Beach Bum Taco Truck

So... I'm way behind on this. I kept saying I was going to do it, and then I never did. Well, here goes. I bought my 2018 OR DCLB in May of 2018 and have been enjoying the hell out of it for the past three and a half years. The truck is my daily driver and gets used for family adventures. So far we've had trips to Joshua Tree, Big Sur, Big Bear, and Pismo Beach. We're getting geared up and practiced for some longer trips in the future, while the kids still think its cool to road trip with mom and dad. Without any further nonsense, here we go:

Bone Stock


First Mod - Not used any more, but my daughter and I enjoyed it!


Where we sit today


Interior

• Center console organizer & tray
• Glove box organizer
• Meso Coin Tray
• Switch Pro and switch plate (@AY_ARONTRD)
• Taco Garage DMM
• OG Fab Door and Console Molle Panels
• Desert Does It Seat Jackers
• Cig lighter to USB charger on the dash
• Viofo A129 Duo Dash Cam with Hardwire Kit
• Cupholder swap

Exterior

• UpTop Overland Alpaha Rack
• Diamondback HD Cover w/ Cross Bin 13
• Front Runner 3 Bar Rack System
• Redline QuickLIFT PLUS struts
• Tailgate Insert Letters
• Rago Ditch Light Brackets
• Kayak Racks(sometimes)
• Pop n Lock (waiting to be installed)

Engine

• I have one. It goes.
• OVTune

Armor

• SOS Off-Road Concepts Streamline bumper
• Rock Sliders by Shmellfab @Shmellmopwho
• WARFab Sheridan Hitch Skid
• At The Helm Bedside Reinforcements

Recovery, Emergency & Air

• X-Bull Recovery Boards
• ARB Snatch Strap
• ARB Tire Repair Kit
• Rhino USA D Ring Shackles
• Axe, Shovel, etc.
• ARB Twin Compressor on a Slee mount
• Staun Automatic Tire Deflators

Suspension/Wheels/Tires

• Dobinsons MRA Lift Kit
• Spidertrax 1.25” Spacers (waiting to be installed)
• Toyo Open Country 285/75/16 on stock OR wheels

Electronics

• Switch Pros 9100
• Tray and mount by @AY_ARONTRD
• Jackery Explorer 160 + SolarSaga 60W panel (TW giveaway setup by @CowboyTaco)
• Viofo A129 Duo Dash Cam
• Battery Monitor

Lighting

• Baja Designs S8 10” Light Bar, Amber x 2 (Roof Rack)
• Baja Designs S2 Pros, Amber x 2 (Ditch)
• Baja Designs Rock Lights x 4 (Rack Sides)

Misc.

• CMC done by @GHOST SHIP

Upcoming Additions

• Hard Shell RTT
• Skids
• Hi-Lift
• Warn EVO 10-S Winch
• Cases for roof rack (still deciding on what should go up there for trips before deciding on which to get)

I'm sure I missed a bunch of little stuff, but I'll add it as it pops into my head.

 

Nice job so far!

 

I figure I'd post a few photos of stuff along the way. The first real mod that I had done was a set of sliders from @Shmellmopwho who did a fantastic job, and is a really stand up guy.

 

Family fun time

Teaching the oldest spawn how to shoot


Camping just outside of Joshua Tree


Kayaking at the bay


Fun day trip just below Big Bear


Dune driving class, learning to get unstuck

 

A few more of the mods


Let me know if you folks want any more info or photos on anything. I'll do my best to keep updated as things change.

 

Nice lookin truck!

 

Thanks for the kind words dude! I appreciate that. I’m glad to be a part of the build.

 

Absolutely! The sliders have served me well.

I just wish I'd kept up on photographing everything as it was done.

 

I've been running an experiment for the last week in anticipation of getting a tune. My commute to work every day is 17.7 miles if I take the fastest route. After the mods I've done, my mileage has gone to shit as expected. I wondered how much driving style affected mileage so I decided to test it. If I set the cruise control to 65 the whole time I'm on the freeway I get to work in an average of 24 minutes with an average of about 16.3mpg. If I drive like an asshole, 75 to 85 the whole time I get to work in an average of 21 minutes @ 13mpg.

I think I'm just going to set the cruise from now on. Not worth it to save 3 minutes on my drive

 

Installed spacers from Spidertrax today. Had to run out and buy some tools first. Everything went perfectly, until the last lug. Turns out they sent me a nut that wasn't even a lug by accident. Had to pull the rears back off and will run out for a new lug later. I just I wish I'd realized before the very last one!

And it turns out that when you're working alone and need the breaks depressed, a torquewrench case is just the right length!

 

Nothing too crazy lately. Spidertrax sent a new set of lug nuts so I took care of that. I also took 'er in to the dealer for service and 3rd taillight recall on Thursday since I'm not paying for it. Friday I swung by to see @TWTaco for a tune. The truck already drives so much better after only 50 miles or so. Can't wait to see how it settles in.

Up next, I've got to install the Front Runner bars onto the DiamondBack so my wife can pick out a tent. I might grab the kids for a quick overnighter in the mountains this weekend too.

 

Installed bed stiffners, and replaced the cigarette lighter with a dual USB charging port instead of installing my dash cam on Friday morning.


And then proceeded to get in an accident an hour later.


The bumper really did its job. A young woman tried to turn right into a driveway from the center lane in front of me. Her poor Accord is in rough shape. I'm going to have to remove and recoat my bumper. Really wish I had the dash cam installed. Looks like I'm going to be deemed at fault since she told the insurance company a different story.

On Saturday, I installed the dash cam. I went with the Viofo A129 Duo and the hardwire kit. It was all really easy. Took maybe an hour and a half with the kids "helping" as much as I would let them. I also installed a battery monitor, as it is getting close to time to replace. I'm up in the air about what I want to do when it goes. Part of me wants to install a dual battery to run accessories like a future fridge and leave the main for a winch, but at the same time, I'm not out enough to need one quite yet. Also, even if I stick with a single battery, and go AGM like the X2, I'd still have to re-flash the ECU for proper charging voltage from the alt.

This weekend, given enough free time, I'll install the tailgate actuator, and tailgate anti-theft device. If I still have enough time, I have a set of usb outlets to install on the back of the center console for the kids to charge their shit.

 

Just use the Jackery for the fridge. As long as it gets a somewhat regular supplemental charge, it should be perfectly capable.

Dual battery is a good option, especially if you continue to add accessories. Look into options that do not store it in the engine compartment though. The sheet metal where the factory battery is located is generally considered weak, and I know of a few that have had to weld cracks due to stress from the weight of the battery. I'm considering putting one behind the rear passenger seat. You can put an AGM in the cab, but you should avoid that with a traditional lead-acid due to the fumes released.

I've loved having a dash cam and am about to do the hardwire kit as well.

 

Sucks about the accident. At least it looks pretty minor.

Can you post a link to the dual charger you bought?

 

Thanks. It is a bit of a pain to deal with, but not too bad. No one was hurt, and the only damage to the truck is the Line-X coating on the bumper. Just have to wait and see at this point.

$15 USB C Car Charger Socket, Qidoe 12V/24V Dual USB Outlet PD3.0 & QC3.0 Car USB Port with LED Voltmeter and ON/Off Switch DIY Car Socket for Car Boat Marine Bus Truck Golf RV Motorcycle

Here is the charger. I went with this one because it had a USB C and USB A port and is switched, so it doesn't need to be on all of the time. If you make the swap, there is one trick that doesn't have the best explanation anywhere. When you try to remove the existing cig lighter, there are two small plastic tabs inside the metal barrel that you'd never imagine are there. If you use a small flathead or pick, you can push them out from the inside and the whole thing slides right out. I wish I'd take pictures of it when I finally figured it out.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the tip.

 

Since the last post, not much has changed.

I bought kayak racks to make life a bit easier.


Took apart my dash to clean my daughter's vomit out of the ac vent. She survived every coaster that Six Flags could throw at her, but not the ride home.


And last night I spent a whole 5 minutes installing a bigger cupholder.


Taking 'er out on a hunt tomorrow morning in the desert. Should be a good time.

 

Jesus thanks for the vomit post lmfao