jim65wagon
Well-known member
The Wild Crow - Flight Prepartions (A Not So Wild Build Thread)
Well,we done went an did it. We bought a new truck. It is a 2014 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road withthe TX Baja package. Why? Because ….Well,...here's the back story....
As you may or may not know, my wife and I have this plan: In 3-5 years (depending on our kids' college time lines) we plan on running away together. Selling nearly everything we own with the exception of our teardrop trailer –the CrowsWing; and our Toyota Tundra – the CrowsTow (aka Queen Elizabeths Revenge) and travel the USA for at least a year, seeing the sights and generally be itinerant vagabonds.
Wait....you already have a Tundra to tow the trailer ....where does the Tacoma fit in with this plan? Well, let me 'splain, please. No, there is too much. Let me to sum up:
The original plan did involve the Tundra. Rebuilding all the components (I do mean all) of this daily driven 220,000 mile truck (300,000+ likely by the time ofthe trip) was going to be a costly and time consuming affair. Also considering we will soon be in need of an extra vehicle due to two driving age teenagers. It became clear that we would be better off starting with a new vehicle, building it up to our specs and keeping the tundra for the extra vehicle, ..
The Tacoma TRD PRO was chosen back in February when rumors of it came out. Why? Well, Iliked it. It had all the Off Road features (locker ATRAC, DAC) but also looked cool with the scoop and “bead-lock” wheels. Plus, the suspension was already upgraded, saving me from buying an aftermarket suspension and lifting it in the driveway Hey , and it's covered under Toyota,s warranty.
So you wanted a PRO but got a Baja? Oh, you noticed that discrepancy? Well, yeah....when the dealer (we only stopped to test drive a TRD Sport) asked if wewanted a 2015 or a 2014, I said if you can find a 14 BAJA equipped the way I want I'd settle for that. A two hour search later they found one. After a not so brief negotiation (they took a chunk of money off the price for it being a 2014, offered a low low finance rate and added some to our trade in) we agreed to buy a new truck
Here it sits: The Wild Crow.
It's Black, it's beautiful and it's ready to take over towing,kayak hauling, and forest road duties from the Tundra.
Modifications and Cost List:
Interior:
Glovebox Organizer - by Salex.........$18
ImMrYo Mirror relocation bracket....$35
Tuffy Cup Holder.............................$30
HuskyLiners Xact Contour Mats........$202
CoverKing Seatcovers.....................$311
Cobra 75 WXST CB radio.................$75 years ago, pulled it from the Tundra
Constant USB ports in console........$50ish with USB's, wiring, fuse block
400 watt anytime mod....................$ CHEAP
110v outlet in console.....................$25 for outlet and wire tap
Towing:
Tekonsha P3....................................$120
EZ View Mirrors from TrailToys..........$45
Ultragauge......................................$80
Exterior:
BAJA emblem...................................FREE!
Steekers on the cap.........................FREE! to $7 each. We like to collect them from places the truck has been
Hood Crow and Stripe......................$70
Painted Beadlocks...........................$ 9 Primer and Black
Suspension:
Firestone Ride Rite Airbags..............$310
Daystar Cradles..............................$76
Underhood:
Redline Tuning Hood Struts..............$76
Bed and Storage:
Jason Workforce Cap (used)............$700 + $200 in expenses getting it home from SC
BensonX DIY HiLift Mount and
Fuel Can Storage and
Yakima Rack storage.......................$20ish in hardware along with some scrap aluminum
QuickFist Clamps for
shovel, axe, and bow saw................$30
Total for mods so far:......................$2,256
Trips List (camping with the teardrop):
Monongahela National Forest July 2015
Kerr Reservoir July 2016
Highlands NC July 2016
The Wild Crow as it looks now:
Well,we done went an did it. We bought a new truck. It is a 2014 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road withthe TX Baja package. Why? Because ….Well,...here's the back story....
As you may or may not know, my wife and I have this plan: In 3-5 years (depending on our kids' college time lines) we plan on running away together. Selling nearly everything we own with the exception of our teardrop trailer –the CrowsWing; and our Toyota Tundra – the CrowsTow (aka Queen Elizabeths Revenge) and travel the USA for at least a year, seeing the sights and generally be itinerant vagabonds.
Wait....you already have a Tundra to tow the trailer ....where does the Tacoma fit in with this plan? Well, let me 'splain, please. No, there is too much. Let me to sum up:
The original plan did involve the Tundra. Rebuilding all the components (I do mean all) of this daily driven 220,000 mile truck (300,000+ likely by the time ofthe trip) was going to be a costly and time consuming affair. Also considering we will soon be in need of an extra vehicle due to two driving age teenagers. It became clear that we would be better off starting with a new vehicle, building it up to our specs and keeping the tundra for the extra vehicle, ..
The Tacoma TRD PRO was chosen back in February when rumors of it came out. Why? Well, Iliked it. It had all the Off Road features (locker ATRAC, DAC) but also looked cool with the scoop and “bead-lock” wheels. Plus, the suspension was already upgraded, saving me from buying an aftermarket suspension and lifting it in the driveway Hey , and it's covered under Toyota,s warranty.
So you wanted a PRO but got a Baja? Oh, you noticed that discrepancy? Well, yeah....when the dealer (we only stopped to test drive a TRD Sport) asked if wewanted a 2015 or a 2014, I said if you can find a 14 BAJA equipped the way I want I'd settle for that. A two hour search later they found one. After a not so brief negotiation (they took a chunk of money off the price for it being a 2014, offered a low low finance rate and added some to our trade in) we agreed to buy a new truck
Here it sits: The Wild Crow.
It's Black, it's beautiful and it's ready to take over towing,kayak hauling, and forest road duties from the Tundra.
Modifications and Cost List:
Interior:
Glovebox Organizer - by Salex.........$18
ImMrYo Mirror relocation bracket....$35
Tuffy Cup Holder.............................$30
HuskyLiners Xact Contour Mats........$202
CoverKing Seatcovers.....................$311
Cobra 75 WXST CB radio.................$75 years ago, pulled it from the Tundra
Constant USB ports in console........$50ish with USB's, wiring, fuse block
400 watt anytime mod....................$ CHEAP
110v outlet in console.....................$25 for outlet and wire tap
Towing:
Tekonsha P3....................................$120
EZ View Mirrors from TrailToys..........$45
Ultragauge......................................$80
Exterior:
BAJA emblem...................................FREE!
Steekers on the cap.........................FREE! to $7 each. We like to collect them from places the truck has been
Hood Crow and Stripe......................$70
Painted Beadlocks...........................$ 9 Primer and Black
Suspension:
Firestone Ride Rite Airbags..............$310
Daystar Cradles..............................$76
Underhood:
Redline Tuning Hood Struts..............$76
Bed and Storage:
Jason Workforce Cap (used)............$700 + $200 in expenses getting it home from SC
BensonX DIY HiLift Mount and
Fuel Can Storage and
Yakima Rack storage.......................$20ish in hardware along with some scrap aluminum
QuickFist Clamps for
shovel, axe, and bow saw................$30
Total for mods so far:......................$2,256
Trips List (camping with the teardrop):
Monongahela National Forest July 2015
Kerr Reservoir July 2016
Highlands NC July 2016
The Wild Crow as it looks now:
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