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Pick up an inexpensive ultraviolet light at someplace like this. There are some examples of detecting scorpions on that website and a bunch more if you Google "scorpions uv light". They really glow in the dark when you shine a UV light on them. You can see them from 10 ft away (really!). The...

On my '06 Tacoma, the tow package option gave me a supplemental oil and transmission cooler (already mentioned) along with the heavy duty OEM battery, a 130-amp alternator, and the 7-pin power connector on the rear bumper. The 2" receiver was rated as a "class 4" tow hitch with the option but I...

I also had the same concerns and agree with the previous comments -- Optimas shouldn't off-gas in normal situations, but may off-gas in extreme conditions such as when overcharged at high temps. As a former submarine sailor, I'm very careful with battery off-gassing. Fortunately, there is a...

I appreciate the feedback! I'm still comfortable however, using the "chassis" amp rating for #4 gauge wire in my application. I was unclear about the difference between "chassis wiring" and "power transmission wiring" when I worked on that project and did some research regarding the two...

Lots of good ideas have been posted for sleeping platforms -- try searching on "sleeping platform" or other related terms and you'll find some very creative ideas and practical solutions. Baja Taco led the way for many of us with his prototype on his website at www.bajataco.com. Here is a link...

My philosophy is a bit different when it comes to fuse size selection. I have a set up very similar to yours (aux battery for non-OEM loads and Blue Seas ACR) in my Tacoma. Photos with wiring diagrams of the system are here and here. For my fusing, I calculated what my maximum load currents...

I really like how Barlowrs mounted his GPSMAP 60Csx on the grab handle! I came up with a similar and somewhat simpler (but less elegant) solution for a grab handle mount for a 60Csx shown here.

"...they noticed quite a bit of shooter trash etc ..." I'm not a frequent shooter, but I've often cleaned up shooter's trash in the desert -- mostly just because it offends me and leads to public criticisms and closures. One problem I've encountered when picking up shooter's trash is finding...

If cleaning the switch doesn't work... If cleaning the switch doesn't work... The switch is a known problem on some ICOM mics. HRO San Diego and other HRO outlets will repair them for you for ~$10 or you can buy the switch for a couple of bucks and do it yourself. Amateur soldering skills...

In my '06 Tacoma, I attached my SPOT to the passenger A-pillar hand grip using a RAM mount with bicycle handlebar attachment . Reception has never been a problem. Photos in this other thread.

I tried an OEM door mounted audio speaker for my ham radio but wasn't happy with the results. A bit pricey at $49.95, but this Yaesu external speaker delivers very clear voice audio from my ham radio that seems to cut through the rumble of off-road travel. You might find an equivalent ICOM...

Thanks for the photos! Looks like a great trip through some favorite areas. If you get a chance, take the rest of Red Canyon trail up to the I-10. It ends near Chiriaco Summit where the George S. Patton museum is located. Very interesting stop.

For my 2006 Tacoma, I also decided to go with a tablet computer. No problems so far with durability, but I have everything backed up so a HD failure is not the end of the world. Having a computer screen in my view line wasn't desired and I was concerned about screen survivability when bouncing...

Great design! It looks very capable for battery management. I hope this thread continues as a "how to" so I figure out how to build one too. You've hit all the issues I struggled with in designing my own aux power system -- which is not nearly as capable as yours! Or maybe I can be the first...

I didn't really do a cost comparison as the wiring rigs provided with the commercial products would not have fit my system. My sense is that I saved money doing it myself in view of the complexity of the system. Much of what I installed would have needed to be added to a Hellroaring or...

After looking at the commercially available power management systems, I decided to go the DIY route with my aux power system in my '06 Tacoma. I wanted to keep my stock battery for stock items only and put all the extra 'gadgets' (nav system, radios, Engel 35, GPS, inverters, etc) on an aux...

You mean like this? RAM tube mount works fine on A-pillar of 2006 Tacoma, allows quick removal of GPS, and has minimal vibration. No problem with signal reception on Garmin GPS60csx. 12VDC power connection easy to install and saves on batteries.

The power adapter 'brick' for the router should have some info on it about the voltage and current output listed in small print. Radio Shack and other electronic supply houses sell adjustable DC adapters ("cigarette lighter" connection) with various types of plug ends to fit almost any device...

I have a set of Firestone Ride Rite air bags on my 2006 Tacoma. They do a great job of smoothing out the bumps (I also have springs and shocks). I've had no problems at all with leaks. I usually just check them before major trips and typically have to add only a pound or two of pressure. I...

I installed a similar b/u cam about 6 months ago. It comes in handy when you're backing up and don't have a spotter. Mine is in the standard license plate holder position, but it would be better if it was mounted up high to get some depth perspective, such as on a roof rack. The camera body...