Builds eatSleepWoof's '14 LX

[eatSleepWoof]

Very nice result

How well do you think it'll hold up in the bumper? Any concerns about it coming loose, or cracking the bumper skin? That was always my concern which is what had stopped me from doing it, but then once I tried to cut the bumper skin to fit the new steel bumper I realized how thick it was

At this point - no concerns at all.

There's zero chance of it coming loose - I'd have a pretty pain in the butt task in front of me if I ever had to remove it. No chance that's happening from vibrations or other 'normal' use.

I was also worried about cracking the cover, but it's so darn thick, and took so much effort to cut through with a brand-new, big utility knife blade, that I'm 99% sure the concern is a non-issue. It's very tough, but at the same time has a tiny bit of flex to it, so any impacts have a chance of being absorbed instead of breaking the plastic.

 

[linuxgod]

At this point - no concerns at all.

There's zero chance of it coming loose - I'd have a pretty pain in the butt task in front of me if I ever had to remove it. No chance that's happening from vibrations or other 'normal' use.

I was also worried about cracking the cover, but it's so darn thick, and took so much effort to cut through with a brand-new, big utility knife blade, that I'm 99% sure the concern is a non-issue. It's very tough, but at the same time has a tiny bit of flex to it, so any impacts have a chance of being absorbed instead of breaking the plastic.

Excellent job blazing this trail.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Nearly 2 years of no updates in this thread? Yikes.

Wish I had some crazy mods to share, but no. LX is still doing all of its duties like a champ with zero issues, and all the comforts that go along with it.

The bumper-mounted trailer connection is still working great, and I use it all the time. I got a new trailer a few months ago and wrapped up the trailer's DC/DC charger install this weekend. I previously had a set of 12v ports installed in the passenger side cubby of the cargo area, but I don't actually use them, so I used the wiring that I ran for that project to setup my DC/DC charge. I fed those 2awg cables through the grommet in the same cubby area, popped them out below, and mounted the red andersen connector on top of the OEM tie-down hook.

Test fit the full cable to the trailer:

A solid 40ah of charge from the DC/DC charger, and another 5ah from solar:

That should do nicely.

With this in place the LX is now a quieter, better generator than any generator, and since it's not a generator, there are no restrictions to running it only during certain hours at campgrounds. I can idle the LX for 5 hours and recharge the batteries from 0 to 100%, and of course, the same charge will happen while driving from campsite to campsite. Plus, I don't need to drop $2k on a Honda generator, maintain it, transport it, store it, carry separate fuel for it, worry about it getting stolen, etc.

 

[Patrick82570]

I left the crossbars' top channels empty (didn't cover them up with the rubber filler strips) and that results in ridiculous wind noise. At 40kph it's already quite audible, and at 70kph+ it's simply obnoxious. I'm quite sure the filler strips will take care of the problem, but haven't gotten that done yet. Will also be ordering a wind deflector.

In the meantime I picked up the AluCab Gen3 RTT and Shadow Awning from the awesome guys at Adventure Trucks in Kelowna. They spent over 5 hours getting the tent properly mounted, including making a few custom stainless brackets for the frontmost crossbar, trimming my crossbars so that they aren't wider than they need to be, and generally working out millimetre precision. Can't say enough good things about this shop!

I instantly got rid of the bulky and annoying ladder that came with the tent, and picked up a CVT telescoping ladder from the same shop. The rear hatch of the LX would hit the rear ladder mount, and we couldn't move the tent forward any more. We tried removing the ladder mount, but couldn't do it as part of the hardware is inaccessible due to being covered by the interior "electrical box." We opted to trim the bracket and cut off the protruding parts.

This fixed the hatch clearance, and I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the awning almost clears the hatch, too. I say almost as there is contact, but it's minor, and a piece of adhesive-lined foam on the awning's arm took care of that issue.

The tent and awning both look and feel like very quality pieces of gear, and I'm very happy with how things came together. Best of all, I can remove the entire thing by removing just six bolts (one in each foot of the cross bars).

This is exactly what I was searching for great information. I have an alu cab I need to mount on my 13 LX.

 

[Patrick82570]

Any chance you could share some photos of the mounts they made for installing the RTT? Also what awning brackets did you go with? Sorry if this has already been covered.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Nearly 2 years of no updates in this thread? Yikes.

Wish I had some crazy mods to share, but no. LX is still doing all of its duties like a champ with zero issues, and all the comforts that go along with it.

The bumper-mounted trailer connection is still working great, and I use it all the time. I got a new trailer a few months ago and wrapped up the trailer's DC/DC charger install this weekend. I previously had a set of 12v ports installed in the passenger side cubby of the cargo area, but I don't actually use them, so I used the wiring that I ran for that project to setup my DC/DC charge. I fed those 2awg cables through the grommet in the same cubby area, popped them out below, and mounted the red andersen connector on top of the OEM tie-down hook.

Test fit the full cable to the trailer:

A solid 40ah of charge from the DC/DC charger, and another 5ah from solar:

That should do nicely.

With this in place the LX is now a quieter, better generator than any generator, and since it's not a generator, there are no restrictions to running it only during certain hours at campgrounds. I can idle the LX for 5 hours and recharge the batteries from 0 to 100%, and of course, the same charge will happen while driving from campsite to campsite. Plus, I don't need to drop $2k on a Honda generator, maintain it, transport it, store it, carry separate fuel for it, worry about it getting stolen, etc.

Nice approach! I should do this too!

Are you running the Anderson directly from your starter battery terminals with a breaker or fuse in line? The DC/DC Charger is on the trailer?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Any chance you could share some photos of the mounts they made for installing the RTT? Also what awning brackets did you go with? Sorry if this has already been covered.

No can do. That entire setup was sold years ago. Brackets were simple L-shaped, stainless steel, plus the ones that came with the tent. Awning was mounted to the tent directly via the usual AluCab brackets/setup.

Nice approach! I should do this too!

Are you running the Anderson directly from your starter battery terminals with a breaker or fuse in line? The DC/DC Charger is on the trailer?

Correct on all counts. Positive (2 gauge) from the starter (only) battery (via breaker), negative from the chassis near the taillight area; there's an OEM ground there, and I used the same spot.

40a Renogy DC/DC charger in the trailer. You'd ideally want a switched 12v running to the DC/DC charger too, so that it shuts off when you shut off the vehicle, but I've been getting by without one by simply unplugging the main Anderson connector when shutting the LX off.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

No can do. That entire setup was sold years ago. Brackets were simple L-shaped, stainless steel, plus the ones that came with the tent. Awning was mounted to the tent directly via the usual AluCab brackets/setup.



Correct on all counts. Positive (2 gauge) from the starter (only) battery (via breaker), negative from the chassis near the taillight area; there's an OEM ground there, and I used the same spot.

40a Renogy DC/DC charger in the trailer. You'd ideally want a switched 12v running to the DC/DC charger too, so that it shuts off when you shut off the vehicle, but I've been getting by without one by simply unplugging the main Anderson connector when shutting the LX off.

This is on the stock 180amp alternator, correct?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

This is on the stock 180amp alternator, correct?

Yup.

I've idled the LX as much as 4-5 hours at a time while charging the trailer, including on hot, summer days. No issues whatsoever. I do open the hood to let the hot air escape easier.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

@CanadianRockyCruiser On an unrelated note, we just reserved 4 nights of camping at Gooseberry Provincial Park near Bragg Creek in late June. Any recommendations on things to see/places to go? We will have 2 weeks of vacation, and plan to head north into/through Jasper (after Gooseberry), then head back west into BC and south to get home. Got a toddler that needs daytime naps, so trying to keep daily driving to a minimum, basecamp, and explore from/near camp.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

@CanadianRockyCruiser On an unrelated note, we just reserved 4 nights of camping at Gooseberry Provincial Park near Bragg Creek in late June. Any recommendations on things to see/places to go? We will have 2 weeks of vacation, and plan to head north into/through Jasper (after Gooseberry), then head back west into BC and south to get home. Got a toddler that needs daytime naps, so trying to keep daily driving to a minimum, basecamp, and explore from/near camp.

You are visiting Bragg Creek at a particularly busy time: the G7 in Kananaskis. Had it not been for the G7, I'd say visit Kananaskis for great hiking/biking.

Around Bragg Creek:
-Elbow Falls
-Prairie Mountain (nice hiking)
-Canyon Creek Ice Caves ( a bit of a hike and not too much "ice" in June, but still cool to check out)
-Moose Mountain (great for mountain biking)
-Powder Face trail
-Nihahi Ridge (watch out for snipers if you're here at G7 time!)
-Yamniska, a personal favorite (hiking)

Instead:
Canmore (tons of great hiking/biking)
-Grotto Canyon
-Heart Mountain Horseshoe trail
Banff - Lake Two Jack
-Johnston Canyon/inkpots (early morning before the crowds)
-Hot springs
-Book Dinner at the Grizzly House for fondue and promptly sequester all of the clothes that you've worn there in a garbage bag
-Too many great hikes to list
-Bow Falls, followed by Waldhaus for a boot of beer and pretzles

Lake Louise and Morraine Lake:
-Book ahead, but Morraine Lake is iconic. I recommend visiting in the a.m. if possible. Parks Canada has made it a pain to get access, since there are so many visitors, so you usually have to take a shuttle in the summer.
-Lake Louise is even more iconic, and a hike to the "tea hut" is often a highlight for visitors. If you're feeling up for a grind, there's a great hike to higher altitudes at Mt. St. Piran or Fairview Mt.

Jasper (my favorite place)
-take your time on the 93 North, as there are phenomenal stops and wildlife all along the way Starting in Lake Louise
-Hector Lake
-Bow Lake
-Peyto Lake
-Panther falls
-Parker Ridge
-Wilcox Trail
-Columbia Icefield (dress for winter)
-Tangle Creek Falls
-Sunwapta Falls
-Athabasca Falls
-Mt Edith Cavell (I haven't been up there since the big fire, so I'm not sure it will feel quite the same)
-Annette Lake/Edith Lake ...nice beach and trail system
-Jasper Park Lodge to empty the wallet on cocktails
-Maligne Canyon --> Medicine Lake --> Maligne Lake (Sprit Island via boat tour)
-Miette Hotsprings
-Patricia Lake/Pyramid Lake
-Legion for beers/dance

If you want to go 4x4ing, the trail system at Waiparous/Ghost and McLean Creek is a lot of fun!

I'll be in Radium/Lake Louise/Banff Tunnel Mountain camping from June 20th to July 2nd, with two toddlers in tow. I never miss Canada Day in Banff! Perhaps there's a beer in our future.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

You are visiting Bragg Creek at a particularly busy time: the G7 in Kananaskis. Had it not been for the G7, I'd say visit Kananaskis for great hiking/biking.

Around Bragg Creek:
-Elbow Falls
-Prairie Mountain (nice hiking)
-Canyon Creek Ice Caves ( a bit of a hike and not too much "ice" in June, but still cool to check out)
-Moose Mountain (great for mountain biking)
-Powder Face trail
-Nihahi Ridge (watch out for snipers if you're here at G7 time!)
-Yamniska, a personal favorite (hiking)

Instead:
Canmore (tons of great hiking/biking)
-Grotto Canyon
-Heart Mountain Horseshoe trail
Banff - Lake Two Jack
-Johnston Canyon/inkpots (early morning before the crowds)
-Hot springs
-Book Dinner at the Grizzly House for fondue and promptly sequester all of the clothes that you've worn there in a garbage bag
-Too many great hikes to list
-Bow Falls, followed by Waldhaus for a boot of beer and pretzles

Lake Louise and Morraine Lake:
-Book ahead, but Morraine Lake is iconic. I recommend visiting in the a.m. if possible. Parks Canada has made it a pain to get access, since there are so many visitors, so you usually have to take a shuttle in the summer.
-Lake Louise is even more iconic, and a hike to the "tea hut" is often a highlight for visitors. If you're feeling up for a grind, there's a great hike to higher altitudes at Mt. St. Piran or Fairview Mt.

Jasper (my favorite place)
-take your time on the 93 North, as there are phenomenal stops and wildlife all along the way Starting in Lake Louise
-Hector Lake
-Bow Lake
-Peyto Lake
-Panther falls
-Parker Ridge
-Wilcox Trail
-Columbia Icefield (dress for winter)
-Tangle Creek Falls
-Sunwapta Falls
-Athabasca Falls
-Mt Edith Cavell (I haven't been up there since the big fire, so I'm not sure it will feel quite the same)
-Annette Lake/Edith Lake ...nice beach and trail system
-Jasper Park Lodge to empty the wallet on cocktails
-Maligne Canyon --> Medicine Lake --> Maligne Lake (Sprit Island via boat tour)
-Miette Hotsprings
-Patricia Lake/Pyramid Lake
-Legion for beers/dance

If you want to go 4x4ing, the trail system at Waiparous/Ghost and McLean Creek is a lot of fun!

I'll be in Radium/Lake Louise/Banff Tunnel Mountain camping from June 20th to July 2nd, with two toddlers in tow. I never miss Canada Day in Banff! Perhaps there's a beer in our future.

Wow, thank you!

I had no idea about the G7 meetup. Sounds like we'll just miss it, as we're due to arrive on the 28th of June.

Will shoot you a PM in a minute.

 

[JDM Journeys]

@eatSleepWoof I just wanted to say thanks. Got sucked into this thread 18 pages and several hours ago, and just came up for air! A buddy has a 200 LC and it looked very comfortable last year in Utah when he was floating down corrugations and (in my 70 series) I was thinking about my dental plan. LOL.

I don't usually lurk over here but I must admit a local LX has come up and I've been giving it some serious consideration. Perhaps it'd be a worthy replacement for my ageing 100 and my 70 series? We shall see. But reading about the fun you've had with yours (AHC/Lexus-dealer notwithstanding) has made the idea more appealing. If you are ever out this way again, I'd love to buy you (AND @CanadianRockyCruiser ) beers.

Cheers!
Phil (in Airdrie)

 

[PDoyle]

What about us?

 

[JDM Journeys]

I better be careful how many beers I'm promising here but if you're local then why not?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

@eatSleepWoof I just wanted to say thanks. Got sucked into this thread 18 pages and several hours ago, and just came up for air! A buddy has a 200 LC and it looked very comfortable last year in Utah when he was floating down corrugations and (in my 70 series) I was thinking about my dental plan. LOL.

I don't usually lurk over here but I must admit a local LX has come up and I've been giving it some serious consideration. Perhaps it'd be a worthy replacement for my ageing 100 and my 70 series? We shall see. But reading about the fun you've had with yours (AHC/Lexus-dealer notwithstanding) has made the idea more appealing. If you are ever out this way again, I'd love to buy you (AND @CanadianRockyCruiser ) beers.

Cheers!
Phil (in Airdrie)

Glad to hear you got some enjoyment out of the thread! Go for the LX, you won't regret it.