DIY Overland Gear Storage Setup Tips to Maximize Efficiency - My Tacoma Setup

[@ofc474]

You have multiple propane tanks because 2 is 1 and 1 is none. Always good to have backups😉. Beautiful setup!

[@everavila6832]

I have watched 10s of 100s of videos on Overland rigs, this is one of the best, if not the best setup I have seen so far. High level engineering, I only wish I was this savvy. Congratulations 👏. Soon enough I'll be hitting the trails and hopefully one day, hopefully my rig can be 50% of this one

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Wow what a compliment! That means a ton thank you.

[@everavila6832]

@@ArkansasOffroad Subscribed!

[@Stancaban]

Love that those cupholders actually deep enough to hold something! I'm gonna have to look into Trailgate!

[@isaachunt861]

I bought a tj because of your videos but then you sold it 🥲😂

[@nestorluvsher]

Really love this setup, very well thought out. This is coming from a guy who drives a camry and has never owned a truck, so it's not saying much 😅

[@philp411]

I’ve generally not been a fan of toppers but for an overland set up and with drawers and the side door access, that is slick! I like that.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Definitely!

[@High_Key]

Wow, I have a 4Runner TRD Off-Road that’s about 1/3 of the way complete, but you have me almost convinced I should’ve gone with a Tacoma with this truck bed set up. Fantastic stuff..I’ve seen many truck builds, but this set up will definitely stick in the back of my head if/when it comes time to get another vehicle or God forbid, replace my 4Runner.

[@jeffh7496]

Hands down my favorite setup. Clean, well thought out, and obtainable. Great job!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Really appreciate it!

[@timfontenot2911]

Great video. Lots of good ideas and tips. Did the Gorilla Tape mod...game changer , no more small parts falling threw that crack between the tail gate and bed. Best simple mod ever!👍

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I had to come back and watch this video again. I traded my Jeep Compass for a '19 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van that was deplete of any comfort or utility storage items. I remembered your video. I'm converting this van into a camper/home with plans to visit all lower 48, Canada and Alaska. The conversion includes a 4X4 installation, wheels and KO2's, lights, solar on the roof and some type of storage box. Thule is a thought but being former military I'm leaning towards Pelican boxes or cases, used ones hopefully. I incorporated several of your ideas. I mounted several levelers inside the cargo space, in the cab area and one in the grill. I mounted several patches of velcro on my dash board and in the cargo space to have to mount work gloves, other items I need quick access to and a patch rug. All the patches I've collected are secured to a $12 rug from Walmart. I have several storage bags underneath my bed and I want to get rid of individual bags and use bins to make everything neater, organized and easy to find...and your ideas are superb. I am OCD and it's vital for me to be better organized.

[@OnDirtOutdoors]

In my opinion, the very best rig breakdown out there for someone like me sitting here looking at my stock 3rd gen. Really needing some inspiration

[@offtrackfamily]

Loved the walk around tour! We just installed gullwing windows on the rear of our truck and can't wait to test em out on our next camping trip. The levels are a cool idea!

[@abcantiques777]

Extremely organized. You made everything as accessible as possible. 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks!

[@stankrieger3598]

Best video ever, I am pulling an 1963 airstream trailer. And now with all your ideas I can now smipplefie my set up. I was not going to use the cap but now I see a big advantages. I am not using the top tent right now but carrying a small water craft on top. Thanks again. I did subscribe and will be waiting for more videos.

[@ATown875]

Great vid, very detailed and cool set up. You clearly put a lot of time, energy and effort into the build. Gave me a lot of great ideas. Going to get some Velcro

[@CruiserRecovery]

Dang man… I watch a lot of rig walk arounds and yours is one of the cleanest I’ve seen. Little things like your coms and tool setup on your fridge just take it to the next level. Well done

[@ArkansasOffroad]

I appreciate it! Lots of configuring haha.

[@clinton01sutton02]

That is an awesome set up, I have been back and forth with topper or a rack system, well your walk through is a great argument for the topper, absolutely love how you have your taco set up, thanks for the help

[@bradleydyson5494]

Definitely one of the best walk-around videos on KZbin. Getting ideas as I begin my journey in overlanding but on a much smaller scaled vehicle. Thanks for the awesome info

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thank you!

[@jenniferbrennan2413]

Very well thought out. Love your attention to the details. Simple is good and effective.

[@elgoogsucks9005]

That is really well thought out, thanks for sharing

[@Marine-wj4jv]

I purchased a Decked system for my 2020RAM 1500! It is loaded with camping, bush craft gear. Best upgrade for a truck.

[@asse1112]

Wow, lots of great ideas! Gettin a new Taco in a couple months, can’t wait to build something cool like that.

[@rtwatson78]

I ran my fridge/power box setup similar to what you have but added solar to charge as well. On a recent cross country trip I ran into an issue where the trucks inverter was shutting off when we were in temps over 100°+. At first I just thought it was the inverter getting too hot being over the trans tunnel and shutting off but what was really happening was the fridge was surging power over 100watts (max output of inverter while driving). So the solution was just hard wiring the fridge to the power bank via a constant on DC input. (not cig port cuz those always vibrate themselves out) a constant on DC so as not to waste power with having the power banks inverter on. Then plugging the power bank into the truck inverter "permanently". This way the power bank is always 100% charged and no switching wires when stopping at camp. Now while at camp solar is charging power bank and gtg.

[@TheShredillac]

Love the Velcro for holding down storage. Very clever

[@coughtr]

It does not work well in Arizona at 110 degrees. Glue heats up and everything falls off.

[@rallyrats]

Slick, this is well thought out. Seen too many people with garbage setups that’s all for looks and the “cool” guy effect but don’t actually put any sort of efficiency into their setup.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Totally agree!

[@trevorj.8401]

Like how simple but elegant this is

[@FYRSTWAFFEN]

OUTSTANDING! YOU SURE CAME UP WITH THE BEST SETUP I HAVE SEEN. I AM TOTALLY IMPRESSED WITH THIS LOCATED RIG. GREAT JOB, AND A LOT OF WORK, I AM SURE.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thank you very much!

[@ericwiltse8054]

Your speaking my"efficiency" language. Keep it up

[@garykos1308]

It's only organized right when you truly use it! Nice Job!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thank you!

[@danielsmart514]

I got to the end and didn’t even realize I watched a 30 minute video. Pretty clean set up! Definitely a fan of Velcro

[@ArkansasOffroad]

haha that's awesome! Thank you

[@coughtr]

Velcro does not work well in Arizona at 110 degrees.

[@DriftaholiC]

Put the levels inside the truck to match the tent's level, one less step to read them as you park for the night. Nice setup.

[@denisedoucet6339]

Awesome video. My husband is now thinking about doing the same thing to our SUV. Thank you very much.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I love how you set up your battery box using velcro. I'm a huge proponent for organizing bags and boxes using velcro. My vehicle's "first aid kit" contains industrial velcro, cable ties of different lengths and widths, duct tape, gorilla tape, ranger bands of different sizes and more. That's ingenious cutting out the end of the plano box to expose the power unit (mine is a Jackery). I am debating trading my Jeep SUV for a Tacoma or a Tundra and pick up a camper shell. Great set up and well organized...I like how clean it looks from front to rear.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Very cool, and awesome to know we share some of the same ideas! Appreciate it.

[@rnation0115]

Great setup, everything is well thought out and functional!

[@acetigg6690]

Idk how I just now found this channel. I have a taco with decked system and a fridge. This video gave me so many ideas! The setup is amazing man good job

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it!

[@Asur-slayer]

❤️ from India.. Attention to detail yet simple and straight..Good one

[@ArkansasOffroad]

01:23​ - Camper Shell vs Bed Rack 04:26​ - Roof Racks 05:11​ - Rack Accessories 05:54​ - Rear Bumper & Accessories 07:30​ - Drawer System 08:15​ - Misc Accessories & Lighting 10:03​ - Bed Layout 10:56​ - Fridge Setup 12:19​ - Portable Beer Keg 12:57​ - Air Compressor 14:33​ - DIY Power Box 15:49​ - The Secret is Velcro! 17:37​ - Fire Extinguisher 18:35​ - Brand Decals 19:04​ - Cooking & Propane Setup 21:39​ - All Drawer System Contents 25:45 - Recovery Gear (some of it) 27:01​ - More Easy DIY mods

[@kieranstone1136]

this probably the best set up i have seen on a taco. well done sir i am now going to copy 98% of it lol

[@francisngo]

So many mindful placements of tools and equipment. maximum efficiency for sure. this is how i want to build my rig as well. thanks for sharing

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Really appreciate that. Thanks a ton!

[@carpathianexplorers]

One of the best set ups I’ve ever seen! This is very neat!

[@pztiger_214]

Bought my first jeep. Going to copy your decked and hardhell setup. Thx

[@drcav_photo]

+1 on the camper shell argument. windoors are the business.🤘

[@shabbydame1221]

I really like how you modify things to make them better for what you need them for. I always just deal with however the product comes and it’s like…why? 😄

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Haha thanks! I'm a stickler for that stuff

[@kevinthomson6324]

The Velcro is such a smart idea! All the hold you need but none of the effort or time strapping it down. I’ve seen those I’m assuming 10 lbs refillable propane bottles before. So much better than using the disposable bottles. Those decked drawers would be sooo much better if they just had full extension drawer slides on them. All together there are some amazing ideas here for keeping things organized with quick access. So much better than having 6 bins you have to pull out and open to get one thing out of each bin and then have to put them all back in over and over again. Oh and the levels are a nice touch. I’d go one extra and maybe mount some in the cab. That way you can get the truck as close to level as you can while parking the rig.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Really appreciate the feedback! The level in the interior is genius. Gotta do that

[@pissedoffpotato1882]

I'm so glad I clicked on this. There's tooo much to debate on in terms of mods in these trucks. Its driving us crazy. My husband and I love ALL of them. Really hard to just pick a single thing at a time. The struggle is so real

[@ArkansasOffroad]

So glad you did! Thank you so much.

[@jackjones8174]

A place for everything and everything in it's place. Very Well Done

[@ArkansasOffroad]

That's the idea! Really appreciate it.

[@GainesMediaInc]

I like the micro levels...nice touch!

[@marcuscrawford7328]

I love it! Very creative and organized.

[@arcusmc]

Might as well get all this stuff for my Taco. Very cool.

[@terryzanger7152]

Thanks for posting, camper shells rock. If living in a snowy location looking for things in the back that are alwYs burried in snow sucks. BTW, you can have a backrack that also works with a camper shell. And lastly, always wonder why the short box Tacoma is so popular south of the border while reg. 6 foot box more popular in Canada. I get rock crawling needs shorter wheel base for breakover angles but pretty sure a bit more length in wheel base is an advantage in mud, snow, work truck and general camping set ups. Plus nicer ride for a dailey driver. Just my humble opinion. Cheers from Yukon

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Love it man. Was great to see all this in person at MOORE Expo!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks man! You as well

[@AlphaSierra323]

Great setup my friend! Thanks for putting this all together. Your videos have been a huge help and I look forward to each one of your adventures, reviews and posts. Cheers brother!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

That means a lot thank you so much! 🍻

[@bradmizzou]

very nice setup. it's one thing to have all the gear. it's a whole other thing to have it organized and easy to access. you put a lot of brain time into your setup and it shows!

[@LordsycoOG]

The velcro additions are really awesome. Might have to look into some heavy dirty velcro

[@samuelkarimi5887]

Big up this is the best effecient setup I have seen

[@benjaminkatie2916]

Very great set up, very much like my own! Super efficient, it’s obvious you put a lot of thought in the entire system

[@ArkansasOffroad]

I appreciate it! Takes a lot of iterations and planning, but definitely worth it.

[@otgtooffthegridtrailoutdoo9836]

Great set up ! I got the same propane set up but but the canister at the front corner and run the hose to the back of the decked system. Only having to move the propane canister for refill is great 👍

[@rickisaacson]

Doing something similar with my Silverado Decked plus a soft sided camper top. Great video!

[@sinaalex7577]

Good video. You some really inspiring ideas, that could even be used for my wagon. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and healthy.

[@ApplianceRep]

I like the set up I got the inferno truck with a shell and getting the deck soon looks so organized the way u got it

[@manodetigre]

This is probably the best setup I've seen, great job and thank you for sharing!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks!

[@YouTubeBinging]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your setup with the rest of us.

[@gailwind4168]

Really liked the organization in the decked system. I will also be removing the lids. Makes things much more accessible. Glad to have found this video. Subscribed.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it!

[@clairjones9511]

I have watched this video 3+ times planning for how to reorganize our decked system - so helpful! I’ll check your channel, but would love love love a video on how you set up the LED light strips, installed the switch, and wired it all.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Haha appreciate it! I've done quite a bit more...they'll be a part 2 soon!

[@jamesslack2917]

Just installed the deck system on my f250 long bed, added a matching tool box in font of it. Great info and ideas for organizing the drawers. I have the leitner rack system and a rtt on that, happy trails.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it!

[@ricktaylor1860]

Great vid dude! Your a practical overlander and thats why I watch your channel. Just parked my 4runner and picked up a Tacoma last week and I'm super stoked about starting my new build. Thanks for the ideas. Stay dry and tires down.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks a ton!

[@philaouhhh]

Very good video. Thank you for that, really helpful for someone just starting! Great thinking behind the set-up. Great explanation of each part of the set-up. Simple yet highly efficient and well organized set-up!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks!

[@austinwatson4451]

Freaking awesome set up! I have been looking into decked draw system and a camper shell since i bought mine a year ago. Ready to get it in motion and definitely going to save this video and copy cat some things!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Awesome!

[@Kerem911HD]

Great video. I also have an ARE camper shell but worried about putting too much weight on it and cracking the fiberglass, I'm not sure if mine is reinforced at all. Its a CX series. Have you ran into any issues with too much weight on your roof? Thanks love the channel!!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

That's the same shell I have and it hasn't cracked on me. I try not to wheel super hard and go fast over corrugations.

[@eartiles56]

Great rig! I love the way you've outfitted it. How did you mount the tilting fridge slide to the Decked system?

[@kevinblair191]

Man you got it all! Good set up and nice layout. Very user friendly.

[@madcratebuilder]

There is a tool for reaching the front of the bed, Access EZ Retriever, a $20 tool that makes it quick and easy to reach any item at the front of the bed. I have a similar setup, 6' bed, drawers and softopper, I have side access, great sleeping area. A hard topper is more secure but with the softopper everything is out of sight and the drawers lock. I like your power bank, may build one.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Interesting, I'll take a look

[@awhipps]

Really cool setup. Efficiency is bliss.

[@SpencerHogg]

Love your setup dude just found the channel, awesome walk-around video

[@MrNvtty]

seriously Nice setup- well thought out

[@RyanWelch-aofilms]

Great stuff! Lots of helpful tips. Love the velcro! Thanks!

[@fabienpics]

VERY WELL ORGANIZED 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

[@lukebossley520]

Just one little suggestion, why not get a small front runner camp table to extend your cook top space. The only reason I’m suggesting a table is because of the way you said you position yourself to cook. Open flames that close to a gas can probably ain’t the best idea just saying, a table would expand your work space and also get the fire a little further away from the fuel source. Other than that you do have a nice setup and made some good points about a camper shell. You’ve got me second guessing how I want to setup my new truck.

[@deepbludude4697]

Im in the process of moving FT up here in North Central Ar. You may see me banging around in my beater Dodge Raider... So busy prepin my property but anxiously awaiting getting my other old W200 up here.

[@marcusalancate1782]

Velcro and Gorilla Tape! Wise man!!

[@Xphinity]

Awesome build brother

[@austinvorwald1551]

Awesome setup! How did you mount the Alucab fridge slide to the decked system? I'd like to do the same, just haven't found a great way yet

[@bobysize]

I would like to know to

[@yoda_brh]

Thanks for sharing, got a couple of ideas from your setup 👍🏼

[@RicoAdv3]

This is the 1st video I've watched on your channel, great job on the build and organizing it all for functionality! I need to implement more velcro on my rig for sure, and happy wheelin brotha!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Hey thanks so much! Glad to give some inspiration!

[@grn9209]

Awesome setup!!! I thought I was the only one who loved Velcro 😳🤣👏🏼

[@ArkansasOffroad]

It's the best!

[@pystol57]

Awesome setup and gear!!!

[@colby6968]

Well done, awesome setup

[@Lilljoescratch]

Super clean build 🤘

[@daveybernard1056]

6:21 I like that skinny water can + skinny gas can setup.

[@Ty-sq7yi]

Very clean setup. I hope the Velcro in the bed holds out for you for sometime. I've never known Velcro to last long.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it. Yeah it's holding up great still, but I hardly every remove and resecure it. So hopefully it doesn't lose its strength

[@aersla1731]

Holy shit this is one of the coolest tacoma set ups ever, I clicked on it because your truck looking like one I saw in utah yesterday on the freeway and thought maybe it was this one

[@UncleT0ny]

this is solid - one thing at 15:40, wouldn't it be more effective to run DC to your fridge? That way your box won't need work as hard, creating AC, when you can go DC (battery) to DC Fridge

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Yes, 100%. Meant to show that in the video, I just didn't have my 12v DC cord handy.

[@Lilljoescratch]

You should do a boat battery switch on your fridge to power converter, no unplugging just flip a master switch

[@kilogulfyankee4266]

I love the bed efficiency!

[@hangtough503]

Killer brother. Love finding legit creators in this YT rabbit hole😂. I’m 1989 TOYO VAN. Live in up in woods. Subd. D😎🇺🇸PDX

[@jeremystafford7993]

If you change up your fridge plugging setup a little bit, you can gain some battery life -- That's a DC fridge so by using AC to connect to your power bank, you're converting from DC to AC to DC so you're losing power for no reason. I have a similar setup (use the outlet while driving, use the powerbank while parked), but I use the DC plug to the power bank so I'm not losing anything to the double conversion.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Funny you say that. I actually found my 12V DC power cable from the fridge and just went out on a 4 day trip this past weekend. The power bank powered the fridge the entire time with the DC side. With the AC, it would have lasted half that time from my experience using it. Appreciate you lookin out! Definitely only doing the DC from now on.

[@hokie7fan]

Outstanding video!!!

[@memofarias6443]

New to overlanding here, I see that leveling the truck is a must??

[@PyrateRumRunner]

Great job and such a clean install. Any thought of a drop down shelf on your swing out to hold your stove? That keeps your tailgate free. Where do you access your RTT? Does it get in the way of your cooking space? And how do you cook in bad weather?

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Appreciate it. Yeah I thought about a table, but the tailgate is enough for me. Tent access is on either side of the truck. It doesn't matter. Sometimes I bring a large awning and hang it over the back. If you check out my latest video, you can see that setup.

[@exrhodie1234]

Excellent video, thanks. You've almost convinced me to put a camper shell on my 2017 Tacoma TRD. Right now I have the Bakflip tonneau which is nice and still allows me to get a dirt bike in there, but the shell would provide so much more storage space. Love the way you've organized your Decked drawers too. I've subbed so I can see more!