Builds Big Red Toy (8 Viewers)

[The Phoenician]

Ended up canceling the twin compressor order for now. They are backordered for 8 weeks anyway.

In other news, loaded up the taco and tested the fridge with the inverter, battery and solar panel. Looks like I'll be having cold drinks on my way.

 

[Manitou Decline]

A little late but it's better than being premature. What is up Mike?

 

[The Phoenician]

A little late but it's better than being premature. What is up Mike?View attachment 2797101

I guess I've been slacking with my updates. Been super busy with getting back from vacation and getting ready for a deployment soon. About to defend my thesis, which reminds me that i need to submit it and I'm starting classes at the naval war college.

 

[The Phoenician]

My wife and i took a trip along the continental divide, we did roughly 800 miles of trails. The Tacoma did well, but it is definitely a lesser truck than big red.

I blew out a shock on the second day, lost my drone, broke the oil filler neck right on the top of a mountain at the continental divide sign, miles away from anything and bashed the rear bumper and skid plates. Let's just say my wife is a firm believer of having armor on the truck now.

Some pics

Princess got to finally wheel. She was a fast learner and started giving me tips on how to drive by the next day.

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

This little spider we called John Cleese rode with us from Texas to New Mexico to Colorado and back. He's still in the back of the taco. Best passenger you could ask for

 

[The Phoenician]

Despite lacking power and bad mpg, the taco was comfortable. Had AC on the trail and never ever over heated. I ordered a replacement shock while on the trail and replaced the fox shock as soon as i got home.

In big red news. I changed up the spot lights up front to make some room for my next mod. I also went back to Cummins and got more vibration isolators for the fuel lines.

 

[pistonpete]

Now that's an update !! Great pic's !

 

[Manitou Decline]

Damn you were right in my stomping grounds. If I knew that, I would've told you to stop by the shop. We got a couple cool projects going on. Could've seen what a 2021 LS 525 swap in a 60 feels like .

 

[CenTXFJ60]

View attachment 2798849View attachment 2798850View attachment 2798851View attachment 2798852View attachment 2798853View attachment 2798854
This little spider we called John Cleese ride with us from Texas to New Mexico to Colorado and back. He's still in the back of the taco. Best passenger you could ask for
View attachment 2798855View attachment 2798856

Awesome trip and great pics Mike. A few of us did those same trails by Salida after the SAS trip. That’s a killer area. Napoleon Pass was one of the tougher trails in that region and definitely worth the diversion. Curious to know more about the new fog lights. That’s an upgrade I plan to do as well. Any details are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[The Phoenician]

Here's the link to the lights I used. I got them mostly because they are low profile and open up some real estate. I like the look of my old ones better.

AUTO 2PACK 7" LED Offroad Pod... Amazon product ASIN B01MQ014T4

 

[davegonz]

Epic trip, Mike!

 

[The Phoenician]

Will post up later. Here are a few teasers

 

[The Phoenician]

I guess it's time for an update. A few of us in Austin drove up to Byrds Adventure Center in the Ozark National Forest. It was a great time, with some adventure and tons of rain and mud. So much freaking mud... which I hate now more than ever.

On day one I had a few issues with the trailer then an electrical failure in Big Red. Luckily both truck and trailer made it to and from the event thanks to Luis and Indy who fixed the electrical cable while I decided to go buy a red bull at the gas station. You couldn't find better friends. Trust me I've looked.

Enough talk. Here are some pics.

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

 

[The Phoenician]

Averaged about 17.3 mpg with the trailer, not bad but at over $3.4 a gallon, you'll feel it. I need to get the trailer fixed and reinforced because my next big trip will be going to Big Bend State park again.