07 DC Surf Seeker

Just purchased the Superwinch EPi 9.0S 12V winch for a recovery solution that doesn't cost my left nut AND is still reliable. I got it on the cheap as this is last year's model. Bonus is that it comes with a synthetic line. I'll send pics once it arrives and is installed.

http://www.superwinch.com/products/p...6.0.0.0?pp=12&

Anyone heard anything bad about this bad boy?

 

So they sent me the newest Superwinch Talon 9.5 SIR and it doesn't fit. I read a great article on winch reviews in Fourwheeler.com while I was waiting...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_1107_massive_multi_winch_shootout/index.html

...and the SUPERWINCH came in second in reviews against the WARN 9.5xp. I was pretty surprised at how well it did.

Bottom line though is that the new winch doesn't fit! I'm pissed. I have to either cut up my grill or modify a bracket to remotely mount the solenoid. It's not that worth it. I'll just order the remote solenoid version, and while I'm at it, might as well beef up the winch to the 12.5; its only another 100 bucks!

 

Sweet truck and build thread

 

Sweet truck dude I like what you did with it. I'm down to go run some trails sometime.

 

Thanks...we'll have to set something up soon! PM me with your contact info and I'll call you up. I just got down here so I'm not familiar with anything yet.

The winch saga continues, will update when it is resolved!

 

I'm going with the Superwinch Talon 12.5 SR. Just working out the details with the vendor and trying to sell the Talon 9.5 to cover some of the cost difference.

I figure once I complete the install of an onboard water tank, an auxiliary fuel tank, and load up the truck, I should be well around 7K lbs which is way too close to the rated load of 9.5K. 12.5K is more realistic.

Once the dust settles and I have it mounted/wired I'll show some pics and let you know how its all worked out.

Deaver Springs in the rear is next with a battery upgrade too.
I'm thinking Optima Yellow top...thoughts??

 

sweet build!

 

Nice build.

Nice wheels.

Couple questions. Did you set the shell up for sleeping? How do you fit inside with the door closed, or do you not close it (winter?)

Also, you mentioned Thule roof racks, how do you like them and what rails did you use to mount them to the shell (I need to get some rails mounted to my shell).

 

Thanks for checking it out. You should get some wheels like mine! Hehe

To answer your questions:
I set it up to sleep in the back because my wife is mean and my couch is too small! Actually its for camping. I am 5'9" and can fit with the tailgate closed if I lay diagonally or bend my knees. This requires only 2 of the 3 pads I have made. That's the poor weather plan. For the summer, I open the back and use the drawers and the extra platform to extend the sleeping platform (and use the third pad). I am going to have a boat canvas guy make me a tent-like cover for dampness and a mosquito net. Haven't got around to that yet...

The thule racks are better than the yakima from what I've been told. I like the thule components as well. I have them mounted on sliding rails on the shell. If I need to I can adjust where the racks are and how far apart they go. The rail system gives you a higher weight capacity too.

I hope that answers your questions. Let me know if you have any other questions or need more pictures.

Cheers,
SP

 

Cleaned up the first page...

 

^Thanks for the reply^

I don't fit in the back of mine with the gate/hatch closed. I like the idea about the canvas though. I have been thinking of something like that along the lines of a boat spray dodger and a tailgator tent shade. I don't know how the canvas snaps/connectors would attach. I have been working on a frame with salvaged tent poles, and it works, but looks half assed.

I want to get the racks so I can have a place to strap extra coolers/water/gas up top, or put the stuff inside up top off the ground for the night while I sleep inside.

I am looking to eventually get a winch (haven't needed one yet, close, but been lucky, knock on wood) not sure if I want to drop coin on the bumper or get a front hitch and a winch I can use front or rear.

But again, nice build.

 

Well, on Friday I'm meeting with a boat canvas guy that will build my "end cap." It will have a mosquito net/screen on the inside, and a waterproof layer on the outside. Will fit over the Tailgate and open Snugtop hatch and will have three sides + top and bottom. I have a vision, have put pen to paper, now just need this fella to realize my brain storm. Once it is finished up I'll post it up. The tricky part will be to keep rain out at the seal/attachment point. Will include cost and ordering instructions if that's something you'd like?

Cheers,
SP

 

Cool. Yeah, post it up. I kind of gave up on this a while ago because I thought it would end up costing more than a pop tent trailer. I was thinking of going that route, getting a cheap one and "lifting" it. I can't figure out the seal part either. Also, the weight of something resting on the snugtop hatch causes it to sag down, and canvas is heavy, so you have to prop it up, or lock the struts somehow. The seal around the shell/hatch is a point of interest. It is easy to keep the water out. Problem is more with mosquitoes coming in through the gaps, since I cant fit inside, for me, the screen has to go out near the end of the tailgate. I was thinking insulating foam for copper pipes on the frame may work, and it can be bungee'd tight somehow.

 

Here's what I'm looking at building. You are right regarding cost. I have no idea what this will work out in terms of man hours and material.

Dowels/tent poles are attached on the vertical corners from the tailgate to the glass window, holding up the weight of the "cap."

The "inner gasket" is the inner most layer (closest to the bed) and is attached with velcro tabs attached to the carpet kit of the snug top.

The mosquito net is the middle layer. It has an upside down 'T' shaped zipper (actually three zippers) to get in and out.

The outer shell is waterproof and is the outer most layer. It has the tent pole gussets in the four corners (outermost corners of the tailgate and snug top glass). It also has a 'V' channel attached to the horizontal edge that runs along the glass window (hinge edge) and the tailgate (also hinge edge) with maybe some elastic or sinch down mechanism to tighten it up.

It looks like this:



I will make a model tonight or the next to make sure this thing works. Like I said, meeting with the guy on Friday for cost feasibility. I'll let you know what I find out.

Cheers,
SP

 

Nice, subbed.

Willing to contribute to the idea wherever possible. If you use the right kind of velcro, it will attach easily to the carpet on the inside of the shell.

 

Here's the final schematic I'm taking in to the guy. I made a paper model of it last night, I think it helped me flush out the "gasket" issue/shape.



Ordered the Talon 12.5 yesterday, will have it tomorrow. Hopefully I will have it installed over the weekend or next.

Cheers,
SP

 

12.5? That's alot of winch!

Nice schematic. I'm not sure what you mean by "v"channel, is that just the connection point?

 

Seapig i really dig your truck, keep up the good work! and i like your sleeping platform, looks clean and comfy. Im planning on building one in the future, after i get a shell. Surf trips and road trips are what i have in mind. Have you gone out much with your truck? If so what have your experiences been like?

 

--Yes, this was my plan. I have since been educated. More to follow.

--Thanks! I appreciate you checking it out.

--I have done some trips, like the first post of this thread shows (Surf trip in a Mysto spot in Pacific North West). I am planning on completing the Rubicon next summer. That's my goal that I have set to complete a lot of the major projects. I'm also looking into a couple of trips down to Baja. The Santa Maria Mission trip looks like a neat jaunt. Also looking to replicate a trip to Cabo San Lucas I took in a 1971 VW bus in 1996. I may do this for Christmas this year or next (depending on my wife and kid's health and comfort with making the trip). It should be good. I will be making some local camp trips to Yosemite and Central/Southern Beaches throughout the next two years as well. Lots of flushing out to do for planning / adjusting projects.

Canvas guy looked at my plans on Friday and came up with his own solution. He made a pattern and will have it done in a couple of weeks (holding my breath). We'll see how it works out. He will have the pattern on record; after I test it out, I will be able to push the contact/pricing info on request.

I have the correct/new winch in my possession


Cheers,
SP