Back at it

It's been a minute since I've lurked on these forums regularly. I'm back at it and looking for a few recommendations and making some changes to my 18DCLB. Probably not the best place to post this but since i'm sub 50 still after all this time (i came for the ideas and walkthroughs not regular poster) i figured why not. (please dont ban me mods!)

first: What headunits are ya'll runnin for a gen 3 replacement? I've had some crap luck with a kenwood unit that i'm ready to take a hammer to.

second: What gear is highly recommend on your overland rack? i'm switching from a camper shell to rack and RTT so its a whole new world for me.

 

The only think you have to have 50 posts for is if you are trying to post something for sale. You won't get banned for anything in this post.

For the first one, I got nothing. I am leaving mine stock. @LarryDangerfield has a DCLB (Trail Limo) so he might have suggestions for mods, and he might have upgraded his HU as well.

For the second one, the only gear you should put on/in your truck is stuff you use all the time. Before you got the rack and RTT, what stuff did you take with you on every trip? That is the only stuff you need to take with you. Don't go looking for more stuff to tack onto it just because there's molle panels or hooks for it. Personally, I take the following items on camping trips. All of the packable items in semi organized totes for ease of transport.

1. Something to cook on/with
   • A buddy has a Firebox and it's awesome.
   • Jetboils are great if you are good with the freeze dried bag meals.
   • I used to use a Camp Chef two burner stove but through the kindness of friends I now have a small Blackstone griddle to cook on.
   • The little tailgate grills from a multitude of manufacturers are always a solid choice.
2. Dishes (cheap Ozark Trail kits from Wallyworld)
3. Bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries (especially dude wipes and baby wipes), rubber coated wire (gear snake is a name brand you can look up), rope
4. Camp knife for general use and cutting up steaks
5. Large chopper knife for firewood (batoning is safer than swinging a hatchet and a knife has more uses)
6. Firewood and a shovel
7. Sleeping bag, pillow, and Rumpl blanket
8. Extra pair of shoes and one more set of clothes than I plan on needing
9. Cooler with food
10. Case of water
11. Gas can of 91 octane ethanol free fuel.

None of that is goes on my bed rack. The only things the rack does for me is hold up the tent and give me extra places to secure a bungee cord or two. Mounting stuff to it invites theft and possibly odd sounds/whistles from the aerodynamic drag.

 

Well thats kinda the problem... I got a camper shell to sell now i'm sure someone here wants it but i got another 18 posts or so before i can list it i think.

As for the camping gear i got that down for the most part. I'm downsizing a bit from my OPUS 4 trailer, but all my crap when in the bed anyway because you can store about 3 items inside one of those. The wife is a packer, so the fun part is going to be making her slim down the kit. i like where you are going with it and if it was just my son and i than i'd be right on the mark with it. with my wife... i have 5 large tubs and an ice chest to start then we add the rest of the crap, so yea putting stuff on the rack is probably going to be a thing even if its not really ideal.

 

You'll be fine on the shell so long as you aren't trying to bypass the rules. Engage with people and don't just fluff post and you'll be fine. 50 posts is really easy to hit, and I'll bet you blow by it before you think about posting it for sale. In the mean time, the bookface or lists of craig would be an option.

One thing to consider would be a hitch cargo rack to put a tote or the cooler on. It gets it out of the bed.

I don't know how the heck you have 5 large totes for camping and don't have everything already in them...

 

I know, right? i swear i could leave half the shit at home and be just fine for years but the one time my wife comes along i will need it ALL for some reason i dont understand.

 

Sounds like she needs to follow in a second supply vehicle. LOL

 

yea our second is a BZ4x. not going to get anywhere near where i intend to camp let alone make it 1/4 the way there.

 

Well, then get the payload number off the door jamb of the truck and weigh it when you guys are all loaded up. If you're over, hit her with "you have to bring less for safety."

 

Love it! def need to do this after we load up