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I've bought Optima batteries online at 1st Optima Battery Sales before with good results (fresh battery, full warranty, etc). Surprisingly, the shipping was free and the batteries arrive in 2-3 days via UPS. 1st Optima has some good info on their site about capacities, applications, and...

There are a lot of misconceptions about what the GMRS service and FRS service are and what they are not. Here is a very good FAQ on the difference between GMRS and FRS and the requirements for their use. Most people don't realize it, but if their inexpensive hand-held "FRS" radio provides...

What you've heard about the Tacoma's lift=vibration issue was a hot topic in the Toyota forums for the 2006-2008 Tacomas and was discussed in another thread here on Expo. I don't know if it was a problem in the later year models. Basically, many, but not all, people who lifted their Tacomas...

I don't know the exact weight of the old or new bumpers, but I'd guess the bumper weighs about 60 lbs more than the stock bumper. This estimate does not include the winch of course. One of these days I'll weigh the stock bumper but right now it is tucked up into the rafters in my garage...

Aluminess installed a front bumper on my 2006 Tacoma about 7 months ago. I had something a bit different in mind than what Aluminess had in stock but they were very patient and worked with me to come up with a modified design I really liked. I also asked them to add a 2" receiver to the front...

Charge her $150 and call it a new style?

Head out the window at cruising speed? Works for Fido :)

I would be a little worried about this website if I were on the security patrol -- they had the intruders in the spotlight a couple of times and didn't see them :088:

A good compromise in a mobile dual band (2m/70cm) antenna is something like the Comet SBB-5 which has pretty good reviews. The SBB-5 and other antennas can be folded over when you need to get into the garage or a parking structure. There are some other Comet "bush rugged" antennas on the...

I have both ham (2m/70cm) and CB installed and I also carry hand-held FRS/GMRS units. I avoid using CB and FRS/GMRS whenever possible and only as a last resort to communicate with people who don't have ham radios. Once you've enjoyed clear, reliable, long distance ham communications, it's hard...

A couple of points regarding GMRS: GMRS radios are mostly used by commercial outfits and small businesses (e.g., plumbing companies, installers, etc). Because of this, it stands to reason that GMRS repeaters are typically located close to urban areas. If you use a mobile GMRS radio on the...

Congratulations on your new position Chazz!

I've been looking at Springbar tents, specifically the "Outfitter 3" model, for use in dusty/blowing sand environments. They come in all sizes, and have a reputation for being very sturdy in high winds. They are too heavy for backpacking, but they pack small for vehicle camping. I just got...

Probably not what you had in mind, but ... you did ask :) My panel is portable in that I can mount it as shown in the photo or, if I'm parked in the shade, move it into the sun using an extension cable I carry. This panel is 85W and is used to support power needs and charge my aux battery on...

Thanks for the great report and the photos! A real change from the Yuma/Colorado River area where we last traveled :) I just got back from a trip to Utah a few weeks ago (Grand Staircase-Escalante) and I'll be making more trips up your way in the next year or so.

The reason I used them is they are a very solid connector and they're waterproof (there is an o-ring in the plug and a compression seal around the feed wire). Out of the weather, I just used 30A Anderson Power poles and various crimp connectors. MC-4 plugs are a bit of an overkill on a mobile...

CED GreenTech is the name of the company. They're at 7980 Ronson Road, between Convoy and Mercury. The MC-4 connectors run $4.50 ea. Don't forget to pick up the metal male/female connector parts which are part of the plug but are kept separate in the bin.

MC-4 connectors available on Amazon The MC-4 connectors would likely be available from any local solar panel installer in your area. San Diego has a good one if you're in this area. Amazon also has them for sale. The MC-4 connectors have a "lock" to keep them connected that takes a unique...

As far I can find, the answer is yes for all species of scorpion. There is a chemical compound in a scorpion's exoskeleton called coumarin that fluoresces under UV light. One theory is that this compound, typically found only in plants, is thought to have evolved to protect the scorpion from...

Thanks!! Great report!! I just got back from Grand Staircase-Escalante NM and recognize some of the scenery from your trip -- and I see a lot more that I want to go back for! Thanks for the details!