Simple yet Satisfying DCLB

I used the truck to move my sister's shed yesterday. Having the winch mounted on a receiver worked great!

 

Installed some At The Helm bed side stiffeners. Amazing build quality! Since I already have KB Voodoo bed rail caps, I was unable to go with a stiffener that used the upper bolts. It would not have lined up due to the added metal thickness.

 

I also cut and installed a front window for the camper shell.

 

The factory battery died yesterday. I got exactly 4 years and 1 day out of it. I guess that's about average, but I've always had better luck in the past. I replaced it with a duralast gold direct fit from vato zone.

 

I also changed the oil today. At 50,000 miles, I figured it was time to switch over to full synthetic. I have been using OEM Toyota oil filters since new. This is a good read for anyone not sure what filters to use:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-oil-filter-made-in-thailand-vs-the-competition.123608/

 

on OE filters, Toyota dealers on eBay have singles, half, and full cases available for good pricing, get them with the drain plug seal and change it out every now and then.

 

I finally changed the spark plugs today at 51,000 miles. I purchased the Denso plugs at the dealership (now I can’t remember which ones) that are recommended, and I made sure they were set to .043” (they were perfect right out of the box, but it’s always worth checking). The old plugs were in no way seized and were easy to remove, but the gap had increased to about .050 to .052”. I think the recommended interval of 30,000 miles is too soon, but I will follow that from now on. It is a very cheap and easy job.

 

So, I am experimenting with an interesting new sleep platform idea for when I want to “stealth” camp solo. I am 6’ 4”, and there is PLENTY of room. The camper shell is still good for trips with the gf, but I have been getting very frustrated with dust and water getting in. I’m thinking I’ll permanently remove the back seat, but only remove the front seat for solo trips. The only downfall would be an airbag light because of the removed seat. Hmm.

 

I also goofed around with the welder and made some anchor points for the hammock. It works perfectly. All I need now is a beverage holder with a magnet.

 

Nice! @SMKYTXN can take care of that for you

 

Good call! I think I am due for new koozies as well...

 

they might come take your beer

 

https://trailtoys.net/products/magnetic-koozies

 

Big Jesse, I really like your idea of pulling the front seat for solo trips. I wonder if there is a way to loop the airbag wire harness to complete the circuit and make the dummy light go off. That would be great.

 

That would be wonderful, but I haven’t been able to find anything on it. I’m not willing to risk damage to the SRS system experimenting with it.

 

In my shopping cart.

 

I know I am in the minority, but I have always hated the huge ugly fender flares on the second GEN. I have had mine off and on a few times over the years. I take them off because they’re ugly, and then I end up putting them back on because of the stupid holes in my fenders. I had an interesting idea that I tested out on the scrap pieces left over from my HC rear bumper. Bondo from the back side. I think it looks great. The touch up paint is still wet, but you get the idea. It is smooth. I am interested in anyone’s thoughts on whether it will hold up.

 

Genius!

 

Yes! I have been seriously second-guessing this idea, because, “Why hasn’t anyone else done this?“.

 

Now that the Bondo and touch up paint have dried, I gave the panel thorough torture test to make sure it can hold up over time. It passed with flying colors. This is now on my list of things to do. First though is finishing my in cab sleeping platform and testing it out a week from tomorrow on a camping trip. Here is how that is looking so far.