LC 200 Build - Must Haves and Would love

[Eire32]

Hi Guys

I’m looking into a LC 200 build with Eric.

The LC will be primarily an every day driver, with the ability to overland with the family (young kids)

So my question is; if you were to do it again, what would be your
1 Must Haves
2 ‘Would love to have(s)

 

[Angelo1]

Congrats! For me, I love my Stage 6 3.0series ICON. 2.5 series might have been a better setup for my use, since I don’t jump dunes. My next setup will be 2.5 King a few years down the road. I would love to have the Rhino bumper but my wife thinks I should get a ARB bull bar for all the deer we have.

 

[Eire32]

Congrats! For me, I love my Stage 6 3.0series ICON. 2.5 series might have been a better setup for my use, since I don’t jump dunes. My next setup will be 2.5 King a few years down the road.

thanks for the reply...mind me asking why?
I’m a complete newb at this to be bluntly honest....but I don’t want to be going back in a year or couple of years wishing ‘I wish when we did xyz that we just added this while that was being done and it would have saved us time and money in the shop’ moments

is this how it sits?

 

[TeCKis300]

Are you intending to adding significant weights/armor or do any towing?

How many members in the family?

 

[Mogwai]

Need: good tires.
Would love be to have: everything else

 

[Eire32]

Are you intending to adding significant weights/armor or do any towing?

How many members in the family?

Two adults, 2-3 v young kids
Definitely adding a roof rack and roof tent, and towing would include options up to towing my 2,000 lb lawn tractor to option of towing an overland trailer in future depending on where this goes

 

[Angelo1]

I love it because the ride is amazing compared to stock and I can fully adjust the way I want it to ride, similar to a Cadillac(soft)or a F250(stiff) and everything in between depending on purpose. My kids are hyper sensitive about being comfortable on road trips. They noticed right away how plush the ride was compared to other LCs I’ve owned or they’ve been in. ICON is also rebuildable, downfall is you will be without your truck for a good 8days as you have to send it back to a shop such as Accutune(highly recommend). It’s not really a big deal and you’ll have them for many years.

 

[Eire32]

I love it because the ride is amazing compared to stock and I can fully adjust the way I want it to ride, similar to a Cadillac(soft)or a F250(stiff) and everything in between depending on purpose. My kids are hyper sensitive about being comfortable on road trips. They noticed right away how plush the ride was compared to other LCs I’ve owned or they’ve been in. ICON is also rebuildable, downfall is you will be without your truck for a good 8days as you have to send it back to a shop such as Accutune(highly recommend). It’s not really a big deal and you’ll have them for many years.

There was talk about old man Emu...what’s your thoughts on Icon versus that?

I may have to remove some ‘want’ items for ‘need’ so that’s why I had to ask as it may come down to that

Are you talking even every day driving or just off road overland driving ?

 

[Angelo1]

Here’s how mine sits. I can take an extra picture similar to the one you posted above tomorrow if you like.

 

[Angelo1]

There was talk about old man Emu...what’s your thoughts on Icon versus that?

I may have to remove some ‘want’ items for ‘need’ so that’s why I had to ask as it may come down to that

Are you talking even every day driving or just off road overland driving ?

Old man emu is pretty stiff over bumps. Fine for the highway but not great for cornering. ICON is great for every day, off-road and it really helps soak up the bumps and handles really well in the turns.

 

[RumBum]

Must haves: Center Console Storage Tray

Amazon product ASIN B07KK3YRQN

 

[desmocruiser]

Sounds like you are in the right place and talking to the right guy.

Personally for me on the necessary list for a daily driver and weekend adventure rig:
Lift, Tires, Sliders, better battery or dual, and whatever cosmetics chrome delete, tint, etc. You prefer.

On the nice list: Sub tank, drawers, inventor, additional lighting.

Further down the list: bumpers, winch, skids, fridge, and roof rack with accessories.

I wouldn’t sweat having to change, update or upgrade things along the way, its part of the process and the fun, start with minimal and go from there.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Hi Guys

I’m looking into a LC 200 build with Eric.

The LC will be primarily an every day driver, with the ability to overland with the family (young kids)

So my question is; if you were to do it again, what would be your
1 Must Haves
2 ‘Would love to have(s)

- Good tires.
- Tent, sleeping bags, and other basic camping gear from your nearest Walmart. Outfitting the entire family should be sub $400 all in.

Get out there, figure out what you are lacking, and then get what you need.

Right now you don't need armour, you don't need a lift (don't even start down that rabbit hole), you sure as hell don't need a roof rack, or any of the other "cool kids" toys. Anything and everything can be added later, if it's needed.

 

[Angelo1]

I would not recommend a RTT if your kids are under 10. They will get up at night and the ladder will get old after a few times. Also, it makes your vehicle top heavy if you plan on doing any off road excursions from base camp. RTT makes the most sense if you’re in an area with bear activity. My Dad used to form a boundary around our camp with string and bells if a large animal tripped it, he was prepared with his .44 Mag and getting us in the truck. We camped a lot. Miss those days. So, good for you getting the family out there early on.

 

[Eire32]

I would not recommend a RTT if your kids are under 10. They will get up at night and the ladder will get old after a few times. Also, it makes your vehicle top heavy if you plant on doing any off road excursions from base camp. RTT makes the most sense if you’re in an area with bear activity. My Dad used to form a boundary around our camp with string and bells if a large animal tripped it, he was prepared with his .44 Mag and getting us in the truck. We camped a lot. Miss those days. So good for you, getting the family out there early on.

I like your dads ‘mcguyver / Clint Eastwood approach lol

I don’t know what needs the magnum more, bears or nut jobs you encounter in modern day life

sweet wheels by the way!

 

[Angelo1]

- Good tires.
- Tent, sleeping bags, and other basic camping gear from your nearest Walmart. Outfitting the entire family should be sub $400 all in.

Get out there, figure out what you are lacking, and then get what you need.

Right now you don't need armour, you don't need a lift (don't even start down that rabbit hole), you sure as hell don't need a roof rack, or any of the other "cool kids" toys. Anything and everything can be added later, if it's needed.

I agree with much of this but i highly recommend a really good tent that’s quick and easy to assemble. Spend the money and get the tent from REI. Also, you can return it if you don’t like it and try another one. Heck, they even rent them. So you can really try before you buy as they apply the rental credit towards purchase. I also recommend getting the most comfortable sleeping bags and air pads for underneath them so everyone is happy.

 

[Eire32]

I agree with much of this but i highly recommend a really good tent that’s quick and easy to assemble. Spend the money and get the tent from REI. Also, you can return it if you don’t like it and try another one. Heck, they even rent them. So you can really try before you buy as they apply the rental credit towards purchase. I also recommend getting the most comfortable sleeping bags and air pads for underneath them so everyone is happy.

wow that’s great to know about REI, that’s a brilliant model! Try before buy and nothing to lose!
That’s great thanks so much

I want the build to be comfortable such that the kids wife or myself have our comforts and don’t hate the whole overland or camping experience because they miss their modern day comforts.....I think a lot has changed from when I was a kid when camping was just a cheap nylon tent, getting washed out if it rained, and generally being uncomfortable and stinking for a few days

but thanks so far for the advice

 

[Angelo1]

I like your dads ‘mcguyver / Clint Eastwood approach lol

I don’t know what needs the magnum more, bears or nut jobs you encounter in modern day life

sweet wheels by the way!

Lol! My Dad is literally grizzly Adams. Camping is his life. Something more people should do with kids. Best bonding time ever.

 

[Sandroad]

I would add that as it comes from the factory, the Land Cruiser is a truly remarkable daily driver/overlander combination vehicle. Take it easy on mods and enjoy it without worrying about getting it perfect right away. It’ll be a long-termer in your garage and future needs will come up. That said, for sure get 5 good tires and look at some of the “build light” threads in the forum FAQs for ideas too. Concentrate on what the kids need for traveling; the Land Cruiser can take of itself.

 

[Angelo1]

I buy pretty much all my gear from REI as they have the best return policy, even if it’s been used and abused. I rarely ever pay full price as they send out 20% offers every other month if your a member and in May they will have the biggest sale of the year, which I believe is 30%off everything