Mark's DC Tacoma

[Mlachica]

Something that keeps things cold. Is that an Fridge Freeze I see hiding behind the spare tire? Is that it's permanent home/location?

Looking good. That would be a great place for a strap and some shackles. Easy access. Just don't put anything that could be stolen in there.

Cheers :beer:,
P

Yeah it's an engel 40 eagle eyes. I'll probably put it on the drivers side when I build the deck, it'll most likely be on top of the deck on slides, my stove will fit perfectly under it in its own drawer.


Thank you all for the kind words, it's a blast building it but it's even better seeing it all work together off road... :victory:


As for the tires I think i've narrowed it down to three main contenders. Maybe you guys can help me narrow it down. Things I want out of the tire, not necessarily in order of importance: longevity, even wear, durability, quiteness (this can come or go but it'd be really nice). What I'll be using it for: everything, sand, loose gravel, rocks, mud, snow, rain and a lot of daily driving.

First contender in 285/75R16,

aprx weight 56lbs., load range d, max load 3305 lbs., overall diameter 33.1, tread depth 18.5/32's


Second contender also in 285/75r16,

aprx weight 52lbs., load range d, max load 3305 lbs., tire diameter 33.8, tread depth 23/32's

Final contender in 255/85r16 is the bfg mud terrain which many of you are familiar with.

load range d, max load 3000 lbs.,tire diameter 33.3", tread depth 19/32's

 

[Dave Bennett]

I'm happy with the BFG's, so far they have been awesome.
One of the best things about the BFG's is I was able to get them for $150 each!
Your other selections are nice tires as well, but I'm thinking you could save quite a bit of $$$ with the BFG's

 

[Mlachica]

I'm happy with the BFG's, so far they have been awesome.
One of the best things about the BFG's is I was able to get them for $150 each!
Your other selections are nice tires as well, but I'm thinking you could save quite a bit of $$$ with the BFG's

Wow, that's a good price on the bfg's. I'll most likely buy my tires from america's tire co. for their awesome coverage and all three tires are about $160 online.

How's the noise level on those?

 

[Dave Bennett]

They sound like knobbies allright. But, I kinda like that! :truck:

It's not unbearable.

 

[Mlachica]

what's to come...

Well I placed an order for new wheels...

I really liked the american racing teflon coated wheels but thought I'd never get them until I talked to the guys at america's tire co. They're price and service is unbeatable. Apparently they do so much business with america's racing that they can get pricing better than any other seller. It was a tough decision between the mojave's and the chambers. seen HERE. The mojave's classic styling will never get old but I thought I'd try something different so I went with the chambers in 16x8.

For tires I decided to go with the mickey thompson baja mtz in 285/75r16

These should be on by the end of next week, I'll post pics then.

A regear will happen as soon as funds permit. I'll go with 4.88's and possibly a front arb will be stuffed in there as well

 

[Mlachica]

pics from Monache Meadows

Here's some pics from my last trip...more can be found HERE

 

[mountainpete]

Wonderful pics - love the truck. Personally, I prefer "Adventure Red" over "Expedition White" :victory:

Regarding your rear bumper... if you had to do it over again, what would you do different? Any thoughts of how the swing out bumper would fair in cold climates?

 

[Mlachica]

Wonderful pics - love the truck. Personally, I prefer "Adventure Red" over "Expedition White" :victory:

Regarding your rear bumper... if you had to do it over again, what would you do different? Any thoughts of how the swing out bumper would fair in cold climates?

Thanks MP, I've never heard it called Adventure Red - I like that :victory:
I think it adds pop to a picture when taken right

Good question...Yesterday I parked on a slope next to an expensive Lexus and had to take out the stroller. The bumper opened towards the front of the lexus and because of the slope I was nervous about it swinging open and hitting the Lexus. So I would make a provision for locking the swing gate in position. Another thing would be to make the table as large as possible and to use vinyl coated cable as opposed to 'clanky' chains. I will eventually address these issues...

As for cold climates, I think it would work fine. In Monache we woke to 36 degrees which is probably a warm winter day in your neck of the woods? Frozen hands touching cold steel is never fun, but functionally I'd imagine it'd be perfect. :sunny:

 

[flyingwil]

Totally cool d00d! I can not wait to see the wheels on the rig!

 

[BajaTaco]

Really cool truck. Man, those photos show it off well! :costumed-smiley-007

 

[p1michaud]

Adventure Red

Thanks MP, I've never heard it called Adventure Red - I like that :victory:
I think it adds pop to a picture when taken right

Adventure Red - I like the sound of that! This may be the alternative official expo color! :wings:

Love all the pics, especially the "Snorkel Action" pics.

Regarding your rear bumper... if you had to do it over again, what would you do different? Any thoughts of how the swing out bumper would fair in cold climates?

Sounds like you are just about ready for one huge Demello order! Bumpers and Suspension can't wait to see it all together! :luxhello:

Cheers :beer:
P

 

[mountainpete]

Adventure Red - I like the sound of that! This may be the alternative official expo color! :wings:

Love all the pics, especially the "Snorkel Action" pics.



Sounds like you are just about ready for one huge Demello order! Bumpers and Suspension can't wait to see it all together! :luxhello:

Cheers :beer:
P

Yup! Demello is just working out shipping costs for me - if I can't get it shipped for a decent price to Canada I have already arranged for a pickup point in Whitefish Montana. And yes, dropping a bunch of money (my wife = :yikes: ).

 

[mountainpete]

Thanks MP, I've never heard it called Adventure Red - I like that :victory:
I think it adds pop to a picture when taken right

Good question...Yesterday I parked on a slope next to an expensive Lexus and had to take out the stroller. The bumper opened towards the front of the lexus and because of the slope I was nervous about it swinging open and hitting the Lexus. So I would make a provision for locking the swing gate in position. Another thing would be to make the table as large as possible and to use vinyl coated cable as opposed to 'clanky' chains. I will eventually address these issues...

As for cold climates, I think it would work fine. In Monache we woke to 36 degrees which is probably a warm winter day in your neck of the woods? Frozen hands touching cold steel is never fun, but functionally I'd imagine it'd be perfect. :sunny:

Thanks Mark! I have been looking over the design closely and I am worried that it would get frozen shut during my winters. Tacoma's with a canopy on the back like to suck back the frozen muck coming off the roads and i am a bit worried about the hinges and locks freezing. But it's one of those things that you never know until you try it.

 

[BajaTaco]

Adventure Red - I like the sound of that! This may be the alternative official expo color! :wings:

I'm sorry sir, but there is no substitute or alternative. There can only be one.

 

[Mlachica]

Thanks Mark! I have been looking over the design closely and I am worried that it would get frozen shut during my winters. Tacoma's with a canopy on the back like to suck back the frozen muck coming off the roads and i am a bit worried about the hinges and locks freezing. But it's one of those things that you never know until you try it.

I don't see a freezing problem with this bumper - I just hope you have some gloves on when you slide the 'dead bolt' out. It does take a little bit of persuasion, you have to remember that's what keeps the swing gate from vibrating/moving seperate of the bumper. Any vibration of the tire carrier portion of the bumper will eventually lead to failure - like the spare tire coming off while cruisin a freeway.