Upgraded my 09 5-lugger!!

I finally broke and got a 4WD. My 2wd regular cab just couldn't handle the job sites I have to drive around or haul all my equipment so I decided to not only get 4WD but also the truck I really wanted.

2012 Access Cab TRD OR Silver Streak Mica

First day out on a Job Site


Shot of some equipment in the back for Sand Cone Tests


So far I love the truck. The only thing I don't love about it is the tires. They are useless in mud which I have to drive in constantly. I cannot wait to replace them.

I was slightly worried about MPG but my first few tanks were 18.5 and 18.2 mpg and on my last trip to VA I averaged 21.2 mpg which wasn't bad for a brand new V6 truck, and not much worse than the 23-24 mpg I was getting with my 5-lugger.

I don't plan on any major mods but the first thing I want to get fab'd up is a headache rack for some cab protection when hauling stuff and a place to prop ladders, pipes, etc instead of hanging crap out the back. Closest thing I can find that I like ok is the backrack safety rack but it's not the best looking rack in the world. The thing I want most for my new truck is weathertech floor liners, but toyota thought it would be awesome to change the mat hook locations so 05-11 ones won't fit. So 2012 owners have to wait for them to update and my carpets are SOL until then.

So do any of you guys that drive your trucks for work have any suggestions as to what a good work truck should be equipped with?

 

Nice truck. Congratulations.

 

Nice!! Love the access cabs. If I didnt need the extra cargo space inside the cab I'd of gotten one.

I'm in the same boat with the weathertechs. I dont know why they are dragging their asses with 'em... they have 2012 versions of several other toyota models... but not for one of the most popular trucks around!!

 

Cab mounted fire extinguisher...and maybe a mag light mount too, if you end up working at night.

 

Yes. Probably should have that for safety reasons seeing as I'm always hauling a stove and propane tank... In fact now I feel stupid.

I'm also trying to come up with (or be directed to) a good "bed-illumination" system of some kind - something to light up the bed and surrounding area for night work because my pocketflashlight doesn't do it.

 

Thanks man! I'm going to try to not trash it so much this go around.

 

Nice upgrade man! Lot's of luck with the new rig.

 

Very nice upgrade!!

 

I go up to SW VA mostly. My parents live in Chilhowie which is 40min past the TN border and my sister lives in Richmond which is a turd of a city.

I'm originally from Chilhowie myself and moved to Asheville about 8 or so years ago.

Wouldn't happen to know any good places in WNC to get some stuff fab'd up would you?

 

Congrats, nice looking pickemup truck...and what is a "sand cone test?"

 

A sand cone is used to determine the density/compaction of coarse aggregate soil such as ABC stone under a roadway. You basically dig out the stone and fill sand (which you know the density of) back in the hole to determine the lbs/cu-ft of stone removed. You also only have to do this when the Nuclear Density Gauges in the lab are both out on other job sites.

It's really just a time consuming way of telling the guy on the compactor that he needs to run the packer more or not. Undercompacted/moist stone bases under roadways account for most pavement failures. In many cases the GC doesn't care and just wants to get the job done and let the Home Owner's Association deal with a fubar road once it starts cracking and sinking in a year or so, because 3rd party testing and inspections (which I do) aren't cheap.

 

awesome truck!! good luck with it.

 

Wow, interesting stuff. I realize proper compaction is important, but I suppose I never considered just how testing was administered. Thanks!