Builds Jade Overland build
- Thread starter prerunner221
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- #122
I finally swapped my interior lights out for LED. I'm not sure why I waited so long because it's one of the cheapest mods we have. I purchased from SuperbrightLEDs.com. The front lights and second row are "natural white" and the rear hatch area are red. Red in the rear because when I camp I'm constantly in and out of the rear door and red light won't attract bugs or kill my night vision.
The video at the bottom shows how the lights work and the part numbers for the lights if anyone is interested.
The video at the bottom shows how the lights work and the part numbers for the lights if anyone is interested.
r2m
Richard
Are they brighter then stock? I wouldn't mind a little brighter over stock, not anything close to supernova bright.
Do they have brightness options aside form color hues?
Do they have brightness options aside form color hues?
- Thread starter
- #124
They're much brighter than stock. The video shows the second row still in it's stock form, and the front with the natural light option. The natural light isn't crazy bright, like office bright, but gives nice usable light. They have a brighter option, but I didn't want it any brighter. Here's a link to what they have available.
Super bright LEDs
r2m
Richard
Yeah, wouldn't want to go too bright, or it'd ruin your night vision when you turn it off.
Good idea using red for the rear! I always have my headlamp on red when camping.
- Thread starter
- #126
The only snag I ran into when installing the rear seat delete was the airbag light on the dash coming on. I assumed it would, since I was removing a seat with a sensor in it, but Goose Gear didn't mention anything, so I installed the seat and sure enough, the light turned on.
I found a company that 3D prints a new plug with a 2ohm resistor. I put it in yesterday and it turned the light off, so I'm happy. I didn't realize folks were 3D printing these things.
Bradshacks.com is where I found it if anyone is interested.
I found a company that 3D prints a new plug with a 2ohm resistor. I put it in yesterday and it turned the light off, so I'm happy. I didn't realize folks were 3D printing these things.
Bradshacks.com is where I found it if anyone is interested.
- Thread starter
- #127
I've had the truck for a few years now and decided it needed a change. The Diamond Dark Gunmetal TEs are awesome, and I love them, but wanted something that looked a little different, and also something that if I nailed a rock with it I wouldn't be as upset.
So I ordered a set of Ray's DR57-x in 17x8.5 -10 in Bronze. I still using the Project Kics R40s in neochrome For lug nuts. I have the proper bronze center caps on order (ordered in September and they won't be here until April I'm now told) but for now I'm using the black chrome center caps from the TEs. I actually like the black cap look, so I'll have to see how the bronze ones look when they get here. I also ordered a set of Chasing J's gradient titanium valve caps to complete the look. Sometimes I can't get away from my import car show ways lol.
I really, really like the Toyo Tire Open Country R/T Trails I have on my TEs, so I got another set for these rims in 285/70r17. They have been the best mix of off road looks and performance with minimal road noise and decline in mpg that I've had.
So I ordered a set of Ray's DR57-x in 17x8.5 -10 in Bronze. I still using the Project Kics R40s in neochrome For lug nuts. I have the proper bronze center caps on order (ordered in September and they won't be here until April I'm now told) but for now I'm using the black chrome center caps from the TEs. I actually like the black cap look, so I'll have to see how the bronze ones look when they get here. I also ordered a set of Chasing J's gradient titanium valve caps to complete the look. Sometimes I can't get away from my import car show ways lol.
I really, really like the Toyo Tire Open Country R/T Trails I have on my TEs, so I got another set for these rims in 285/70r17. They have been the best mix of off road looks and performance with minimal road noise and decline in mpg that I've had.
- Thread starter
- #128
I didn't want crazy bright either, just more usable light. The red in the back has been great. I always use a headlamp at camp too, and I try to always use red around camp to keep my night vision and not attract bugs. Now I just turn on the rear lights when camping and it's all red. It's been a great addition for $5.
I had to make my own with Toyota and Volkswagen parts. Good to see someone making a plug and play item.The only snag I ran into when installing the rear seat delete was the airbag light on the dash coming on. I assumed it would, since I was removing a seat with a sensor in it, but Goose Gear didn't mention anything, so I installed the seat and sure enough, the light turned on.
I found a company that 3D prints a new plug with a 2ohm resistor. I put it in yesterday and it turned the light off, so I'm happy. I didn't realize folks were 3D printing these things.
Bradshacks.com is where I found it if anyone is interested.
- Thread starter
- #130
I just received my Taruca 270 degree awning that will replace my OVS 270. The OVS has been great, and was a huge step up from the ARB 2000 awning. Not in quality, but it usable space. The OVS has been great for camping and at the beach, but was starting to wear where the metal touched the fabric while folded, and was never truly a free standing awning, as I always had to have a few poles down.
I met the US rep for Bushwakka (Australian brand, called Taruca in the US to not be confused with Bushwacker) at Expo east and checked out their line. I was looking at a bush company awning, but after seeing the lighting option on the Taruca I decided to go that way.
The new awning arrived late last week, and along with new FrontRunner awning mounts, it was installed. Build quality on this unit far surpasses the OVS. The bag for instance, is not open in the front with a Velcro closure, it's just a solid front with a zipper, as it should be. The base that the material attaches to is heavier duty, and won't flex like the OVS. The material itself doesn't feel different, but we'll see how it does in the rain and heat. The OVS always did great in both of those.
Where the Taruca shines is in it's ability to actually free stand without poles. Just setting it up, there is no sag in the arms like I've experienced previously. The first set up took under a minute. I really like ratchet lines they provide for the awning. They were much easier to get tight than the last awnings. They also give you ratcheting lines for your guy wires, and provide nice, heavy duty stakes for them, not the flimsy junk I've gotten with all of my other awnings and tents.
I attended a Rigs and Coffee over the weekend and of course we got hammered all day. The awning was great. Super fast setup, and I never put the poles down. It rained pretty hard out there for a few hours, and got a little breezy, but the awning handled it great. I'm pretty happy with it.
I also really like the lighting built it to the arms. Setting the wiring up takes an extra 30 seconds, and gives you white, yellow or amber lighting off all 4 arms. Super helpful at camp. On to the pictures....
I met the US rep for Bushwakka (Australian brand, called Taruca in the US to not be confused with Bushwacker) at Expo east and checked out their line. I was looking at a bush company awning, but after seeing the lighting option on the Taruca I decided to go that way.
The new awning arrived late last week, and along with new FrontRunner awning mounts, it was installed. Build quality on this unit far surpasses the OVS. The bag for instance, is not open in the front with a Velcro closure, it's just a solid front with a zipper, as it should be. The base that the material attaches to is heavier duty, and won't flex like the OVS. The material itself doesn't feel different, but we'll see how it does in the rain and heat. The OVS always did great in both of those.
Where the Taruca shines is in it's ability to actually free stand without poles. Just setting it up, there is no sag in the arms like I've experienced previously. The first set up took under a minute. I really like ratchet lines they provide for the awning. They were much easier to get tight than the last awnings. They also give you ratcheting lines for your guy wires, and provide nice, heavy duty stakes for them, not the flimsy junk I've gotten with all of my other awnings and tents.
I attended a Rigs and Coffee over the weekend and of course we got hammered all day. The awning was great. Super fast setup, and I never put the poles down. It rained pretty hard out there for a few hours, and got a little breezy, but the awning handled it great. I'm pretty happy with it.
I also really like the lighting built it to the arms. Setting the wiring up takes an extra 30 seconds, and gives you white, yellow or amber lighting off all 4 arms. Super helpful at camp. On to the pictures....
r2m
Richard
Wow! That thing is gorgeous! I assume it also has poles and guy lines for wind.I just received my Taruca 270 degree awning that will replace my OVS 270. The OVS has been great, and was a huge step up from the ARB 2000 awning. Not in quality, but it usable space. The OVS has been great for camping and at the beach, but was starting to wear where the metal touched the fabric while folded, and was never truly a free standing awning, as I always had to have a few poles down.
I met the US rep for Bushwakka (Australian brand, called Taruca in the US to not be confused with Bushwacker) at Expo east and checked out their line. I was looking at a bush company awning, but after seeing the lighting option on the Taruca I decided to go that way.
The new awning arrived late last week, and along with new FrontRunner awning mounts, it was installed. Build quality on this unit far surpasses the OVS. The bag for instance, is not open in the front with a Velcro closure, it's just a solid front with a zipper, as it should be. The base that the material attaches to is heavier duty, and won't flex like the OVS. The material itself doesn't feel different, but we'll see how it does in the rain and heat. The OVS always did great in both of those.
Where the Taruca shines is in it's ability to actually free stand without poles. Just setting it up, there is no sag in the arms like I've experienced previously. The first set up took under a minute. I really like ratchet lines they provide for the awning. They were much easier to get tight than the last awnings. They also give you ratcheting lines for your guy wires, and provide nice, heavy duty stakes for them, not the flimsy junk I've gotten with all of my other awnings and tents.
I attended a Rigs and Coffee over the weekend and of course we got hammered all day. The awning was great. Super fast setup, and I never put the poles down. It rained pretty hard out there for a few hours, and got a little breezy, but the awning handled it great. I'm pretty happy with it.
I also really like the lighting built it to the arms. Setting the wiring up takes an extra 30 seconds, and gives you white, yellow or amber lighting off all 4 arms. Super helpful at camp. On to the pictures....
What are they asking for that?
- Thread starter
- #132
There are poles installed on the awning, and you can order more if you want extra. Guy lines were included and are on the same ratchet / paracord style as the awning cables. This unit sells for $1,499.00. If you get to their site soon though, they're selling what's left of last year's inventory at a discount.
Taruca Extreme Darkness 270+ Awning LHS - https://tarucausa.com/collections/awnings/products/taruca-extreme-darkness-270-awning-lhs
- Thread starter
- #133
Since I try to do most of my camping in the winter months, I starter considering a diesel heater a few months ago. After watching a million videos I settled on a Vevor. It was just over $100 after their new customer discount. I had to purchase a longer dryer hose ($15) and a 12v plug to wire on ($8). I had seen a dryer hose attachment on some of the overland sites that improved how the hose goes into the tent, and was able to find a free STL on it, then had a buddy with a printer make it. He used a little over $1.50 of material to make the part. If interested, you can find it on "alilxtr" on Instagram.
I got to try it out while camping this weekend. It got down into the high 30's at night and it was pretty damp outside. I normally use a 30 degree bag and a blanket and I'm comfortable, but brought the heater out. It was a little bit of a pain to set up for the first time, but once set up the unit fired up ran all night. I had it on for about 9 hours, and it used half a 500w Bluetti and 2/5 gallon of diesel. I had started it at half power, but by midnight had to turn it down to 3/10 because I was too hot. Ended up sleeping in shorts under a blanket like I was at home, which was amazing.
Living in Florida, I'll only get 3-4 months of use out of it every year, but it was crazy comfortable, and for around $100, I think it's definitely worth it.
I got to try it out while camping this weekend. It got down into the high 30's at night and it was pretty damp outside. I normally use a 30 degree bag and a blanket and I'm comfortable, but brought the heater out. It was a little bit of a pain to set up for the first time, but once set up the unit fired up ran all night. I had it on for about 9 hours, and it used half a 500w Bluetti and 2/5 gallon of diesel. I had started it at half power, but by midnight had to turn it down to 3/10 because I was too hot. Ended up sleeping in shorts under a blanket like I was at home, which was amazing.
Living in Florida, I'll only get 3-4 months of use out of it every year, but it was crazy comfortable, and for around $100, I think it's definitely worth it.
Since I try to do most of my camping in the winter months, I starter considering a diesel heater a few months ago. After watching a million videos I settled on a Vevor. It was just over $100 after their new customer discount. I had to purchase a longer dryer hose ($15) and a 12v plug to wire on ($8). I had seen a dryer hose attachment on some of the overland sites that improved how the hose goes into the tent, and was able to find a free STL on it, then had a buddy with a printer make it. He used a little over $1.50 of material to make the part. If interested, you can find it on "alilxtr" on Instagram.
I got to try it out while camping this weekend. It got down into the high 30's at night and it was pretty damp outside. I normally use a 30 degree bag and a blanket and I'm comfortable, but brought the heater out. It was a little bit of a pain to set up for the first time, but once set up the unit fired up ran all night. I had it on for about 9 hours, and it used half a 500w Bluetti and 2/5 gallon of diesel. I had started it at half power, but by midnight had to turn it down to 3/10 because I was too hot. Ended up sleeping in shorts under a blanket like I was at home, which was amazing.
Living in Florida, I'll only get 3-4 months of use out of it every year, but it was crazy comfortable, and for around $100, I think it's definitely worth it.
How loud is it? Looks like a nice setup!
- Thread starter
- #135
Not very. It's like having a room fan on low. You do hear the tick tick of the fuel pump, but it's like the fan and it turns to white noise after a minute.
r2m
Richard
Do you have a photo of it all packed up? I'd be nice to get an idea of what the volume (space needed) for packing.
- Thread starter
- #137
I don't but I could get one. I have the unit packed into a small pelican case with everything but the hose. The hose I keep in a small bag. It wouldn't fit in the case without something rubbing a hole in it somewhere. It's the biggest issue I have with it, the unit takes up some valuable space in the vehicle and has to be packed standing upright because of the fuel.
- Thread starter
- #138
After having the new awning for a month and a half I decided to do a review on YouTube. I kept getting asked about it, so here's the video. I've never done one before, and I know there's some things I need to improve, but hopefully it helps anyone thinking about getting a 270 awning.
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- Thread starter
- #139
I've been underwhelmed by the infotainment system for a while now after purchasing a new Rav4 for my wife and seeing hers. I previously installed a Navik's unit so I could watch DVD movies while the vehicle is in motion, which has been great for keeping the wife happy on long drives. I wanted to add Android Auto so I started looking at options. I've been watching the ups and downs of unit for a couple of years now and decided on the BeatSonics. After watching a few videos on the install (GXBob's was perfect) I got the unit in and got to installing. After putting in the Navik's unit before I knew what to expect, but was fearful about wire management because it's pretty tight behind the stereo.
Install went as expected, but getting everything buttoned was problematic. There was just a ton of wires to try to tuck out of the way. I was able to get everything out of the way enough to get it all together again, but not enough the be able to fully open the tray under the stereo. The main harness (the big one with the white and grey plug) now has two jumper harnesses between the stereo and the vehicle, and it's a ton of wiring.
Overall I'm Ok with the install how it sits. I may pull it apart later and try to reroute things better, but it was getting late and I had to head out to the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo the following morning, so I buttoned everything up and tried it out. Everything still works, movies, all the apps and swapping back and forth between normal use and Andriod Auto. The system doesn't seem to always want to always turn the map into night mode when the headlights kick on, even though the system is set to automatically do it, but I've only used it for a day, so we'll see how that pans out.
It's super nice having the maps and apps accessible on the head unit. I'm going to love running Gaia through the factory screen instead of having to mount my tablet for trips as well. Overall, I'm very pleased.
Initial strip down only took a few minutes. This vehicle comes apart so easily.
I added a whole other harness on top of what you see here. It made for a big bowl of spaghettis behind the stereo.
And the final product. Not the best video, but it was getting late and I had to be up early.
Install went as expected, but getting everything buttoned was problematic. There was just a ton of wires to try to tuck out of the way. I was able to get everything out of the way enough to get it all together again, but not enough the be able to fully open the tray under the stereo. The main harness (the big one with the white and grey plug) now has two jumper harnesses between the stereo and the vehicle, and it's a ton of wiring.
Overall I'm Ok with the install how it sits. I may pull it apart later and try to reroute things better, but it was getting late and I had to head out to the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo the following morning, so I buttoned everything up and tried it out. Everything still works, movies, all the apps and swapping back and forth between normal use and Andriod Auto. The system doesn't seem to always want to always turn the map into night mode when the headlights kick on, even though the system is set to automatically do it, but I've only used it for a day, so we'll see how that pans out.
It's super nice having the maps and apps accessible on the head unit. I'm going to love running Gaia through the factory screen instead of having to mount my tablet for trips as well. Overall, I'm very pleased.
Initial strip down only took a few minutes. This vehicle comes apart so easily.
I added a whole other harness on top of what you see here. It made for a big bowl of spaghettis behind the stereo.
And the final product. Not the best video, but it was getting late and I had to be up early.
r2m
Richard
I've been underwhelmed by the infotainment system for a while now after purchasing a new Rav4 for my wife and seeing hers. I previously installed a Navik's unit so I could watch DVD movies while the vehicle is in motion, which has been great for keeping the wife happy on long drives. I wanted to add Android Auto so I started looking at options. I've been watching the ups and downs of unit for a couple of years now and decided on the BeatSonics. After watching a few videos on the install (GXBob's was perfect) I got the unit in and got to installing. After putting in the Navik's unit before I knew what to expect, but was fearful about wire management because it's pretty tight behind the stereo.
Install went as expected, but getting everything buttoned was problematic. There was just a ton of wires to try to tuck out of the way. I was able to get everything out of the way enough to get it all together again, but not enough the be able to fully open the tray under the stereo. The main harness (the big one with the white and grey plug) now has two jumper harnesses between the stereo and the vehicle, and it's a ton of wiring.
Overall I'm Ok with the install how it sits. I may pull it apart later and try to reroute things better, but it was getting late and I had to head out to the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo the following morning, so I buttoned everything up and tried it out. Everything still works, movies, all the apps and swapping back and forth between normal use and Andriod Auto. The system doesn't seem to always want to always turn the map into night mode when the headlights kick on, even though the system is set to automatically do it, but I've only used it for a day, so we'll see how that pans out.
It's super nice having the maps and apps accessible on the head unit. I'm going to love running Gaia through the factory screen instead of having to mount my tablet for trips as well. Overall, I'm very pleased.
Initial strip down only took a few minutes. This vehicle comes apart so easily.
I added a whole other harness on top of what you see here. It made for a big bowl of spaghettis behind the stereo.
And the final product. Not the best video, but it was getting late and I had to be up early.
I just emailed Beatsonic to see if they do install's at their La Mirada, CA location, and if so what they charge.
They should reply in a day or so.
