Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

I find parking inside to be effective

 

If only we had the space, we have 4 vans and room for one inside.
Luckily, they only hit the one out front. I should be able to get the backup van ready in time for the first job today.

 

I like that option!

 

Maybe a long shot, but does anyone have a transmission jack I can borrow for like a week?

 

I don't have a transmission jack but I do have a motorcycle jack that you are welcome to use. It is the kind that lifts the frame or engine case.

 

Thanks Jon! I'll let you know. It may be a little tough to use.

 

Are we still talking about tents? I have tent thoughts

 

It's a free(ish) country, fire away dude

 

Most excellent, I thought I missed the fun

MSR tents kept me dry and unfrozen in AK when I worked up there. Definitely worth the cost premium if you're in it >50 days a year or are actively fighting the elements.

Otherwise, I've had great success with Big Agnes (current backcountry tent), REI, Mountain Hardware, and Kelty tents. Definitely look for one with a big vestibule for gear, or plan on tarping your gear. Waking up nice and dry in your tent and putting wet gear on is a special level of suck.

 

Also you should typically buy a tent sized for 2x the number of people that will be in it - ex if you are solo buy a 2 person, 2 people buy a 4 etc.

I also much prefer the tents that can be pitched with integrated fly or fly first. Set up in the rain one time and you’ll understand.

And Fiberglass poles suck. Spring for DAC / aluminum

oops I got sucked into tent recommendations

 

Eh, I agree and disagree -- a bigger tent sucks to carry if you're not using the space. Mind you, most of my experience comes from backcountry usage where everything you need lives on your back, so any opportunity to cut weight is appealing. I usually brought another tarp/cover for setting up a kitchen or something if it was rainy/inclement weather. The integrated fly is awesome for staying dry in the rain, but most of the gear I've used has a separate fly and tent system so you can take it off and dry it out.

 

Backcountry is on my list one of these days.. was gonna do it a few years ago then got side tracked by other things and doing way too much work travel

the tent ive got still has a separate removable fly, but it pitches all as one or individually. Most of them out there, you gotta pitch the tent first then attach the fly.

A good tarp is well worth the investment. Especially one with multiple tie out points.

 

Yeah, I did a ton when I was climbing more/being a bum. I worked out in AK as a guide and lived in a tent for a while....you get pretty used to setting it up and tearing it down in a rush haha.

A tarp is well worth it. No need to spend a ton of money on one, just make sure it's waterproof. Paracord, a tarp, and hiking poles -- I can make a 3 season tent anywhere with that. Hell, half the time I just slept under that.

Also, having a cover for your kitchen is great. Now your kitchen and sleeping areas can be separate, which is pretty important in bear country.

 

I have one. I'm hopping over to MI for lunch tomorrow so depending on your schedule, I can probably drop it off to you. It's the cheap harbor freight version

 

Just pinged you!

 

Cubs vs Brewers Tailgating with some Potosi Brewery beers!

 

Potosi is some good beer. Went to the brewery while we were there, my gf's parents used to live in a trailer right next to where it is. Kinda funny

 

I still cringe at "American Family Field".

But hey, at least it's not Smoothie King.

 

The beer is still cold