2015 DCSB TRD OR - Build For Adventure

I bought my 2015 TRD Off-Road Base used from Toyota of Escondido in early March 2017. It had 18,000 Miles on it. I bought this truck with the intention of turning it into a family adventure vehicle. My goal is to make this more of an overlander and not so much of a rock crawler (which I have done in the past). I didn't take any pictures of it at the dealer, but I did do an Anza-Borrego Trip the weekend after I bought it.

 

I like to utilize my trucks, so a couple of days after buying it, I decided to load it up with a bunch of compost.


My plan is to have a shell with an RTT on it, which will be about 350lbs. While doing this load, I noticed that the back felt real spongy even with the three leaf pack. Time for an upgrade.

 

Since I already shelled out the extra cash for the TRD package with the Toyota Bilsteins, I didn't want to just rip them out and put Icons or something in. So after reviewing a lot of post on TW, I decided to go with 1.5" AAL's from Wheeler's Off-Road. I followed this great link:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aal-install-second-gen.54186/

Before Pics:

Notice the 'Tacoma Lean'

After Pics:


Definitely raised it over 1.5", but I'm happy with the results.

 

NEW TENT!!!
Thanks to 20% off coupons, I got my Tepui Autana XL in Siberian Camo From the friendly people in green vests!




Like a glove!

 

Unpacking The Tent


I didn't document the tent set up at all, not really rocket science. However, here's a pic of my son helping me install the anti-condensation mat. (Which is a MUST HAVE for non-ruggedized Tepui owners)




Mounted it to the bed using some 80/20 that I had laying around. This stuff is definitely too thin for my comfort and will have to get upgraded. But, at least its a good dry run.


Quick re-measurement to show the weight on the bed.

 

Custom Rack!

I bought this off a guy on CL. He had it custom made for his '05. Mounts directly to the factory holes in the roof gutters. Came with the RotoPax, the Roto-lock and an LED light bar.


For this I just followed BajaRacks installation guide.
http://www.bajarack.com/racks/48/TYTCM-SFA-0.pdf

I even fabricated my own "Special Bolts" (Item 'I' on their packing list)

Here's the Rack and the Tent ready for their first camping trip.

 

20 year old Hi-Lift Jack Renovation.

I've had this jack since my old days of rock crawling in my '85 when I lived up by Tahoe. Now, with the brand new pretty truck, it needs a face lift.

Before:


After:


Once the Shell comes, I'll mount this in the bed.

 

First Camping Trip up to Idyllwild.

All loaded up. You can see the 'Solar Shower Tank' mounted here. It's the first (Failed) edition and I didn't document the build.


Other side.


And with everything set up.

 

The Shell is IN!


And the Shell is ON!


Special Shout out to Kurt and the Crew @ Valley Camper Sales in Escondido, CA. If you are in San Diego County and in the market for a shell, This is the place to go.
http://www.valleycampersales.net/

 

Now that the shell is on, there's some electrical that I have been meaning to get to.

First, I had to hook up the LED light bar on the Rack. However, the only available button locations on my TRD-OR is on the center console area. After examining the set up, I noticed that my diff lock is on the left of the steering wheel and my A-TRAC is on the right with the 4x4 Switch. Also, the Diff Lock is with the light buttons. So, after some looking on Amazon and http://www.aironboard.com/online/ I found these two guys:

http://www.aironboard.com/online/pu...toyota-oem-replacement-rear-locker-green.html

MICTUNING LED Push Switch with Connector Wire Kit for Toyota - Laser LED LIGHT BAR Symbol -Green

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0117B20YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So I rerouted the Diff lock over to the Center and added the LED's to the left.



I also added the button and wiring for the future OBA and I installed a Qi charger, which I did a full write up for here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/qi-charger-in-dash-install-with-pictures.492520/