@northstar8411 - Thanks! That really bothered me for some time. I finally asked the outfitter and others but no one had a solution. One day, I was watching a video by ALU-CAB about the door... and although they didn't come out and say how to keep it from happening, I realized that the solution was just that simple. Better safe than sorry, right! Thanks for your comment and all the best!

Hi Tim, That's a great comment... thanks! Yes, I unzip my windows a few inches on each side before I pull the tent down. However, although I've been on the road for a couple of months, I've closed the tent only once when it was wet... and I didn't think about the moisture issue. Good point... I'll keep that in mind in the future!

You are on the right track, Kory… research is definitely the key! Use every resource at your disposal and you will come up with what works best for you. That applies to the rig, each of its components, and the gear. I spent countless hours combing the web, reading reviews and talking with vendors. In particular, my vehicle outfitter was a tremendous help. In that regard, bear in mind that while they all have extended weekend experience, they may not have experience with long trips like mine regardless of their expertise. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with. I have another series of videos that I’ll post soon that focuses on living in an ALU-CAB. The final edits and posting got interrupted because I had to make a beeline from the Olympic Peninsula down to southwestern Florida because of Hurricane Ian. What a mess! I’m just glad that I didn’t subject my truck to it! I’ll be gearing up for a trip into Canada and Alaska next year. 😎👍🏻. In the meantime, I have a ton of video and pictures to upload from this four-month overlanding trip! BTW, If you choose to go with the ALU-CAB, it will become a semi permanent part of your daily driver. It is not meant to be taken off and put back on. I actually enjoy having the ALU-CAB on the truck, however. As you pointed out, I can head out into the sticks whenever I want. Also, when driving around between towns down here, I don’t have to stop and take a restroom break. And it is a great conversation piece… if a day goes by and I’m not approached by someone who is curious about it, it is an unusual day. The local newspaper down here even did an article on it! One last thought… you may not be able to get your truck into your garage with the ALU-CAB. That’s the case down here. The house also had a carport and I had to raise it to be able to get the truck beneath it. Please keep in touch. Thanks for your comment and for subscribing!

@thepokerpilotapp That's great... I'm glad to hear it! Hope we meet on the trails soon!

@Vincent Keith Thanks! Great ideas... I appreciate it!

@jparra2K. Thanks! Having been a professor (among other things), I can honestly say that a day that I don't learn something new is a wasted day! 😅. And if you have some insights, I'd love it if you would share them. All the best!

Yes, that definitely helps, Gord! I usually leave them open about a. Third of the way out less.

Yes, I always keep the two side windows open a couple of inches when I’m closing the tent… and so far I haven’t had any issues with water running in from the wet outer canvas. Also, I’ve experimented with a number of mechanisms on this trip to help lower the tent when it is hot. I’ll put a video up about that in the near future (if I ever get Internet back after tires hurricane). 👍🏻

@Kenny Chang. Thanks Kenny. I really appreciate your encouraging words. All the best to you! Steve

@John Campbell. I like that idea, John! Thanks! Glad that you liked the tips! I hope some of them were helpful for you also. 👍🏻

@Norman Cole Yes, that's a great way, Norman... thanks for mentioning that! Say hello to Windrock for me the next time you are out there on the trails there!

@Ultra Free. Thanks! Glad you liked it. Safe travels to you too!

@Harald Petermann Thanks for the suggestion, Harald! I've always kept both windows unzipped at least four or five inches. I've actually had other men try to close it and they had the same problems that I have had... I suspect that the struts on mine are particularly strong... other people tell me that their wives close their tents without any issues. Luck of the draw, I suppose. :^)

@Seb Vulk Thanks Seb! I have a set of incredibly strong struts on my tent. Most of the time (especially in hot weather), I need to put my feet against the door and pull on the strap with all of my weight! Great idea, though. Thanks!

Thanks Sandy! Yes, that's what I've resorted to doing when it is really problematic. Other people have said that they don't have this problem, so perhaps the particular struts on my tent are just exceptionally strong. When I'm in North Carolina to get some warranty work done, I'll see if they can replace them. Thanks for your suggestion and all the best to you!

You are most welcome! 👍🏻

Thanks PMC! You got it... I just uploaded episode 3 and I'll upload the final one in this series tomorrow.

@@OverLandScapes Saw them thanks! Will you do one for the internal fit out of the camper?

Yes, I’ve been working on a video series about the inside of the tent, cabin and truck cab. I’ll upload it as soon as the internet is restored here. I made it back here to southwestern Florida just after the hurricane hit… what a mess!

@audreyburton5367 You are so welcome!

@Jacob Besele The heater heats both the area below the sleeping platform and above it (i.e., the tent) if I leave the hatch open. The hatch is how I get up into the tent/sleeping area. I usually keep it closed unless I'm using the heater.... but there is still enough room (lengthwise) for me to sleep up there with it open. I hope my explanation makes sense, Jacob. If not, please let me know. Cheers!

That’s an excellent question and something I was concerned about, too. I was carrying a lot of gear… which included my recovery gear, a Snomaster refrigerator/freezer, up to 35 gallons of gas and a maximum of 18 gallons of water. The gross weight as measured at a truck weight station was 7,520 lbs. Unbelievably, however, there were only a couple of times when the truck hit one of the rear bump stops. Had I been in better control during those situations, I probably could have avoided it. Anyway, I’m hoping to thin down on the gear that I’ll be taking on my next long haul, but that is mainly for freeing up storage space. There’s not much I can do regarding the refrigerator and liquids. 😎👍🏻

I weigh 7800 with a Khaya and a ton of gear. Surprised the weight is so close. I used deaver stage 3 1k leafs and Elka coil overs and it handles the weight confidently yet soaks up all the sharp stuff so the best of both worlds. I also run 5.29 gears and it makes every hill seem flat which is another issue of the Tacoma is the tall gearing. They will carry the weight, just need to be upgraded. I would not go with another brand just for the GVWR if the tacoma platform suits your other needs better. I was challenged to try and do a walk around and I am just not that kind of person but I am learning which is part of the adventure. Very rough and steep learning curve at first. Great rigs and I love seeing others get out there. Networking solutions is a powerful tool.

@@chaseadventureoverland2431 Thanks! Nice rug! Yes, the gross weight are indeed close. How muck of your weight is liquid? I think the heaviest things in my truck are the LRA gas tank (35 gallons), 18 gallons of water… and the Snomaster refrigerator freezer. I have no idea how much the ARB front bumper weighs, but it is not light either. The cabinets probably weigh in at 160 lbs., also. I have thought about changing the hearing… although my only real complaint is taking off from a stop on the highway. Off road in 4L it performs perfectly for my needs.

@@OverLandScapes im 3440 front and 4280 rear. I am sure I cross over 8k at times. I originally had dakar springs and the ome set up and it just wasnt adequate for what was asked of it. I heavily debated the canopy route but after adding up all the things I would add and time to fabricate the weight and cost were close enough I bet on the Khaya and hoping to make it work. Elka made custom coil overs for it and the results are nothing short of surreal. It does not drive like it is a 8k lifted Tacoma at all. Very smooth, quiet and tracks superb. It is a pleasure to drive long distances.

@@OverLandScapes like your set up too:)

@Daniel I’m always open to suggestions regarding safety! As you know, the Hi-Lift Jack has been used in farming for over 100 years. It has also become an essential off-road tool with a lot of uses besides just lifting your vehicle. Unfortunately, a bottle jack simply won’t cut it in a lot of situations off-road, especially when the vehicle has a suspension lift. But there is no question that a Hi-Lift Jack can also be a deadly piece of equipment if not properly used. I take it, however, that your concern not with its use but the location of where mine is mounted and that it potentially could become a projectile during an accident. That’s a point worthy of consideration. Thanks! Quoting @Daniel “People in the US just need to stop using the word overlanding, you go camping and that’s all you do. Overlanding isn’t how much money you spend either” Hmmm… where did that come from?!! First, let's find some common ground. I will agree on two points. First, camping is not overlanding. There are a lot of definitions for Overlanding, but always been particular to Wikipedia’s, which is pretty simple and straightforward: “Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.” Those who travel in the U.S., however, do not necessarily need to cross over into Canada or Mexico… the mainland is so vast that just traveling from one state to another feels as though you are crossing country boundaries. In fact, just moving around within the state can give you that impression! So yes, there is a lot more involved in overlanding than simply camping. Second, Overlanding isn’t tied to how much money you spend. Yes, in my case, I put a lot of money and time into my truck… but that's more of an exception than the rule. I’ve met and traveled with many people and all types of vehicles. They would agree with you too! :^) So we are in agreement here also. Where many people (including me) will strongly disagree with you is when you say, “you go camping and that’s all you do." What gave you that impression? It’s totally wrong and out in left field, my friend. Is technical trail driving what you had in mind? I've been through very difficult mountain trails where people driving quads and side-by-sides were amazed to see me. On rocky trails, I scraped my sidewalls up badly and almost tipped my truck over at night on an extremely challenging trail (I was dozens of miles from the nearest person and alone). Had more people read your statement, I’m sure that they would be willing to share other things that they do when overlanding besides camping! Anyway, what is your idea of overlanding? Care to talk about what you think it is instead of what it is not? Thanks!

Hi cbingham40! Yes, $13K sounds about right for the base unit... without any options (such as the Shadow Awning, water tank, etc.). I surprised to hear that it is taking a year to get one now! Of course, I haven't bought one in a couple of years either. AVO handles a lot of ALU-CABs and they certainly could tell you if their timelines are any different.

@@OverLandScapes Your set up is super cool. 13k though is a hard number for just basic level stuff. Is it truly worth all of that then having to spend for the adictional things? I'm sure you got 25k in that truck easily

$16,000 in the USA

@@manimalworks7424 That's what it's going for here now? That's just too much. It's a fancy shell nothing more at the end of the day.

@@cbingham40 indeed. I have been thinking about it. $70k to get a pickup truck, and $16k to add the shell, plus we still need fridge, solar panels, power station, water, heater etc. Maybe it’s just smarter to buy a 4x4 small rv.

Glad that you are not having the same problem! :^)