Bigwapiti's 2011 Tundra build...'BIG NAMBE'

[bigwapitijohnny]

Night shots of lights...

All,

Here is my attempt at some night shots for the lights. Please note that these shots are 'dimmer' due to the limitations of my camera at night. I tried to 'standardize' the shots the best that I could. I took these earlier this year. The grass is about knee high in places and the treeline is about 150 yards away...

Driver

Overhead

Driver with headlights only

Overhead with headlights only

Driver with headlights + Rigid Industries Dually D2 fogs

Overhead with headlights + Rigid Industries Dually D2 fogs

Driver with headlights + Dually D2 fogs + Fyrlyts

Overhead with headlights + Dually D2 fogs + Fyrlyts

Driver with headlights + Dually D2 fogs + Fyrlyts + Rigid Industries 40" light bar
**You might be able to see the reflective nature of the LED light on this shot. We had a campfire close by and the wind blew some of the smoke into the beam of the light bar (1 o'clock position from the tree). I could not see the smoke from the headlights or Fyrlyts...

Overhead with headlights + Dually D2 fogs + Fyrlyts + Rigid Industries 40" light bar.
**I have reflection on my roof, however, this is not an issue to me at all. I do lose a little light from the position of the light bar, however, I believe this to be minimal, and I don't have to deal with glare on the hood...

Outside the driver's door

My impressions so far...

1) The combination of halogen (headlight / Fyrlyt) and LED (Dually D2 fogs / 40" light bar) needs some getting used to. The halogen lights seem to 'penetrate' more into the trees and surroundings while the LED light seems to be more diffused as the objects get further away. I believe that either light technology will be suitable, you just have to get used to them...

2) LED light is more reflective. I believe this to be from the temperature of the light itself. When driving through rain, I could see the drops clearly and the direction that they are coming from. In a downpour, this may hinder visibility. Having said that, this issue can be minimized by the use of the clip on filters that Rigid offers. It is significantly better with the amber filters on. I have not tried the blue filters at this time though.

3) Fyrlyts are bright as well. I had these set on the 'flood' setting. These lights put out some heat, you can feel the heat standing 8-10 feet away. One issue with the Fyrlyt is that there is a small leak on one of them. Fyrlyt has addressed this issue and is sending me 2 pair of seals from a new manufacturer.

I am blessed to be able to have both technologies on my rig. I will never be in want for more lighting.

Regards,

BWJ

 

[cam-shaft]

Nice work, I really like your build.

Cam-shaft.

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Nice work, I really like your build.

Cam-shaft.

Thanks!

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Atomic Fabworks Fire extinguisher mount is on...

All,

In the relentless quest for efficiency, I now present to you the Atomic Fabworks fire extinguisher mount...Previously, I had my DD fire extinguishers attached with a combination of the factory mount + a Quikfist. Not anymore, Atomic has these little babies available. The design is simple and elegant. During a panic situation, I believe this will afford a quicker response than fiddling with the previous mounting system. Here is the scoop:

This bracket comes in two seperate pieces that pivot around a bolt on the bottom and is held in place with a t-handle pull pin on top. There are several slots / holes located along the bracket itself for plenty of mounting options.

I chose to mount the fire extinguisher with hose clamps, and I bolted the mount to my cabinet system.

All it takes is a quick pull of the T-handle and you are ready to go. I have two mounts, one in the truck and one on the Sherpa II. Enjoy!​

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Wainiha]

You need some more lights. JK.

I think your pics don't do it justice. Judging from my experience with my LED bar. Reality and camera shots don't compare. I have 6 LEDs @ 3 watts each.

Here's a daytime head on. It is all I have,



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

You need some more lights. JK.

I think your pics don't do it justice. Judging from my experience with my LED bar. Reality and camera shots don't compare. I have 6 LEDs @ 3 watts each.

Here's a daytime head on. It is all I have,



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Exactly ~ Reality and camera shots don't compare. That is why I tried to qualify the pics as being 'dimmer' and emphasized the limitations of my camera at night. I would say that the light output is truly exceptional. Much better than a smallish camera can ever portray.

Here is a daytime shot of my setup...Dually D2s have the amber filters on...

Regards,

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Overhead camping light project / camp locator is done...

All,

I have completed another project for my camping armamentaria. I noticed a couple of times this year, I was in need of additional overhead lighting. Since I have the IBS dual battery system, I dove right in. I was able to acquire a lockable 12 plug / adapter from Marinco, and I had Atomic Fabworks install the plug in the passenger side cabinet. I went with a pair of Rigid Industries Dually D2s (diffused lens), as well as a 6' LED lighted whip for a camp locator. I have daytime pics only at this time. I'll post up some night pics when I get a chance. Onto the pics...

The basic setup is as follows: I went with a 4' / 8' retractable painter's pole. The base and mounting bracket were fabbed up at Atomic. The adjustable pole is 'locked' in with wire pin fasteners at the base and the light mounting bar. The whole system is able to break down significantly. The base can be 'driven over' for stability, however, I chose to mount this on the roof rack.

The coil cord was quite a problem since I could not locate exactly what I needed. I did not want to splice several short 'cobbled' sections together, rather, I was looking for a coil that was one piece. Cable science to the rescue. I ordered a 5 foot coiled cable that could stretch out to 30 feet if needed. The NCV182 is a 2 conductor / 18 gauge coil that can accomodate up to 300 volts if need be. Cable science offers this in any lenght that you need. Fabrication took 4 business days and it was shipped following completion. The coil is high quality. The rubberized coating appears very durable, and I am looing forward to many years of service. I recommend Cable Science highly.

As mentioned earlier, the lights are Rigid Industries Dually D2s in a diffused pattern, and the whip is from Tribal Whips. Both lights are able to be unplugged when needed, and they are quite bright to say the least.

I mounted the base on the Bajarack to gain as much height as possible. The total height of the Duallys are about 20 feet + the length of the whip. I have tied the pole with some heavy duty bungee straps, and they are hooked to the corners of the Bajarack.

I'm working on becoming more proficient at setup and teardown. I'll post night pics when I am able to. Enjoy!

Regards,

BWJ

 

[pyrate]

Nice way to get some light on your camp. The amber lenses in the bumper lights...are they slip on lenses?

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Nice way to get some light on your camp. The amber lenses in the bumper lights...are they slip on lenses?

Thanks! Yes lenses snap on.

Regards,

BWJ

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[toyotech]

sweet overhead lighting solution. let see some night shots

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

EXO rear bumper with tire carrier pic...

All,

I just got a pic from EXO of a rear tire carrier for the Tacoma. My rear tire carrier will be similar to this. I am particularly liking the modularity of this system. I'll have my choice between a rear tire / gas cans / Armstrong GMTK toolchest / custom winch extension + recovery case...Too many options at this point. It will consist of a single swing only. I cannot wait...

Happy New Year everyone!

Regards,

BWJ

 

[ReadyForAdventure]

All,

I just got a pic from EXO of a rear tire carrier for the Tacoma. My rear tire carrier will be similar to this. I am particularly liking the modularity of this system. I'll have my choice between a rear tire / gas cans / Armstrong GMTK toolchest / custom winch extension + recovery case...Too many options at this point. It will consist of a single swing only. I cannot wait...
Happy New Year everyone!

Regards,

BWJ

I'm eagerly awaiting pictures of your bumper! Questions about the tacoma bumper, is that the most recent model? I emailed EXO a while back and they said they were redeveloping their rear bumper and it would be on sale around this time of year.

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

I'm eagerly awaiting pictures of your bumper! Questions about the tacoma bumper, is that the most recent model? I emailed EXO a while back and they said they were redeveloping their rear bumper and it would be on sale around this time of year.

Just called EXO and they are currently testing the Taco carriers with their new latch design. As soon as it passes, they will begin to fab my carrier...CANNOT WAIT!

Regards,

BWJ

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

EXO project has begun...

All,

Earlier, I was given some pics, from EXO, of their dual carrier for the Taco. This setup is similar to the Tundra. Initially, it seemed too 'crowded' and overbuilt. Don't get me wrong, I believe the EXO carrier system to be one of the more stout offerings out there, but to my eye, I am glad that the overall width of the Tundra is wider and stretch things out a bit.

I was wanting a modular approach, where I could have options in terms of choosing armamentaria. I feel as though a dedicated tire carrier would be one dimensional. EXO seemed to have understood this in their design. With the use of a grid configuration, There are many ways I can utilize this mount.

My initial concern is with the back-up camera / shroud. I have sent them a pic, with measurements, of what I needed to clear the factory back-up camera. I have grown to really appreciate this option ~ call me spoiled. I find it a major time saver when hooking up the trailer. In addition, it provides an added measure of safety when backing up with kiddos everywhere...My preference is to maintain the location of the camera, however, if I have to move it, so be it...Here are some initial pics of the EXO bumper for the Tundra. Yes, this is mine.

I did not want to go with dual carriers at this time. I feel as though the single is going to be fine for me. It will require some thought on what I end up with ~ good problems to have at this point. Needs are Hi-lift jack, pelican case with recovery gear, the Armstrong GMTK toolkit, or a Rotopax cell. Options, options, options. That is what I like to have.

Here is the Taco and Tundra pic for comparison...

Taco

Tundra​

Also, I have decided to take the Rigid industries Dually D2 off the Baja Rack and I will place 2 D2s in the supplied light mounts. I found the Dually D2 with the diffused pattern to wash out when placed low, and I prefer a more directional beam when backing up. It is perfect for overhead lighting, but not for backing up. I'll see when I get the rig set up.

BEEF, IT'S WHATS FOR DINNER...

Regards,

BWJ

 

[ReadyForAdventure]

Diggin the progress on your rear bumper! Still awaiting pics of it installed on your truck!

I was looking back at your pics of the roof rack- how does the Baja Rack mount? Did you have to drill into the shell?

Thanks,
RFA