Giusejuice's 2020 6 Speed MGM Build for a trip across America

My MGM 6 Speed Build

Bought in November, but had so much content of my build I thought I would share the steps of my build. This is the build of my taco that took me across the united states and back.

To start, here's the day I took delivery and went to show her to the Parents

 

Next step was a Topper.
I Mountain Bike a fair amount and often carry more valuable items, So with that in mind a topper seemed like a fair solution for some security. Plus, I could try camping in the back, Albeit maybe diagonally. I looked at New Leer and ARE shells but couldn't bring my self to spend the 2-3k dealers were quoting. So I searched out to the second hand market and found a limited supply as the few that came up for sale, were quickly allocated for high prices or in different colors. With some luck, I found a Leer that flew under the radar for a decent listing of 900. Granted, It had a decent amount of fixes to be made, but for a great deal on their original asking price and some elbow grease to fix up the scratches and replace the locks, wiring, and all rubber seals, I had a topper. I took a day trip out to Jacksonville to pick it up.

 

Love it. I'm interested to see what your MTB setup ends up looking like. I'm picking up a GFC in 2 weeks but I had the same idea to store my trail bike in the back while I'm at work for some security rather than on my Thule rack or bring it into the office.

Have you given that part of your build any thought?

 

Hey Timo,

Excited to see your build.
I went with a "custom approach". I layed some hard wood I had across the rear two bed bolts and attached a Seasucker axle through Fork Mount. It works great! If you get a hard enough pice of material to attach to the bed, you shouldn't get too much wiggle. I have to place my specific bike (2019 SantaCruz Nomad Medium size) on a bit of an angle, but I have fit a hard tail 29er straight. I attach the front wheel with some foam and velcro straps to the bed cleats. The only downside to this method is that it takes a good amount of the total space.

Heres a picture from when I was setting it up.

Fork Mount: https://www.seasucker.com/products/...OicHBWQKb2qKsIeja9OCUWdxz0rEAhMAaAu3EEALw_wcB

 

I've got a size large Santa Cruz Tallboy so likely going to be in a similar situation to what you have there, and was hoping to be able to fit 2 bikes back there when needed (wife's hardtail Kona Big Honzo). The only difference is I may have more headroom though that doesn't matter much. Oh well, we will see how it goes!

What else do you have planned?

 

After picking up the topper, I had to install it correctly.

First step was to replace all of the rubber sealing. As I live in Florida but often venture out to Colorado and beyond, Id need something waterproof and dust proof.
I bough all sorts of sealants on Amazon and installed the day of with a little help from some friends to remove it.

Next, I properly wired the brake light with completely new wiring using easy taps and wired the preinstalled LED light as well as an additional interior (down the middle) and an exterior (rear door). I tapped power from the pre installed wiring for the Toyota OEM bed lights. They seem overpriced so I cut the connector. Conveniently, They are controlled from the interior bed light switch. You can set it to On/Door/Off; Even without the key in the ignition. I also filled the holes in the front of the bed with silicone.

I used waterproof easy disconnects for all attachments. I did not want to be limited to not being able to remove the topper with out a hassle.

 

We've got similar taste, I love my Santacruz!
You could definitely two bikes in there, maybe 3 or 4 depending on the handlebar width and bike size. The main issue id look out for with height. My bike is about as tall that will fit directly under the bed cap, otherwise you'll have to get creative to fit the bike in the back.

Ive got about a half dozen other posts with the build itself, but mostly have trips to post about!

 

Looking good!

 

One of the more fun parts, Wheelz.

I knew i wanted to go with a size 33, as I didn't want to chop up the car or deal with an excessive loss in MPG so that i would have to get a new gear ratio.
My biggest debate was between 255/85R16 Pizza cutters or the more typical 285/75R16. While I would have certainly enjoyed the more aggressive look, wider contact patch, and more stable ride, Without going into all the Pros and Cons, I ultimately went with the 255s. My reasoning revolved around the slightly taller diameter(overall height, better angles), better mpg and less "cumbersome" (daily and planned long distance roadtrips), and the added traction on the hard stuff. I could live with sinking a bit on sand and mud.

It also helps that I got a massive deal on aggressive tires as the tire shop hadn't been able to sell the less common size. I also like the NATO look akin to the older defenders.
I heavily considered replacing the stock OR wheels for some FJ 17" Steelies, I decided against it for the benefit of more tire wall and that the stock wheels are cheaply replaceable. They also look pretty cool for stock wheels.

I went with MasterCraft Courser CXT's in 255/85R16. They are a bit unknown but they are Copper Tire brand and had decent reviews. They AT but are quite aggressive. Only start sounding above 65-70. Absolutely no Rubbing. Even at full lock + Flex

Also got to take a peak at the brand new suspension!

 

Thanks! I'll be updating regularly.

 

Looking good! Sub'd!

 

I’m thinking hard about the CXT skinny also, as it seems to be closer to 265 width. According to their specs it’s 10.4 wide which is the same as my 265/75 wildpeaks now. You aren’t joking though, I’ve searched high and low for insight on these and they’re definitely not popular. I really don’t want the width and headache of fitting a 285 but do want that 33” profile! Do you happen to have any head-on pics after install that show their profile? They don’t look so skinny unmounted there!

 

Following. Nice truck!!

 

They are great! they definitely take a wider stance/look than 255 may seem, since they are quite aggressive and will bulge a bit depending on psi. But you can definitely see the difference when sat next to a 285. Am currently traveling but here are a few that may help!