Lexus GX470 Expedition build

[boo471]

Completing the build of the Fridge tray

So the fridge tray project had been put on the shelf for a while. We are planning on going out camping next weekend so I felt I wanted this done before the trip.

All that was left to do was some fine tuning of the tray frame. Adding mounting slots for straps that will hold the fridge to the tray. Spray it with some paint and mount it.

Tray mounted in the truck.


Final Result for the day.




//Marten

 

[ripper1600]

great build can't wait to see more

 

[Lecoq]

Looking better every week!

 

[boo471]

Navigation set up

I just received an iPad that I am planning to use as navigation device with motion x and route buddy that I use on my Mac to plan routes and export to motion x on iPad.

A ram mount is on its way as well. It's the sturdier 1.5" ball version and it will be bolted straight in to one of the IP panels. I am currently looking at a bracket support solution to make sure the iPad won't wobble and crack the IP.

Will post pictures once I get started mounting the parts.

//Marten

 

[boo471]

Weekend trip with local ExPo members part 1

This weekend some local ExPo members gathered up to explore the back roads in the mountains of NC. We turned out to be a group of around 9 cars that met up to enjoy the day/weekend. Everything from extreme troopers/Wranglers to stock F150s and a very big Ford Excursion. We all met up in Wilkesboro, NC and headed towards the mountains from there. We hit some fairly challenging trails and we had to recover the Tacoma hanging halfway down a canyon and I managed to put myself in an off camber situation that I did got out of with the help of a spotter but it was a little to much lean for comfort. Overall it was a very good weekend (Thanks Breethn for setting up the event).

More information and pictures from the other drivers can be found here.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116585-NC-meet-and-greet-2nd-edition-October-5th/page12


Here are some picture of the event.

The starting line up in Wilkesboro.


Took a quick break before heading on to the trail to air down the tires and get ready.


Some pictures from the trail




I was on point for this trip and had to get out of the truck a few time to check what we had up in front of us. Its always interesting when you hit a rock garden while going over a crest and when you cant see over the hood what you will hit on the other side.


The trail ended with an interesting ledge down into a creek. I have some video from this as well that I will upload and share.

Trying to agree on the best line (I had already gone down the ledge and did not pick the best line so I left some orange paint on the rock as usuall)


Decision made and of we go.




Continues in next post.

 

[boo471]

Weekend trip with local ExPo members part 2

Once we hit asphalt we stopped to air up and the group got split up. Some had to head home and the rest of us drove on to find a camp spot for the night.


That night we enjoyed good food and drinks in good company. With a clear sky full of stars and woke up with a beautiful sunrise and leaves in dark red colors telling us that fall is definitely on its way.
My rig looks like a strip club with all the blueish LED lightning in it




The morning after we cooked a steady breakfast. Looks like the men should be cooking on camping trips and the women relaxing (?!).


Me in my element of comfort :chef:


The Lexus'eseses (?) and the tent set up for the night


Continues on next post....

 

[boo471]

Weekend trip with local ExPo members part 3

The second day we headed out to scout some roads that I found while sitting looking at maps back home.

We did find some very interesting roads and some that where an EXTREMLY tight fit.

Brett took point and was ready to hit a very small road that didn't seemed to have been used in a looooong time.


Like I said it was very tight and you continuously had branches falling down on your truck/hood. Custom pinstriping....yeah.


Note the nice branch I have scraping my driver side window....


At Table Rock Mtn the rest of the group split up. My wife, my dog and I decided to hike up Table rock Mtn while the others decided to head back home. We where presented with great views at the peak and a good ending of a great weekend.




I did get some battle scars from the weekend. Front bumper got a good hit when I skidded down a ditch and I got the GX in to an interesting off camber lean. This provided me with a nice sounding tire rub every time I turn left. The rear bumper got some hits and I am very glad that I had my skids because I did hit rocks quite a few times.






Im looking forward to the next trip!


///Marten

 

[Yuman Desert Rat]

Good times!! Wish I could have made the trip... Hopefully next time!

 

[dorton]

Nice update and great pics

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[iRagedoYou]

Very nice rig and pics! 👍

 

[mtnbike28]

Thanks for sharing, looks like a great trip!

 

[LL247]

Your GX has inspired me...looking to pick up a new expo rig and was considering Land Cruiser 100's but they seem to be in short supply around here. Local dealer has an 06 GX for a good price and after seeing the potential, might be working a deal soon.

Awesome rig!

 

[shane4x4]

Awesome pics, as usual

 

[boo471]

Good times!! Wish I could have made the trip... Hopefully next time!

Nice update and great pics

Very nice rig and pics! 

Awesome pics, as usual

Thanks. We had a blast. Always fun to head out with a group and get to know new people with similar interests.

 

[boo471]

Your GX has inspired me...looking to pick up a new expo rig and was considering Land Cruiser 100's but they seem to be in short supply around here. Local dealer has an 06 GX for a good price and after seeing the potential, might be working a deal soon.

Awesome rig!

I'm glad to hear that. For some reason they are very rare on the trails. I was also looking an an LC/LX 100 first. But same as you its hard to find a good one with decent mileage at a decent price. I took the GX for a test drive and bought it right away and haven't looked back since. Unless your in need of the extra space the LC100 gives you the GX will do pretty much everything as good or better then the LC100. And the space in the GX isn't to shabby either.

The downside for many with the GX is there are almost no parts you can buy that are direct bolt on. So if you plan on building a rig. Prepare to built your own gear or to bring out the cutter to make stuff fit. For me this is a BIG plus since my rig will be unique to everyone else and I love to build stuff so that's a win win for me.