Builds 70 series Landcruiser Troopy expedition build - Frame off.

[Tennessee Jed]

Impressive. I like that you stayed away from that 8020 aluminum stuff. It's not light for one thing - I'm sure your steel frame is lighter than the same frame made from 8020, and vastly stronger and stiffer. And I don't trust all those screw fittings not to shake loose.

When I bought mine it had a second battery under the hood with a cable running to the back, with the aim of using a solenoid to keep a Jackery charged. Solenoids are highly problematic in that scenario, and I removed the second battery (it was completely dead - no surprise there) and put a 100 ah LiFePO4 in the back in the cabinetry and it runs a 45l fridge, lights, fan, etc. It has 2 x 100w solar panels on the roof rack and a 20amp MPPT controller. The battery is never less than 65% charged and if you get any quality sunshine for 3 - 4 hours it'll be 100% in no time. It's so simple even I can understand it, and does away with the cost and complexity of a DC/DC charger. I would only consider going to a DC/DC if I thought I'd be camping for extended periods with no sky view. Maybe if you're going to a heavily forested region it might make sense. Why the folks in Australia and Africa worry about them I don't know. Of course, having your own tennis court overhead with solar panels makes it possible. Otherwise the charger might be the only way.

 

[ofer bruhis]

Impressive. I like that you stayed away from that 8020 aluminum stuff. It's not light for one thing - I'm sure your steel frame is lighter than the same frame made from 8020, and vastly stronger and stiffer. And I don't trust all those screw fittings not to shake loose.

When I bought mine it had a second battery under the hood with a cable running to the back, with the aim of using a solenoid to keep a Jackery charged. Solenoids are highly problematic in that scenario, and I removed the second battery (it was completely dead - no surprise there) and put a 100 ah LiFePO4 in the back in the cabinetry and it runs a 45l fridge, lights, fan, etc. It has 2 x 100w solar panels on the roof rack and a 20amp MPPT controller. The battery is never less than 65% charged and if you get any quality sunshine for 3 - 4 hours it'll be 100% in no time. It's so simple even I can understand it, and does away with the cost and complexity of a DC/DC charger. I would only consider going to a DC/DC if I thought I'd be camping for extended periods with no sky view. Maybe if you're going to a heavily forested region it might make sense. Why the folks in Australia and Africa worry about them I don't know. Of course, having your own tennis court overhead with solar panels makes it possible. Otherwise the charger might be the only way.

The structure is extremely light. Once everything is in place it will take 2 people to lift. It’s not balanced because if the fridge.

I will need a DCDC because I have a LiPo 24V 100A. I like the option of cooking inside and my wife insists on ‘no flames’ so considering an induction cooktop. I like the 24 v so the wires are much thinner mostly to the 3KW inverter. Also, all the consumers are 24V. I also added a shore charger 90-240VAC for world travel.

Just got the 4 drawers today from Holland and ordered 14” soft close glides. I’ll use Sika to glue the guides to the drawers and screw to the cabinets. There is a sequence of assembly so the drawers glide nicely.

 

[svsisu]

Impressive. I like that you stayed away from that 8020 aluminum stuff. It's not light for one thing - I'm sure your steel frame is lighter than the same frame made from 8020, and vastly stronger and stiffer. And I don't trust all those screw fittings not to shake loose.

When I bought mine it had a second battery under the hood with a cable running to the back, with the aim of using a solenoid to keep a Jackery charged. Solenoids are highly problematic in that scenario, and I removed the second battery (it was completely dead - no surprise there) and put a 100 ah LiFePO4 in the back in the cabinetry and it runs a 45l fridge, lights, fan, etc. It has 2 x 100w solar panels on the roof rack and a 20amp MPPT controller. The battery is never less than 65% charged and if you get any quality sunshine for 3 - 4 hours it'll be 100% in no time. It's so simple even I can understand it, and does away with the cost and complexity of a DC/DC charger. I would only consider going to a DC/DC if I thought I'd be camping for extended periods with no sky view. Maybe if you're going to a heavily forested region it might make sense. Why the folks in Australia and Africa worry about them I don't know. Of course, having your own tennis court overhead with solar panels makes it possible. Otherwise the charger might be the only way.

it sounds like you have a good set up. Using solenoids to control the electrics is so old hat. As you know, look to the marine environment on how to set up a properly controlled, and regulated system. Yachts have been "over landing" much longer than trucks, and have most of the kinks worked out.

I lived for 8 years on a boat with 2, 55 watt solar panels no refrigeration, no hot water, and covered 15,000 nautical miles. Sometimes we go overboard on creature comforts and "necessities". They are nice but not essential.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

You said a mouthful there, svsisu.

I'm a sailor too and if I don't have to have it or I can't fix it myself, it's not coming aboard. You're right, the marine environment is the place to look for proper 12v setups. All my wiring is boat cable, tinned copper. All connections crimped and heat shrunk. I rewired my own boat and doing that is basically a 12v apprenticeship.

24v is definitely a good call - saves you a lot of cost and headache. You buy the extra battery but you save a lot on heavy cables. This might not matter so much on a truck as with the long runs you have on a boat, but still. And with induction it's a no brainer. Being able to cook inside without heat and fumes on a monsoon day has a LOT to be said for it.

 

[ofer bruhis]

So after building with a welder 1/2 of the structure, I set with my wife to design the rest of it. She convinced me to draw it. I can’t refuse. She is an architect.

 

[ofer bruhis]

Got the 14" soft glides (amazon!!!) and the aluminum drawers. I double stick tape the glides and then attache with small screws. Got also the drawing with the layout for the galley. My beautiful architect wife...

The front part behind the passenger is not yet laid out internally but the top small cabinet will have the electrical control panel facing forward for easy access. The 4th aluminum tray will sit inside so I can access it also from the outside gull window. No glides so we can pull it both ways.

I removed the latches and hinges from the fridge and attached 2" L aluminum so I can Sika the Corian®. Hinges will be outside and be able to separate the top so we can pull the fridge from the top for service. Latches outside as well.

 

[Augustiron]

You're making 2x of everything, right? one for you know who...

 

[ofer bruhis]

You're making 2x of everything, right? one for you know who...

He is more retired than I am and should earn it. I told him to come and work with me. He is just playing all the time.

 

[OGBeno]

He's definitely on SullyTime.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

Those drawers are game changers - didn't know that existed. Rethinking a few things now...

 

[ofer bruhis]

Those drawers are game changers - didn't know that existed. Rethinking a few things now...

I have used them in my 80 for 6 years and in the sprinter van.

 

[ofer bruhis]

Stumbled on a H152F for an amazing price, and since @orangefj45 is working on the truck, figured that we can swap the H151F with this new one. For reference, the gear ratios below as far as I know..

Meanwhile I've been working on the galley. Drawers and Corian® countertop. Still have to cut the sink hole, hinges for the fridge, latches, etc.

 

[orangefj45]

New transmission is ready for install.
We’ve got the transmission input gear and retainer swapped out.

Installation planned for tomorrow.

Stay tuned ……

Georg @ Valley Hybrids

 

[ofer bruhis]

New transmission is ready for install.
We’ve got the transmission input gear and retainer swapped out.

Installation planned for tomorrow.

Stay tuned ……

Georg @ Valley Hybrids

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I love you Georg!!!!

 

[orangefj45]

New OEM H152F installation is complete, first test drive was a success. The troopy is back on the rack for a final inspection, then we’ll put some miles on it early next week.

What a fantastic build, truly a pleasure to work on this cruiser and drive it!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Terrain Tamer

 

[orangefj45]

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Terrain Tamer

 

[ofer bruhis]

New OEM H152F installation is complete, first test drive was a success. The troopy is back on the rack for a final inspection, then we’ll put some miles on it early next week.

What a fantastic build, truly a pleasure to work on this cruiser and drive it!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Terrain Tamer

Rip it buddy. Take it to the limits. It need that. Thanks again for you and your team incredible help. You guys make it all worth it!!!

 

[ofer bruhis]

Since we don't smoke... Found a replacement for the lighter.

 

[ofer bruhis]

About to install new fenders this weekend.

Been working on the galley. Countertop, built in fridge and fitting it into the back. My wife and I compromised on a 8” wide hanging cabinet for jackets. Also a pull out platform using one of the drawer slides.

 

[scrapdaddy]

My camp box in the back of the 55 is heavy (wood), really like the ones you have pictured. Are those drawers store bought or did you make them. Good job on the tube frame, a lot of work in there.