Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[TACODOC]

Thanks Wil!

Now, if only I could find a SNORKEL for my 05...
It seems there is already one available for the new Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and the Titan: http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/...8ac32a498b260c

[blupaddler]

Congrats Dave!!!

Is the fabricator local? I will be anxiously awaiting your developments.

[Mlachica]

wow, that's a lot of upgrades dave! These goodies will end up being your favorites and become 'essential' to comfortable camping.

[TACODOC]

Now that my Engel is enroute, my next concern is power. Will I be OK running my fridge for 5 days straight at the Trophy (with running the engine occasionally of course) with my stock battery system, or do I need a red Optima or ______ ???

[BajaTaco]

Now that my Engel is enroute, my next concern is power. Will I be OK running my fridge for 5 days straight at the Trophy (with running the engine occasionally of course) with my stock battery system, or do I need a red Optima or ______ ???

You might make it all 5 days without running the battery flat, since you will be driving the truck around quite a lot. But it won't be very nice to your starting battery if you are parked for a long period and run it down pretty low. (it will probably be upper 80's to 90 for daytime highs) On the upside, there will be plenty of us to give you a jumpstart should you need one.

[flyingwil]

You might make it all 5 days without running the battery flat, since you will be driving the truck around quite a lot. But it won't be very nice to your starting battery if you are parked for a long period and run it down pretty low. (it will probably be upper 80's to 90 for daytime highs) On the upside, there will be plenty of us to give you a jumpstart should you need one.

Dave-

For mounting to avoid the clutter look into adding a female lighter socket. You can pick them up at VatoZone or Checkers (Shuck's) similar to this:


This will avoid the long distance reach to the front Aux port. You may also want to buy a Magic Bullet Blender... LOL. (BTW do you have the OEM standard 110 plugs in the bed?)

As for mounting add a good piece of wood and some sort of cushion to it (read Carpet) and use turn buckles to mount it. You can install the handles upside down if you are limited on length for the turn buckles. Use metal straps to connect the wood to the stock seat locations and remember to prepare for an accident. With it mounted in the rear, you do not want a fridge being smashed into your back... With that in mind keep everything HD for the mounting. If Remember your truck you should just be able to remove the lower portion of the seat and leave the back on (you had lots of stuff back there IIRC). Or start making a self!

[Lost Canadian]

I'm sure many of you saw this over at TTORA but for those that have not check it out. Shrockworks is coming out with a winch bumper for us 05+ guys that offers great protection, along with improved approach angles. They are just getting started on the Tacoma bumpers but they will be very similar to these. From what I hear these are great units. The Nissan guys rave over them.

[TACODOC]

Here are some pics of my CB install in progress
The center console in the new Tacoma is cake to work on.

The mic is coming out of the bottom edge of the console, I will store it in the dash cubby when not in use (for now). I like this CB because the mic is the only visible part - keeps things up front uncluttered. I had the Midland 2 in 1 cb until now, it was a good cb... but the 12v cig lighter plug and exposed coax drove me nuts! Power for the Cobra is going to come from the cig lighter under the dash.


The connection box is hidden away inside the console. The panel just pops off the back of the console. The antenna comes in through the back wall to here, this box is also connected to the mic, and power.



And on a completely different subject, I thought I'd show of my Kenwood KAC-7202 amp and Image Dynamics IDQ10 v.2 D2 Sub install. The best part of this is I made the amp rack and sub enclosure myself, and I did the whole install solo. Gotta have my music wherever I roam! This sits tucked away behind my Engel... Aint that a teaser!

[TACODOC]

Well, the Engel is here!
I got a great deal on it and SUPER fast shipping from SIERRA EXPEDITIONS, they have all the coolest and newest expedition gear you need to get there and back in style!
Check out the new site: http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/
I am very impressed by my buying experience and I highly recommend them!

Here is the bottom portion of my passenger side back seat removed to expose what I'm dealing with for a mounting surface. I will be fabricating metal brackets that will utilize the existing seat and seat belt bolts. These brackets will support the deck that the Engel will sit on. I want it to stay put in case things get out of hand so the stock bolts/steel brackets should be plenty strong in conjunction with the Transit Lock. This arrangement also leaves one side of the back seat intact for Junior Explorers.


And here is the star of this show, my new Engel MT45F-U1, it can hold 60 cans of your favorite beverage...


Sawafuji!


Here is the early fitting of the deck.


There will be head room for the copilot to open and access the fridge while we are moving. Once the metal brackets are fabbed and bolted in, I will bolt the deck surface to the brackets. Then I will bolt the Engel Transit Lock to the deck and it will be super safe and secure. I am purposely overbuilding the deck and mounting system so I wont worry about it when off road or in case of collision. Power for the unit will come from the distribution block I wired months ago for the Kenwood amp.


Stay tuned for more pics from the final install!

[flyingwil]

Looks great! Can't wait to see the finished product!