Subway4X3 Shameless Copycat Build

How do I power up all my stuff in the bed?

Stuff =

Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze - 12 Volt Fan

12v fan, ARB Twin Compressor, ARB 50 Qt Fridge/Freezer, C-Teck Auto 8- step battery charger, Jumper cables

Power source is an auxiliary 27F Optima Yellow Top installed in the passenger side engine bay.

Power runs through Aux batt into a Blue Seas 4-position rotating switch (Off-Front/Rear/Both.)
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachments/imgp6209-jpg.1059849/

2 gauge wire runs to the front (powering the bumper mounted winch) and to the rear (via frame rails) and then leads into passenger side cubby terminating into a generic "Anderson" connector..




Then it gets interesting:

I have generic/off brand

AURELIO TECH Universal 2-4 AWG 175A Battery Connect Quick Connector Plug for 12V Winch Trailer Driver Electrical Devices

Anderson type connectors on the power leads of the ARB Twin Compressor, a Jumper Cable and even an 10 foot extension. I also rigged up a connector to two 12v Cig Lighter outlets (for the 12v fan, etc.) and the proprietary C-Tek connector for the

CTEK (56-864) MUS4.3 12 Volt Fully Automatic 8 Step Battery Charger,Black

C-Tek automatic float battery charger.

 

ARB 50 QT Fridge/Freezer efficiency mod:

This is an effort to improve the ability of the fridge to maintain refrigeration temperatures as efficiently as possible, especially in the small shelf storage space which sits directly above the compressor/refrigeration unit. True to my build title, this is a modified "copy cat" version lifted from Nick @Crom 's version here.

This is the factory setup:



Part 1: My version uses scrap aluminum angle with one leg of the angle bent down to meet the base of the fridge. The interface of the fridge base and the lower edge of the scrap aluminum angle is sealed with high temp RTV (I already had an open tube of this stuff.) This mod theoretically directs the air from the electric fan upwards into the cooling fins, instead of directly out the fridge side vent.




Part 2: Uses Reflectix double reflective insulation that I believe I purchased from HD (I already had some on hand.) I used contact cement to attach the insulation to key areas on the fridge. This mod theoretically insulates and reflects any heat generated from the compressor/refrigeration space and keeps it away from the upper and main fridge space.

This is the completed mod:

 

So I'm a little confused. Was the side vents of the housing an intake or exhaust for the fridge? And isn't the housing already insulated?

 

Not sure about what is or is not insulated on the fridge. My guess is that the unit can use a little more insulation, especially reflective, where pre-mod, the heat generated from the compressor/refrigeration unit, still passes through the unit walls into the storage compartments.

This post describes some of the temp issue. I guess the issue is more of a problem in the small "dairy shelf" that is directly above the compressor, versus the "main" fridge compartment.

More detailed discussion is here on Expedition Portal.

 

This has my curiosity, one thing is this a very expensive refrigerator. One would think that there should not be need for these type of dyi modifications. R&D should of picked this up at some point. Second being a A/C tech.

 

These refrigerators or any type of a/c/r units are not designed for those type of temperatures of what crome was experiencing. It may work but obviously not efficiently.

 

Yes exactly. I'm sure there are less complaints with people who have a 4runner or similar vehicle where the interior is air conditioned. If these are in the back of a pick up with a cap and no air flow.....shit ain't go to work so good.

 

There's a nice fan in the compressor area. Part of the mod is to "guide" some of the fan blown air into the cooling fins, instead of straight out the lower vent area.

 

The torrential downpour the other day brought a little water into the front corners of the Bestop. Irritating, but not major.
Here's my fix: Extra wide Gorilla tape. I think this might work.

 

For some inexplicable reason, us TW guys seem to like looking UNDER everyone's truck just as much as checking out the entire truck.
At the latest RC wheeling trip, I believe @MY50cal was doing just that (or maybe he was stacking rocks under my tires) when he noticed my trimmed exhaust was pointing directly at my shackle bushing, possibly sending hot exhaust fumes to my delicate rubber bushing.






When I replaced my rear leaf rubber bushing with Poly bushings a few weeks ago, I did in fact confirm that the passenger side bushing was deformed, possibly from the exhaust heat.

Quick solution was to cut the tailpipe, grind the sharp edges and paint with high heat BBQ spray paint that I had handy.

Poly bushings saved from future harm:

 

No clue why you didn't trim your exhaust like that in the first place.

 

I was trying the keep that last exhaust hanger for more stability. Didn't think the exhaust discharge would be an issue.

 

Once you get rid of the horizontal section from the tailoie back there is no need for that hanger for stability. At least you won't be cooking your new bushings!

 

Latest pic.
Fully loaded up for a weekend camping/wheeling trip. Gas tank full.


Fender to hub center measurements:
Rear: PS: 23-1/8" DS: 23-1/2"
Front: PS: 23-1/4" DS: 22-3/4"

Front end "taco lean" may be under-corrected with the 1/4" DS coil spacer?

The rear side-to-side difference maybe due to bed load weight distribution. Seems negligible.

I'll need to redo my unloaded measurements to see the delta.

 

Looks good all loaded up! Do you still have one of the overloads out of the Dakar pack? I just installed my aal into the full Dakar pack (pre suspension install) and man are those beefy.

 

Added the overload back last month. So it's the full Dakar Leaf Pack plus the 29XL AAL.

 

Cool...how much weight do you think is back there? I added the

$81 d29xl leaf spring

d29xl to my pack because I don't want any bro lean once it's fully loaded with camping gear, RTT, fridge and bumper with fuel/tire swing outs. I hope it will be enough.

 

Except for an RTT, looks like I carry the same stuff: 50 qt loaded fridge, camp stove, fire grill. I do carry two spare tires: One on swing-out, one under bedside.
Also carry a spare driveshaft, spare CV axle, vehicle fluids, overkill of tools and recovery/rescue gear.

 

Also, when I get around to installing gusseted spindles, I'm gonna bring the front down to the 4th notch. It will reduce the preload and bro lean will never be an issue.

 

Soon Lloyd, soon. @Sub-Zero where we at with the spindles?