NMW's Allagash 2015 AC EXPO Truck

Hi, all. Figured it was time to start a build thread on my 2015 AC Tacoma. I've owned a few lightly-built expo rigs in the past, and spend quite a lot of time in the North Maine Woods.

Anyway's, here's a progressive, continuing build thread on my Tacoma.

Most Recent Picture 2/12/16




Truck

• 2015 Tacoma Access Cab SR5 w/ Tow Package

Suspension

• OME 885's w/5100's @ .85"
• OEM Swaybar Removed
• 5100's Rear
• Wheeler's 3-Leaf Progressive AAL
• Firestone Ride Rites
• Daystar Airbag Cradles

Tires

• 265/75/16 BFG KO2's

Electrical

• Fog Light's on w/ High Beams
• Seatbelt/Door/Key Buzzer Delete
• Defroster w/ Selectable A/C
• Seat Belt/High Beam Indicators Removed (allows for completely darkened cab)
• UltraGauge MX

Exterior

• Lots of NMW Pinstriping
• Mudflaps Removed (ripped off)
• Leer 100R w/ Thule Load Bars
• BAMF CB Antenna Mount

Interior

• Rear Seats Removed
• Grab Handle RAM Phone/GPS Mount
• Driver's Seat Raised 1.25"

Illumination

• (2) Lightforce 240 Blitz 100W Xenophot
• ARB Fog Lights
• Maxima LED Backup Lights

Communication

• Cobra 75 WXST CB
• 4' Firestick Antenna
• Delorme InReach

Armor

• ARB Deluxe Bull Bar (05-11 Model)

Recovery

• Smittybilt X20 10K w/ Synthetic Line
• 60" High-Lift Jack
• Tire Chains
• Various Recovery Tools (snatch block, straps, tree saver, shovel, ax, chainsaw)

Various Overland Equipment

• Tepui Kukenam
• (4) Rubbermaid Action Packers
• Yeti Tundra 45
• (7) 5-Gallon Jerry Cans
• 1 Metric Shit-Ton of Assorted Outdoor Activity Gear

 

I purchased my 2015 Access Cab Taco SR5 on December 26, 2014, with 96 miles on the odometer. And I told myself I would keep the modifications to a minimum until it was paid off. Well... maybe until the OEM tires were worn. But, I think we all know how these things go.

The day I bought it:




I started out with a few small mods, selectable fog lights on all light settings, desfroster on without A/C, and the deletion of the horrific door/key/seatbelt buzzer. I had the dash completely removed to get at the buzzer on my third day of ownership.

Within a month, I was lucky enough to acquire a Leer 100R cap (exactly what I wanted) from a gentleman on Craigslist down in Mass. I had just ordered a brand new cap to the tune of ~$1,400 the day before, when this popped up, same model, right color, just over a year old, for $700. Needless to say, I called in sick and drove through a raging snowstorm to pick it up that very day. Wouldn't you?






Added some Thule load bars.






Then purchased a used Surco roof basket locally. As you can see, some rear suspension upgrades were definitely in the future.




Next in line was a BAMF Antenna Bracket with a 4' Wilson hooked to a Cobra 75WXST. Perfect setup for a vehicle with limited mounting options.



Picture of CB


Soon after I swapped out the 245/75 Dunflops for some 265/75 KO2's (LR E).






Firestone RideRite air bags brought the rear end up to par for my towing/hauling needs.

Picture of air bags


Not to be antisocial, but I've never been a huge fan of the "Never Wheel Alone!" concept that's pushed pretty hard over on JeepForum. I prefer adequate preparation over relying on others, so I decided I needed a winch. It just so happened that a good friend of mine from Northeast Overland was selling his Rugged Ridge 8.5 and 2" receiver cradle, so I jumped at the chance. Paired with a CBI High Clearance front hitch, and 12V quick disconnects front and rear, it was a great setup.

During installation.





While I had the front end apart, I used to opportunity to remove my OEM swaybar. I can't praise this mod highly enough. The ride quality is a phenomenal difference, both on and off road (especially off road). I've also noticed a very minimal increase in body rolling while cornering, even when loaded for Overlanding. Though, I believe the RideRite's may help with this issue.


Then the time came for my first Overland trip with the Tacoma! I spent five days in the North Maine Woods, primarily the St. John Valley, over the 4th of July. Here's a few pictures from the trip.






However, the rear end rode horrific with the stock SR5 shocks and the RideRites inflated to level the truck when loaded for wheeling. So, new shocks were in order. Which obviously turned into new suspenion. I ended up running Bilstein 5100's in all four corners, with the front set at 1.75". For the rear end, I added the Wheeler's HD Progressive 3-Leaf AAL kit, which netted ~2". I also added Daystar air bag cradles, so downtravel wouldn't be limited by the bags. It was great setup, though the ride and load capacity of the front end once the winch was mounted left something to be desired. Anyways, here it is with 1.75" Front/2" Rear.

 

Then I bought my beloved Tepui Kukenam! I mounted it to the Thule load bars, which I'll admit I had my doubts about. However, after some spine-jarring bumps that would've ejected OEM bumpstops through the frame, the tent and bars remained rock solid.

The day I got it:




Two days later:








I can't praise the tent highly enough. I can't believe how well the thing retains heat. Unlike any ground tent I've ever used. We woke up to a brisk 17* at our first morning, and the tent was at least 15* warmer than outside.

 

Looking good! Needing more Access Cab builds like this to influence my poor monetary habits.

 

A few pictures from various hunting trips last fall. I spend every weekend from the beginning of September to the end of November in the woods.










A buddy and I spent four days in the St. John/Ross Lake area. He limited out every day, and I limited the last two. (I'm the guy on the left)




All in all it was a fantastic season for birds! All of the regional guides were claiming it to be the best year in the last decade.

 

Thank you! May it be as positive an influence as the many threads I drooled over when building mine!

 

I also made my last trip of the year last weekend (Nov 28-29). Went from Moosehead north to Round Pond by Allagash, then north to the St. John. Came out through Ashland on Sunday.




Tried a different setup for the trip. I'd been wanting to try it all season. I removed the cap and mounted Thule bars to the bed rail system. I do miss having the RTT up high, but it's so much easier loading/unloading the bed and setting up/taking down the tent. Here's some pictures of the setup:











The cap is back on for winter, but next year I plan to run a similar setup using Relentless 8" rise bed bars.

 

Afterweeks of research and indecision, I finally pulled the trigger on an ARB Deluxe front bumper/fog light kit.

Of course I needed to upgrade the front suspension to account for the new added weight. OME 885's did the trick. But, I will be upgrading to 886's this summer.

I also installed some Lightforce 240 Blitz's. I was pretty undecided on how to mount them, but once I had my mind set on an aftermarket bumper, I decided to just throw them on temporarily. Here they are!






These things are stupid bright. Like, melt your face off bright. Cause permanent psychological trauma to nocturnal animals bright. Right out of the box with clear spot filters they're good for 1,000+ meters. My intentions are to eventually convert them to 100w HID. Just for comparison, Lightforce sells a 50w HID 240 series that they rate for 1,800 meters.

 

Installed the 885's in anticipation of the ARB






Netted about 2.75" of lift. The weight of the ARB/Winch combo should settle it to 1.75-2".

 

Mounted the ARB.




Getting it on was more of a job than I planned. I ordered a 05-11 Tacoma model, because I don't like the style of the 2012+. I ended up having to do a little grinding on the supports to make it fit on this front end. But, it worked!




This thing is a beast. 16 bolts securing it to the frame.

 

Installed ARB Fog Lights in the new bumper. Winch was mounted and wired, and all lights are aimed.

Also tore the front end back apart today and adjusted the 5100's up from 0" to .85" lift. The OME 885's settled quite a bit with the weight of the bumper and winch.




How it sits:










Also, I'm thinking about getting a set of these for the Expo Truck as a backup. Thoughts?

 

Decided to upgrade from my tired Rugged Ridge winch:




Pulled, cleaned, and re-greased the planetary gears with bearing grease for easy free-spooling.






The winch free-spools super easy. You can literally pull it with one finger, uphill. Awesome mod.

Spooled the synthetic line. The wireless controller is sweet.






That's it, as of now. More to come!

 

nice truck, love your build!

 

Thank you!

 

its nice to see somebody using the truck like it was made for.

 

It does spent a lot of time in the woods. I've logged 34K miles in the past year, with easily 1/3 of those being over gravel roads.

 

Great thread. Nice Pic's. You might consider a aluminum slide our tray. It makes getting gear out very easy. I've got the ARB equivalent tent.

 

I'd considered a slide out tray, but decided it probably wasn't for me. I don't really have any reason besides that I don't care for the concept. It takes up quite a lot of bed space, which I often use to haul firewood and such.

I also like keeping my gear in the watertight Action Packers, even when they're stored in the bed. It makes for a good backup if the tent gets soaked on an extended trip, I can unload all of my gear and sleep in the bed.

 

Stumbled on this build from your insurance question thread. Truck looks good! I dont suppose you have a best guess what the ARB Bumper weighs? I've heard a wide range on it

 

Thanks!

I heard a wide range of weight's too, everything from 80 lbs. to 220 lbs.

Total, it weigh's about 130 lbs., without a winch.

The mounting plates are ~30 lbs., and the bumper is about 100 lbs. I mounted it by myself, and had to lift it on and off the truck multiple times until I got the fitment dialed in. I'm 5'6", 145 lbs, and I could move it no problem.