Southeast GX Broverlanding and BS

Just ordered an RCI front skid, and the little extendo that goes from the front skid up to the bumper to fill that gap, along with some weather techs liners front and rear. Other than tinting the front windows (which I did the day after buying) these are the first real "mods" on this thing. Still debating suspension, wheel/tire options. Here's a pic of my old Tacoma and 4runner for attention:

 

I plan on buying the LFD skid because theirs actually has an enlarged opening to make oil changes possible without removing the skid. But I do like the RCI filler piece and will be ordering it for both my GX and my wife’s 16 4R. I wonder why more companies don’t offer something like that, seems so simple.

 

A little venting...

TLDR: Firestone broke TPMS, couldn’t get it to register in my vehicle, I bought a tool and fixed it myself.

After selling my 18 Taco, I swapped the SCS wheels to my wife’s 4R. I also needed to get the tires swapped from her OE wheels to the SCS since my Taco tires were on their way out and my wife’s were good. When firestone did the swap, they broke one of the TPMS and replaced it with a rubber stemmed sensor; this is how I know which one they replaced, OE are metal.
Since leaving the shop the TPMS light never turned off. I tried those wheels on both my Taco and 4R, both had TPMS light come on.

I was too busy to get back over to Firestone but while doing other things, I had Discount Tire, Mavis, and Randy Marion (GM dealer) take a look but none could fix it, some couldn’t even read that sensor.

I finally took it back to Firestone 4mo later and asked them to fix it, understanding that I’ll have to pay their programming fee since it’s been so long. The took my $28 and told me the problem is my spare tire sensor is dead, the rest of the sensors are fine. What are the odds of the spare tire sensor dying at the exact time that they broke and replaced another sensor on my vehicle?? Not buying it but I didn’t press the issue and left.

I began researching TPMS systems and learned that Toyota’s is one of the most difficult to work with because they require the TPMS hex IDs to be programmed to the ECU. Toyotas won’t automatically search for a sensor, they will only read the sensors for which the ID is loaded to the ECU.

Most TPMS tools can either read sensors or program sensors, and most can’t load IDs to the ECU. I found an Autel unit that can do all 3, though it can only program Autel brand sensors.


I got the tool in the mail today, and I was able to fix the problem in about 30min including learning how to use the tool. The new firestone sensor wasn’t being recognized by the vehicle. SHOCKER!!! Also the 4R is a 5 sensor system but only 4 are required, the 5th is optional and not used from the factory.


I’m going back to firestone this weekend to ask for my $28 back, find out what half-assed tool they’re using, educate them on Toyota TPMS, and show them how simple this really was. I’m frustrated with them but it’s also the only issue I’ve had there so I’ll have to modulate my frustration when speaking with them.

Another reason I bought this tool, is so that I can program my own sensors for the new wheels I’m getting for my GX and leave my OEM wheels as is for ease of swapping back if I want to. Sensors from shop $80ea, Autel sensors $22ea, and I never have to rely on a shop to program the sensors or the vehicle when I want to swap wheels again. It pays for itself with the GX wheels alone.

Anyone in the CLT area, if you need help with TPMS lmk.

 

Dang - so you need to remove the RCI skid for oil changes? That wasn't the case with my RCI skids on the Tacoma. I didn't know that... guess I should have done more research.

 

Techstream would have been much easier

 

Techstream doesn’t give you the ability to read sensors that are already installed, which was the issue with the 4R. If you know the sensor IDs then yes you can use Techstream to load the IDs to the ECU. This tool does both the scan and load, and works for all vehicles.

 

Victory 4x4 awning mounts just came in. Now time to look for a 270 awning. Anyone have good experience with one? I don’t want poles and want something that can withstand wind.

 

so do you want a 270* awning or regular? I don’t know of anyone who makes a poleless standard awning.

 

Only interested in a 270 since it’s so easy to setup up and put away.

 

https://ok4wd.com/alu-cab-shadow-awn

 

They’re expensive but worth it in my opinion. I also like the bush company 270 awning too.

 

I started researching these a couple months ago and then kind of stopped so I forgot which ones I had in mind lol. I remember the Alu-Cab being my favorite but also expensive, then the OVS being a good budget option. The only reason I don’t like the Bush Company one is it’s so big when closed up.

Oh, and to edit: when I went down the YouTube wormhole it looks like almost all of them have poles or guide lines as an option for really windy conditions. Some required them to be deployed all the time but most did not.

 

That’s good info. I’d like one that is rigid enough to handle a little wind but understand the need for the legs and tie downs for extremely windy days.

Yes agreed the bush company one is massive closed. I’ve just read amazing reviews.

 

Curious to see how the victory mounts hold up to a 50+ awning.

I'm planning on another victory rack as well, and still have my awning mounts left over from my taco for future use...$1500 is a hard pill to swallow for an awning though.

 

Aint no awning worth that. Bunch of more useful things id rather spend $1500 on. JMHO

 

How else am I supposed to drink my iced latte at Starbucks parking lot in the summertime without some shade? FFS man.

 

You got me there...

 

23Zero is based in SLC so shipping to WA wouldn't be as bad and their products are very well made. Like I actually feel they're marginally better than the materials of my Tepui products. I have the Peregrine 180R on my tacoma and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Freestanding, but has integrated fold down poles/tiedowns for the windier days.

 

https://23zero.com/product/peregrine-270-us-drivers/

not bad, and cheaper.

 

Better...


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-10-x10-Instant-Slant-Leg-Canopy-Blue/588816203