Canadian Patrol GQ build up

Abitibi

Explorer
Front bar

Thanks for the good comments guys!

A friend and I managed to get my front bar finished a few weeks ago, quite heavy duty! I've mounted my good old 8274 winch and 3 LightForce 170 HID. I've mounted the middle one up to clear the winch hook up but might be able to bring it down again, we'll see... Since these pictures were taken I've got a good synthetic line (thanks to EXPO vendor!) and a strong hook plus a couple shackles. Let's the fun begin!

Cheers,
Mr. D

Front bar 3.jpgFront bar 2.jpgFront bar 4.jpg
 

motrjay

New member
Hey could I ask you a favor, whats the length of the rear of the front seats to the back door if you had no second set of seats (i.e how long a sleeping platform would you have with just 2 seats?)
thanks!
 

Abitibi

Explorer
Hi,

I don't have the exact measurement now but it's around 7' long. I can confirm for you later on if you wish...

Cheers
Mr. D
 

Abitibi

Explorer
Update

Hi all,

I think it's time updating a bit on what I've been up to with this truck aside from playing in the trails.

I installed my 3 HID Lightforce on the front bar, awesome lights although I had (and still have) some issues with water making it's way inside the lights via the grommets. (Lightforce USA were great to deal with for warranty although I still have the same issue with one of the new lights they sent me).

I've wired these lights on a 3 way switch so that they can either be "off", "on" or come "automatically" along with my highbeams.

I've also mounted a LED side flood light to provide some illumination under the awning, great for camping and doesn't hurt my batteries if I leave it on for extended period.

Also mounted some interior marine flex reading lights that are normally secured in place along the interior roof line or can be swung outside when working around the truck. One at the back, one on driver's side. They can either be turned out via head switch of via a front cab switch which is great for checking up on the kids while driving at night.

My Warn 8274 with synthetic line is working awesome and since it's a 12v unit running on a 24v truck this beast is FAST! Haven't modified anything and been using it all summer without issues.

I'm also posting some pictures of a recent trip with some good old tree friends ie. gentle giants... and my summer sleeping retreat.

Finally, it's not completely finished but I started installing a Xantrex LinkLITE battery monitoring system which monitors both the Amps and Volts. I already had a volt meter but they don't tell you how your batteries are doing, the Amps reader is the way to go!

And also some cool natural art work happening on my hood with the frisky weather settling in...

motrjay I didn't forget you, just didn't have a tape to measure by the time I posted this... will be back soon!

Cheers,
Mr. D
 

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thedjjack

Dream it build it
Be careful of trying to visit a dam site in the US or Canada. They will see the air tank when they look under your vehicle and have you on the ground with guns aimed at your head :D :D :D

Yes in the US...In Canada someone would have to drive home and get a hunting rifle at most the Dam sites.
 

Abitibi

Explorer
Looks great and still an amazing truck. Just need to ghetto it a bit... And room for 7, now that you're a family man! ;-)
 

Abitibi

Explorer
A few more changes...

I moved my Backup LED light (not quite satisfied with earlier setting) and started from scratch. Previously it was behind the glass and the flood pattern ended up hitting my ladder and spare.

I mounted the light onto the spare mount and brought the wiring through a small hole I drilled into the panel. Ran the wire through a rubber grommet filling the new hole and fished the wire through the existing connector between the door and the actual truck. Then I simply spliced it with the existing brake harness and ran it to a remote 3 way switch at the front. The spare can be removed without any issue and now I can light up the back of my truck like a Jail yard! Love it!

I'm still using it hooked onto a 3 way switch allowing me 3 options:
-to have the light come when the reverse gear is engaged,
-to turn off the light all together,
-to give a nasty wake up call to the idiots tailgating me. (or use it when truck is off to set up campsite)

Screen Shot 2011-11-25 at 8.04.48 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2011-11-25 at 8.04.38 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2011-11-25 at 8.04.12 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2011-11-25 at 8.04.21 PM.jpg

Some of the pictures also shows the recent gift I received from LightForce USA (sunglasses for my lenses). I had issues with my lights and aside from replacing them all they also gave me those lens covers, sweet! Also a few gauges to monitor all the goodies; boost, Amp/Volt meter, wvo gauge, egt.

That Amp/volt meter is pretty nice. It clearly shows me how is my consumption of power in amps which gives me an idea of how my electrical system is working...

IMG_0099.jpgIMG_0102.JPGIMG_0101.jpgIMG_0100.JPGIMG_0103.jpg

The picture with the 2 large drums is what powers my truck. A constant supply of freshly used veggie oil that I filter home and use/share to power my truck along with a few local vehicles. It's amazing how the price of fuel as absolutely no effect on my moral! :)

Cheers,
David
 

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Abitibi

Explorer
Happy New Year everyone!

Anybody got an idea why most of my earlier pictures are now 1/2 lost? I might have to edit each of my posts or start a new one but it would be nice to find a way to avoid such a bummer...

Lately I spent more time trying to figure which way I want to go with this build up than completing anything... Coming from a Westy background I was pretty spoiled with interior configuration but this platform proves to be a challenge. Especially my need to retain room for 4...
My plans will continue to evolve for sure but my needs remain pretty stable, function over fashion and basic quarters (sleeping, eating, showering...) I'm not really interested in the RTT or canvas pop-top. I'd rather have hard walls for a future popup roof... Over time I also realize I'm more into touring than hardcore 4x4 although this truck has proven to be very capable!

Enough venting! Something good came along last month, a new turbo manifold and turbo! Now I need to get going with the downpipe and new exhaust. This truck won't complain of some extra ponies on those long hillclimbs!

Catch up soon!
Cheers
Mr. D
 

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