Odomandr Truck Build and Trip Log

2010 TRD OffRoad Double Cab Silver Streak Metallic

Current specs and mods:
Powertrain:
Engine- 1GR-FE V6
Transmission- RA60F 6-Speed Manual
Gears-Stock
Exhaust re-route at cross-member

Front Suspension:
ICON Extended Travel (pn 58635 & 58735) Coilovers with 14” 700lb Springs (pn 158508) *two sets for zero downtime during rebuild/trail spare
Total Chaos Cam Tab Gusset
Total Chaos Spindle Gusset
All Pro UCA & SPC UCA *AllPro under review

Rear Suspension:
ICON 2.0 (pn 56503R)
TOYTEC HD pack with addition overload leaf

Armor:
ARB Front Bumper
RCI Aluminum Front Skid Plate
RCI Aluminum Transfer Case Skid Plate
RCI Aluminum Transmission Skid Plate
BAY AREA METAL FAB weld on Sliders
BAMF LCA Skid Plate
BAMF Diff Diaper Skid
WARFab Phantom rear bumper

Lighting:
ARB LED turn signals in Slee brackets
Interior LED for map and dome lights
AntiDark Underhood Lighting

Interior:
Molle Panel Behind the rear seat
Weathertech floor mats throughout
TRD shift knob
Air Spencer squash
20% Tint that is fading
Bartact front covers
TechDeck Extreme and Ram ball stuff

Where it Touches the Ground:
16in SCS Ray10 in Matte Gray
Cooper Stt Pro (285/75/16)
InsainFab Cab Mount Chop

Comms/Navigation/Diagnosis:
Midland 7582 with 4ft firestik antenna
Kenwood D710 with a diamond NMO mount dual band antenna
New Tablet needed....
OBDLink Bluetooth Adapter

Camp:
Leer 100LR Shell (SSM)
SlumberJack Awning
ARB 50qt Fridge Freezer
2x 2Gal RotoPax Water
Seaflo pump plumbed though bed cubby for OnBoard Water
Pelican Chuckbox with Propane and propane accessories

Trail Gear and Misc. Accessories:
RedLine Hood Struts
ARB Twin Air Compressor
ARB Inflator modified with Flexzilla extended hose and better valve connector
Flexzilla 50’ high flex compressor hose
ARB E-Z tire Deflator
Shovel/Axe
Pelican box with 2 spare CVJ Axles, Tie Rods, Belts hoses and plugs, TJM compressor
Rubbermaid Tote full of fluids of all sorts

Recovery:
ARB Rated front recovery point
ARB 10' Tree Saver
ARB 25' Snatch Strap
ARB 66’ Winch Extension
ARB 20k lbs Snatch Block
Bubba Rope Gator Jaw soft shackles
TrailToys Treesaver/Sling
4Gal Rotopax Gas
Receiver Hitch D-Rings
48 Hi-Lift Extreme Jack
Smittybuilt X20 10k with synthetic line
Factor 55 Flat Splicer
Factor 55 Fid
Slee Offset Fairlead
Maxtrax boards

How it Got There

May 2011: When I graduated from Auburn I wanted a new truck as my 240sx was not suited for moving to Colorado with actual winters. I sold my 95 model GMC truck and 95 model jdm turbo swapped 240sx and put the money towards a used 2010 dbl cab with 36000 miles. The truck came with tint, steps, a Leer topper and a front bar. When I moved to Colorado and I immediately removed the front bar and bought cabelas rebranded weather techs as I began saving and building my parts pile. At 45k I found 4 spares and ran them out. Oil changes every 5k with mobil1 5w 30 with K&N, or oem filter.

I intend for this truck to be a daily driver but also be capabale and fun to camp out of remotely.



July 2013: Got a deal on BAMF sliders. The wrong set came to someone local, so I grabbed them and they sat in the corner of my house for about a year while I saved for some substantial mods.

March 2014: Woke up on a snowy cold morning and the battery had died. I grabbed an Optima red top from autozone.

June 2014: Got a bunch of factory accessories and maintenance stuff from Camelback Toyota including the updated 2nd Gen all weather flooring, a bed mat, the oem ash tray/cup, door sills things, and misc stuff for a 75k maintenance.

July 2014: I finally saved enough for some ICONS. I got front stage 4 extended travel resi with rear stage 3 resi shocks. Extended brake lines from @OCTaco's group buy. I got a set of SPC arms from Craigslist. I went to the Toytec customer picnic event and bought their boss leafpack, a set of spidertrax and I won a lift install from a local shop with the purchase of an alignment. I got a set of 5 trail grapplers from the discount tire direct ebay store and got a nicely lifted truck. Slowly the pile of parts began to disappear from the living room and appear on the truck as things are being installed. Local shop installed @76k.
Airing up after crossing Hagerman Pass heading west to Basalt between Eagle and Aspen CO

Rear icons and boss leaf kit

Front icons and SPC arms


I also got an OBDLINK LX to pair with an 8" samsung tablet. With this I can download a MVUM from the forest service and use other GPS services. This thing is also code checker and digital display to monitor many of the things your dash is missing too. Keeping a tablet in the truck allows me to control other things like music and my go pro. I can use a mobile Hotspot on my phone or public WiFi off the trail to download current locales and the 8 inch sits right on top of the steering wheel without falling



September 2014: I needed something to get me out of a jam so an ARB recovery bag and TJM compressor added to the truck. hopefully one sees lots of use while the other goes unused.

November-December 2014:
Interior: Got the all weather flooring installed by a local shop along with some new oem seat skin covers I purchased in 2011 from a guy who installed leather for dealers. It was nice to sit in an almost new interior since the original owner allowed smoking in the vehicle. Also, I had an incident spilling some motor oil on the way home from some parts store in he back seat so no more stains. either

I also installed some relentless hood hinge mounts for antennas for my cb and ham radios.
Finally I got my sliders welded on too.

Ive had 3 people hit me while I was at stop since moving to Denver, this has left my rear bumper kinda bashed up. I found a a relentless bumper in the classified section out of NC. I contacted Fastenal, they brought it to Alabama and while home over Christmas 2014 I installed it. My brother helped me and I am pleased overall. One side is better than the other but now that i got new clips for the flares and some edge molding/trim it will clean up even more.



January 2015: I got in on the Maxtrax group buy, they are a cheaper peace of mind than a winch and a bumper although not exactly the same.

I mounted my highlift to the tire gate.

I went to BDM exhaust in Denver for an exhaust reroute with new cat back system that was called a magnaflow offbrand. The sound was a bit louder than anticipated at first but sounds good overall.



For bed organization I keep an Action Packer box with tire plugs, guages, deflators, wrenches, jumper cables, zip ties, hitch receivers and shackles, etc.

I found some rotopax locally. I got 2 of the white 2 gallon water and 1 of the red 4 gallon unleaded fuel. I had to ordered the mounts. Now I need to figure out where to put them.

February 2015: I got my ham technician license. I bought a kenwood TM 281a and diamond hr770 nmo antenna for a 2 meter radio for mobile only rig and a

$40 Baofeng UV5R Dual Band 3800mAh Rechargeable Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies for Adults with Earpiece,Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit (Black-1Pack)

Baofeng UV5R as an ht to play with in the truck and as an HT. I got both CB and my 2 meter in the console now. I still need to mount the pile and tuck everything but it is wired.
March:
I got my vanity call sign K0WDE.
I began planning for the center console and the electronics that will go in here.

Over the weekend of the 8th I went over to Eric's aka CoTacoTRD to use his electric shears to trim my rear flares. He was super helpful in the whole process and even gave me some channel to cover the cuts.


March 21 2015: While I was off work for a few weeks during spring break I've been ticking away at things. I got the sliders all cleaned up but the rain today postponed painting them til later this week. I took the rear camera out of the tailgate handle and need to make a new mount to hold it near the tag. I put in the LED map lights from my TWSS. I've been working on the center console mess with the radios and other power ports while trying not to drill anything.

March 28 2015: I woke up early and finished the center console comm center prior to a bit of trail riding.

March 30 2015:. I got the sliders primed with a few coats and the first coat of black rustoleum bed liner. I'm gonna give it another round but it will get another coat ever 24 hours til I am out of paint.


April 3 2015: I got the BAMF LCA and Diff skids installed.



April 25th 2015: I went to the backcountry comm class. I got good information about ham radio and its use while trail riding as well as a mag mount to use while I try to implement APRS with a baofeng and a mobilinkd.

April 28 2015: I dropped off the truck with Nathan @ TheSubyShop, I wanted him to replace lower ball joints and fabricate a mount for the maxtrax and rotopax. Turns out the axle boots had torn from a lower control arm skid bolt, so we fixed that issue with new axles and a tack weld for the skid. While it was on his rack I had him go ahead with new fluids all the way through, new brake pads and once turned oem rotors, and new spark plugs. It was at 86k almost and all of that was original stuff. This also left me with two nice-ish spare oem axles to rebuild. Belts and hoses were fine so I still have spares but major maintenance out of the way minus a pcv valve, in cabin and intake filters (which I will do after I'm finished moving.) I also bought the new ball joints for the lowers by Moog with a zerk and it's ready. Just need to grease every other zerk on the truck.

May 15-16 2015: I convinced Rochelle to go to walmart to get a smartbin for the bed to keep stuff organized. I still keep the action packer but once winter passed I realized the crossbars were poor for my uses. Now i have 2 smart bins that fit well with the action packer and a cooler. I woke up Saturday and went up to RCI to get the front skid from Josh. He helped me put them all on, and with his supply of spacers it is all covered on the belly. 1/4 aluminum front transfer and transmission skids on.

My plan is to get all packed up on Sunday for the upcoming trips into Utah the next two weekends. Grand Loop (kokopelli paradox and tabeguache trails) and then moab weekend for RockTherapy.

August 28 2015: I ended up getting the redline hood strut kit with a group buy here and I installed it tonight. I also tapped the eight ball from a previous car build to fit the truck.

January 30 2016: I finally got something done on my truck again. I installed the add a leaf that Toytec got me for the boss HD leaf pack. Reviews to come after some mileage. I also got the led tag light done up finally. So 2 things off, but let me add 2 more. I finally got a transit slide lock mount from Engel for the little fridge freezer I got. I need to figure out something for mounting it. I also ordered a set of front seat covers off Amazon. I do not recommend them and I am looking for others. Also Leo got the rear camera relocate from Billy @Brute ForceFab for me so i can see again.


February 17 2016: I painted the camera relocation mount and just need to wait until I have a second set of hands to do it. I also got my seat cover installed this afternoon. Need to stretch and adjust them but the barely cover the whole seat.

February 21 2016: Heard an awful grinding on my way home Friday. Thought it was brakes and I had the Power Stop z36 slotted and drilled rotors and new pads here hoping to get by until I got my spindles gusseted. They went on today after hearing the grinding and while working I discovered the sound was actually shot wheel bearings. Luckily I had them on deck in storage and tossed them on too. Hopefully this gets me squared away for a bit longer while I save again.

March 5 2016: Between Amazon and Home Depot I got everything for the onboard water setup now I need to build the fridge tray. I also got my camera relocated today.

March 6 2016: Sunday I did an oil change and I pulled out my driver rear seat and the behind the seat cubbies. I found a molle panel locally and I just have to get the rivnuts in to secure it. I also built the majority of my fridge tray at work yesterday and today before clients arrived. I used some aluminum angle to frame a piece of wood I cut to fit. The fridge mounts with Engel transit slide lock. Now I need to secure the entire thing to the two factory seat bottom holes somehow where the rear seat bolts in. I'm very happy with the progress, I just need to wrap it up before Sunday when I depart. The molle panel will be perfect for the water setup yet to go in. I will also be able to get into the fridge if the window is down its at a great spot.


On the March Moab trip I used the freezer to keep some otter pops and other breakfast items frozen until it was my turn to cook. I used the yeti for drinks and Tupper ware food goods. Overall I used 2 bags of ice over 6 days and it's still got lots of ice in it when I returned. I also used some in my cup for iced tea and water daily. I did need a jump once on the trip and it got up over 70 that day. The little fridge was slammed packed too but worked really well as hoped. I ordered a Blue Sea 7622 to add a second battery that came while I was gone so that's in the works as I suspected the stock system was getting close to maxed out

April 30 2016: I snagged a TRD shift knob off craigslist. I am hoping to grab a few other items as well in the next two weeks.


August 3 2016: I've been hearing a squeak/clunk in the rear. Dropped it off with @thefatkid and let him diagnose and fix the problems. It was the driveshaft; I dented it and u joint was almost totally busted. I found one locally but it had a bad u joint too. Brian swapped it out and got me back on the road. Now I need to rebuild the oem one for a trail spare.

September 5 2016: I picked up my spindles from Corey at Insain Fab, now they are gusseted. I got to work on the LCAs, 1 bushing popped out the other 3 got burned out.

March 7 2017: I got Jake and Steve to help me sort of install the ARB bumper while my leg was broken. It was nice to get it out of the living room while Rochelle's parents were visiting. I will need to button it up a bit tighter before I trust a winch behind it.

April 24 2017: I found a great deal on some standard Icon Coilovers with a fresh rebuild locally. I plan to have them checked out and to put some 700lb springs on them to support the ARB bumper.

May 2017: I swapped the coils on to the truck to get me through until I save and get the nice resi coils rebuilt. I still need to order some new 700lb/in springs for them and schedule the time with Tim.

June 1st 2017: I took my truck to Corey at InSain Fab. He burned on the TC alignment tabs and did a body mount chop. He also put the refreshed LCA with white line bushings/moog ball joints and new Toyota alignment cam bolts in. Alignment scheduled for Saturday at 8 AM.

July 2017: I found an ARB fridge at somepoint in the past to replace the smaller engel. This is much larger but I was able to find the basket for it on ebay and a slide for it on Amazon. I need to get it installed in the bed since it does not fit great in the back seat.

October 1st, 2017: I went over to Josh's house (@YamaDirtrider) for what we hoped would be a simple quick mod day. I had planned for just installing the ecgs bushing and new cvj axles. Instead I got the AllPro uniball uppers in with the gusseted spindles too. Somehow I convinced myself that at times it's easier to get some of the dirty old parts off and replaced with refreshed new stuff instead. OK maybe not easier but just as hard as fixing problems identified/previous mistakes.


November 2017: I got a few gift cards to Amazon for my birthday in October. Amazon has been randomly dropping the price of the Smittybilt X20 winches below 500 bucks. I got 10k model part number 98510 that has a IP68 waterproof rating, wireless/wired remote, and synthetic line. I dont like the way they attach the hook so I plan to replace it with something. I also grabbed a set of wheels from SCS when Vin posted some blemished Ray10s. I am struggling to put them on without a new set of tires since my current setup still has good life in them.


Winter 2018: I had to get my bed/gear organized a bit better. I built the DIY axe/shovel and HiLift mounts for the stock bed rails as posted here. I got the water pump installed in a bed cubby and plumbed through the wall next to the roto water packs. I also put some other 12v plugs for the fidge/etc and a volt meter to monitor in the same cubby. To keep things secure I cut a panel of plywood to mount to the bed floor. I plan to add L track and the fridge slide.

For storage I have three pelican boxes that I got locally off craigslist/someone who bought a surplus lot. The larger black box covered in stickers in the back has spare cv axles, tie rods, ball joints, belts hoses, spark plugs and the TJM air compressor. The larger green box is a chuckbox with my camp kitchen. The smaller green box has recovery gear and the gray tote has spare fluids. You can see the fridge slide and the camp toilet, but I still need to get it all layed out for optimal use so I can mount the L track/fridge slide to strap it all down.

I also got the backseat catches fixed and ordered another Icon tool bag to split my tool kit between two more manageable bags. One has sockets and wrenches and other has hand tools like pliers hammers etc, the third bag has my impact sockets and Dewalt. I still have a lot to do before trip in April and being that I got in a wreck on Feb 25 I may miss my March trip if the damage is deemed unsafe to drive this week at the body shop.

I also went ahead and got the recovery point from ARB installed and put new gas struts on the topper glass to keep it from closing unexpectedly.


March 14 2018: I was anxious to get some stuff together and finished and when I got the truck back last Wednesday from the body shop. I was able to install the on board water pump and get it all wired up in the bed cubby. The switched panel I installed has a volt meter, USB outlets and a 12v for the fridge so I got the major issues worked out with the water and fridge and bed power. Im awaiting some L-track to mount the fridge and add tie down spots for those pelicans and the spare fluid bin to feel confident with the organization of it all as well as a fridge slide installled for easier access. I packed the truck and we hit the road and it stayed in place for the most part without the straps. im sure with them I will be all set.

March 24/25, 2018: Got the tires and wheels taken care of on Saturday and went over to @StarLord to get a bit of help with my winch install Sunday. In preparation I had already clocked the motor to have easier access to the handle. I had also removed the terrible hook on the rope. I learned the brummel splice and since the rope was off I had access to both ends. I ended up installing the flat splicer from factor 55 on the end. It will also hide the end from the elements as does the ARB bumper with the winch hidden inside. Things are looking good for the maze trip in mid April.

March 30-31 2018:
Last weekend I picked up an ARB twin from someone on facebook marketplace. The guy was buying a house and had sold his jeep. On Wednesday, I went ahead and ran the harness to the passenger headlight and across the back of the engine bay to the battery. I went into the cab through the condenser drain grommet on the passenger side and ran the switch to my dash. I had previously purchased an Iggy switch panel for the cubby in front of the shifter, and I ran the power and illumination to the switch to the drivers side to be tapped into an existing wire.

I got some fuse taps in the mail today to power the switch. However over the course of the week I decided that I kinda want the compressor behind the back seat, on the molle panel... I happen to have a bag perfect for the ARB compressor and accessories so that will be replacing the current TJM compressor, but I will hold off on mounting it until I decide for sure that I dont want the slee bracket.


I also went ahead with the cargo track install in the bed and the fridge slide mount. I have it all set up now to secure pelican boxes in the bed, and the fridge on a slide. I also have a friend loaning me a frontrunner water container for the bed. It holds 17 gallons and is much better than the 2 gallons in a rotopax. I will review that after the trip I have in two weeks and determine if that will become a permanent use.

March 2020: I swapped in a new CV axle where I had a torn boot from a brake line mishap. Cleaned up the brake line and replaced the fluid in both systems. I also swapped the plugs for some freshies and reviewed upcoming needs.

May 2020: Bartact got me squared away with the proper seat covers and they are a nice addition. Solid Christmas gift. I'll have to order the rear when funds are flush and needs are low. I did order a bunch of stuff needed for maintenance and repair. I also went ahead and got the bushwackers all trimmed to fit and bolted on the right way up front. The rear is sufficient until I go to larger tires.

June 2020: while still waiting for idler bearings, belt and tensioner and with intention to do this asap as the top idler was loud I planned to go grab my bumper. Bumper was ready before the bearings arrived. In haste I drove up to Montrose to pick it up a couple weeks ago on June 4th and camped in Basalt. Idler seized and tossed the belt on the way over the pass but I made it to camp for the night and called Napa and roadside assistance the next morning. Luckily they brought parts to me in camp. Installed the new bearing and belt then explored the rest of the day Friday. Saturday we came home to the toyota parts I'd ordered which is sweet as they were only 3 weeks to ship and arrive. Oh well. I'll swap it out and toss the Napa in the parts box soon. I dropped the bumper off to powder coat it silver on Monday the 8th and began messing with other odds and ends.
I had slee light brackets and arb led marker lights so I got the brackets and lights all but wired. Now I need some pods...

I also had the RAD rubber designs fender liners so I got then all on except for the passenger front most as it was blocked by the arb recovery point.

I cleaned up the fender cuts a bit and put some edge trim I have had laying around for a while to trick the eye and hide the uneven cut.

While working around the rear with the bumper and fenders I stumbled across some tailgate seal to keep the dust out. We prepped and stickered it on and though it was for the 2016 it worked well enough.

I got a bit inspired and cleaned up the rusty rock sliders, took it down to the etching primer/ bare metal. Then painted them with rust reformer followed up with bed liner rust-oleum.

I also went ahead and got the @Iggy dual battery tray and bussmann box with ml-acr all bolted in awaiting wiring and the batteries. This will allow me to flip switches Yo!!

For some interior action I finally got the TechDeck Extreme installed to help with organization thanks @Tbird


My to do list is down to mostly maintenance again and minus rebuilding the pile o parts... I do still need to install the arb compressor up front. I did paint the bed stiffeners and discover my fridge slide is going to interfere so I'll need to plan that out all over again. Some good progress and nice to delete items below and document it here...

In August I took the truck in for a brake job.... Spent a bunch of money and it still sinks to the floor although it's drive able for now around town I just don't trust it like I should........ Pissed about it but not sure what to do until I save a bit for new master cylinder
TO DO:

• Power steering overhaul
• Front suspension refresh - swap in Icon resi Coilovers with 700lb/in springs. After this winter I need to take the non resi to @TMFF
• Rear suspension refresh - Install Icon Bumpstops and BAMF HD shackle hanger. Still need to order Alcan springs and spare Icon Shocks too
• Install bed stiffeners
• Mount arb compressor after I get slee mount it's already wired to the switch.
• Dash LED work, illuminated 4x4 switch, and rocker switch panel corrected
• Find the squeaks and creaks

Needs/Wants:

• Alcan rear springs
• Upgraded rear shocks
• Front bump stops
• Slee dual compressor mount
• Snorkel ..... Airflow or Safari
• Light Pods for Slee bumper mounts...Baja Squadron Pro
• Roof Rack...Sherpa is local to me
• Tailgate reinforcement... mobtown or Relentless
• Clutch kit
• Spl replacement uca joints
• Speakers and head unit and dash kit
• Dual batteries
• Power steering rack
• New fridge slide
• 35s......

Thanks goes out to:
@StarLord for the help installing the winch

@YamaDirtrider for the help with the front end refresh

@CO MTN Steve & @3378jakesr5 & @Ag63i2 for coming to help me out of a bind

@InSainFab for help with welding needs

@TOYTEC The annual customer appreciation picnic has treated me well during the raffle. They have also been a great local company to work with during my build whether it be questions or issues. Also a big money pit for the full size and the new scale build...

@zach101 Thanks for the awesome honey, hot sauce, coffee, and Northern BC map book for TWSS 2017

@eccracer104 for the sweet dashcam setup in the TWSS2016.

@kennebec for the sweet solder setup in the TWSS 2015 .

unknown user for cool LEDs, and stickers and hats in the TWSS 2014.

 

Trail log
7/26/14: Sylvan Lake to Basalt to Hagerman Pass to Leadville west to east
8/2/14: Wuzzy Memorial Run ; Phantom Creek via Hayman Burn Area
8/23/14: Devils Canyon
9/21/14: Yankee Hill, Kingston Peak, and Jenny Creek
9/25-26/14: Devils Canyon & Hagerman Pass east to west camped at sellar lake then to Aspen and home over Independence Pass
3/28/15: Sedalia to Metberry Gulch out to Divide then home


4/4/15: Yankee Hill


5/21/15: Drove the kokopelli from Rabbit Valley CO into Utah to Dewey Bridge. Took the trail to top of the world and skipped rose garden hill in favor of a shower. Daytrip into canyon lands in the morning for the island in the sky overlooking white rim and scouted out a vacation next weekend in Moab with the lady.

5/28/15: Rock Therapy weekend. Thursday we hiked around Canyonlands a bit. Friday we hiked around Arches a bit. Saturday we ran fins n things. It was a great weekend with my lady she has quickly learned to drive a manual but has not gotten comfortable and confident. Lots of interstate driving for her but still not proficient to wheel yet. Even though I didn't get a lot trails in Moab I still enjoyed the event in the evenings and got to B.S. and meet a few folks from on here. Watched the folks jump trucks at the dunes, got a free anti dark kit installed and felt great to get away from work. I also got a feel for Moab and look forward to going back.


6/26/15: Drove up to Longmont to meet S10Nick, and Native Taco. They were in Lyons so I held up departure. Miller Rock was decided over MSV area. Ran it past the MSV Creek then back up and out the Green Valley Ranch Camp. We made it out just in time before they lock the gates. It was a great trail to spend with my brother while he is visiting.




6/27/15: Apex Road>Tolland>Rollinsville>Peak to Peak Hwy>Nevadaville Loop> Russell Gulch> Oh - my - God Road. Jack drove most of this as I was tired from our past week of go go go.

We did see this guy hunkered down covered in velvet


7/3/15: Switzerland Trail today with Rochelle. Great weather and an enjoyable holiday with my girl.


7/5/15: Ran Kelly Flats today. Left side of heart attack hill right side had abandoned chevy. Bypassed the chutes of course but enjoyed the rest of this trail with @NativeTaco and @teamhypoxia.




7/12/15: Today we went up 285 to run slaughterhouse gulch. Great day to get out of the city as the temp climbed over 90 today. Trail was good with some mud holes but nothing deep. One section drug on skids as I chose a poor line. It was good to have dainty lady in the front seat. After the trail I booked it into town to join the copper kettle meet up. 26 trucks by my count and good beer to boot.




8/1/15:Today Rochelle and I went to Georgetown to see Argentine Pass. There are plans to close some part of the area off for 3-5 years due to mining toxins at the Santiago mine contaminating the local towns watershed. The local historic group has sent stewards up to have record of the sites interest to the public so we of course signed. The weather was great and we set out early enough to never encounter heat until we got back to town. Lots of nice camp spots and other offshoots that we didn't explore. Lots of dirt bikes out and about up there today.



8/22/15: Today we headed down 285 to run Redcone. Great day weather wise if a bit windy. The mud hole is all dry and there are a few places where people should have stayed on trail. We took the left side up and upon further glance the right side looked easier. No issues coming down. Did not see the goats on top. Now I need to finish the other trails linking like some others on here did in July. Glad to get this one under my belt and a great escape from the city heat





9/6/15: Couple of us went back to Redcone today. Instead of coming down mine cart to Hwy 285 I took Webster pass to Keystone and out to I70. Still no goats up there on my visit. Have to check Radical hill next time. Weather was great not near as windy

9/7/15: Labor day trip to MSV/Coney Flats today with Eric and Davis. Pretty washed out section beginning coney flats got me hung up and I had to get a pull from Davis. First time I've needed it but its clear now that i need self recovery. Came back through Nederland, weather was cool and damp all day as the clouds started dripping on and off as soon as we hit the trail.



9/19/15: Last night we took a trip up I 70 to camp out for a night, see the color change on the leaves, and explore an area further away than we normally get for a day trip. Rochelle chose the Coffee Pot Road just north of Glenwood Springs. We set up camp after the sun disappeared ate a bite then enjoyed the stars typically washed out by the city. This morning we got up and hit the trail with intentions of keeping it easy. I however decided that it was worth running a difficult trail in the area since we came all that way. Adams Lake promised the best views although there was some warning about a rocky descent. We passed a Rubicon on the way and he said it shouldn't be an issue. Arrived around 12 ate then headed back to town.



3/21/16-3/25/16: A friend of mine invited me to tag along on a trip to moab with him and some guys he works with. I headed out and met them Sunday. They rented a group site at the Needles Outpost and hauled their bikes down behind a Hemi Ram. I along with another 07 acces cab TRD OR, a 2010 hemi swapped Dana 60 beast that my friend drives and a very nice JKU on 34s.
We did the Needles Colorado River overlook on Monday after finding lavender shut down with quicksand.



Tuesday we did Lockhart Basin to Moab. We got over Hurrah pass as the rain and snow began and the 70 mile ride back to Needles left me concerned about Wednesdays plan

Wednesday I rode elephant hill in the big blue jeep. I drank heavy the night before and was hungover and sore from lockhart. I also had concern from Tuesday when we got our permits. The Ranger said they had a lot of broken axles on elephant recently and that Bobbys hole had ice bad recently too. The snow the night before left me concerned when we heard the blizzard shut DIA down. Sure enough a 3rd Gen runner was broken at the bottom of elephant and the bikes turned around and met us shortly after SOB to ride back up elephant. When they saw the weather I was happy with my decision but would run it now that I have seen it and still want to do Beef Basin and Bobby's Hole possibly too. The snow was mostly to the east of us and of course melted quickly in the canyons.

Thursday I hiked around the trails in needles park and saw some paintings, ruins and such.


Saw a lot of these

I also went up to newspaper rock and explored that a bit.
Stumbled across a geocache

Great overlooks and glad I got a great taste of Canyonlands Needles District. Now to plan a trip to the maze district....

After changing jobs in the summer of 2016, trips became few and far between. After work got under control, I broke my leg and had to cancel a few trips I had planned. I ended up taking it a bit easy through the summer of 2017 and we did get up to Wyoming for a trip through the Tetons and Yellowstone. Rock Therapy got canceled for me due to a death in my family. Bad Luck has been the name of the game but I am hoping that is behind me.....

March 2018: I made a quick run to Moab, UT to explore the parks with the new dog and get a quick trip camping with him as a pup too. We ran Domed Plateau and spent a few nights camping as a shakedown run for my pending trip to the maze district.

April 14-20, 2018: We left Fort Collins Saturday and headed toward Utah. Our group camped two nights in green river until the group had all made it.

Monday we headed out of Green River to Han's Flat and got permits then headed on to our first campsite.
Flint seep group site was not fun. Sustained winds upwards of 30 mph and gusts over 50 put us camping in the truck that night due to silt in the air. The next morning we listened as the weather began predicting snow and cold, potentially changing our plans became an option as the less built rigs became concerned. I made breakfast and in typical Utah fashion the weather update changed for the day and came in predicting awesome weather. We trudged on down the flint trail to teapot junction then began making our way towards the dollhouse.





We encountered only 1 group heading out as we came in and we made it to our destination for the next three nights by 3pm. We set up camp and enjoyed the sites and surroundings. Took in some scenic hikes and ate lots of great food with great beers accompanying.

Dollhouse 1 is maybe the most beautiful campsites I've stayed at.



We were there for 3 nights and then headed out. Due to our disappointment with conditions at the Flint Seep group site we decided to cruise on for more scenic untraveled sections. We took the road to Hite out through Glenn Canyon.


We grabbed a burger in Hanksville and then got gas and headed back to civilization. I bought a shower at the koa in green river booked it back home Friday evening. It was a great trip to clear my head and hit restart.


5/2020
Camped a few nights in Jackson County nothing worth a report but good to mention in my log for posterity.

3/18/21
We drove to UT to explore Zion and Bryce. I spent a day out at Sand Hollow dunes on the west rim trail. Lots of trails out here, it's really a labrynth and was easy to get lost. The changing terrain of sand dunes makes mapping trails a bit more difficult. Off trail is permitted it seems and the side by sides explores all over making following tracks impossible too. I'm going to have to plan a week down here to explore and learn the trails too.

 

She is looking a bit different from that trail run we did.

 

How do you find that the front Icon's hold up in the winter? Any rusting on the threads or shock bodies? I want to put them on but am worried about that issue up here in Mass.

 

Thanks man. Definitely making progress.

As far as icons go, First winter with them and it has been mild so no issue. I also have a frequent wash card at the place down the street that helps too I think

 

Ya it is definitely looking good. Wish I had a high clearence bumper.

 

hey have you thought of putting some of those rock lights in your topper?

 

Way to keep your toes warm!! (grinding in bare feet )

Love that you have no mod fear with a '14 TRD Taco...and seriously jelly on that rear bumper/tire carrier.

Nice rig...keep the mods coming...no sense in walking around with all that cash anywhoo.

 

Thanks man, it's a 2010 not a 14

 

Just found this...

Looking good!

 

Do you have any pics of the tablet on the steering wheel? Also what exhaust did you use to get rid of the low spot underneath? Also nice truck

 

The exhaust is custom built by a local shop.
First post edited to show tablet

 

Coworkers husband built this for me to carry maxtrax inside the bars and a rotopax outside. Gonna clean it up and paint it before install. But it is nice.
Nathan at the suby shop off hampden made it based on collaboration with my ideas. He can do almost anything you think of bumpers and all. He is also a solid mechanic and took care of all my basic 90k stuff.

 

where does this thing go?

did he weld the rotopax mounts instead of just bolting them up?

 

looking good!

 

It mounts beside the tire on the swingout, the rotopax mounts are still bolted on but really dusty in this picture

 

Like this. I'll put pics of everything on it when I use them in a few weeks

 

I see... cool!

except now I can't visualize how the packs mount at those angles so I guess I'll have to wait until you post those pics

hopefully they mount without a lot of potential for leverage on that lower mount. It looks like it sticks out a ways. wouldn't want to stress those welds too bad.

 

I'd be looking for some lockable mounts. I had the same packs stolen off the back of my motorcycle a couple years ago because I didn't have a locking mount... $.02

 

The 4 gallon has three places to mount this holds it at an angle so I can vent it with the bottom and middle spots used