could not have done it without my Dad and Jay Jones. They talked me through their thoughts and ideas, while patiently listening to mine. They heard my concerns and worked with them, and a few weeks later we had the project done! I am unbelievably happy with the outcome, which is basically a roll cage now. I still have many of the benefits from my aluminum rack, as we kept the top and revamped it a bit (lighter in weight for one, walking platforms, steel mesh to protect the truck). But the sturdiness of the steel is definitely present, there is no budge now! I also am stoked that they added the tie down points for my gear. They really thought of the little things. 🙂
Like Dad, adding a CB sticker to mark my next adventure.
What are your thoughts on the new build?!