The Getaway...Crom's build and adventures

Toyota Tacoma 2009, 4x4, TRD Off-Road,

• Bought new May 31, 2009
• Daily driver for seven (7) years and 68,336 miles, now retired
• Dedicated to recreation and adventuring

Truck is a means to an end

• I like to explore deep into public lands, and enjoy off-road, back-country adventures
• Family camping, and nature enjoyment is a priority
• Most of the mods I've done were to increase owner-value, and utility of the truck

Trail Armor / Reinforcements
Stubbs HD-SKO Rock Sliders, June 2009
Total Chaos Cam tab gussets, Nov 2015
Total Chaos Bedside Stiffeners, Oct 2016
Rear frame plates installed; rear is boxed in, Oct 2016
Relentless Fabrication Aluminum Tailgate skin, Oct 2016
Brute Force Fab High-Clearance Bumper, Before mounting Fold down table Modding the hitch Oct 2016
Spindle reinforcement, by SD Truck Shop, Dec 2016
Diff Skid by BAMF, Nov 2017
Full Alum Skids, Pelfrey, Feb, 2018


Cargo Storage and Control
A.R.E. MX Shell with Yakima cargo rack, Summer 2012
Yakima 58" Cargo bars installed, Oct 2016
How to attach quick fists to Yakima load bars, May 2014
BajaRack Flat utility rack with expanded steel mesh floor, Summer of 2012
BajaRack 2.0, Dec 2015
L-Track Cargo control system, Also here, and here, Jan 2015
Cargo Eye-bolts for Tacoma Track rail system, Jan 2013
Pelican Case Trash Box, May 2013
Shell / Canopy ceiling organizer / wire rope hanger system, Aug 2015
Catch all bin, back of the truck, Dec. 2015
Inno Ridge Rooftop Cargo Box - 8 cu ft - Gloss Black, 2018

General Mods
400 Watt Inverter all time, extended DC, AC outlets, Oct 2009
Trimmed front mud flaps, Rear got ripped off by rock, Aug 2010
Rear Diff Breather mod, July 2011
Oil Catch Can, Sept. 2012
Custom Vent for shell, July 2014
ImMrYo Rear-View mirror Bracket, July 2012
Fumoto Oil drain valve, July 2012
CA state Vehicle registration changed from "PK" to "PM", March 2013
Exhaust trim, May 2013
Custom Reflectix Window shades, May 2013
Air Conditioning Condensate Drain Extension, Aug 2014
Installed Speed Bleeder brake screws, Mar 2015
Front seat head rest modification, bend stanchions, July 2015
ARB Fridge lid holder, Aug 2015
Grip tape on rock sliders, Aug 2015
Modify spare tire locator tabs, Aug 2015
Relocate spare tire elevator back 1", Oct 2015
Install Aux battery hold down, Oct 2015
License Plate theft deterrent mod, Oct 2015
Auxiliary secondary door seals, Nov 2015
Extended Brake Lines, Dec 2015
Energy Suspension Tacoma Body bushing kit, Aug. 2016
Cut bedside sheet metal out of the way, passenger, driver, Oct 2016
Paint bedside cuts, Oct 2016
EZ Down tailgate assist (Custom), Oct 2016
Carpet added to Relentless tailgate skin, Nov 2016
Tacoma exhaust crossover reroute, Feb 2018

Interior Mods
Weathertech Floor mats, 2009
Window Tint Explained, 2010
Anytime Red dome light
LED Dome light, Oct 2015
New Cover King Seat Covers, May 2016
Headrest Paracord Grab Handles, May 2016
The Crazy Joker Quick Release hitch pins for rear seats, Oct 2016

RAM Mounts
RAM Dash Mount on Stereo for Electronic Accessories, May 2016
RAM Dash Mount in the drivers left corner, June 2016
Extreme-Duty Tacoma Tech Deck installed, June 2016
Cell phone and Garmin cradle adapted for Ram, June 2016
Cell phone cradle adapted for Ram, July 2016


Sound Proof the Interior
Sound proof back doors, Nov 2015
Sound proof back pass door, Nov 2015
Sound proof front passenger door, Feb 2016
Sound proof drivers door, Feb 2016
Sound proof the roof, ceiling, Mar 2016
Sound proof project complete part list and prices, Mar 2016
Sound proof 1/2 back wall and drivers "C" pillar, Mar 2016
Sound Proof 1/2 back wall and passenger "C" pillar, May 2016
Sound proofing project - Pros / Cons Thoughts and Review, April 2016


Shelters and Camping Gear
Kodiak 10x10 VX Tent, here,
Kodiak Tent pole, T-Pole modification
Monk Industries Forged Tent stakes
Zero dollar awning (5x7 version)
Zero dollar awning (8x10 version)
10x10 slant leg popup canopy
Mity Lite Flex Lite Aluminum Folding Chairs
Camp Kitchen Tool Box
Road Shower, May 2013
Camp Showers, all six of them, 2016
ARB 50q fridge, June 2013
Modding the ARB Fridge to enhance efficiency, July 2016
Zodi Extreme shower, July 2015
Fold down table, Nov 2016
On Board Water, Feb 2017

Tools & Off-Road recovery gear
48" Hi-Lift & Roof Rack Mount-March 2013
Lotus Development Lift Jack Rock Slider Adapter
The O. Ghost Ship Hi-Lift Foot shoe
ARB Twin Air Compressor portable, and here.
ARB Tire inflator with gauge
ARB Tire inflator with gauge (improved)
Teraflex Tire deflators
Viair 90P Air Compressor
Polar Wire, Arctic Superflex Blue, 20' 2 AWG Jumper Cables, Manufacturer link
Reserve / Emergency Fuel Transport - Gas Can
Emergency tire tools
Hand tools
Cargo straps
Fire Extinguisher 5-lb
Mechanics Stethoscope Kit
Astro Rivnut tool
CTEK MUS 4.3 battery charger
Lithium Jump Pack | Aux portable 5v charger
MSAT - Most Super Awesome Tool

Communications
Kenwood TM-V71A VHF / UHF Radio - Summer 2013
Larsen NMO 2/70B Dual band antenna, Summer 2013
Larsen NMO 2/70B Dual band antenna Rehab, Dec 2015
Satellite tracking device
Scanner Antenna and VHF / UHF Radio, April 2016

Electrical Auxiliary Battery
Everstart Maxx Group 24F Starting Battery, Sept. 2015
Everstart Group 24DC Auxiliary Battery, April, 2016
Tacoma Auxiliary power system 3.0 (rebuilt and remounted)
75 Watt solar panels, and CTEK D250S DC-DC charger & MPPT controller - summer of 2013
New Electrical System Diagram 6-6-2016
Old Electrical System Diagram
Second Auxiliary Fuse Block added, in Cab
Auxiliary Battery Location and hold down, and Battery box
Aux LCD Battery monitor
Soldering and crimping 4 AWG ring terminals / lugs, Mar 2016
Unlimited Auxiliary Power in the dash
Auxiliary Power at rear of truck, 2020

Electrical Mods
DTRL Switch, April 2010
Anytime Red LED map light, Summer 2011
ABS Kill switch, Summer 2011
LED lighting for shell interior, Jan 2013
Aux Side Turn Signal Repeaters / Markers Mod - 2010


ARB Twin Air Compressor Install
ARB Twin mounted and wiring done, Mar 2016
Hot wired the compressor, Mar 2016
ARB Twin mounted to aluminum plate, Installed, Mar 2016
4 AWG wiring install from engine bay to back of cab, Mar 2016
Air compressor ground wire, Mar 2016
Air compressor fuse holder, Mar 2016
Complete project parts list, Mar 2016
Heat test after 10 min run time, Mar 2016
Air Compressor relay, circuit breaker, Mar 2016
Air Hose pictures, 2015
Passing airline through bulkhead (back wall), Mar 2016
Air line installed and quick disconnect in hitch, Mar 2016
Aluminum mounting plate, Mar 2016
Air line filter, Jan 2017

Wheels & Tires
Toyo Open Country Mud Terrains 255/85/R16 load range E Aug, 2015 Tar Pics here!
Toyo M/T Tires v.2.0 Dec. 2023
4Runner Limited Wheels, Feb. 2016, here, and here.
4Runner Limited reconditioned wheel for spare, Oct 2016
Denso TPMS Sensors, Feb. 2016
Dynabeads for dynamic tire balancing Aug, 2015
5-Tire Rotation pattern and calculated tire wear, Sep, 2016
Valve Caps, 2017

Clearancing for Larger tires
Wheelers 1/4" bump stop shims in the front, July 2016
Cab Mount Chop (CMC), Oct 2016
Beat the pinch weld flat with a sledge hammer, July 2016
Notes on rubbing and clearance, Oct 2016

Steering & Suspension
Front: Bilstein 6112, Dec 2016
Rear.: Bilstein RCD/BE5-B110-T5 Shock, Dec 2015
Camburg Ball Joint UCA's, June 2016
Wheeler's Polyurethane Super Bump Stops Front and Rear.
How I measured for proper bump stop height.
Why I switched from twin-tube shocks to Monotube shocks.
OME Dakar Leaf Pack with D29XL and 3* axle shim
All Pro U-Bolt flip, and here
Solving the Dakar Leaf Spring Squeak (obsoleted by post below)
Dakar Leaf Spring Maintenance (holes drilled for isolators), Oct 2016
100% Reinforced and refurbished Factory Lower Control Arms (LCA's)
Duralast Tie rods inner & outer 71,116 miles, Dec. 2016
Flex Test and measurements, Jan 2017
Measure Rear Flex, Jan 2017
Leaf spring shackle explaination, and rubber bushing binding, Jan 2017
Compression vs. Tension shackle, a technical explanation, Jan 2017
Greasable leaf spring shackle (modified OEM), Jan 2017

Drive line
How to measure and calculate drive line angles
Drive line angles measured.
Fully rebuilt drive shaft is in, Oct 2016
Torquing Drive Shaft bolts proper. (65 ft.lbf)


Maintenance Corner
The ongoing war on dust intrusion, 2009-2016
Solved Body Creak noise under warranty, 2009
Steering Intermediate Shaft Replaced TSB-0119-10, July 2010
Rear Diff Gasket replaced under warranty @ 20K miles, May 2011
Dealer replaced starting battery, May 2011
Did the big 30K mile maintenance myself. Denso plugs went in. Mobile 1 Diff Oil went in diffs and xfer case
I do oil changes myself using Fumoto drain valve every 5K and use Toyota filter
Clean Throttle body, mass air flow sensor, 31K miles, Aug. 2012
Greased both LCA bolts and sleeves, Nov. 2013
Replaced Serpentine Belt at (5) years, 50K miles because it was fun, new Bando 7PK2120 Belt went in.
Flushed Coolant at (5) years, 50K miles, because it was fun. Zerex Asian went in.
Flushed Transmission Fluid, 54,840 miles, because it was fun. Valvoline MaxLife went in.
Flushed Brake Fluid with DOT 4, 55,165 miles, because it was fun. DOT 4 Valvoline went in.
Front brake pads replaced, 55,106 miles, Duralast Gold pads went on, March 2015
New all steel lug nuts, 2014
Paint inside boxed section of frame, Nov. 2014
Seal holes in front boxed section of frame with duck tape, Nov. 2014
Performed 60K mile maintenance, Aug. 2015
Toyota Starting battery died, replaced with EverStart Maxx 24F, Sept. 2015
Bent factory CAM tabs, Oct 2015
New Factory Headlights, Nov 2015
Wash and Wax, Nov 2015
Replaced stripped camber bolt, Nov 2015
Paint axle housing and rock sliders, Dec 2015
Clean inside tailgate, Jan 2016
Performed 64K mile maintenance, Jan. 2016
Repairing the door actuator, Feb. 2016
Replaced HVAC Blower Motor resistor, Mar. 2016
Replaced broken tail light (my fault), Mar. 2016
Pressing LCA bushings, with bottle jack and torch, June 2016
Changing the oil in the Tacoma V6, July 2016
Electrolytic Rust Removal (Electrolysis), Aug 2016
Replace Center Support Bearing on Drive shaft, Sep 2016
Painted exhaust and muffler, Oct 2016
Internal tailgate repair, Oct 2016
Remove spindle, Dec 2016
ECGS Diff CV Bushing, Dec 2016
Front End Rebuild, Dec 2016
Clinical Post-mortem pathology re: sudden Schrader Valve Core Deaths, Feb. 2017
Flush power steering Fluid, Feb. 2017
Loose hub bolt, Oct 2017
5-Tire rotation, Feb 2018
Change Oil, June 2018

Reference Material
Brake Parts

Silly mods
The Calcium Carbonate Mod
Smencils
How to convert the Tacoma to Front Wheel Drive (FWD)!
Magnet mod for 5-7+ HP

Retired, Obsolete, worn out, or reversed modifications
Duratrac Tires LT265/75/R16 Load range "C", Aug. 2011- Aug. 2015
JBA HD UCA May-Sept 2015
OME 90021 nitro charger shocks.
OME N182 Nitrocharger reach shock
Energy Suspension performance polyurethane radiator support bushings, Aug 2015
Old OME Dakar Leaf Pack custom configuration with D29XL AAL and overload removed and here, here , here and here.
7-pin trailer plug relocated into bumper, June 2009
Bilstein 5100 shock and OME 885 coil, Dec 2015

Places I've visited
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Dec. 2009
Death Valley NP, Nov. 2009
Joshua Tree NP, Jumbo Rocks, 2009
Yosemite NP, White Wolf, 2009
Campo, CA Ride along with DHS Agent, Feb. 2010
Pine Valley, CA April 2010
White Mountains, Inyo, National Forest, CA 2011
Death Valley NP, August 2011
Jacumba Mountains BLM, Feb. 2012
Green Valley Falls, Cuyamaca Mountains, Nov. 2012
Agua Caliente County campground San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park., Feb 2013
Pinyon Mountain Valley, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Feb 2013
Bass Lake, CA Western Sierras, June 2013
Yosemite NP, July 2013
Joshua Tree NP, Jumbo Rocks, October 2013
Agua Caliente County campground San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Feb 2014
Santa Rosa Truck Trail, NF, May 2014
Western Sierras Lake camping, June 2014
Chariot Canyon, Rodriguez Canon, Anza-Borrego, Borrego fest OAUSA, Oct. 2014
Joshua Tree NP, jumbo rocks, Oct 2014
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Nov 2014
Otay Mountain Truck Trail, Nov 2014
Death Valley NP, Dec 2014
In-Ko-Pah Mountains, May 2015
Sierra Nat'l Forest / Yosemite Nat'l Park, June 2015
Inyo Nat'l Forest, Primitive camp, 10,000' alpine lake, July 2015
Table Mountain BLM / Laguna Mountain Cleveland Nat'l Forest July 2015
Mount Laguna Recreation Area, September 2015
Lake Murray, Oct. 2015
J-Tree NP, & Bouldering Oct. 2015
Berdoo Canyon Road, Oct. 2015
Berdoo Camp, Oct 2015
Pie for the People, Oct 2015
Cabazon, CA Oct. 2015
Sheephead Mountain, San Diego County, CA, Nov. 2015
In-Ko-Pah, BLM land, Nov. 2015
Anza-Borrego Desert, Nov 2015
Death Valley Part 1, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Part 2, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Part 3, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Part 4, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Part 5, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 4 part 1, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 4 part 2, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 4, part 3, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 4 part 4, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 5, part 1, Dec. 2015
Death Valley Day 5, part 2, Dec. 2015
Exploring Upper Desert, San Diego County Jan, 2016
Borrego Palm Canyon - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Jan. 2016
Font's Point - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Jan. 2016
Family Camp Site - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Jan. 2016
Galleta Metal Sculptures - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Jan. 2016
Mountain Spring Stagecoach Trail - Anza-Borrego South, Jan 2016
Balboa Park, Mar 2016
In-Ko-Pah Mountains, Mar 2016
Mojave Road with Friends, April 2016
Mojave Road with Friends part 2, April 2016
Mojave Road with Friends part 3, April 2016
Mojave Road with Friends part 5, April 2016
Lake Tioga, Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, June 2016
Fossil Falls, CA, July 2016
Crowley Lake, July 2016
Convict Lake, July 2016
Mammoth Hot Springs, July 2016
Laws Train Museum, Bishop, CA, July 2016
Silver Canyon, CA, July 2016
White Mountains & Ancient Great Basin Bristlecone pine forest, Part #2 July 2016
Volcanic Tablelands, Aug 2016
Mammoth Hot Creek Geological Site, Part #2, Aug 2016
Bishop Creek, Lake Sabrina, Aug 2016
Bishop Creek, North Lake, Buttermilk Boulders Part #2 Aug 2016
Keogh Hot Springs, Alabama hills, Aug 2016
Desert View Tower, Boulder Park, Jacumba Mountain Wilderness, Sept 2016
Exploring the Mojave National Preserve with "Diet Taco", Nov 2016


Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Part 1
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Part 2
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Part 3
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Part 4
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Part 5 - Zabriskie Point

Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 3, part 1
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 3, part 2
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 3, part 3
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 4 - The Ranch Resort
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 4 - Badwater Basin
Death Valley Nov. 2016 a Family Adventure Day 4 - Crossing the Panamint Mountain Range

Sea to Summit - New Years Day Adventure Part 1 2017
Sea to Summit - New Years Day Adventure Part 2 2017
Sea to Summit - New Years Day Adventure Part 3 2017


Anza-Borrego 2017 January Part 1
Anza-Borrego 2017 January Part 2
Eastern Sierra's and 395 adventure, Summer 2017
Anza-Borrego 2017 August
Joshua Tree NP & Mojave Nat'l Preserve. Oct 2017


Anza-Borrego 2018 Feb
Anza-Borrego 2018 Feb Family Camp
Sonoran Desert Scramble, April 2018

TO DO LIST
Go camping

Install gas tank skid

Relocate backup camera

Front Bumper, maybe
Bypass internal transmission / radiator cooler (prevent pink milshake of doom) 2019

Boat sides, maybe

Energy Suspension 8.10106G Rack and Pinion Bushing Set, Instructions, writeup
Replace front diff drain plug with Lexus part # 90341-24016

 

In 2012 I added a shell. It's an A.R.E. MX with Yakima roof rack and windoors on both sides, with fold down glass (so I can wash the trucks back windows). I applied black Vinyl wrap to the rear door.

In the thermonuclear heat of the summer of 2014 I added a roof vent for the shell.

I used some Reflectix insulation to make window shades for the shell.

I also made some window shades for the back windows to use when my kids need a nap while on road trips. They are pressed into place, and rolled up and stowed behind the head rests when not in use.

 

In the fall of 2012, I had a custom order placed directly with BajaRack. I had them build a flat utility roof rack with expanded steel mesh floor. It has proven to be exceptionally useful to me in my travels. I had some initial fitment issues with the brackets, and had to have them take back the rack and straighten it, but all of my issues were addressed and I am very happy with it. Hard to remember, but I do recall weighing the rack and it was about 50 lbs.





BajaRack 2.0

 

Looking forward to this. Your uses are similar to mine in many ways and you always have good information to offer.

 

The Yakima roof rack on the topper holds many things for my trips. Always attached is a 4' section of ABS with a mechanical test plug on the end. It's attached using u-bolts and alum angle. Very solid connection, and zero problems with it. I use it to keep my steel tent poles in there. The poles are for our 10x10 Kodiak tent.

The rack also holds (2) Mity Lite Flex Lite Folding Chairs, and 48" Hi-Lift off road jack, and a full size shovel.

On extended trips the rack holds the the Road Shower.

 

Electrical System Diagram

I carry (full time) 75 watt solar panels. The panels are actually (3) panels wired in parallel. I framed them in 3/4" offset aluminum angle using some roofing sealant. This fit my requirement of long and skinny. Panel cost was about $110.

I'm using nylon 550 para cord to hold them down. Initially I wanted the ability to remove the panels to manage them, but I quickly realized that managing panels sucks. It's much better to just mount and forget.

I used black vinyl electrical tape around the edges of the aluminum angle, therefor my solar panels do not attract attention from people walking by. So many people I stunned when I tell them I have panels permanently attached to my roof, they never seem to see them or notice until I have them step up on sliders and have them take a look!

The solar panels are wired to a CTEK Dual 250S unit.

The CTEK is connected to both batteries. All charging, either by vehicle alternator or solar, is fully automatic due to the CTEK. It's really that simple. Zero maintenance. If you can connect the wires, it will do all of the work for you.

It is the best product available on the market for a dual battery setup. It's a DC-DC charger and MPPT solar controller in one. The second battery I carry weighs 50 lbs. and is in a battery box in the truck bed strapped down on the drivers side. It is a walmart EverStart Maxx 101 Amp Hour deep cycle battery. Cost was about $100 for battery. My battery philosophy is buy cheap, use and abuse, and replace every 5 years.

My charging system has operated flawlessly and has remained maintenance free for almost (3) years now.

Solar panels.




CTEK Dual 250S


My aux battery and a cheap tool box where the CTEK lives along with a blue sea 6-circuit fuse block.

 

In 2009 when my truck was a month old I ordered some Stubbs HD-SKO sliders. Very beefy sliders. I had my buddy weld them up. I've been very happy with them over the years. I want to say they weighed 40 lbs. for each side.

When they get real beat up after long trips, I just clean them up, slip a piece of cardboard between the truck body and sliders and hit them with Krylon. Easy peasy.

This 5-year old photo was just after a long trip in Death Valley.





After another trip to DV (Dec. 2014)

After the $6.00 Krylon treatment.

 

Every off-road driver who drives on rocky trails should do this next mod and that's trim the tail pipe. As I recall, two minutes with a fresh blade and no more tail pipe to crush. I know it's quite common to cut it right after the axle downturn, but I wanted to retain the last hanger. I cleaned up the sharp edges with a file for safety.

 

I earned my amateur radio license in April 2013, and upgraded to General class in December 2013. I wanted it for the ability to reach out for help in the event of an emergency while out of cell phone range. I quickly mastered the VHF / UHF radio programming, and radio technology hurdles. I made some contacts, but I have never got into the ham radio scene... For me its about proficiency in operation and utility... not a hobby for talking.

It's a Kenwood TM-V71A VHF / UHF Radio. I like it very much.

My radio install has a funny story behind it. It was June 10, 2013 and around 10pm I told my wife I was going into the garage to work on the radio project. I worked until the sun came up! The work needed to get done and with my busy schedule it was the only way.

For radio installs, I have a different approach than most. I require that whenever possible, parts be mounted so that they are serviceable. For the radio head, it's connected with a 10' control cable, and it's mounted with velcro and rests either by my transmission shifter, or I move it to my dash when on trips. By being movable, I can sit anywhere in the truck and still operate the radio. The mic cord reaches as well as the external speakers if necessary.



The radio body is mounted with zip ties underneath the drivers seat. I ripped out the seat and put it on the tailgate so I could have space to work.



The coax is routed from roof rack where antenna is mounted down the backside of the cab and under the rear of the truck and up through a rubber grommet under the drivers chair. I fed power from the aux battery in the bed of the truck and followed the coax and through the same hole. Thus, my radio can be run while the truck is off and I have no fear of running the starting battery down.

Antenna is a Larsen NMO 2/70B. It is a wonderful antenna.





The furthest contact I've made with the radio was through a repeater, 141 miles.

I also modified the radio by cutting a wire and popping out a resistor in the radio. So in the event of a emergency, I am not hardware restricted to Amateur radio bands.

 

In Jan-Feb of 2015 I went nuts with L-Track and installed it in strategic locations in my truck bed. It is a serious approach to cargo control, IMO.

L-Track is made from extruded aluminum. The tracks come in 2", 6", 12", 24", 48" sizes. It is very easy to cut, shape, drill because aluminum is easy to work with. The cargo fittings come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Fittings are good for 1,500 WLL pull. I initially did this for my ARB fridge, then I decided to put it everywhere else.

A picture of a 2" section of L-Track

I bought mine from U.S. Cargo Control

 

I have an ARB fridge which I use for trips. It is extremely convenient and it works very well. I secure it to the truck with straps and it's security locked with a bike lock as a backup in case I forget to lock the truck shell. When I pull out the fridge, the L-track fittings pop right out. So easy.

 

This is a test

 

Here are some more photos of the L-Track install. They are mounted between the ribs of the truck bed. They are almost flush with the adjacent ribs, it's about 90% flush. I I had everything bolted in, I put back the bed mat and cut it. I strategically thought this out and I wanted 12" sections of the L-Track. For each 12" section there are three mounting bolts. I used all stainless hardware, 3/4" flat head machine screws, nylon luck nuts and 1+1/4" fender washers.








Here it is with the bed mat put back and holes cut, My 4.5 year old daughter helped me every step of the way.




I store the cargo fittings in the back of the truck until they're needed and move them. So easy.



I mounted some L-Track to the front of the bed, for this I had to use special rivnuts for plastics. I made my own tool for pulling the rivnuts. It got the job done. If you notice the fitting in the picture below, it's 90* out of the track, in other words it's not secure. This was courtesy of my 4.5 year old helper.


This is what the rivnuts look like after they've been pulled, they crush and form a tight mechanical bond. If installed correctly they won't move and the stainless screws thread in and tighten up just fine.



In order to pull a rivet nut, there are special tools that greatly help. I didn't have the money to buy one so I built the one pictured below.



Not all rivet nuts are created the same, Here is a link the ones I used. I got them at McMaster-Carr

Dimensions #1 Click for picture

Dimensions #2 Click for picture

 

I made my own hi-lift mount with some simple U-bolts. Stanley Part number V2193. 5/16" x 1-3/8" x 2-1/2" I bolted the hi-lift to the Yakima bars and after 100's of miles off-road I can say it worked immaculately. I think I'm into my mounts for $4.50.

I cut some pvc mat and padded the yakima bars, I just zip tied that stuff on and it's still good almost 2-years later!

I only mount the hi-lift for off-road family trips when the back of the truck is full! If I'm by myself, there is plenty of room in the back of the truck to strap it down.

I keep a small ratchet and 10mm deep socket in my center console for when I need to mount / dismount the hi-lift. Pretty easy and very secure.







I also have a slider adapter for the hi-lift and I can say that product works great too!

 

Sweet truck!

Thanks for the info regarding the L-Track. Just got some installed in my truck on the weekend.

 

AWESOME!

 

In 2010 I added to my truck Aux blinkers. They are LED's which are spliced into the factory wiring harness for the turn signals. For safety I wanted cars next to me to see my signals. Toyota was dumb to not do this in 2009, so I had to mod it and make it better. I know they put turn signals into mirrors these days but they did not back in 2009.

The LED's cost me $10 each, and have operated perfectly with zero maintenance all this time. When I did the install I fully waterproofed everything and made sure everything was perfect. I wrote this up as a DIY mod:

Side Turn Signal Repeaters / Markers Mod

 

In 2009 on my first off-road trip in the rocks I almost ripped off the 7-pin trailer connector. So next weekend, I busted out the bi-metal hole saw and cut a hole in the factory bumper and relocated the 7-pin trailer connector. Cut a hole and move it. Done!

 

Thank you very much. Love your racks, BTW! Very ingenious.

Thanks. You're welcome!

 

I've always loved your truck. Sub'ed to hopefully copy some of your ideas.