Building a Toyota that fits Douglas

[allen.wrench]

Now that I think about it. It would be awesome if the maintenance reminder could just be set to 10,000,000 miles.

That's true about living near the ocean. I'd guess a clear vinyl wrap might be the best option for protection if you want to just stay with the stock paint color. I mean I'd guess it'll be more overall protection and less expensive than a new paint job. Also easier to repair and/or customize. Idk go crazy flame stickers do add horsepower.

Allen

 

[DaveInDenver]

Now that I think about it. It would be awesome if the maintenance reminder could just be set to 10,000,000 miles.

On my old junk the maintenance reminder is based on a 5K interval, blinks starting at 4500 and comes on solid at 5K or more. It's reset by holding down the trip reset as you turn the key on, the odometer turns to a string of dashes and you hold the reset until it counts down and displays all zeros.

From what I could tell there's no way to change this interval, it's written in the firmware as a hard coded value. Doesn't bother me since I do 5K changes, well other than when I forget to reset it after a short interval and it starts coming on a week later. I keep a maintenance log for everything I do to the truck and paint the mileage and date on the filter so the light is mostly superfluous anyway.

The way I keep track of oil changes and tire rotations in a general way is to do them on multiples of 5K. It's easy-peasy to get a sense of where you're at a glance. 128,543? Nah, plenty of time. 129,350? Getting close. 130,000? Let's rock! Took a couple of abbreviated changes but over a few months about 15 years ago I got all our cars aligned to this and keep it rolling as they get replaced. On the old truck that I did 3K intervals, which is actually when I started this exercise. On that one the changes were on 3K multiples, 133K, 136K, 139K, etc. So one change ran +1K over every 3rd time but 3K was kind of excessive even on a 1991 22R-E and the used oil analysis didn't suggest 4K was a concern even with plain dino Castrol GTX.

But on our newer (2017) Subaru the maintenance interval is handled in the information display. You set a miles and date when you want it to start reminding you. There's no fixed values. I'd have thought Toyota by now would have implemented something like that with y'all's fancy tech junk.

 

[DouglasVB]

I'm thinking about seatback organizers again. I really dislike the look of molle panels but I can't deny their utility. I'm planning to strap a bunch of bags and quick fist things onto at least one molle panel. I might do both seats.

I see this set for $45/panel and then I see this set for $215/panel. And then there are a number of other vendors with panels at various prices.

Does anyone have a panel they really like or any that they recommend avoiding?

 

[allen.wrench]

About 2021 I got a pair of Carhartt seat covers from Cabellas. They have a few inches of molle at the top on the backside of the seats. But I hardly use the molle. I generally don't want much strapped to my seat because I want adjustability without interference. The one exception is I do want water on long drives. So I struggled hooking, lashing, and strapping my day-hike bladder pack to the back of my driver seat a few times, and even tried it on my passenger seat once. Didn't work well.

A little bit ago @BritKLR mentioned I could google-up molle bladder packs. It's worked amazing ever since tied onto the driver cover. I added a small magnetic clasp also tied on the seat for the bladder hose to stay in place where I can reach it for a drink.

Don't know if that exactly helps. The bladder pack I got does function as a light weight pocket for like tie down twine when I don't have my bladder in it.

Allen

 

[allen.wrench]

Got a pic if it helps ya man.
Allen

 

[DouglasVB]

I'm thinking about a topper again. The tonneau cover that it came with, while great, doesn't give me enough space to haul all of our camping gear easily and I want a big flat surface to put a solar panel on, and to mount some awnings, antennas, and such. I do not plan to install a roof top tent or anything very heavy on the roof at this time but maybe in the future?

I could DIY but I'm thinking about just buying something so I don't spend all summer building a topper. Maybe a Leer or a 4ARE? Or an Alu-Cab? I'd love an MITS Alloy-style flatbed setup but that might be a bit more than I want to spend at the moment

I want side doors that hinge open with sliding (probably) window inserts. Everything needs to have good locks. I want it as weather proof as I can get it (butyl tape will be my friend) and I'll install a positive pressure fan to keep dust out.

I'm leaning towards a cheaper fiberglass topper that could be "disposable" (I could sell it later at a small loss) so I could upgrade in the future to a tray/flat bed.

Does anyone have words of wisdom on buying a topper?

 

[DouglasVB]

We took the truck out over the weekend to Parkfield, California and then to Tassajara. Both are beautiful back roads that are maintained by the county but are impassable when wet.

I also got to use some of my gear when we encountered a motorcyclist in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire due to a nail. It was a tubeless tire and he didn't have a patch kit. In about 30 minutes we had one of those sticky glue plugs in his tire and my dual ARB compressors got him aired up and on his way back home. When we found him, he was slowly pushing his bike along the road.

Here are a few photos:


View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbZ-SvJapi/



View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbaToPpxrL/

 

[allen.wrench]

Parkfield, California

Oh man I miss that area. In college, at Cal Poly, I was a member of the CP Wheelmen cycling club. The Parkfield mountain bike race was always a big thing for the club and I wish I had more chances to spend time in that area.

About the topper question. I've been way happy with Softopper. It's less expensive, good quality, easily foldable or removable, and their customer support has been great. From the sound of it, I realize you're leaning towards a hard shell. Idk. Some guys like soft tacos, and others like hard tacos?

Allen

 

[DaveInDenver]

Oh man I miss that area. In college, at Cal Poly, I was a member of the CP Wheelmen cycling club. The Parkfield mountain bike race was always a big thing for the club and I wish I had more chances to spend time in that area.

About the topper question. I've been way happy with Softopper. It's less expensive, good quality, easily foldable or removable, and their customer support has been great. From the sound of it, I realize you're leaning towards a hard shell. Idk. Some guys like soft tacos, and others like hard tacos?

Allen

It's a bit more than just a preference in security. They gotta break windows to get your stuff from a hard shell. Although most jerks know the weak point of any topper is the hardware keeping the back window closed and a good hard yank on the handle/handles will defeat 99% of them. Which is why you see on old toppers where the owner is no longer seriously constrained by appearance you put on a heavy duty hasp and padlock...

 

[DouglasVB]

Oh man I miss that area. In college, at Cal Poly, I was a member of the CP Wheelmen cycling club. The Parkfield mountain bike race was always a big thing for the club and I wish I had more chances to spend time in that area.

Well come on out for a visit and I'll take you through your old stomping grounds!

I think next weekend we're going to go into the Clear Creek Management Area (north of Coalinga) before it dries out too much and the surface friable asbestos becomes dangerous. I've been wanting to see the New Idria ghost town for a while.

It's a bit more than just a preference in security.

That's definitely part of it to be looking at hard tops. I had a softopper and loved it on my old 4runner but I was always concerned someone was going to break into it. It's at least slightly more secure having a hard top with some decent door and window locks.

The other thing is I think I can seal up a hard top better against rain and dust.

But I will miss the versatility of the soft top.

 

[DouglasVB]

I decided to go with the Harbor Freight Bauer modular tool boxes for tool storage. Previously I was dumping everything into some very beat up rubbermaid totes that were much too heavy to lift safely in and out of the truck.

There are a few loooong tools that I have that'll have to still kick around in the back of the truck but I've got about 80% of my tools in this stack of boxes now. I think I might run back over to Harbor Freight today to pick up a few more boxes so that I can have everything nicely put away.

I need to pull my label maker out and make some labels so I know what is in which box.

I used a bunch of cheapo Harbor Freight tool rolls and small tool bags to separate the bits and bobs, and reduce rattling. I've had some that I've used for many years and for the price, they do the job.

 

[DouglasVB]

I got some quotes on various truck cappers:

ARE DCU (20" height): $6268 before tax and install fees
• DCU Interior: Acrylic Fabric Liner - Complete Unit
• Rear Door Choice: 1/2 Rear Door With Window
• Driver Side Door Choice: Radius Slider
• Passenger Side Door Choice: Radius Slider
• Driver Side Toolbox Choice: No Toolbox
• Passenger Side Toolbox Choice: No Toolbox
• Front Window Choice: Clear Mitered Sliding Window
• Ladder Rack Choice: 120
• DCU Security Screen: Rear Door Security Screen
• DCU Driver Side E-Lock: Yes
• DCU Passenger Side E-Lock: Yes
• DCU Rear Door E-Lock: Yes

SNUGTOP (REBEL): $3345 before tax and install fees
W/ COAL MIST HEADLINER
W/ FRONT DROP SLIDER WINDOW
W/ 12 VOLT DOME LIGHT
W/ THIRD BRAKE LIGHT

Leer 100RCC: $3190 before tax and install fees
(basic standard options only)

Leer 100XR: $3190 before tax and install fees
(basic standard options only)

I did some quick pricing using McMaster Carr to build my own shell using extruded t-slot structural aluminum. I figure that I can do it for about $2000-2500 including a few tools I'd need to buy. If I found the materials from a different less expensive supplier, I could probably shave about $500 off that price. It would probably take me two weekends to complete.

If I made it out of wood (cedar 2x4 framing), it would probably end up at about $1000-1500 depending on what tools I would need to get. It would probably take me three weekends to complete.

If I made it out of wood (marine plywood boat construction), it likely would be around $1000-1500 depending on the coatings and fiberglass I'd use. It would probably take me four weekends to complete.

I think the DIY metal extrusion route will be the lightest. And then I could maximize the size of the doors to make it as easy as possible to get at stuff inside.

I keep waffling back and forth between buying something pre-made and making my own.

---

I bought an Igloo 80DZ at Costco yesterday which is an upgrade over the tiny fridge I've been using that I bought used from a Rising Sun member about 10 years ago (it still works great, by the way). I need to start thinking about how to organize the bed of the truck including that fridge. I'm thinking of DIYing a drawer slide system that comes up to the bed rails. Then I'd make some sliders that come out of the side doors to make it easier to get things out, etc... It's ideas anyway.

But first thing's first... I need a canopy.

 

[allen.wrench]

I been using a pair of Greenworks 27 gallon bins to hold all the stuff because mostly everything fits, including a spare CV. I push them forward between the wheel arches and then my spare tire fits to the tailgate. While out driving without a basecamp, I lay foam mats and moving blankets on top to make them softer and flat enough to sleep on decently. But they are way too heavy most of the time like you're saying.

I am curious how those HF boxes workout for you. I was imagining a long narrow box that runs the length of my bed would be helpful. Maybe have the spare stood up and strapped to the long box. Likely would have to make a custom box to have what I want that works for me.

How are you liking that silicone tool tray? Looks like its had some use. I've been thinking of maybe getting something like that for keeping passenger seat snacks from sliding around and while camping to put whatever is in my pockets before bed time.

Allen

 

[DouglasVB]

I am curious how those HF boxes workout for you.

I'll let you know once I've had some time with them. At least getting everything put away was pretty easy.

How are you liking that silicone tool tray?

My wife got me a set a few years ago. They're really nice for holding small parts, tools, etc while working. One of the nicest things is I can pick them up and move them without anything falling out. That's great for when I am working on a multi day project on my truck because I can tuck away all the little stuff at night. The garage isn't big enough to work on the truck inside so it stays outside. But all the little stuff that raccoons might try to make off with goes into the garage.

 

[allen.wrench]

That's great for when I am working on a multi day project on my truck because I can tuck away all the little stuff at night.

Totally get that! I use a "busboy" food tray for tools (impact, wrenches, hammers, etc.) when my truck is outside and/or if I want to keep my tools available for multi-day projects vs putting them away at night.

But those food trays are definitely not good for small parts. I'm going to check them out next time I'm at HF. Thanks for the recommendation. In the next year or so, I know I'll have an electrical project where I'll fiddle with tiny crimping parts & stuff.

Allen

 

[allen.wrench]

Did you consider the Ryobi packout stuff?

This video is longish, but if you watch at the timestamp, Malecki seems happy with them: <
View: https://youtu.be/exwSkLDhlpA?t=4176
>

Allen

 

[DouglasVB]

Yeah I looked at Ryobi, Milwaukee, and a few other options. The harbor freight option was inexpensive, easy to get, and works well enough for my purposes.

If I had all the money in the world, I would have gone with Milwaukee.

 

[allen.wrench]

10-4 on that. I'd also do Milwaukee if I had a few extra kidneys to sell. In the mean time, HF does also have those Apache long cases: https://www.harborfreight.com/9800-weatherproof-protective-rifle-case-long-black-64520.html

It'd be sweet if the Bauer pack-outs could tie onto the Apache cases. When they're on sale, I have definitely considered getting an Apache case for my roof rack. I held back because I would prefer it be just a little bit larger in length & depth.

Allen

 

[DouglasVB]

We got out to the east side of California over the weekend and did a couple hundred miles off-pavement along the US 395 corridor between Sonora Junction and Bishop. The truck worked flawlessly and I definitely got my money's worth out of my skid plates and sliders. My comment to my was something like "I paid for the armor and I'm going to use the armor" as we were scraping and banging on every single plate and both sliders

We rescued a stranded sedan with two women (70 and 90 years old!) way out on the 4x4 track that follows the old Bodie and Benton Railroad grade east of Mono Lake. They had gotten out there with a 2WD car trying to get around a closure on 395 due to a wildfire and spun their wheels enough in deep sand to lay the whole car on its belly. An Insta influencer couple was also there with their car -- they had gone a bit further, got scared, and turned around to try and get out but found the old women blocking the way. I had to use my plastic traction boards and aluminum sand ladders combined with my winch to drag them backwards onto some traction boards and then made a runway in front of them. I told them to floor it and don't stop until they were on solid ground. It worked! But then the old women and the influencer couple decided to continue down this desert track because they knew we'd be behind them and could help. I told them to never slow down if it got sandy and they didn't -- we never saw them again but we did see the clouds of dust behind them as they went around the lake. I'm absolutely SHOCKED that they made it though because that was a very rough road that we had trouble with.

I need to replace the engine air filter after ingesting a LOT of alkali dust on that road around Mono Lake. I'll stop by the local dealership to pick one up this week. I pounded out the air filter which was enough to get through the rest of the weekend.

We did the 4x4 road between Mammoth Lakes and June Lakes which was quite fun. We also got out on the east side of Crowley Lake going down to Bishop. Then in Bishop we went up on the east side of the Sierras and did a bunch of the 4x4 trails in that area. On our way back north, we took the gravel roads between Benton and Bodie (EXCELLENT ghost town if you've never been). I got a flat way out there and had to patch it using the ARB tire patch kit I carry -- it worked perfectly and that patch is holding air no problem after several hundred miles.

After Bodie we went up and over Tioga Pass into Yosemite. It was the first day of the highway being open after the long winter.

I *really* want long travel with big tires and appropriate gearing. I was using all those skid plates to compensate for not having the ground clearance. The trails around Mammoth Lakes have been trashed by side-by-sides and the ruts are hella deep plus everything is full of whoops. It's maddening driving through that. It would also be nice to have a snorkel for high desert driving with all of that dust.

Here are some photos on my truck's Insta. You'll want to click through to see the albums (most are have ~20 photos behind them):


View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKBgxIFRXC3/



View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKEAz_vxMql/



View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKGfES_RS1S/



View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKGlJu5x-e7/



View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKLaKrePBSD/


We're already making plans to get back to the east side of the Sierras for our next four day weekend

 

[DouglasVB]

Oh and here are the photos from around Bodie.

Also... it's miserable trying to get alkali dust off of a truck. I had to use a pressure washer in Mammoth


View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKLdYGEJrOX/