Expeditions West Tacoma FAQ

[Scott Brady]

I have started this thread to help answer the common questions I receive about my Tacoma. I hope this helps



If you cannot find an answer here, feel free to post the question in this thread or email me at guide@expeditionswest.com

[Scott Brady]

Question from Rob:

"Really like the roof basket you use on the top of your white Tacoma D-Cab that you guys built up, was wondering if you have a side pic or two you could spare, perhaps a close view showing how the rack attaches to the basket. I have a Yakima roof rack and want to throw a roof basket up there as well."

Thanks for the question Rob:

I am using the following parts:

Thule Parts-
Thule Hull-a-Port Kayak Rack (835)
Thule QuickDraw Ratcheting boat straps (855)
Thule Aero Foot (400)
Thule Cable Lock (538)
Thule 58" Load Bars (LB58)
Thule Fit Kit (111)

Con-Ferr Parts-
6" Portal Rack, Fully welded 3'x5'

The Con-Ferr rack is bolted directly to the Thule Load Bars with 5/16"x1 1/4" bolts. This picture shows the mounting a little closer. This picture shows the rack from underneath.

The Con-Ferr rack has a base mount rail which is predrilled to accept at least 8 positions.

More information and pictures:
With awning

[flyingwil]

Scott-
I have saw a picture of an added fuse block you have installed, who makes it where did you get it?

Wil

[Scott Brady]

Scott-
I have saw a picture of an added fuse block you have installed, who makes it where did you get it?

Wil

I have two auxiliary fuse blocks on the truck:

1. The first is mounted on the firewall, inside the cab, and next to the kick panel. It is a Painless Wiring 7 circuit weather resistant fuse block. It feeds all of the gauges, the aux. fuel pump, the lights and the vision system..


2. The second is mounted in the tool box, and support the full time power requirements. It is a Blue Sea block from West Marine (thanks Bajataco and DesertDude). These are really nice units, and a bargain compared to the Painless units.


The Painless unit has the edge on reliability (fully potted, Hella relays), but the Blue Sea units are 1/3 the price.

[TheWoodser]

Can you detail your search for a Aux Fuel solution and what made you deside on your choice?

Thanks

Woodser

[Scott Brady]

Great question of the fuel tank:

First, here is some information on my installation: http://www.expeditionswest.com/equip...fuel_tank.html

I spent a few months researching the options, and these are the results.

1. The only commercially available solution is from Downey, a 15 gallon unit. It is over $800 with shipping
2. In-bed options (like the tool box units) are nice, and an easy install. But I wanted the weight lower and could not afford to loose the bed space.
3. The race cells are not a good choice, as skid plates are a challenge to make and the fills are typically on the top. It also requires an in-line fuel pump.
4. OEM solutions are the best, and least expensive option IMO.
A. The Trooper tank allows lots of capacity (22.5 gallons), but you will loose ground clearance. I dont really care about the 4" I lost, as the lift and tires brought that back. It also has a HD skid plate and a fantastic in-tank pump.
B. The Suzuki Sidekick tank is small (15 gallons) and allows better clearance. It also has an in-tank pump and skid plate.

BajaTaco built a nice, high clearance tank (14 gallons) for his truck.

[TheWoodser]

What is the best / easiest way to trim the inner plastic of the front wheel wells?

I just got some new BF Goodrich Mud Terrains and they rub just a bit. Is there any tricks I should know about to remove/trim/reinstall the plastic bits?

Thanks in advance.

Also thanks for the Fuel Tank Info. I talked to Downey and they said their tank would not work with my 2004 Double Cab. Any idea on that one?

[TheWoodser]

Auxiliary Fuel (page not avail. yet) on www.Bajataco.com

(insert Sadness)

[Scott Brady]

What is the best / easiest way to trim the inner plastic of the front wheel wells?

I just got some new BF Goodrich Mud Terrains and they rub just a bit. Is there any tricks I should know about to remove/trim/reinstall the plastic bits?

Thanks in advance.

Also thanks for the Fuel Tank Info. I talked to Downey and they said their tank would not work with my 2004 Double Cab. Any idea on that one?

Here is an article I wrote on that subject. Let me know if it doesnt answer your question.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equip...bfg_mt_km.html

[BajaTaco]

Auxiliary Fuel (page not avail. yet) on www.Bajataco.com

(insert Sadness)

Sorry about that. I will be re-doing some of the plumbing on my setup, so I am waiting on that before I write the article.