Simple yet Satisfying DCLB

I finally changed the spark plugs today at 51,000 miles. I purchased the Denso plugs at the dealership (now I can’t remember which ones) that are recommended, and I made sure they were set to .043” (they were perfect right out of the box, but it’s always worth checking). The old plugs were in no way seized and were easy to remove, but the gap had increased to about .050 to .052”. I think the recommended interval of 30,000 miles is too soon, but I will follow that from now on. It is a very cheap and easy job.

 

So, I am experimenting with an interesting new sleep platform idea for when I want to “stealth” camp solo. I am 6’ 4”, and there is PLENTY of room. The camper shell is still good for trips with the gf, but I have been getting very frustrated with dust and water getting in. I’m thinking I’ll permanently remove the back seat, but only remove the front seat for solo trips. The only downfall would be an airbag light because of the removed seat. Hmm.

 

I also goofed around with the welder and made some anchor points for the hammock. It works perfectly. All I need now is a beverage holder with a magnet.

 

Nice! @SMKYTXN can take care of that for you

 

Good call! I think I am due for new koozies as well...

 

they might come take your beer

 

https://trailtoys.net/products/magnetic-koozies

 

Big Jesse, I really like your idea of pulling the front seat for solo trips. I wonder if there is a way to loop the airbag wire harness to complete the circuit and make the dummy light go off. That would be great.

 

That would be wonderful, but I haven’t been able to find anything on it. I’m not willing to risk damage to the SRS system experimenting with it.

 

In my shopping cart.

 

I know I am in the minority, but I have always hated the huge ugly fender flares on the second GEN. I have had mine off and on a few times over the years. I take them off because they’re ugly, and then I end up putting them back on because of the stupid holes in my fenders. I had an interesting idea that I tested out on the scrap pieces left over from my HC rear bumper. Bondo from the back side. I think it looks great. The touch up paint is still wet, but you get the idea. It is smooth. I am interested in anyone’s thoughts on whether it will hold up.

 

Genius!

 

Yes! I have been seriously second-guessing this idea, because, “Why hasn’t anyone else done this?“.

 

Now that the Bondo and touch up paint have dried, I gave the panel thorough torture test to make sure it can hold up over time. It passed with flying colors. This is now on my list of things to do. First though is finishing my in cab sleeping platform and testing it out a week from tomorrow on a camping trip. Here is how that is looking so far.

 

After a few nights of testing, I can say that the in cab sleeping platform is the best idea I’ve had yet. Plenty of room, super comfortable, and EXTREMELY well protected from the elements. As an added bonus, on a cold morning I can reach over and start the truck (and heater) without getting out of my sleeping bag. Eventually I will add Velcro attached curtains and screens. I recently bought a sewing machine, I have been learning how to use it.

I am sometimes really bad at taking pictures, but here’s one from last weekend at my favorite beach camping place.

 

Outstanding!

 

I bought the truck a new sibling today. It’s a 2013 Paloris RZR 900.

 

I have been able to use the in-cab sleeping platform several more times. It is the best camping set up I have ever had. Removing the front seat takes about as long as it used to take to set up my old rooftop tent, and it can be set up days before I actually go camping. Sooo comfortable and protected from the elements. I am keeping the camper shell though for those times that I am camping with a “friend”.

 

A couple people have asked me about how I sleep in the cab and I now just reference them to your build for all the reasons you listed. It's the $0 cost, hard camper option with super stealth built in!



Congrats on the new bumper!

 

Nice! I just wish I’d figured it out before spending so much time and money on previous setups.