One Putts TRD OR/GFC build. with hiking camping and pew BS

2018 TRD Offroad with premium package.

This truck originally started when I decided to section hike the 800 mile Arizona Trail in fall of 2018. I needed a solid offroad vehicle to get me to some rough and remote trailheads along the way. My initial plan was to have the trail complete in 1 year. I wasn't really sure my long term plans for the truck. At the time I didn't have a car I worked 1/2 mile from home and just walked everyday. Used my wife's car for errands etc.

Unfortunately for me I blew my ankle out pretty bad 100 miles into the trail. Then the rona hit. During my recovery focus kinda shifted more towards backcountry truck camping and I liked where the taco was able to get me and started to see the possibilities. In 2021 I bought it the lease, and finally decided to commit to full build out.

The initial truck and simple mods
OEM Pro grill
Rigid sae fogs
Cali raised hidden dual row light bar
RCI front skid
T4R pro wheels I negotiated in to my original deal
265/70-17 Toyo Open Country AT2
Pakrax flat tailgate panel
In this configuration it has 35k miles with about 5-6k in dirt miles.Pretty much pushed the maximum capabilities of the stock bilsteins and leafs along the way. The mostly stock truck continued to surprise me in what it could do.




The AT2's had an unfortunate incident with some volcanic rock and sidewalls so now it was decision time. New tires or go bigger and commit to a full build. Since I hate my wallet of course full build won out.

Initial stage of full build is suspension and wheel/tire upgrade
Fox 2.5 DSC 14 inch 600lb front springs
JBA UCA
Fox 2.5 DSC rear with
Icon RXT leaf pack set at option 2
Pakrax bed stiffeners.
@SCSPerformance Ray 10 brushed gold
Toyo Open Country RT Trail
275/70-17 with full size spares mounted to old trd pro wheel. Mounted by @Discount Tire
Durobumps front and rear bump stops
ARB single compressor
Expedition Essentials air comp bed mount
RCI trans skid
RCI Sliders 20 degree with top plates
ARK splash guards
Diff breather mod
Front sway bar removed




Front before/after comparison





Sitting at 23 7/8 inches fender to center hub front and 25 inches rear now up from 21/22
Parts from @state48overland with work done by AZ Toy Pros

 

Go Fast Camper install and build
So made it up to Montana and had the GFC installed. Started on some mods @TailHook gets an the credit and thanks for handling the chase light and rear view camera electrical work. The install is super clean
Chase lights are @Baja Designs s2 wide cornering
I've added the following
Lock covers
Shittco tent awning kit
Interior pull down handle for closing rear panel from inside
JE designs tent pull down strap
Bubble levels on exterior extrusion
Vrnclr bedding catch
Front wall molle panel
Hardkorr led lighting
Ecoflow delta 2 to power interior lights and upcoming fridge/freezer

 

Some hiking camping and wheeling pics

 

Subscribed and hello from Phoenix!

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help with the new rubber

 

Couple weekends ago out with @azshooter40 and @TailHook



45-70 vs watermelon
https://youtube.com/shorts/qSTb9CLr1PQ?feature=share

 

On board air done thanks for the help @TailHook
Added the @CaliRaisedLed 3 switch panel in the driver side dash cubby for the switch.





RCI trans skid installed



Note to future self do not do anymore truck mods during an AZ summer

 

Sway bar delete and Ark splash guards. Also added diff breathers when I had rear diff fluid changed

 

Old school vs new school

 

Sweet! How's that 45-70 shoot? I'm saving money for the Big Boy X. I have 700 rounds of .44 mag ready to go.

 

Really depends on what load I use the 410 grain sub sonics it's fairly soft, but switch to the 325gr 2000fps full power load and she's definitely a thumper. I absolutely love that rifle though

 

Seat Jackers installed. Definitely improved seating position most notably upper leg support. My hamstrings can actually rest on the seat now. Still lacks headroom to the point I am thinking of going to a good upholstery shop to have the seat cushion redone. Definitely a future project not urgent



The bigger news GFC has been ordered. Build 5912 wife and I had planned a 2 week road trip in Aug so scheduled my install to coincide with the run from Yellowstone to Glacier. Mid day stop in Belgrade to get the install done

Few planned changes before the trip
Order sliders swap out front springs to set of 14 inch springs I got. Swap in stage 2 of the RXT leaf pack to support the camper weight.

 

GFC install done last week and fell in love with MT. Can't wait to go back this summer



Sliders are here and getting installed in 2 weeks along with a couple suspension tweaks

 

Your chase light install looks clean! Just curious once you drilled into the GFC for the wiring where did you run it to? I was planning on mounting some S2s for chase lights as well and just not sure what I want to do with routing the wires quite yet, but need to get into the engine bay to finish the wiring on my switch pros.

 

So it's a split the chase lights we ran the wire through following the 3rd brake light routing and tapped into the trailer harness for power. Then ran ignition relay to the switch in the cab.

The camera we ran the cable under the driver side T rail through the opening in the front bed corner down to the frame ultimately into the engine bay. This would have also worked for the chase light power run

All credit to @TailHook for the electrical though cause I'm and idiot when it comes to that stuff.

 

Thanks, this helps a lot.

 

Bed platform build. Traded a buddy my old oem bed mat for help and tool access.
Started with a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 inch birch plywood. Used the bed mat as a template for the initial cut. Since the the rear is 52 inches wide used the fender cut out and jigged it together to fill in the 52 inch width. Covered it with marine grade carpet. Mounted the fridge slide up and secured it to the bed using the factory bed bolts. Will add that with bed stiffeners on the tailgate bed bolts are not long enough to engage threads even with the plywood counter sunk. Had to source some 130 mm replacement bolts.

Can't believe Goose Gear charges $800 for their bed base. This was just about $100 in materials

 

Few minor updates.

Maxtrax added to earn my overlander badge

@A_Baum92881 was able to source me a hardkorr RFID switch and remote so re routed the upstairs lighting wiring and relocated the switch now that I can bring remote upstairs to turn off light.

Solar test went well. The ecoflow has easily been able to handle my minimal power demand. Can go at least two nights with no charging needed. Prob 3-4 esp in cooler temps 60-70

Also finally got around and picked up a proper stove. Single burner cook partner. I really had no need for dual burner and this is much more compact than bringing a two burner I don't need.


Few big long trips upcoming to really put it to the test.

 

Summer trip 1/2
Grand Teton NP


Yellowstone



So far had struck out on the mission of capturing the big predators in pictures was chasing sunlight and tips for 5 straight days. Finally gave up and just headed to lamar valley to watch Buffalo in the morning then head up beartooth highway. Randomly saw 2-3 photographers set up well before sunrise. Stopped talked to one who advised they were watching an elk kill waiting on a grizzly. So stayed and waited it paid off. Caught the trifecta grizzly, black bear and a wolf pack all feeding on same kill

 

Glacier NP
Unfortunately not the best conditions for photos but definitely a beautiful place. Chased sunrise again to get a parking spot at logan pass got a hike in despite the 30+ mph winds and low 30s windchill

 

awesome build man love to see it