SK8's TRD PRO Build

Just recently scooped this up to replace my 99 4Runner, which still runs great.. but now shit for gas mileage. Taking my time on mods. So far just CaliRaised Ditch Lights, TOYOTA blackout vinyl front grill letters, AVS window deflectors, TACOMA metal letter tailgate inserts. Have the Diamondback SE / FrontRunner racks on order . Planning on a rooftop tent soon , still deciding b/w Roofnest and IKamper SkyKamp mini.

 

My knife has been rattling around in the door cupholder, which got annoying .. was looking for a secure place to store it and was searching for knife holsters and such , when i realized the solution was literally under my nose... deep carry pocket clip slides right in the the seat rail, and doesn't interfere or hang up the electronic movement when i need to accommodate a drivers side rear passenger.

 

This 25 ft extension and USB / power outlet box fits perfectly in the back seat compartments , about 40 bucks on Amazon

$40 Link2Home Heavy Duty Retractable Extension Cord Reel 20 Ft. With 3 Outlets, 2 USB Ports & 16 AWG 3-Prong SJT Cord in (Grey)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SB2RYY6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Temporary magnetic phone holder solution until I commit to something else .. Magnet and two cutdown Scotch velcro pull strips. The phone sticks flush over it , and lines up nicely with the Nav screen

 

You know how those radio knobs just are tiny and suck? Here’s my temp , and fitting , fix. KNEX or LEGO Tires...

 

That’s pretty slick, thanks for the tip

 

Installed the DB cover a few weeks ago, and just got around to installing the FR rails on Friday.. it was missing ALOT of hardware (I had ordered the combo direct for DB).. Called DB and they said I had to call FR.. Called FR and their customer support rep Liam was awesome.. all the HW , and then some, arrived in the mail on Monday. I dig the look of just two rails for now, but will be installing the 3rd in a week or so when the RTT arrives.

 

Roofnest arrived. Working on getting black replacement (shorter bolts) hardware . Also plan on Plastidipping any Chrome parts and the ROOFNEST Logo on the back to black .

 

Did an initial setup.. anyone that is looking to do the FRunner/RoofNest combo keep in mind that the awning rods have a very specific angle to be installed, and the angle +bowcurve doesn't work out of one window (the window facing the Cab) . Since I've ordered some black M8x30mm screws to remount the RoofNest, (The original bolts are M8x60+mm , its endless ratcheting.) I will mess with the the RNest placement by an inch or so and see if that will work for the awning.. if not. Will just have to get creative.. as my plan next is a CaliRaised Roofrack, so when in the tent I can keep a cooler , and misc within window reach.

 

Finally swapped out the stock RoofNest Hardware , re-adjusted the FrontRunner Rails and reset the RoofNest a little further back. These bolts are M8 30mm and allows clearance to use the space b/w the top of the Diamondback and the bottom of the RoofNest. The hardware from RoofNest feels like one time use hardware (the bolts strip and I've had to cut two bolts off already to replace with these 30mm's. Also , as shown in the picture, the slider brackets are aluminum and just wants to chew that M8 if you are not careful. I contacted RoofNest and they were very helpful and sent me another set of slider brackets and hardware (although I doubt I will ever use the nuts/bolts, but having extra sliders is important for the chew factor. A couple of tips: when tightening the nut, you want you use your other hand and pull down on the steel bracket against the nut, this prevents the bolt from spinning in the track (and resulting in chew) . While doing this you want to tighten it until it pinches your fingers "almost to the point of discomfort", then do the other side.. for the final tightening I've found that you can just hold the bottom of the boltscrew and continue to tighten with the ratchet wrench they provide on purchase (its really helpful) , and forgo using a ratchet socket, unless you want to deal with stripping etc. Hope this is helpful for anyone else.

$10 uxcell M8x30mm Hex Head Screw Bolts Fastener Grade 8.8 Carbon Steel Black 15pcs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M5LHH1H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I had ordered some blackout vinyl letters for the truck, and just got around to finishing the install.. Very satisfied with the quality and measurements on these. I know many will ask why Black on Black? The interior without it was just meh-greyish, and the black metallic adds a little subtlety and also matches the exterior paint. Had a shipping snafu (USPS claimed delivered...) and Rich at TVD was more than willing to resend another set, but delivery did arrive 3 days late.. Good to know he would have reshipped if needed.. Great Vendor.. and also due to the "science " of wet application , he sends extra letters just in case you screw up.. For the shift handle I highly recommend using your phones camera to make sure you lock in the letters . https://www.etsy.com/shop/TVDVinylDecals?

 

I did this for the Frontrunner rack , based on this video https://youtu.be/9m5_Ol79-c4 , and its money .. Here are the parts I ordered.

$9 uxcell Nylon Flat Washers M8 16mm OD 8mm ID 0.9mm Thickness Sealing Gasket for Faucet Pipe Water Hose, Clear, Pack of 50

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NRY2TSX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ,

$15 Antrader 10pcs 304 Stainless Steel Ring Shape M8 Lifting Eye Threaded Nut

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C8H6DQH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ,

$7 uxcell M8x16mm Hex Bolts 304 Stainless Steel Hexagon Screw Bolt 6pcs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JW5LN5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for a total of 10 eyelets for $ 28.00 with Prime Free shipping.. If you buy direct from FrontRunner , https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...nt-runner-stainless-steel-tie-down-rings.html 2 eyelets for $11 plus shipping.

 

Nice job. I have a Black TRD Pro as well. Which Diamondback did you get, the HD or SE. I'm contemplating a similar setup

 

I have the SE, about 35lbs lighter than the HD.. Both are are aluminum .

 

Ok thanks. And it works well with the tent? The reason I ask is if you ask Diamondback they will obviously suggest the HD due to the added weight of tent and occupants. I would rather go the SE route and save a few bucks.

 

This all fits in the RoofNest Condor when closed. 2 deflated Trekology Pillows :

TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow - ALUFT 2.0 Compressible, Compact, Comfortable, Ergonomic Inflating Pillows for Neck & Lumbar Support While Camp, Hiking, Backpacking

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQJPVWD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Deflated Queen Mattress: *This one comes with a rechargeable pump, and the mattress inflates 6 inches... on top of the existing 2.3inch foam mattress that comes with the Roofnest you will be able to really control your comfort level.

2 packable down throws laying flat (See pic below) . I found the throws at Sierra Trading Post stores for 30 bucks. You can find equivalents online. ..

NOT in the tent, but for backup warmth I have this (enough for two people) 4 Monster Down Blanket

4Monster Down Camping Blanket - Outdoor Travel Quilt Puffy 650 Fill, Packable, Lightweight,Wind & Waterproof | Ideal for Stadium, Backpacking,Picnics, Beach and Hiking

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WRYTTN7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1,

2 of these Arcuturus Wool Blankets

$40 Arcturus Military Wool Blanket - Warm, Thick, Washable - Great for Outdoors, Camping, Stadium Blanket, Picnics, Travel - Car & Bushcraft Survival Kits, Large 64" x 88" 4.5 lb

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DP88GPK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 , which I think should be plenty of warmth coverage.. short of an electric blanket , which I am still investigating..

Next up is either Cali Raised Premium RoofRack https://caliraisedled.com/collectio...cts/2005-2020-toyota-tacoma-premium-roof-rack (15% off this month with code NOVEMBER15) , and the YETI500X/NOMAD100 Solar Panel , which I am holding out for in case of a Black Friday Sale.

 

Working on next thing for the truck, (PowerStation/ Solar Panel) and have yet to find a GoalZero Black friday deal .. Found a good workaround that nets about $140 savings on the GZ YETI500x and free shipping, just have to spend $20 for a lifetime REI membership . Best Deal so far, I'll keep looking until the 23rd. https://www.rei.com/product/180610/goal-zero-yeti-lithium-500x-portable-power-station

 

Received the Goal Zero kit mentioned above, just haven't had time (or sun) to play with it. In the meantime I went with BuiltRight Industries Molle bed panels https://www.builtrightind.com/colle...e-rack-system-4pc-kit-toyota-tacoma-2005-2021 on a black Friday combo deal. Tips for anyone doing this install (which was very easy btw) , is you don't really have to outright remove the Diamondback Cover in order to get these panels installed.. I did unhinge one panel , but that only took seconds and was more for light and access during the install. You can easily unscrew all the bedrail torx screws and slide these Molle panels underneath without removing or loosening the DB center anchors.

 

• Added HUSKY CAMP AXE https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-14-in-Fiberglass-Handle-HD-F125SB/206768939?
• RHINO SURVIVAL SHOVEL https://www.rhinousainc.com/collect...igging-dirt-sand-mud-snow-guaranteed-for-life
• UST MACHETE https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/190287/ultimate-survival-technologies-paracuda-pro-machete?
• QUICKFIST CLAMPS
  $40 Quick Fist Clamp Mounting kit-90010 (contains 8 pieces), Black
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YU8IX6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
• LUBANSIR STRAPS
  $13 LuBanSir Cinch Straps, 1" x 9" (10 Pack) Elastic Hook and Loop Fastening Cable Strap for Extension Cord, Cable, Cord Wrap and Hose Organization and Storage
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8HYQFH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I’m following you into the zombie apocalypse