1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Jesse's long term overlanding build that will take forever but should be cool I guess....

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Builds (2005-2015)' started by kickasssloth, Jan 20, 2017.

  1. Jan 20, 2017 at 12:28 AM
    #1
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Ok, guess its time to start this thing! Years of planing, dreaming and watching other peoples threads and wanting to do my own I'm finally going to spill everything onto this forum.
    This whole thing is mostly just a way to throw out all my ideas and keep my planing, designs and drawings in one place. Stick around to find out how it goes!

    This will probably take a LONG time, I have a million little and big ideas for this build, but don't have a whole lot of money... trying to start a business and plan a wedding at the same time takes up most of the funds. Whenever I do have a chance to do mods, I will have a lot of photos, details and explanations.

    I do a lot of design and small scale manufacturing so I have a lot of plans for my own parts to build, so prepare for some cool and unique things.

    Anyway... Here we go! Feel free to give any sort of ideas or constructive criticism you have! I am by no means a pro at this sort of thing, but I am learning as I go. A lot of what you're going to see here are very lose ideas until they're installed.

    Enjoy!


    - Goals for the build -

    To build the ultimate adventure vehicle for me, my fiancée and our dog (need to get dog) (GOT A CAT THAT PLAYS FETCH!)
    Comfort, Redundancy, Performance, Independence.
    Every single thing on this build needs to make sense, be simple and work.
    A very "A place for every tool and every tool in its place" sort of thing.

    - Why? -


    I moved to Texas from Australia a few years ago and have always wanted to explore the US, I've also always wanted to have an overlanding rig but in Australia that is a little hard... You'd be amazed with what is illegal to do to vehicle there... I spent a couple years riding my motorcycle on some pretty cool trips, but have yet to do anything major (other than a few road trips) since moving to the US.

    We love road tripping together, but camping is a little tough on her and I want to make exploring as fun as possible, plus lets be honest... I want to build things to go places.

    - What? -

    Our starting point is a 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport DCLB. I bought it a couple months ago with 200k Miles on it, but you would be SHOCKED at how clean it is... Not a spot of rust or ANYTHING. Still had a bunch of factory stickers on it. Pretty sure the one owner spent 10 years using it to get lunch every day and then had it detailed.

    - Before -
    Here it is the day I bought it.
    [​IMG]

    - How it sits today -
    Ah... It looks exactly the same so far.... (on the outside)

    - Latest modifications -
    Under Lighting
    [​IMG]

    - To do list -

    Suspension
    - 2''-3'' lift somehow (probably 5100's for now)
    - Add support for weight over the rear
    - ....other things

    Wheels/Tires
    - SCS F5's
    - 35's MAYBE?

    Armor
    - Pelfreybilt Rear Bumper with Swingout
    - Pelfreybilt Front bumper
    - Skid plates
    - Sliders

    Exterior
    - Some sort of Cap/topper/shell - DONE! -
    - Trim fenders
    - Custom Grill
    - Roof Rack
    - Clean/restore Headlights - DONE! -

    Interior
    - Custom Nexus 7 Dash mod - DONE! -
    - CB set up in center console
    - Custom Rear View camera mount - DONE! -
    - Custom UltraGauge mount - DONE! -
    - Fire Extinguisher mount - DONE! -
    - Flashlight mount - DONE! -
    - Rescue tool mount(s)
    - Passenger side storage "Co-Driver" set up

    Lighting
    - Rear facing pods on custom mounts
    - Side/under lighting - DONE! -
    - Ditch lights - DONE! -
    - 30 inch bar in bumper
    - 50 inch bar on roof rack
    - Upgrade interior lighting - DONE! -
    - Campsite lighting

    Electrical
    - Dual battery Setup
    - Custom Fuse/Relay panel(s) - DONE! -
    - Solar Panel

    Camp
    - Kitchen Bed Setup - DONE! -
    - Custom Hot/Cold pressurized water system - DONE!...cold side -
    - Fridge on slide mount
    - Shower - DONE! -
    - Water IN/OUT ports - DONE! -
    - Toilet - DONE! -
    - CTV Tent
    - Awning
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2018
    ACEkraut likes this.
  2. Jan 20, 2017 at 12:28 AM
    #2
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    -Reserving for reasons that will maybe become clear in the future-
     
  3. Jan 20, 2017 at 6:01 PM
    #3
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Nexus 7 Dash Mod

    This was an idea a long time in the works, I love having google maps open in that sort of place, but don't like having a RamMount or something there, and would much rather a "permanent" solution. I thought through a couple ways to have it, and this seems the best. It is in the perfect spot, me or my "co-driver" can easily operate it, it looks "factory" to most people so it doesn't looks like you could steal it and most of all it works perfectly with the head unit.

    Idea

    This was literally the day after I bought the truck, I bought a new dash insert (below) and started making sure my idea of where to mount it would work, literally the tablet in a quickly 3D printed housing to make sure it would sit right. Then I got to work.

    [​IMG]

    Parts Used

    Dash insert - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6JMVXO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    Head Unit - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01463VLLI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    Wiring kit - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEQJ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    OTG cable - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NSBVNCM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    USB Drive - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGTG2A0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    12v to USB 5v - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016XI9BJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    3D printed frame -
    Fabric - Yet to buy

    Build

    I started off with a basic mock up to make sure the idea was right, then I attached the whole thing together with epoxy and a little bondo (excuse terrible photo, my phones camera was broken)
    [​IMG]

    I had it installed like that for about a week, once I was happy I took it all apart, printed a new surround (and back plate) for the tablet and then printed a frame for some switches I wanted to put in (will wire them up to lights at some point)

    [​IMG]

    Second layer of bondo and a LOT of sanding...

    [​IMG]

    Finally painted, but like an idiot decided to rush the whole thing and paint it when it was freezing outside... terrible idea. None of the paint stuck well, went on way too thick and everything cracked when installing it.

    [​IMG]



    [​IMG]

    New Plan!

    Going to get some fabric from.... a fabric store? that matches the fake leather-y look on top of the dash, and wrap the whole thing in that. I'll probably do it next week and update this post.

    Wiring

    Here is a quick, super simple idea of how I did the wiring. I have the USB Drive in the glovebox using a USB extender so that you can get at it if you want to update/change the music on there.

    - 12v ACC from Head Unit to the 12v to USB 5v adapter
    - 12v to USB 5v adapter goes to "power in" on the OTG cable
    - The "Host" of the OTG cable goes to the Tablet
    - The "Device" side of the OTG cable goes to the USB Drive

    The Tablet is running "timur's kernel" which is a custom "version" of Android that allows the tablet to go into a sort of "deep sleep" mode when unplugged or power is lost, and then come back on within 5 seconds when power is restored. I am no pro at all with the software side, it took me 2 days of reading forums and fixing weird little bugs to get it working, but thankfully the guy who actually makes the custom version of android is very helpful and when you pay for the software (its totally worth the $10) you get access to a private forum and email support too. If you ever plan to do something like this, this is the best way to go. By far.

    I have the tablet connected to the head unit via bluetooth, both remember eachother and then when they turn on (with the truck) they connect in about 5-10 seconds and start playing music where ever it was when they turned off. I can control pause/skip/volume all from the tablet too.


    End Result

    This set up is AMAZING. It is so handy to have maps ( I download offline maps for my city and anywhere I want to roadtrip, or just connect to hotspot with my phone) The music feature is the best way to control music in a car in my opinion, and having movies/tv for passengers to watch is always nice. I can even skype!

    I still have to wrap it with fabric, I'll update it when I do.

    Feel free to ask any and all questions! I hope this was useful.
     
    MarX, Phoosa and ACEkraut like this.
  4. Jan 22, 2017 at 9:56 PM
    #4
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    - Water System -

    Requirements?

    - Hot AND Cold Water
    - Pressurized for washing/showering/cleaning dishes
    - High Pressure water for cleaning truck/bikes/tools? May not be worth having.
    - High capacity drinking water for long trips

    Concerns?
    - Weight... Got to keep it as low as I can
    - Price... Don't want to spend more than $300-$500 if I can
    - Size.... Needs to all fit behind my bed drawer system in the back of the truck

    Plan?

    Current plan is to have a heat exchanger as a part of a hot water "loop" with a pump keeping it circulating, and then a thermostat controller I'm designing will keep it in a temp range that I want. Then I'll have a separate loop for pressurized cool water, that can either be used for cleaning or for mixing with the hot water to make warm water potentially. This may be heavy and over complicated, but I'll have to try it out before I can be sure.

    One of our main priorities with this build involves having hot, pressurized water on board. And having a high pressure system would be awesome too.

    I'd love to have the two tanks at the back of the bed and then something like a waterport on the roof rack for drinking water and then have a few quick disconnect ports on the side of the truck somewhere with hoses and connectors in the back of the cab or something.

    Here is a quick sketch of the idea... Take it with a grain of salt!

    [​IMG]


    More to come....
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2017
    ACEkraut likes this.
  5. Jan 28, 2017 at 9:06 AM
    #5
    dbrfan

    dbrfan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2015
    Member:
    #166754
    Messages:
    97
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 DCSB 4x4 6SPD
    Here is a quick sketch of the idea... Take it with a grain of salt!

    [​IMG]

    More to come....[/QUOTE]

    Check out the on board water thread. It has lots of good ideas.
     
    ACEkraut likes this.
  6. Jun 15, 2017 at 10:09 PM
    #6
    ACEkraut

    ACEkraut Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2014
    Member:
    #129627
    Messages:
    4,207
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    Topsham, Maine
    Vehicle:
    2014 DCSB TRD Off Road
    Good work so far. I like well thought out and documented modifications. When you get around to installing a light bar in the bumper I have a bracket that will lower the front plate so it is not in the way of the light bar if you are interested. Link below in my sig.

    Looking forward to seeing your next mods!
     
    kickasssloth[OP] likes this.
  7. Jun 15, 2017 at 10:31 PM
    #7
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Thanks man! Really have to sit down for a couple hours and update this build log! :)
     
    ACEkraut[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Jun 15, 2017 at 10:34 PM
    #8
    ACEkraut

    ACEkraut Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2014
    Member:
    #129627
    Messages:
    4,207
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    Topsham, Maine
    Vehicle:
    2014 DCSB TRD Off Road
    Agreed. I would like to see more of what you have done and I am shocked that you have on one else who has posted in your build thread. That needs to be corrected!
     
  9. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:26 PM
    #9
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    UPDATE TIME!

    I have 30 days to get the truck ready for 10,000 miles of adventure. This entry is to outline everything I need to get done in the next 30 days.
    Interior mods, electrical updates, and a whole lot of 3D printing!

    To do list...

    Interior -
    - Install custom Ram Mount setup for phone.
    - Install switch for under truck lighting.
    - Replace all the interior panels I have removed.
    - Vacuum the crap out of the truck...
    - Install fire extinguisher mount.

    Water System -
    - Design pump mount (DONE!)
    - Design Tank Mounts
    - Design Filler Ports (DONE!)
    - Design Shower link (DONE!)
    - Wire pump system
    - Plumb sprayer
    - Plumb shower link
    - Plumb Filler Ports

    Drawer System -
    - Drill holes for bearing setup
    - Build storage flaps
    - Install distribution panel
    - Design a locking system
    - Install handles
    - Build custom "TrekPak" style system
    - Install Stove
    - Install Carpet

    Electrical System -

    - Re-Print the main panel for the final time...
    - Install main panel V4
    - Install rear panel
    - Run 4AWG wire to back
    - Install lighting in the camper shell
    - Install under truck lighting
    - Install Radio charger
    - Install rear switch panel
    - Install center console LEDs
    - Design water monitor system


    Hopefully this post pushes me to keep up with what needs to be done...

    4,000 mile trip with my best friend (and best man) to Colorado and Utah before a 6,000 mile roadtrip to California, Utah and Colorado for my honeymoon with my wife.

    Prepare for a LOT of very photo heavy updates over the next couple weeks...!
     
    ACEkraut likes this.
  10. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:28 PM
    #10
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Member:
    #151688
    Messages:
    59,587
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randy
    West Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner
    @Zebinator your new friend! Or arch nemesis...
     
    Zebinator likes this.
  11. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:41 PM
    #11
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Water Fill Ports -

    - Needed a way to refill my x2 10 Gallon tanks (hot and cold). Now sure, I could have just got some PVC fittings and drilled a couple holes in a plank of wood, but where is the fun in that?

    First thing first... Caps. I went to Lowes and got some PVC pipe, and then designed some caps around the screw fittings.

    [​IMG]

    Panel Version 1

    I was originally going to have the fill ports coming out of the camper shell on the side, but after some test prints I realized in the real world it just didn't work. It took up too much room and stuck out too far from the side of the truck, so I started from scratch and decided to put the ports (along with the hot shower quick release) on the roof of the camper shell just under the window.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Panel Version 2

    This time I took a different route, went with something a little more understandable, and with a connection for the shower all in one place.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    That is the male to female fitting that threads into the panel, with the water source coming from the back, and the front side will have a brass quick release for the shower hose and head. A separate switch panel will turn the shower pump on and off.

    Now for printing!

    Time for 50+ hours of 3D printing to get these parts done, and then I can install them!
     
    Nedrolls likes this.
  12. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:43 PM
    #12
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Ram mounts? :p Mine is a custom little fitting to work with my custom dash :)
     
  13. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:47 PM
    #13
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Member:
    #151688
    Messages:
    59,587
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randy
    West Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner
    He completely fab'd his radio console to fit switches and whatnot

     
  14. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:53 PM
    #14
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Oh WOW! Nice!! :D

    Here is mine at the moment, I'll have to get some better photos... Looks slightly better with the fabric on it!
    [​IMG]
     
  15. Jun 18, 2017 at 6:58 PM
    #15
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Member:
    #151688
    Messages:
    59,587
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Randy
    West Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner
    That looks great! I envy you both. I absolutely love the single din/switch/tablet set up!!
     
  16. Jun 18, 2017 at 8:21 PM
    #16
    Zebinator

    Zebinator Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2014
    Member:
    #143381
    Messages:
    783
    Gender:
    Male
    Norcal
    Vehicle:
    06 Tacoma TRD Offroad
    Yes! Someone should be selling these. ;) Generally speaking it is a killer setup. The only thing I hate is the pioneer stereo!

    Good luck with all the work-the Tacoma is such a great platform... I'm envious of your trip! Will be watching from the forum...
     
    kickasssloth[OP] likes this.
  17. Jun 18, 2017 at 8:37 PM
    #17
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    I looked into it ;)

    Yea, the pioneer isn't the best, but it was cheap and had all the features I needed.

    Thanks! I can't wait. I'll be posting a LOT over the coming months.
     
  18. Jun 18, 2017 at 9:08 PM
    #18
    Zebinator

    Zebinator Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2014
    Member:
    #143381
    Messages:
    783
    Gender:
    Male
    Norcal
    Vehicle:
    06 Tacoma TRD Offroad
    by the way - i mean MY pioneer stereo - wasnt' a dig. The user interface on it is so bad, makes me crazy.
     
  19. Jun 18, 2017 at 9:11 PM
    #19
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    Oh, well I don't like mine either so it works... haha
     
    Zebinator[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jun 20, 2017 at 3:07 PM
    #20
    kickasssloth

    kickasssloth [OP] The Texan from Australia

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2016
    Member:
    #174895
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    06 Silver DCLB TRD Sport
    RAM MOUNT!

    Finally got around to doing this... I'd drawn it on a napkin and got the "that's nice, Honey." seal of approval from my lead design supervisor (Fiance) about a month ago, and finally designed, printed and installed it today.
    [​IMG]


    I started off in Fusion 360 and made this really quick. It has a slight curve to it to match the little plastic plate. (I will also happily upload this to Thingiverse for anyone to download or modify... It could be a slight bit better, but it was totally good enough for me. You'll also need to epoxy that original plastic plate back into place when you're done.. I'm sure I could get it out but it probably wouldn't be pretty... just a warning.)
    [​IMG]


    I then imported the real ram mount components from McMaster Carr right inside of Fusion to make sure everything looked good, and then it was off to the printer!
    [​IMG]


    Printed it with ProtoPlants brand new HTPLA V3! I had a note in the box thanking me for ordering one of the first rolls! This stuff prints amazingly, and is super tough, I actually printed 2 to so I could break one to find out how strong it was.... very. The only unknown is the ability to survive in the Texas heat, and general wear over time, but thankfully I can just print another in ABS if I have to in the future.
    [​IMG]


    Here are my settings in cura for anyone who cares...
    [​IMG]


    I then mounted it with these round head M5 bolts I had, mostly for looks... I also put a layer of epoxy behind it just to add some extra strength.
    [​IMG]


    Installed it looks great, and works even better! I HATE people who even touch their phone while driving, but I usually have mine in sight so I can see who is calling before answering, or to look at quick directions (the tablet is usually more for long trips) but it is also just a nice place to put it... and the passenger will enjoy it too.
    [​IMG]


    Here you can also see the new fabric wrap on the dash... Again, not amazing but pretty pleased considering this isn't my kind of thing... only thing is the bumps, but again... oh well, still better than stock!
    [​IMG]

    Next step... custom drawer dividers!
     
    Zebinator and ACEkraut like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top