I guess it's time for an update. Big Red is still getting the second turbo installed. Probably be done sometime in October. Need to get studs installed and a new gasket along with new intercooler piping. The guy working on it is doing me a favor so I can't really rush him.
I had promised my family I would take them to see the eclipse if I returned from Syria in time, so it was time to make good on my promise. However the with Big Red being out of commission, the other options were the VW or my wife's civic. I hate the Civic, so the VW it is. After going to the beach the VW's AC compressor seized and so I had to make a decision to replace the compressor on an 11-year-old car or buy another Toyota. Toyota it is. MUD I want you to meet Ron Burgundy ( the name started off as a joke and kinda stuck).
It was the only TRD OffRoad manual transmission vehicle with all the accessories I needed in Texas. It was 3 hours away and well worth the drive in the non AC VW to pick it up. Aurora has forbidden me from modifying it, so Big Red will remain in the family for a long long time. The Tacoma had no issues towing our trailer all the way to Illinois and back. I had taken a liking to driving Toyotas in Iraq and more recently Syria, so this was an enjoyable ride, though it's not a diesel.
Anyway enough talk, here are some pics.
Saw this guy on the way, somehow I'm not surprised. Oh and my favorite option is the built in go pro holder.
We camped in the Ozarks for free.
It poured on us the second night, but it was fun none the less. The trailer kept everything dry and the tent really is water proof.