Expedition TrailBlazer Project

[JamesDowning]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm enjoying how it's progressing so far.

I wish I had an update on the bumper today, but my schedules have been conflicting with the fabricator's lately, so no progress to report.

However I figure I'll post a few pictures that don't really warrant a trail report from this past weekend. Just a simple little camping/off roading trip into the GW.

Setting up campsite, was able to snap a few photos:

Megan preparing some kabobs for the grill.

Sometimes I think we carry too much...

The view over the fire:

Tried to catch a picture of the stars. It was so clear, a perfect night for shooting stars.

Morning breakfast:

Some pretty views of the trail:

Figured you guys might appreciate a few of those.

Hopefully more info on the bumper soon.

 

[Seabee]

I think I saw you this weekend outside one of the trails to GWNF. I was in the 4Runner group that was airing up. That's a nice rig you have there Bro.

 

[02TahoeMD]

Nice James....where did you camp down there? I think I am going to try for a trip out over the next couple of weeks.

 

[wrigh003]

Cool build- nice to see what you've done with a unique platform. Those bumpers are awesome.

 

[JamesDowning]

I think I saw you this weekend outside one of the trails to GWNF. I was in the 4Runner group that was airing up. That's a nice rig you have there Bro.

Hey, I figured someone from that group was a member here. Looked like some nice trucks in that group... I should have stopped and at least said "hi".

Nice James....where did you camp down there? I think I am going to try for a trip out over the next couple of weeks.

This was along that same trail we took last year. It was a small knob before you get to Meadow Knob. There are a ton of good campsites down there, just drive around for a few minutes and you'll find a few. If you need some GPS points, I can try to grab some for you.

 

[JamesDowning]

Almost got the finishing touches on the rear bumper.

Below is the bumper itself in 95% finished format.

Testing out the swing arm. The arm had to be bent outward to follow the tailgate contours because the bumper is so compact to the rear end.

As tight as possible to the tailgate, while still allowing unhindered access through the glass. (Also going to fit the hilift and a jerry can in there somehow too... there's enough room, I hope...)

:elkgrin:

 

[poriggity]

BEAUTIFUL!!! I really like this TB! Glad to see one getting used!! Nice truck brother.
Scott

 

[JamesDowning]

Oy, it's been entirely too long since my last rear bumper update. But I can finally say it's complete.

Final installation:

Everything minus the tire:

With tire:

Safety pull latch:

The hi-lift is really tucked in there tightly:

Quick comparison with a stock TB:

I can't be happier with the final result. The bumper is exactly what I wanted - although it took a really long time to get it done.

I still need to re-mount the license plate and do a few other things. Almost done, but not yet complete. At least its finally on the truck. :wings:

 

[BCHauler]

Fabulous job! I'm really enjoying your build.

 

[JamesDowning]

Thanks Hauler, it's slowly getting there.

 

[Marcie's Disco]

Killer bumper! The rig is really coming together nicely. The top TB i have seen anywhere.

 

[02TahoeMD]

Nice!

James, that bumper turned out just great. You all did a phenomenal job with it, and it looks like it was worth every cent IMHO.

If you want to do a trail run sometime this winter drop me a line.

 

[TangoBlue]

Nice detailed work on the bumper - turned out great!

 

[Deleted member 9101]

thats really an awesome bumper!

 

[chilliwak]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm enjoying how it's progressing so far.

I wish I had an update on the bumper today, but my schedules have been conflicting with the fabricator's lately, so no progress to report.

However I figure I'll post a few pictures that don't really warrant a trail report from this past weekend. Just a simple little camping/off roading trip into the GW.

Setting up campsite, was able to snap a few photos:

Megan preparing some kabobs for the grill.

Sometimes I think we carry too much...

The view over the fire:

Tried to catch a picture of the stars. It was so clear, a perfect night for shooting stars.

Morning breakfast:

Some pretty views of the trail:

Figured you guys might appreciate a few of those.

Hopefully more info on the bumper soon.

Hey, you dont carry to much stuff! Extra weight is good for added traction!