Newtac11
Observer
First time caller, Long time listener (well OK...a week, But I've read 100 pages of TACDOC's thread...before i found the Cliff notes version, and all of FlyingWil's thread)
Anyway, I recently bought a 2011 Tacoma QuadCab shortbed...very short bed...(it seemed longer when i was looking at it in the dark. Mental note, never finalize your purchase after nightfall). I even waited till after the first payment to take it off road! Of course pinstripe tree branch scratches followed. I was EXTREMELY impressed at the traction it has stock! (as a matter of fact, I really have to work to get it to break free in the snow and ice while in 4wd) Now I am trying to figure out what I can stuff into it. It seems the designers at Toyota have done a very good job at using all the interior space.
Things I have and are unmounted now:
- Hydraulic MileMarker 10.5K winch http://www.milemarker.com/products/hiseries.html (needs rebuild) I pulled something like 30-40 pounds of cable off of last night.
- A Honda 3.5k Generator http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/...tion=P2GG&modelname=EG3500&modelid=EG3500XK1A I use a lot of electricity sometimes (tech geek), and never mind loaning some out...I'll also be trying to dabble with some solar ideas.
- A Max Ax http://www.maxax.com/ I have used em in the Army...and like that it saves space rather than carry separates (anything that I can use for 2 or more jobs wins IMHO)
- A Cobra 29 WX NW ST http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cobra-cb-radios-66/cobra-29-wx-nw-st-classic-cb-radio-186.html (again multitask with the weather button, but it is massive in space requirements)
- For 2 meter work, I have an old Motorola GM360 (136-174 version) http://www.comm-spec.com/radio/100056/Motorola-GM360-VHF-UHF-25Watts (this is not optimal, but if I can get it programmed for a few common freq's...it will make due until I can replace it. Or maybe ill just figure a way to hook an amp to my EFJohnson 5100 http://www.efjohnsontechnologies.com/products/portables/5100es
- A HiLift Jack....really don't think there's a need to link this one
- An iPad 3g model. Say what you want, but the large screen (for bad eyes/quick reference) and the integrated GPS along with the small, light footprint and forever battery makes it VERY handy. ( I can download a terrain/trail map using MGRS or Lat long of a 50 mile radius of where I'm going in seconds, along with all my music and movies...again multi-taskers here)
I still need to use the rear seats for the kids right now. They should be done with HS in 3 years....8 at current pace.
Things for future Purchase:
- Bumper/winch mount front
- Bumper rear...pref with swing out fuel/water rack
- Rock rails (there's a lot of room between tires compared to my ex 94 YJ) COMPLETED
- rebuild that winch! with synthetic line...
- Flippac
- Suspension lift 2.5" COMPLETED
This is getting way to long, and I have asked to many questions, so I'll sum up, I need to put all this in an order of accomplishment also. What is needed most for the trail first. (ie...suspension now before loading with weighty equipment? Front and rear bumpers for good protection/snatch-block connections? or get the electronics figured out before tying more in to electrical?)
If you have read all this I thank-you,
Charles
Anyway, I recently bought a 2011 Tacoma QuadCab shortbed...very short bed...(it seemed longer when i was looking at it in the dark. Mental note, never finalize your purchase after nightfall). I even waited till after the first payment to take it off road! Of course pinstripe tree branch scratches followed. I was EXTREMELY impressed at the traction it has stock! (as a matter of fact, I really have to work to get it to break free in the snow and ice while in 4wd) Now I am trying to figure out what I can stuff into it. It seems the designers at Toyota have done a very good job at using all the interior space.
Things I have and are unmounted now:
- Hydraulic MileMarker 10.5K winch http://www.milemarker.com/products/hiseries.html (needs rebuild) I pulled something like 30-40 pounds of cable off of last night.
- A Honda 3.5k Generator http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/...tion=P2GG&modelname=EG3500&modelid=EG3500XK1A I use a lot of electricity sometimes (tech geek), and never mind loaning some out...I'll also be trying to dabble with some solar ideas.
- A Max Ax http://www.maxax.com/ I have used em in the Army...and like that it saves space rather than carry separates (anything that I can use for 2 or more jobs wins IMHO)
- A Cobra 29 WX NW ST http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cobra-cb-radios-66/cobra-29-wx-nw-st-classic-cb-radio-186.html (again multitask with the weather button, but it is massive in space requirements)
- For 2 meter work, I have an old Motorola GM360 (136-174 version) http://www.comm-spec.com/radio/100056/Motorola-GM360-VHF-UHF-25Watts (this is not optimal, but if I can get it programmed for a few common freq's...it will make due until I can replace it. Or maybe ill just figure a way to hook an amp to my EFJohnson 5100 http://www.efjohnsontechnologies.com/products/portables/5100es
- A HiLift Jack....really don't think there's a need to link this one
- An iPad 3g model. Say what you want, but the large screen (for bad eyes/quick reference) and the integrated GPS along with the small, light footprint and forever battery makes it VERY handy. ( I can download a terrain/trail map using MGRS or Lat long of a 50 mile radius of where I'm going in seconds, along with all my music and movies...again multi-taskers here)
I still need to use the rear seats for the kids right now. They should be done with HS in 3 years....8 at current pace.
Things for future Purchase:
- Bumper/winch mount front
- Bumper rear...pref with swing out fuel/water rack
- Rock rails (there's a lot of room between tires compared to my ex 94 YJ) COMPLETED
- rebuild that winch! with synthetic line...
- Flippac
- Suspension lift 2.5" COMPLETED
This is getting way to long, and I have asked to many questions, so I'll sum up, I need to put all this in an order of accomplishment also. What is needed most for the trail first. (ie...suspension now before loading with weighty equipment? Front and rear bumpers for good protection/snatch-block connections? or get the electronics figured out before tying more in to electrical?)
If you have read all this I thank-you,
Charles
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