s.jones 2017 DCSB GFC build

...exhaust looks good...laying there on the tar..

 

Truck looks sweet

 

that was a fun trip:

 

installed a Midland MTX115 radio into @prof.jones 3rd gen this week, a good radio for us to use between trucks when out on trips. I have the same installed in mine with the 3db gain antenna and Sally has been using a handheld in the past which is annoying - as much as anything else. I thought this would be as easy as the 2nd gen, but nothing about hers was simple, the area in the center console is hardly flat, and its textured (mine is installed just with VHB tape) so VHB tape alone didn't work, access to that area is limited - with no real access out the side (between center console and footwell) anyway - it sticks out a bit further than on my truck due to the only flat area - but will def make like easier in the future for chatting on trips (I didn't like any of the install's ive seen where people have them on the side of the center console etc)

$220 Midland – MXT115AGVP3 - 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two Way Radio - Off Roading Outdoor Farm Radio - Extended Range 3dB gain Ghost Antenna, Antenna Cable, Mounting Bracket - Farm Tractor Bundle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P92Z2BB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VT3CB-BARE.html

 

Testing out some of the new parts
Bruteforce Fab HC rear bumper (second hand)
New GFC V2 style tent
Overland Softgoods mattress topper and sheets

 

like the 'awning' over rear tent. that is part of V2, or always been there? definit vents

 

thats the rear door with “shittco” shitblox and poles to make the “awning” - available thru his instagram

He makes a few other parts too

 

Installed more SHITTCO shitblox for a side door awning

 

Nice rig, I’ve got a similar build but long bed and v2 gfc. What kind of gas mileage are you getting, im currently on 265/75r16 and stock gears but thinking of going up to 285/75r16s

 

@prof.jones 3rd gen - gets about 16mpg (hwy) on 285/70 R17 currently on Open Country MT's, stock gearing - for reference my 2012 gets about 12mpg (hwy) - its a bit heavier thou....

 

More camping with the family, this time Duncan's sister Sue was in town from New Zealand, and Oscar was here

 

This truck has for a long time had a metallic creaking noise out of the front end, I always thought it was the RCI skid plates, somehow moving against each other - so I have tightened and removed and reinstalled the skids over the last couple years. The noise was never consistent - it would almost disappear at times.... well today I took it to the Truck Shop thinking there was something very bad happening - and it required some major surgery to repair...(rebuild the shocks..wheelbearings, lower ball joints)? James called and said he figured it out. Skid plates. He added a couple spacers - noise is gone.

Magic

 

Do you have any core support issues such as cracks? It's a huge bummer that Toyota uses tin metal for such an important structural piece.

 

None that we have seen, did have some in my truck, which ive had repaired. Sally's truck is basically all stock up front so it keeps it lighter for sure, but I do try to keep a watch. Yes Toyota does a great job in certain areas and total blah in others, the Super White 040 paint issue being one of them...

 

Speaking of the Super White issue, I decided to 'fix it myself' as Toyota doesn't seem to consider it an issue.....

Did inside engine front drivers fender and all four doors using :

$73 American Touch Up Paint Compatible with Toyota | 040/40 Super White II | Spray Paint (Primer/Basecoat/Clearcoat)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0885VT5MJ?ie=UTF8

 

Since buying the GFC I have longed for an idea to help close the wedge. with Lumbering Bear (the Ursus and the Ripley) making a sweet pull-down for the V2 - and having some left over anchors from my seat delete, I came up with a plan.
Step 1 - Assemble parts which includes

zipelo Tie Down Anchor Strapping Hooks, Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Tie Down Strap Rings, Attachment Points Car Accessories Mounting in Dirt Bike, Garage, Work Shop, Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle

these anchors I purchased off Amazon and assorted hardware I had laying around



Step 2 - Drill into GFC handle / slide - I used a step drill bit and made mine about 15 inches in from the sides, for no real reason - wider might be better yet but this so far seems fine



Step 3 - This was for sure a bit more tricky as there is like zero room for my hand (at least) so I used painters tape to firstly hold the washer to the anchor whilst I got the bolt through, and then used it on the back side of the spanner to hold the nut in place, then blindly held out for a miracle to get the nut started (didnt take too long) - my only worry is whether the thread lock part of the nut has actually caught - time will tell pretty quickly thou I guess



Step 4 - I started using some gutted 550 cord - including some wiring heat shrink to protect around the hardware but wasn't too happy with that, the 550 has some stretch to it - so I pivoted and decided on a couple ready made Mammut Dyneema 120cm slings, thin enough to pass through the anchors, thick enough they are likely not to break too soon and long enough to give some options

 

Very nice! Those pics w/ the stars in them are amazing!! Can't wait to get out myself!

 

Thanks - we'd love to say we are decent a taking pics, but really its more luck is as good as skill.....

 

After camping and utilising the Bambeds setup for the kid, who is now taller than Mom and has been quite cramped in the Short Bed - sleeping diagonal but more 'curled up' I decided to make a go of using some left over plywood to make an extension...

Before....


My plywood was a bit thinner than the Bambeds - and we had a little bit of flex to the extension, I figured out making a 'Toothed' bracing using the hand hold cut outs. All and all stoked on how this turned out.