SK8's TRD PRO Build

I hadn’t seen this vendor before. How do you like the molle panels so far? Does it block much of the bed lights?

 

@NJCementaco I like it so far.. Its built solid, and I do like that the install is more streamlined and cleaner due to them bending more metal for these panels .. i.e The Cali Raised equivalent molle panels require you install into the bedrack rails , whereas these are countoured to slide under the rail and utilize the existing hardware. As for in comparison to other Molle racks, I don't really have one to compare , but I suspect all Molle attachments are a little of a PITA if you need to install screw/bolt hardware from the inside of the panel outward.. I found that the QUICKFIST works well, just don't use vinyl nuts and it will tighten hard against the rubber with a standard nut and ratchet. The LuBanSir straps are stretchy and best for lighterweight tasks or holding cable spools or rope/paracord, but the velcro is strong on the tab. Hope this helps. Oh and the bedlights work fine with these installed.

I'm interested in this tech rack they make for the center console, haven't seen others that do this yet.. but its sold out currently https://builtrightind.com/products/...mounting-panel?rq=yr_2021~mk_toyota~md_tacoma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez7PzrUaYTA

 

@Sk8Cayman thanks for the details and info. Very helpful. I was considering the Cali Raised but I may go with the Builtright. I like the mounting points better like you said. Thanks!

 

The smart locks / grocery store experience had been frustrating me.. y'know.. get to the truck and have to touch and open the front door in order to unlock the rear passenger door to load groceries. Found this and now its easy.. just touch the driver handle and bother driver + rear door unlock. http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7729/related/1

 

• Installed the Cali-Raised Premium 360 roof rack over the weekend. I'm still waiting on the light bar and 4 more light pods for the sides.
• Appears there are 4 5/16 threaded holes on each side panel that will be unused , and I've asked them to clarify what they are for or whether they can be used for anchor points for eyebolts .
• If so I've found these online
  $16 US Stainless 4 Pieces Stainless Steel 316 Lifting Eye Nut 5/16" UNC Marine Grade Pitch of 18
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GYQY3...olid=39NIYT6FSC1PJ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it and may use them for that or even to make a place to hook up an awning.
• I've noticed the Cali raised bars do not have entry points to slide in bolt hardware for more tie points. Curious if anyone else has any ideas or creative ways they have used the rack .
• UPDATE: The response I got from CALI RAISED on the 4 5/16 threaded holes is that they are for roof rack handles or accessories. The spacing between the holes for a handle is 9.5inches - FYI

 

This looks pretty useful and doesn't interfere with everything else.

 

$2.63 Chrome Delete on Cali Raised Ditch Light Bolts.

 

Great tips...thanks!

 

After 2.5 months the light bar arrived.. Still waiting on the Side Pod lights.. Once complete will probably re-do wiring for a Switch-Pro 9100
https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...pros-9100-mounting-kit?variant=32533614231652

 

Just ordered a switchpro 9100

$659 Switch Pros SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware

https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Pros-8-Switch-Concealed-Mounting/dp/B079B2FX1H/ref=sr_1_3? and was going back and forth b/w sdhq https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...pros-9100-mounting-kit?variant=32533614231652 and powertray mounts https://www.powertrays.com/collecti...-powertray-05-current-tacoma-trd-off-road-pro https://www.powertrays.com/collecti...ation-kit-vertical-mount-switch-pro-powertray , went with the the PowerTray mount primarily for better cable management . both products have a 2 week lead time.. AND I'm STILL waiting on my Cali Raised 360 light pods to install..

 

Installed 360 pods and juiced up Yeti.

 

Powertray is supposed to arrive next week, so got some preliminary

$659 SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware

SP-9100 wiring out of the way.

 

The Cali Raised rack is 9.5inches from bolt to bolt.. Haven’t found any handles yet , so made some out of paracord for now, although this does do a number on your hands (blisters) when making.

 

PowerTray came in , installed: Couple of tips.
- The PowerTray instructions suggest removing the fuse panel cap when installing.. I did that, and halfway through realized I might be difficult getting the fuse panel cap back on once installed , so I started over..
- Bolting the power tray is TIGHT.. as opposed to the directions I did the L bracket first, then the tray , then connected the two together.. mostly for accessibility
* By doing it this way , you can tilt the tray to squeeze in your hand to tighten the first bolt, hand tighten that bad boy as much as you can .. I hand tightened with a socket in hand. Then you can do the outermost bolt.
* Highly likely you will need an flexible ratchet extension to fully tighten these bolts.. And this thought will go thru your head " Man.. if I ever need to get to the fuse box or underneath this thing , its gonna be a PITA"
- Access to the firewall will be TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT after install, I ran the Blue wire to the ignition afterwards , strong coat-hanger fed in from the inside of the truck, attach blue wire with elec.tape and pull it thru...easy.

-I've been chipping away at this to avoid an all day install, and am about 90% done , secured up the excess wires until next session.
-Will probably skip the pink trigger wire for now , so basically have the white to tap into parking lights , and then I'll start on light bar wiring before connecting everything together.

-This BY FAR , is the best

$659 SP9100 Switch Pros SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware

SP9100 wiring and installation video i have found, very helpful . https://youtu.be/pIWOeJZ282M

 

Very nice build. Similar to my 2019 TRD OR. How do you like your roof nest? Looks like you got the Condor....any issues with it?

 

Only issue I have was they sent the incorrect sized strut rod stiffeners (too big) , and then sent another two sets that were too small. I didnt get to check confirm the right sizing until my next camping trip. At this point I just assumed cut my own from the oversized ones versus waiting for them to get it right.

 

Did a few trips : used hipcamp.com for some private locations. Big Pipe Creek trip was alot of fun, and we weathered a tornado watch also.

 

This trip had alot of wind, we got in a 65 degree day and a 38 degree night.

 

Here is our pack setup: 4 pelican cases , two for cooking, 1 misc, 1 for power stuff (batteries , lights etc ). Needed to use 4 to get a good snug ratcheted fit on the roof rack.