Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[flyingwil]

You might make it all 5 days without running the battery flat, since you will be driving the truck around quite a lot. But it won't be very nice to your starting battery if you are parked for a long period and run it down pretty low. (it will probably be upper 80's to 90 for daytime highs) On the upside, there will be plenty of us to give you a jumpstart should you need one.

:iagree:

Dave-

For mounting to avoid the clutter look into adding a female lighter socket. You can pick them up at VatoZone or Checkers (Shuck's) similar to this:

This will avoid the long distance reach to the front Aux port. You may also want to buy a Magic Bullet Blender... LOL. (BTW do you have the OEM standard 110 plugs in the bed?)

As for mounting add a good piece of wood and some sort of cushion to it (read Carpet) and use turn buckles to mount it. You can install the handles upside down if you are limited on length for the turn buckles. Use metal straps to connect the wood to the stock seat locations and remember to prepare for an accident. With it mounted in the rear, you do not want a fridge being smashed into your back... With that in mind keep everything HD for the mounting. If Remember your truck you should just be able to remove the lower portion of the seat and leave the back on (you had lots of stuff back there IIRC). Or start making a self!

 

[Lost Canadian]

I'm sure many of you saw this over at TTORA but for those that have not check it out. Shrockworks is coming out with a winch bumper for us 05+ guys that offers great protection, along with improved approach angles. They are just getting started on the Tacoma bumpers but they will be very similar to these. From what I hear these are great units. The Nissan guys rave over them.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Cobra 75 Wxst Install

Here are some pics of my CB install in progress
The center console in the new Tacoma is cake to work on.

The mic is coming out of the bottom edge of the console, I will store it in the dash cubby when not in use (for now). I like this CB because the mic is the only visible part - keeps things up front uncluttered. I had the Midland 2 in 1 cb until now, it was a good cb... but the 12v cig lighter plug and exposed coax drove me nuts! Power for the Cobra is going to come from the cig lighter under the dash.

The connection box is hidden away inside the console. The panel just pops off the back of the console. The antenna comes in through the back wall to here, this box is also connected to the mic, and power.

And on a completely different subject, I thought I'd show of my Kenwood KAC-7202 amp and Image Dynamics IDQ10 v.2 D2 Sub install. The best part of this is I made the amp rack and sub enclosure myself, and I did the whole install solo. Gotta have my music wherever I roam! This sits tucked away behind my Engel... Aint that a teaser!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Engel Install (Fitment)

Well, the Engel is here! :wings:
I got a great deal on it and SUPER fast shipping from SIERRA EXPEDITIONS, they have all the coolest and newest expedition gear you need to get there and back in style! :costumed-smiley-007
Check out the new site: http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/
I am very impressed by my buying experience and I highly recommend them! :bowdown:

Here is the bottom portion of my passenger side back seat removed to expose what I'm dealing with for a mounting surface. I will be fabricating metal brackets that will utilize the existing seat and seat belt bolts. These brackets will support the deck that the Engel will sit on. I want it to stay put in case things get out of hand so the stock bolts/steel brackets should be plenty strong in conjunction with the Transit Lock. This arrangement also leaves one side of the back seat intact for Junior Explorers.

And here is the star of this show, my new Engel MT45F-U1, it can hold 60 cans of your favorite beverage... :friday:

Sawafuji!

Here is the early fitting of the deck.

There will be head room for the copilot to open and access the fridge while we are moving. Once the metal brackets are fabbed and bolted in, I will bolt the deck surface to the brackets. Then I will bolt the Engel Transit Lock to the deck and it will be super safe and secure. I am purposely overbuilding the deck and mounting system so I wont worry about it when off road or in case of collision. Power for the unit will come from the distribution block I wired months ago for the Kenwood amp.

Stay tuned for more pics from the final install!

 

[flyingwil]

Looks great! Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[SLOwag]

There will be head room for the copilot to open and access the fridge while we are moving.

I don't know if you've seen this. There is a great mod to change the direction your fridge will open, especially important if you have few precious inches of head room to spare the lid opening on the long axis. You do have to modify the transit bag though.


http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=98524&highlight=engel

 

[Gear]

What about buying a slide lock from Sierra Expeditions or Expedition Exchange. May cost a little more($65.00 EE) but it will bolt right in. Get on it the Trophy is coming up quick!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I already have a transit lock. The problem is the mounting surface is uneven and brackets must be made to mount the deck level... see my pic above.
Once I have brackets to attach the deck to I install the transit lock and I'm good to go.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Doc what about removing the seat back on that side? Would that not give you the room you need to mount the transit lock. It's not like you'll be using the seat anyway with a fridge mounted there.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Engel Part 2

Well, after much thinking, measuring, and just plain old fashioned American ingenuity, I have my Engel installed finally, just in time for the Trophy...

Unfortunately for me, but good for the rest of the 05 and up crowd, it seems most EVERY modification I have done on this truck is a pioneering effort... But, what fun is it to have everything bought off the shelf and engineer nothing for yourself???

I ended up going with two hand-made brackets instead of four, this should be plenty strong enough. Factory mounting locations are used to ensure safety, and also maintain the option of reversing this mod back to stock if necessary.

I added the Transit Lock from Sierra Expeditions for easy in and out with the fridge.

 

[Scott Brady]

Man, that is SO NICE! Great job, and you did it yourself.

Can't wait to see this awesome machine next week.

 

[erin]

:bowdown:
Very sweet install, I like how clean everything ame out. As always, top notch!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Thanks!

 

[BajaTaco]

Lookin' cool!!

Man, I can't believe you made it through Baja without that... :sombrero:

 

[flyingwil]

Looks incredible! Nice work with the brackets.

Did you ever get your hinge locks?