Alee891's Radiant Red Build & BS

Been out of the loop for the last few weeks or so. Having a blast this summer seeing my 5 yr old son and having him stay with us!

On topic with the rig: Ordered a new second cat because I smashed mine at Rock Therapy and it rattles like a mofo. Also ordered a new airbox to replace the makeshift one currently installed .

In the next couple weeks I plan on getting those two parts replaced, as well as re-mounting the hi-lift in the bed and building a spare tire mount that holds the tire upright against the cab (passenger side). I'm also going to be removing the large, clunky, broken tool box that is currently held down with a ratchet strap and installing a couple storage containers on the back sides of the bed (behind the wheel wells). Anyone have any recommendations on quality storage containers? I've been looking at Action Packers, but am open to suggestions. In addition to the tire mount, I will be installing a proper CO2 tank mount on the opposite side of the tire. I currently use a combination of quick fist super clamp and ratchet strap, which just doesn't do the job.

Lastly, I'm hoping to get some lights installed on the softopper within the same time frame so I don't have to crawl inside with a flashlight every time I need something

 

I use 2 big action packers for everything camping related, and a small one for tools. I love them but they are expensive

 

I've heard a lot of good things regarding Action Packers. They're definitely something I'm looking at to suite my needs! I think what my decision will really come down to is the dimensions of a container that will fit perfectly behind the wheel wells. I'd like to get my storage along the sides so that I can gain some bed length back. The spare 35 and toolbox currently take up the majority of my bed....which is getting annoying to constantly work around. I'd also like the additional length to haul bikes in the near future. I figure if I hang the front wheel/fork over the tail gate (with something like a Dakine Pickup Pad), a pair of bikes would easily fit in the bed.

 

Move the tire to a swingout. Seriously. For a 35 it's just too big in the bed. Plus...not even sure it'll fit under the softtopper upright. But I'm assuming you've meassured for that idea.

 

Measure once drill twice am I right?

 

I've put the tire upright to check. It fits under the softopper, although it is tight (I also have my topper cinched down tighter than usual since the sides are rolled up) . Ideally I'd like to store the tire w/o a swingout if possible/practical. I like the option to have something hang out the back if ever needed. Thoughts?

 

Swing out looks cooler

 

It does....

 

Done right I think it does...

 

SWING OUT SWING OUT SWING OUT SWING OUT SWING OUT SWING OUT

 

Haha I have nothing against swing outs whatsoever. If I were to go that route you'd likely be the one helping me build it anyway . Like I said in a previous post, I'd like to be able to haul a pair of bikes in the back, in addition to carrying the spare up against the cab. A swing out would limit my ability to do so, inevitably forcing me to use some sort of tow hitch bike rack... which would hang even further off the back of the rig.

 

Get smaller tires so you can use the stock location

 

Go crazy and recess the spare into the bed. Either standing up or laying down. Could be pretty cool

 

Oh, so we're fighting now!?

I guess smaller tars would help the situation haha

 

Nah don't get smaller tires it looks so much better with dirty-fives haha

 

Camped at Geneva Creek for the weekend to get away from the city and heat. Was rather surprised at how busy the area was, but still had fun!



Nice people still exist in these parts:







Notice the pup burying himself in the snow:


I am planning to get a better camera in the near future. After the Moab trip and this weekend, the camera phone isn't holding up to photo documentation in this build thread.

 

Nothing fancy, but I finally got the hi lift secured again since removing the bed basket. I purchased the 4xRAC when I ordered the 2nd cat and airbox from Amazon. Not the cheapest option, but it works great and puts the jack where I want it to be.

 

My spare seems to be doing alright up against the bulkhead with 2 ratchet straps. The platform might be helping to secure it as well. Only downfall is getting it out as you saw Haha.

 

I won't mind crawling inside the back to get to the spare. I need to get it secured so that it doesn't bounce around while on the trail. I have some ideas in mind