Home built DIY 1st gen Tacoma flatbed Ute tray!

I built a flatbed for my 2001 Tacoma in my garage! This video is just the introduction into my reasoning on building it and quick overview of how it looks so far.
Future episodes will dive in to the creation, detail, frame, metals and weights and measurements. And of course the camper build!
This is easily the largest, most complex and more fun project I've taken on so far and its not even close to being finished! Pretty much every detail will change in some small way so keep that in mind when looking at the cases, paint, color ect.
Check out my website for DIY templates and parts! overlandunderbudget.com
Welder and plasma cutter i used for this build are the Forney 220mp welder and the Forney 40p plasma cutter.
Being part of the Pelican pro team is incredible and i designed the storage system around 2x 1510 roller cases and 2x 1700 long case.
Lots of details on my Instagram account at / overlandunderbudget
Check out ‪@DirtSunrise‬ they just got an awesome Maltec 80 explorer

[@edwinthomas618]

Micah...you are an artist and true fabricator now. Your business will grow. Your personality and talent make people want your business. Mych success and keep dreaming

[@dhu1042476]

I can feel your excitement talking about how you came up with an idea, and then built it. Good job.

[@dirtdauber5535]

Are you selling and plans for this DIY build?

[@smaqdaddy]

Outstanding work! I see all these Ripcord Builds and I think you're the only one I've seen insulate your camper.

[@Mikefestiva]

Man that flat bed turned out awesome! You did a great job on it 👍

[@golfmike304]

Such a great job and great idea for overlanding. Love the drawers and storage solutions. Your fabricating videos are so informative. It proves that you don't need a high dollar shop to do it in. Thanks for all the inspiration.

[@rickyracer-aidanhenson1216]

“It’s like baskin Robbin’s, too many flavors and they’re all good” I’m using that lol

[@mattbeharry]

Consider adding a top slide out table to the rear slide out. Gives you tons of flat space for ‘kitchen’ or other items. Or perhaps under. Flat surfaces always at a premium

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Yes sir! Was thinking that too! That’s what’s so helpful about getting to this stage. Now the main components work I can start looking at how to maximum the setup 👍🏼

[@rikvanespen7559]

@@lookingatit7955 I was thinking the same thing. some kind of slide out kitchen once its pops out from underneath

[@df3_legomocs]

What camera do you use to film all of your stuff also awesome video man

[@relatableguy2232]

Holy moly this is amazing. Awesome work!

[@AngelLovesToLook]

Its satisfying when you create something for yourself. Flat bed looks good, looking forward to more updates.

[@EvergreenOverland]

Awesome build man! Love backyard engineering and learning new skills. Can't wait to see more about the flatbed build.

[@brandonhaycock]

You can feel his energy towards his new build. Now that’s a Tacoma bro.

[@miked.r.6671]

Thats pretty sweet, and rear slide out idea a bonus. The beauty of steel is you can always add possibilities ...This been on my mind for my 1 tonn for awhile . Good job!

[@Dutch1951x]

What an AMAZING design! Looking forward to see this project progress! Not about to trade my Bronco and ground tent for a Taco, but love watching these kind of videos! Great work!

[@jesusadventurervargaspropu4510]

I'm doing my research to build a bed for my truck. I'm glad I ran into your video. Yeah Australian outback trucks are a definite inspiration.

[@detacheddad3396]

Brilliant... the under bed drawers blow my mind

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thanks man! I love trying to come up with innovative designs. I’m stoked on how this came out

[@PNW_Rodeo]

You did a fantastic job on that flatbed! I'm hooked now and can't wait to see it done. 👍

[@davidblalock9945]

I will be careful rewatching this when I get home. I love the design and look. My truck so needs a flatbed.

[@buildadventure404]

I am still blown away that yo are thinking of doing the same camper setup that I am for my Hilux!

[@JanBoothius]

Really like what you've done so far! I have the same problem with my 5' bed not being big enough for me and my son. Excited to see more flatbed content and hopefully build my own before too long.

[@solosaga5091]

Truly beautiful work, and thoughtful consideration. I'm sure it won't be long before it makes financial sense to open a professional custom fab shop. Almost anyone can (learn to) weld, but producing functional AND esthetically pleasing design is a rare gift.

[@josephchan7040]

I don't even have a pickup but I dig the diy & enthusiasm.

[@280zone]

Amazing, well thought out, looking forward to updates.

[@craftsmancollaborative]

Man - love the versatility of this rig 🚚 really is a do it all DIY

[@thomascalton3067]

Awesome job! Look forward to seeing the camper too!

[@djlyon117]

Man, I love this. That’s an awesome idea with the drawer.

[@juniorvazquez9000]

Love this channel. I stumbled into your channel by watching other channels about all of these campers. Just love it, been wanting to get a 1st Gen tundra and do one of these campers. Thanks man for the videos.

[@austink4289]

This is so sick Micah, holy crap. Way to get after it and make it happen. Love this setup, I would love to build something similar on my Tacoma

[@atomicsmith]

Wow. That's beautiful! First video of yours I've seen. Very impressed.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

I wish we would adopt more ideas from the aussies like you just did. Always thought their ute setups are awesome.

[@dr.dreymisenheimer8499]

It’s funny, this week I have taken my camper off and built a camping flat bed also!

[@wr4268]

Love the side storage idea

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Super cool! Looking forward to the rest of the build. I just tore my truck bed off too. Currently welding up the subframe that our camper build will sit on. So, I can totally relate to the excitement and the "oh-no what did I just do" of pulling you previously functional camping setup apart.😂

[@bradsunday]

New setup looks awesome. Look forward to more.

[@Dabaldgorilla]

YESSSSS iv been waiting for this video....threw everything down to watch this... the rig looks sick AF now. Keep it up man

[@212caboose]

That's so AWESOME!!

[@underscorejeff]

Seriously awesome thought process you put into this

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

Sweet build can't wait to see the next phase!!

[@baja67]

Great job, that was a lot of fab and creativity!

[@sozekeysersoze]

That bed looks soo slick 👍🏻 Cheers from Denmark

[@NextAdventureYoutube]

Awesome video! Great looking Taco.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Great work, or work in progress as you said. Cant wait to see the next stage.

[@ZuluComander]

Super slick design my dude

[@sean9820]

Such an outstanding build.

[@kevinmoore1401]

I know I'm watching this video late but I think the way you made it is really awesome and the width of it looks good

[@thirdworldadv1312]

Perfect timing. I’m getting ready to do this to my gen 1. Trying to get a multi purpose tool truck that can also be a camper. I hope to get some good ideas from you before I start. Thanks!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Absolutely, I think flatbeds are going to be everywhere in the next 12 months

[@rdruzin]

Awesome stuff man. Good luck on making the camper!

[@sarayuki8540]

sweet job. looks super cool

[@Adv4x4]

Awesome build man!! Love getting inspiration from a fellow “I can probably just do that myself” kinda guy. Look forward to seeing the camper complete.

[@everythingsucks6086]

Awesome job buddy!! I'm diggin it!

[@SangTran-zn7lq]

Outstanding design!

[@gregnorvell9730]

Ugh! Your videos are making me late for work!!! Awesome build, great design!!!

[@RetreatHacker]

Love the storage !

[@Fotomotion_garage]

Great creativity man. Keep it up!

[@johngelinas7732]

Great job looks cool

[@michaeldouglasmason]

Pumped to see the camper build!

[@bradleylee7311]

That look grew! I have a 2001 , and am need of a camper shell.

[@TheRPetterson]

Makes me think of a hard side shell with a second level a-la Ripcord's DIY wedge or flip over the cab as a second level would be a cool family wagon. This is spitballing for use at its finest. See you at Home Depot!

[@herve160181]

Mate that looks great!

[@akirasao7377]

Well done bro. Smart ideas !!!

[@rajr4034]

Omg !!!!!! This is so sick . You should be proud

[@jameshisself9324]

Ahh, the bite of the double cab strikes again. With my extra cab I have a full size bed and shell, I'm just under 6 ft so it works great for me and my girl. Any kids we have will fit for years to come so we'll worry about that then. I also haul dirt bikes, bucket loads of dirt, gravel, rocks, etc so really have to have the original bed for that. I wondered why you would move away from the great setup you had, but makes sense for you this way. I still want to reference your old build videos so please keep those up! Looking forward to seeing the rest of this new build.

[@eze8024]

Dude that flatbed is awesome!

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

Super well thought out arrangement. Impressive! In my experience those drawer slides don’t last long when exposed to dust and dirt. The ball bearings collect the grit and eat themselves up with the regular jiggle-wiggle of driving. That was experienced on fleet of shuttle busses with slide out battery trays. They lasted less than a year and the trays fell out of the rails. I’m sure the Mfg. Used cheap ones, but maybe consider having a catch rail below them in case this happens.

[@isaacspoon]

great like always! thanks for making videos! makes me want to go buy a tacoma like yours

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thanks Isaac! Much appreciated

[@ddilemma]

Awesome work man!!

[@jamesg2343]

Nice work!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Like how the side boxs come out

[@shawncook8672]

THAT IS A FREEKIN' AWESOME BUILD!!!

[@tacodrewww]

I haven’t seen anything like it ! Great job !

[@greym6436]

Truly dig Ausie system you have made! Thought about going this route with my 02' Tundra build.. Very functional. But i may be utilizing a Eagle Topper.

[@dezrataz]

Killer work man! And galvanic corrosion is what you were looking for.

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Ah yes that’s the one haha thanks!

[@Chunk404]

Dude... You killed it! Keep up the good work.

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thank you!

[@loconC2]

Beautiful build man and awesome fab skills, just subscribed

[@MarkWucher]

Nice! So many fantastic details!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thanks Mark!

[@tylerdavidson1607]

Love this stuff man. Let you mind wander and say "Yup, I can make that".

[@shawnmts7109]

Nice job. I like a good flat bed, yours is tops.

[@ACEventure]

Love it, you've got skills.

[@crossfitexan6747]

Great job awesome fab work!!!!

[@casadeninosmontessori]

You have done it ! So cool ..

[@ricksasek5483]

Nice job on the flat bed

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thanks!

[@drewcirelli4026]

Loved seeing the photo of the rig at Morro Bay

[@RevRodge]

Hell yea man! I just started designing an aluminum one for my 3rd gen. Looks great, and is some solid inspiration for mine.

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Sweet! Aluminum is the next frontier for me. However for the flatbed frame I don’t think I would go aluminum. I want to use it for my camper!

[@RevRodge]

@@OverlandUnderBudget Is that mostly out of concern for the vibration on the welds? Asking because I did have the intention of making it 100% out of aluminum. Weight is a massive concern for me, I will also be adding the Aussie style canopy boxes to the frame with a RTT mounted to the top of those. I’m running some Deaver heavy load springs, but I feel that steel would still make trails exceptionally difficult on the truck. It looks I can use 6 existing mount points to the frame without drilling a single hole. I understand that there will be some flex, I was just hoping to offset it with some beefy internal framing. I have mostly come up with and designed this from looking a products like the Norweld Ute trays, but without many other perspectives. So any insight you can lend is greatly appreciated.

[@ExcelxxPro]

For a "beginner" this looks awesome!

[@mckayprestwich]

You never told us where you are putting the tire! The suspense

[@deckape2423]

Hope to see more of the flat bed build.

[@angusheran138]

Those undertray storage areas are cool, different way to do it if you don’t want a full box

[@drewsimms]

Love the new set up man! Can't wait to see the rest of this series unfold!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thank you drew! I’m really excited for this new setup.

[@SteezySocks]

Dude, you’re a badass for that flatbed

[@jhonnygringo1514]

sweet job, way to jump right in!

[@ericl5973]

Nice work. I am tempted to build a custom tray to have more built in storage, but I like the stealthy look of a standard bed. Interested to see what decisions and customization are to come.

[@kemosabe5120]

Please do a video on how you built this! Specifically how you attached it to the shortbed frame to get that extra length securely...

[@jamieforrester7108]

that is really nice. Hope to see a hardside popup build series one day

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Working on building it right now!

[@shadowlab9543]

sweet bro !!! love the videos

[@mikemeister458]

Great job dude!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Thank you!!!

[@Haslop]

Looks mint 👌 I'm from Australia and have bought a 2001 hikux which as far as I'm aware very similar if not the same

[@gungfuriceboy]

WOW!!!!!!... I will 'STAY TUNED'!!! Cheers!

[@Dustin.Wright]

I love the build man! Idk how practical it would be but that same black cage you have on the rear draws would look good in front of the side boxes.

[@douglansburg4545]

Yes to flat bed tacomas, have one on my 2011

[@chrisispushin4978]

Whoaaa. Love it