Code4beer's Mid Life Crisis Tacoma Build

[code4beer]

Electronics - Radios

For ham radios, I have an Icom 706 MKII and a Yaesu FT-350R. The Icom is setup with a 6m antenna, and I have a dual band antenna for the FT-350R. I specifically purchased the dual band radio to run APRS so my friends/family would not worry when I am out in the middle of no where.

Space is constrained behind the rear driver's seat. I did not have enough room to physically mount each radio to the seat backing. I mounted the 706 bracket to the seat backing, and zip-tied the FT-350R body to the 706. This solution has worked well.

I have still not completely settled on where I want to keep the remote heads. I have seen some people mount the head in the headliner, which is slick and custom, but moves the controls farther out of reach. What I did was used some industrial velcro and mounted the heads to the dash and center console. I use the FT-350R the most, and having the remote head on the center console allows me to adjust the volume or change channels without having to look away from the road while driving. I feel this is somewhat more secure from theft. I can easily disconnect the remote heads and stash the cabling so if someone was looking inside my truck, it might not be as much as a target for the smash and grab.

Now that I have my rear bumper installed, I will probably reconsider my antenna situation. I think I might add a screwdriver antenna for HF and mount it on the rear bumper.

This link will show my track from this weekend's shake down run. It should be good until 10/7/2010 (last 7 days).
http://aprs.fi/?call=KF6OAB-9&mt=roadmap&z=11&timerange=604800

 

[code4beer]

Electronics - Other

I have the stock 6 disc JBL sound system in my truck. The sound is ok for my needs, but I really do not like the head unit. I wanted something more, something that would give me navigation, digital music, and a rear-view camera. I could have purchased a new head unit, but then I am locked into a vendor solution that I can only extend with the product features they offer.

I am a software engineer by trade. I wanted a car computer. That way, I can customize it or do whatever - all I need is to find time to write the software. After researching my options, the idea of piecing together hardware was not appealing. I wanted something simple. It had to work without requiring me to "geek out" on it all the time. What I ended up choosing was an ultra mobile PC (UMPC).

I purchased a Viliv S5. This is a complete touch screen computer. You can customize it by selecting front end software - this is the software that runs the screens that you interact with. I chose Street Deck. It has a bunch of functionality out of the box, including navigation and digital music support. It can even read your OBDII codes, similar to a Scangauge.

The S5 is interfaced to the factory audio system via a USA SPEC PA15-Toy interface. The PA15 is simple to install. It allows you to keep the full functionality of your factory stereo, including your steering wheel controls. What it does is make your head unit think it supports more than 6 discs. When I put it on disc 9, it is piping in audio from the PA15 aux audio port. I run the audio out from the S5 into the aux port of the PA15, change the disc to 9, and I have turn-by-turn navigation, audio, etc.

In my center console, I have a USB hub and computer controlled audio mixer. I keep my entire music library on a flash drive. This works well offroad since both the Viliv S5 and the flash drive use solid state storage - there is no hard drive to crash while bumping around offroad. My thought with the USB mixer was so I could add additional audio into the system - scanners, radios, etc. However, it doesn't truly mix audio sources as it does to switch them. And the application has not been integrated into the front end software, so I don't really use it.

While this has worked well for me for I think almost 2 years now, I am still leaning towards getting a dash mounted solution with a larger screen. I want the larger screen so I can create virtual switches to turn on/off accessories. I only have a couple of switch blanks left on my dash, but I will need more than that to control the backup lights, side lights, arm/disarm the air horn, and other stuff I haven't thought of yet.

 

[code4beer]

Shakedown Run

Over the past few weeks, I have changed the rear suspension, the rear bumper, and the brakes. I have also added an OBA system and a laptop mount. The weather was nice, so a buddy and I made a quick run to Corral Canyon OHV. We headed to the Los Pinos lookout tower. The view is phenomenal. From there we continued on Los Pinos and planned on looping around Corte Madre, but the road was closed. Those are two Boarder Patrol trucks blocking the road.

The suspension upgrades worked very well. I ran my truck fully loaded with the rear shocks set at 4. I never bottomed out, compared to my buddy who hit his rear bumpstops twice with his stock TRD suspension w/TSB rear leaf.

I can recommend the EBC Yellow Stuff brake pad upgrade. However, they do throw off more dust. I included a pic of my front rim/tire. It might be hard to tell, but my front rims looked a dull gray, almost like the color of titanium. Something to consider if you are concerned about brake dust. I'll trade some dust for better stopping any day.

This was my first time using the OBA system in the field. I don't know why I waited so long to get one. I filled all my tires, plus my buddy's.

The shakedown run went well. I had no trailside failures or adjustments, nor did I find anything that I need to revisit later. It felt good to get out in the dirt.

 

[RSB]

APRS?!! nice! and I like the battery choice too.

For ham radios, I have an Icom 706 MKII and a Yaesu FT-350R. The Icom is setup with a 6m antenna, and I have a dual band antenna for the FT-350R. I specifically purchased the dual band radio to run APRS so my friends/family would not worry when I am out in the middle of no where.

Space is constrained behind the rear driver's seat. I did not have enough room to physically mount each radio to the seat backing. I mounted the 706 bracket to the seat backing, and zip-tied the FT-350R body to the 706. This solution has worked well.

I have still not completely settled on where I want to keep the remote heads. I have seen some people mount the head in the headliner, which is slick and custom, but moves the controls farther out of reach. What I did was used some industrial velcro and mounted the heads to the dash and center console. I use the FT-350R the most, and having the remote head on the center console allows me to adjust the volume or change channels without having to look away from the road while driving. I feel this is somewhat more secure from theft. I can easily disconnect the remote heads and stash the cabling so if someone was looking inside my truck, it might not be as much as a target for the smash and grab.

Now that I have my rear bumper installed, I will probably reconsider my antenna situation. I think I might add a screwdriver antenna for HF and mount it on the rear bumper.

This link will show my track from this weekend's shake down run. It should be good until 10/7/2010 (last 7 days).
http://aprs.fi/?call=KF6OAB-9&mt=roadmap&z=11&timerange=604800

 

[code4beer]

APRS?!! nice! and I like the battery choice too.

I bought a Spot GPS Messenger a week or so ago. I thought that it would have better coverage than APRS out in the middle of no where. However, buying the Spot and registering for the service, it has yet to send an OK message, nor can I see the track on their website. I sent an email to support 4 days ago, still no response. POS device and worse support.

The downside of APRS is there needs to be a digi around.

I am curious if other people have problems with the Spot???

 

[barlowrs]

Nice setup from another tacoma owner.....looks good! and welcome to Expo! hope to see you and your rig around some of the so cal runs

 

[code4beer]

Sleeping Options

Prior to my Tacoma, I had a '91 Toyota pickup (original owner). When I would go camping, I would sleep in the back of the truck (it had a shell), or in my Kelty tent. Each had their pros/cons. Sleeping in the back of the truck was nice because I didn't have to worry about finding a clearing for the tent. The tent was nice because I could unzip some of the windows and watch the night sky. I thought for sure I would go the roof top tent route and get the benefits of both.

However, the more I thought about climbing up/down the ladder, especially in the dead of night, the more unappealing this seemed. My girlfriend didn't seem to dig it either. So then I started considering a FlipPac like TacoDoc's or a 4 Wheel Trailer. I like the idea of each - easy setup, no ladders to climb up/down except for a step into the the bed of the truck, and the fact that both probably stay warmer than a tent. And since my truck no longer has to be my daily driver (I wrenched on the '91 to bring it back to life), I could setup the Tacoma and leave it in my garage. And that is the problem.

My garage has 6'11" of clearance. Since putting on the rear suspension, I can no longer drive into my garage with my basket on the shell. A RTT is out because that adds 11" to the height of the vehicle. And from what I can tell, the FlipPac will come in around 7'5", and a 4 wheel camper somewhere around the same.

My solution is to try an RV5 Oz Tent. Most of the reviews have been very positive. This should give me plenty of room. I like the fact that I will be able to stand up in it, and it deploys quickly. The downside is that it is 6'8" in the bag, and I have a short bed Tacoma. With the rest of my gear, it might be challenging to keep everything setup to bug out at a moment's notice. Hopefully, the Oz tent will show up in the next couple of weeks and I can go try it out.

 

[RSB]

true, APRS is limited to digipeaters within range. From my understanding, however, the power output of SPOT devices (only 400 mW) overshadows this limitation. APRS is much more reliable. And as an emergency PLB? They transmit at a weaker signal and are underpowered. They have no redundancy, and are subscription and commercially based. In my opinion, the concept is awesome. But for now, I'd much rather trust an ACR PLB for emergency communications, assuming both my cell phone and radio failed.

I bought a Spot GPS Messenger a week or so ago. I thought that it would have better coverage than APRS out in the middle of no where. However, buying the Spot and registering for the service, it has yet to send an OK message, nor can I see the track on their website. I sent an email to support 4 days ago, still no response. POS device and worse support.

The downside of APRS is there needs to be a digi around.

I am curious if other people have problems with the Spot???

 

[smslavin]

Nice setup. Being a software engineer myself, I'll have to check out that S5 unit. What's the API based on?

 

[RSB]

:drool: :drool:

initially I thought I'd go w/an RTT too but after looking at those OzTents—wow. I think their versatility w/their other accessories is what sets them apart from other manufacturers. The screen room addition is real cool.

My solution is to try an RV5 Oz Tent. Most of the reviews have been very positive. This should give me plenty of room. I like the fact that I will be able to stand up in it, and it deploys quickly. The downside is that it is 6'8" in the bag, and I have a short bed Tacoma. With the rest of my gear, it might be challenging to keep everything setup to bug out at a moment's notice. Hopefully, the Oz tent will show up in the next couple of weeks and I can go try it out.

 

[offthebeatenpath]

Maybe I'm asking a naive question here, but why would you choose to go with a tent like the Oztent over a true backpacking or camping tent? Here's my thoughts:

Pros to the Oztent:
-square footage- you have full use of the floor due to vertical walls
-higher ceiling- though a 6" person still can't fully stand up inside
-accessories- lots to spend money on
-apparently is quick to set-up and take down.
-heavy duty- looks like it would take more abuse over time than a backpacking tent

Pros to a backpacking tent:
-weight- the Oztent 5 is 48 lbs, my 4 man REI tent is 7.
-size- storage space is a premium in a DC Taco
-adverse weather- I would take a backpacking tent in a high wind situation over the Oztent.
-warranty- my tent purchased through REI has a 100%, no questions asked lifetime warranty. Oztent- 2 years, in Australia.
-cost- $3-600 gets you a killer backpacking tent, mine was $300. The Oztent is going to run you $850-1200. That's a lot of extra gear.


Hey, just my thoughts, I know others have different opinions, but I thought I'd present a different perspective.

 

[oxi]

I used to run 4-Bilstein 5100's with my National Spring leaf pack on my old 86.

Would standard Bilsteins work well with OME Dakar's, 4 of them?

I plan to get rid of the factory shock mounts and make my own for better ground clearance on my 2010 AC.

By the way did you ever get the roof rack above the cab started?

 

[code4beer]

Nice setup. Being a software engineer myself, I'll have to check out that S5 unit. What's the API based on?

You can use VBScript for simple stuff, or use their COM API and do more complex stuff using C++, .NET, or any language that can bind to COM.

 

[code4beer]

Maybe I'm asking a naive question here, but why would you choose to go with a tent like the Oztent over a true backpacking or camping tent? Here's my thoughts:

Pros to the Oztent:
-square footage- you have full use of the floor due to vertical walls
-higher ceiling- though a 6" person still can't fully stand up inside
-accessories- lots to spend money on
-apparently is quick to set-up and take down.
-heavy duty- looks like it would take more abuse over time than a backpacking tent

Pros to a backpacking tent:
-weight- the Oztent 5 is 48 lbs, my 4 man REI tent is 7.
-size- storage space is a premium in a DC Taco
-adverse weather- I would take a backpacking tent in a high wind situation over the Oztent.
-warranty- my tent purchased through REI has a 100%, no questions asked lifetime warranty. Oztent- 2 years, in Australia.
-cost- $3-600 gets you a killer backpacking tent, mine was $300. The Oztent is going to run you $850-1200. That's a lot of extra gear.


Hey, just my thoughts, I know others have different opinions, but I thought I'd present a different perspective.

I have a Kelty tent I bought at REI years ago. It has served me well, but as I am getting older, my needs/wants have changed. Ideally, I would like a FlipPac or FWC, but I won't be able to get my truck in the garage with those, so they are out. I chose the OZ tent over a backpacking tent because it is bigger. It will allow me to setup a cot, plus a small table/chair and I will be able to stand up in it. I also have an older dog so there will be room for her. The other thing that sold me on the tent was the ease of setup. Other family/large tents take time, or you need help. Sometimes I like to go out on my own, so being able to set the tent up quickly and by myself was important.

And finally, I am car camping now. I just need to make sure the gear fits and the weight capacity is ok.

Hope that helps shed some light. YMMV.

 

[code4beer]

I used to run 4-Bilstein 5100's with my National Spring leaf pack on my old 86.

Would standard Bilsteins work well with OME Dakar's, 4 of them?

I plan to get rid of the factory shock mounts and make my own for better ground clearance on my 2010 AC.

By the way did you ever get the roof rack above the cab started?

I have Bilsteins in my '91. They are good shocks. I think it all depends on what you plan to do with your truck. If you are going to put in Dakars, then you probably plan on carrying some weight. As the weight increases, you need to change the spring rate and valving of the shocks to compensate and adjust the ride. Most people switch to a OME leaf/shock combo because it is a proven solution engineered to work together.

Depending on how I have my truck outfitted, the weight varies. I chose the Fox adjustables instead of the OME nitrochargers so I could compensate. This has worked well for me. For example, I run the shocks on setting 3 when the rear bumper is stripped of the tire and jerry cans. When I load the bumper up, I adjust the setting to 6.

You could always put the new springs in and run the stock TRD Bilsteins and see if that works for your setup.

I have a Yakima Load Warrior basket. I cannot drive into the garage with it on anymore. I am thinking of getting a low profile Front Runner, or trying to build my own. I would enjoy the project, but I get about 1 day a week to work on my truck, so building my own could turn into a very long project. I don't have all of the metal working tools, just a Miller Mig 211 Autoset, so I think I could get the yard to cut/bend the metal, and then I could just weld it up.