RSB's Radiant Red Tacoma build

shellb

Adventurer
Yep you guys with the awesome tacos are killing me. :elkgrin:

Sorry again Wes...we can both blame that pesky third passenger of mine!

Ryan what is next?
 

RSB

Adventurer
Once I recuperate a bit financially (all these trips this month), I plan to finish-up the rear cross member and make some changes to my 2M radio setup.

Then I'll be taking a break for awhile. :rolleyes: Need to save for the rear setup configuration I've been planning—along with all the gear that goes with it.

Yep you guys with the awesome tacos are killing me. :elkgrin:

Sorry again Wes...we can both blame that pesky third passenger of mine!

Ryan what is next?
 
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shellb

Adventurer
once I recuperate a bit financially (all these trips this month!), I plan to finish-up the rear cross member and make some changes to my HAM radio setup.

then, I'll be taking a break for awhile. :rolleyes: Need to save for the rear setup configuration I have planned and all the gear that goes with it! :D

That is why you built it my friend! Glad to see you have had a chance to enjoy it.
 

Firebear MD718

Observer
Ryan, Read the whole thread, WOW:wings:
Not sure about us fire guys, but we keep comming up w/ amazing stuff.
Q: Did you ever come up with a resolve for your harness set up?
Sig: When not working Fire (Wildland, not Structure(puke) just a jab . . .
I worked Rally and Baja Races as Medical Rescue and used some of the Auto Cross ideas for a Harness Bar across the rear window in my Chase truck, no full roll cage needed and best possition for harness straps. Check out SCCA Rally set ups.
Scott
 

RSB

Adventurer
Sorry, guys. This has been one busy month!

Sure, which one? The 2m/70 band antenna is connected to a Diamond Super Gainer K400SNMO and the CB is connected to a Diamond Super Gainer K400-3/8C.

I'm very happy w/the Super Gainers. No tuning issues whatsoever. The coax is top-quality and is thin enough to fit fit under the hood without any rubbing issues either.

My primary concern, however, was stability and durability. I wasn't sure it'd hold-up as well as the regular mount I had. But after taking it through trees and level 4-5 trails (most recently :rolleyes:) it's proven itself to be quite strong.

when installing, it's hard to get it perfectly straight because it doesn't have roll control. You can see in the diagram here...

0978dia2.jpg


Wasn't too big of a deal though with where I have it mounted. I'm still able to get it real close. :)

Be sure to screw them in really good and use lock-tite! Mine loosened-up after the first week because I didn't. No problems since then. Highly recommend these. Much better than the regular mounts available out there—by far.

Yes, the connector screws right in. The adapter is already included.

Hope this helps!

What kind of antenna mount are you using? I have been looking for a good Hood Mount.

Thanks!

Thanks Scott. Ultimately, I don't think I'm going to do a roll cage. :( There just isn't enough room for it in the Tacoma. Despite my research, I couldn't find a way to fabricate it the way I wanted without too much R&D and heavy modification. Furthermore, my time on the trails made me realize the harnesses would rarely be used anyway. They just aren't practical for overland travel. To my surprise, the Corbeaus keep me from jostling around much better than I originally thought they would without additional support. Therefore, I opted to remove the harnesses from the truck. :) I'll likely replace the seat covers without ones without the custom slots I had made.

No full cage needed? So you have a place for the harnesses, but what did you do for the actual cage? Obviously my concern is being crushed in a roll-over, simply for having the harnesses installed. Ya, I'll take a look!

quote=Firebear MD718;765792]Ryan, Read the whole thread, WOW:wings:
Not sure about us fire guys, but we keep comming up w/ amazing stuff.
Q: Did you ever come up with a resolve for your harness set up?
Sig: When not working Fire (Wildland, not Structure(puke) just a jab . . .
I worked Rally and Baja Races as Medical Rescue and used some of the Auto Cross ideas for a Harness Bar across the rear window in my Chase truck, no full roll cage needed and best possition for harness straps. Check out SCCA Rally set ups.
Scott[/quote]

Very true. Thank-you!

That is why you built it my friend! Glad to see you have had a chance to enjoy it.
 
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RSB

Adventurer
October's run in Arkansas had a huge turn-out, with over 20 vehicles in attendance! As a group leader, I quickly realized my communications was limited to sitting in the truck. I also realized how useful 'cross-band repeating' could be if I had a handheld. Some changes needed to be made...

First, I upgraded my radio to a Yaesu 8800R. Although installing the head unit in the headliner seemed like a good idea at first, I found myself constantly needing to read the display. Therefore, I re-located the head unit to the dash with a RAM mount. In the future, I'll fill the hole where the 7900R used to be with a Kenwood TM-D710A w/APRS capability. :)

relocation-4-XL.jpg


relocation-2-XL.jpg


relocation-6-XL.jpg


relocation-5-XL.jpg


relocation-1-XL.jpg


Finally, I found a solution to fishing for my microphones I've constantly been getting all tangled-up on the floor after the first 5 minutes of hitting the trails. :) High-quality retractable lanyards made by 'Gear Keeper' were installed, secured to the overhead mirror. I forgot how popular these are with firefighters and law enforcement!

web.jpg


relocation-3-XL.jpg


When not in use, the mics can be unclipped and secured back in their holders. I don't have a holder for my CB mic, so I keep it tethered full-time. It doesn't seem to get in the way.

IMG4659-XL.jpg


I also picked-up a Yaesu VX-6 to use with the 8800R...

handheld-2M-radio-XL.jpg


Now time to learn how to use everything together. :)
 
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cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Crikes! Your getting busy in there :eek:

Having led countless trail runs from 1 to 7 days, I can tell you one thing for sure. You don't want to get stuck on the logistics and details of trying to please every single and lose out on the reason you are there, to have fun too. While communications are a vital component to hosting a sucsessful run, you not being over burdend and stressed is more important. Don't forget to look out the window at the scenery once in a while :D
 

RSB

Adventurer
Thanks Kurt, I agree. I'm trying to find the balance. It'll take some time and more experience on the trails, I'm sure.

Crikes! Your getting busy in there :eek:

Having led countless trail runs from 1 to 7 days, I can tell you one thing for sure. You don't want to get stuck on the logistics and details of trying to please every single and lose out on the reason you are there, to have fun too. While communications are a vital component to hosting a sucsessful run, you not being over burdend and stressed is more important. Don't forget to look out the window at the scenery once in a while :D
 
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TangoBlue

American Adventurist
That is a lot of gear in there but you do have it all situated nicely. I'm afraid I would go into brain lock... or press the wrong button and end up ejecting the passenger. :Wow1:
 

southpier

Expedition Leader
general question: unless you're talking with someone you know, how does a CB radio help. does law enforcement/ emergency services have dedicated bands that can be contacted?

i lived through the late 70's CB craze but never had one. and only used a friend's for listening
 

bomar

Adventurer
I travel alot for work and if the traffic slows down on interstate I turn on my CB and truckers let me know if I need to exit or not.

CB is a good cheap item to have in your rig.

RSB your truck is amazing and I look forward to a few more AR trips before heading west.
 

TangoBlue

American Adventurist
general question: unless you're talking with someone you know, how does a CB radio help. does law enforcement/ emergency services have dedicated bands that can be contacted?

i lived through the late 70's CB craze but never had one. and only used a friend's for listening

CB is pretty handy on the highway for traffic hazards and even entertainment listening to the truckers. Law enforcement monitors CB for accidents or troubles on the road. Also, wheelers in groups on the trail find it an affordable communication method.
 

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