Update: Taco Shell

Goodbye Humphrey - you served us well! 

We are still active on Instagram and on a personal level on Facebook, but we have neglected our blog over the past year.  Life doesn't always align with adventure. I lived a large part of my childhood with my Aunt and Uncle. Four out of our six parents have had serious health problems involving multiple surgeries, ongoing chemo, home treatments and in one instance hospice. The philosophy of do your adventures now while you are still healthy enough smacks into the reality of what life throws at people you love.  So, we have been focusing on what is most important to us - which is spending time with our family. My parents live in Southern California, my aunt and uncle in Northern California and Greg's folks are here in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Don't get me wrong, we have still squeezed in plenty of quick adventures, but not as many as we normally would. But, being home bound has also allowed us to focus on a VERY exciting project. I will retire in twenty-four months! As with many full-timers, we have gone back and forth and back again deciding what type of rv/truck camper/van to live in post-retirement.

Since 2011, we've loved adventuring in our Nissan NV van. Greg built out the van and it was perfect with one exception. The Nissan isn't four wheel drive. Since we primarily boondock down rough roads, four wheel drive would be very nice. We also considered a 4x4 conversion for the van. The price tag is decent, but the size of our van would still be an issue. What to do????

After much debate, research and many hours of youtube watching, we came to a decision. Greg's Mom was intrigued by the Aliner pop-up aframe trailer (Thanks Slim Potatohead) and wanted to buy one since they had to sell their C-Class RV due to health reasons. Our plan was for her to buy an Aliner and for us to get a Toyota Tacoma and pop a Four Wheel Camper Fleet model on it. Once we made the decision it all fell into place quickly. In March, Greg's folks got the Aliner and we purchased a new Toyota Tacoma TRD. A few weeks later we ordered a Four Wheel Camper Fleet model from Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper/Juniper Overland (RMFWC).  Chris Janeway at RMFWC (Arvada, Colorado) was extremely patient with our multitude of questions and numerous phone calls. We had been to the Overland Expo back in 2016 and toured both Four Wheel Campers and Hallmark Campers. We were impressed by both manufacturers. But, it came down to fit and weight. Having already done a build with our van, we decided to go for the side dinette, fleet model with flush sink and stove and the 2 way frig.  We passed on a water heater, but did get the furnace.

Our new Toyota Tacoma at the
Great Sand Dunes National Park

Toyota Tacoma with Greg's folks' Aliner Titanium
at Bandelier National Monument

The Toyota is perfect for towing the Aliner.

Greg and his Mom boondocking in the
Jemez Mountains inside the Aliner

We placed our order with Chris at RMFWC in late March and took delivery in late June. But, it was so worth the wait. Also, with all the family obligations, the wait went by very quickly. We worked with Chris of Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Camper and Josh Abram of Juniper Overland to plan a small lift to help the Toyota handle the weight of the camper while towing a trailer. When they installed the camper, they installed Dobinson suspension, upper control arms, struts, shocks and airbags since the driver side is carrying so much more weight than the passenger.   

Greg checking out sitting in the camper with the top down. 

I LOVE the flush sink and stove top! 

The bed is queen size and really comfortable.
We are able to sleep without any mattress topper. 

We boondocked near Gunnison, Colorado
during 4th of July week. 

View from the bed of our cozy, comfy camper. 

It took a few head bumps to learn the right way to climb into the camper through the smaller back door. But, once you get the hang of it - piece of cake. Once you are inside, the camper is VERY comfy and surprisingly roomy.  We don't have the smallest model, but we do have a small model, but I have to say it is the perfect size for the two of us. Colorado is full of mosquitoes this summer due to all the rain and late snows. Besides 4 wheel drive, the best thing about the camper to me is the ability to cook and eat indoors and SCREENS on all the windows and doors. A big improvement over our van.

The table is the perfect size for the
two of us and our sporks

Our taco shell in its happy place! 

UP NEXT - Rocky Mountain Overland Rally & Solar/Battery Upgrade