k3g's third gen build

Oh, I have no doubt the Icons are amazing. I just don't think I'd utilize them, and because I lack the tools and space to do my own work, the cost goes up. Plus, even at a reputable shop, there are too many idiots. I can't trust them to follow simple, basic instructions. I went with the Pro to avoid all that, as I am 90% sure the stock Pro will do anything I need. I think you're a bit more adventurous, so the better suspension makes sense. I'll settle for living vicariously through your build thread.

 

those tents are pretty cool

 

I'm short a few wires, but today I got a big piece of the power additions to the truck, to include the panels. Here's one roughly where it'll go:

Two more will go on the tent for each panel on the iKamper. Total 150w in peak sun, but that's optimistic at best. It'll be more than sufficient to keep my delta2 running with my cheapass 35w fridge.

 

Progress report:

Radio install:
The GMRS radio is mounted. I went with a Midland MXT575. I've previously used other radios near 40W, I don't expect the extra 10W to be that special. It's the faceless form factor I wanted: All the controls are on the handset. First, I added an always-hot fused 12v run in 12ga into the cubby:


Then, in a second hole, I ran the antenna cable:


The antenna mount is in, but it's been pouring so I haven't been out to install the antenna. It will be back next to the tailgate. I've got a 6dB antenna that should work nicely.

Foglights
Begone OEM dimness, I choose amber brightness! Diode dynamics SS3 Sports in the SAE pattern (remember to aim your lights kiddos, don't be one of Those People). I've used these exact lights in some stupidly dense fog, and been very impressed with their performance.



ETC
Fridge platform is mocked up:

Soon this will get wrapped into auto carpet, and have two segments of L-track to hold down the fridge and a battery thingy.

Something's coming soon:

 

I'm about to do a Midland MXT-275 install and would love to know more about how you ran the power, specifically which fuse? I was thinking of coming right off the battery, through the firewall, but your comment about a fused connection made me wonder if I need to come off the fuse box.

 

I didn't wire it for just the radio, so I did a bit of extra work. My setup:

Engine bay:
From the battery, I added a driver-to-passenger run of 12ga wire. I sleeved it for cleanliness and insulation. Where I tapped into the battery, I added a 60A fuse (a bluesea). This is for a later addition I'll be adding onto it (auxbeam 8 gang controller). But for now, it's just 12ga after the fuse across the engine bay.

Firewall:
I passed through an extra firewall nipple on the passenger side, entering the cabin just right behind the trim panel next to the passenger's left shin.

Cabin:
Inside the cabin I ran the 12ga to a 4 fuse panel. This panel is always live. I like leaving room for things later. At some point I mat add a cell booster to one of the other circuits. For now I've run the leads (pictured above) into the arm rest cubby, by way of going over the passenger's footwell, and under the trim of the center console. If you pop the panel off the rear of the center console, you can use the case of the inverter for a nice ground, and add holes for routing things into the little cubby there. I added two: one for my radio power, and the other for the radio antenna.

Then, for the antenna, I ran it out under the carpet, under the rear passenger side carpet, to a drain plug that I removed and used a circle punch to route the cable through. I ran the antenna cable on top of the driver side frame rail to an antenna mount right next to my tailgate.

Hope that helps!

 

More progress today:

I got my hands on a set of TRD "beadlocks" a few weeks back. Today I got Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT's in 285/65R16's. With the zero offset, the wheels and tires have juuuust a lil poke outside the fender liner. I've had these tires before, but not in the LT rating. These have a surprisingly low amount of road noise. The tread depth is pretty nuts, it's massively deeper than the P rated ones. I was already impressed with the P rated ones on the first taco, these are even better so far.

I'm taking it wheeling tomorrow, I'll grab more photos then. Should be able to show off the tires, wheels, and antenna setup.

 

New tires and wheels work really well. Insanely good traction when aired down to 20psi.
New boot goofin:

Parked at camp:

Carefully parked:


This build is really fun so far. There's only one tiny bit of rub on my driver wheel at a specific turn angle at full lock, but it's my bad for not trimming a plastic panel as close as I could have.

 

That thing looks sweet!

 

Updates! Twoco the Taco has sliders now. I went with BAMF's sliders with a kickout:


They work great! I took the truck out to a trip near Cerro Gordo, and had a fun time hauling ass and exploring the trails.


Epic views all around.


Funny part is, I might list the truck for sale after a short ownership stint... My Rivian is ready. Decisions, decisions.

 

How's that iKamper mini feel on the Taco? I have one too, and I'll be mounting it up, but I have a slight worry that the Taco will feel it more than the Tundra did.

 

I kept 18mpg from ~Bay Area down to Bakersfield, on 285's, with that tent. I also did some properly off camber trails with no issues. It's a really great tent for this truck.