BigMike’s Big Journey: New 2016 Tacoma

June 19-21, 2020: Final Prototype's First Test (continued)

Knowing we could get out quick together, Marlin and I decided to take off early





If you've ever wheeled with Marlin then you know full-well that despite his namesake he is one of the fastest Rock Crawlers around. I can't believe how fast he wheels that old truck. Even in my 1981 with less tire air pressure and softer suspension I cannot keep up with Marlin in The 1980 Crawler Truck.

His truck is heavy for its size, weighing a half ton more than my 1981. So I've always assumed it rides so smooth because it's like a boat-anchor Cadillac. But now the Crawler Truck has met its match in terms of over-weight Rock Crawlers and for the first time in my life Marlin was unable to keep up with me on a 4WD trail! I even had to stop twice for him to catch up! I've been wheeling with my dad my whole life so this was a humbling experience.

It took me 35 mins to get from Coyote to Red. Overall it took us 1 hr 30 mins to the Sand Flats.

Maybe he's just slowing down in his older years but I was so excited and was teasing him like crazy when we got back to the Sand Flats.

This Tacoma is so cool! I wish it was the same exact truck but 15% smaller in every measurement.

Aired back up and read to jam out the fireroad.



Returning home on one of my favorite mountain roads of all time!

 

June 19-21, 2020: Final Prototype's First Test (concluded)

Home safe and sound! I am blown away with RCLT HD. This Version 3 is the first prototype with refinements and out on the trail it is such a better working setup than the second prototype.

To put development into perspective of market viability, I'd give Version One a 0 out of 10, Version Two a 4 out of 10, and this final version, Version Three, an 8 out of 10. The production design that we've already begun manufacturing only fixed a couple issues but further improved a dozen or so design elements. I'm very excited for the final version and can't wait to get it installed so I can finally stop tearing apart this poor truck!



Non-stop from the end of the Fireroad to my Driveway: 26.5 MPH hahahaha

Of course this is because I dropped 7,000 feet in elevation Still shows how efficient the 3.5 6cyl is despite having 40s and a horrendous drag coefficient



This truck is a lot of fun

Regards,
BigMike

 

This is likely my favorite build on the site. Too much awesome in one spot!

 

Hurts the soul to see big names getting help from wyatt at rock solid toys while he is taking people's money and cutting contact.

 

That sounds like a dumpster fire thread I want to read. Link?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/beware-rock-solid-toys.687511/

 

Just what I was looking for. Now I need to find where that reverse light wire is up front.

 

for anyone else annoyed by the fake scoop on the sport model. tell me how i can "swap" for a non scoop version. I never really liked it and have lived with it(2019) but tell me tell me how i can spend my christmas bonus.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-only-hood-swappin-n-tradin-thread.413378/