Build Lexus lx450 chinook expedition vehicle

[SWCruiser]

Updates

Timely question...

I go back and forth between AZ and NY so I only get a few days on the project every few months.. I just finished a 4 day stint.... I was expecting to get more done but we all know how that goes.

Completed the dual battery system, fuse, box, etc. Also have the setup done to add a third battery if needed. The lines will also be secured after all the wiring is complete.

Finished wiring and plumbing the hydraulic winch with interior controls

Added exterior bolts along the side and welded to internal frame. Going to use these to secure stuff to the outsided such as drop down tables, and longer gear.

Interior- kitchen area and seeting frames done.

 

[SWCruiser]

Interior

The interior was made of 3/4" ply for the vertical pieces and 1/2" for most everything else. The seat tops are 1/4" ply and I think I will eventually fiberglass these also.

Everything fits amazingly well and I couldn't be happier with the way it looks. The SMEV stovetop looks super clean and it matches well with the IKEA sink top and cutting board. The faucet is a foldable by SMEV also (very well made)! The top of the freezer will serve as cutting board and counter area. On the side of the freezer i plan on having a fold down counter service that people can eat on while sitting on the bench.

Under the sink I will have drawers.. just ran out of time.

 

[cruiserdan]

Kind of a big vacuum for an RV application, no?

 

[Mikesta]

Kind of a big vacuum for an RV application, no?

First - great build, really enjoy seeing updates.

Second -

 

[SWCruiser]

Seating/ Sleeping Area

I spent a lot of time measuring and figuring the height and width of the bench area. Normal benches are between 16-18 inches but at 18" someone sitting in the back that was over 6ft would have to bend over. I decided 16 would leave head room. Most of the vertical pieces for the seating area is 3/4" and I lightened it up with the cut outs. The rear seating area I chose to change up the positioning of the supports in case i had larger items that needed to fit there (bow, gun, etc.). The tops of the seating area i decided to use 1/4". It is stable enough but i may fiberglass it to make sure it can stand up to longterm use. I will also add a hinge on the back of the tops. I also plan to weld a cross beam across the back to replace the wood support I have there. I also have a simple but elegant idea for keeping the tops secure.

 

[SWCruiser]

Benches

Here are the benches with the tops on. I liked the idea of the kickout on the ends as it seems like a nice comfortable spot for the dog. The cushions will probably be a 3" memory foam. Upholstery is undecided but I plan to keep the color scheme consistent with the front.

The slide out in the back is for a portopotty or generator. if the is on the trip we all know whats going to be there.

 

[SWCruiser]

Kind of a big vacuum for an RV application, no?

Dan,
your thinking ahead.. I bought a little red devil to permanently mount in also!

 

[SWCruiser]

Interior 3

Here are a few pics with it all together.

I had to install one of the gauges and lights just so I could see how it all came together....

 

[cruiserdan]

Have you weighed it yet?

 

[rbdave]

Reminds me kindof a Jackalope !

Crap, now i sound like the princess, judging on looks, not function.

Honestly, beats the hell out of setting up a tent in the rain..........

 

[SWCruiser]

Weight

Dan,
I haven't weighed it yet... i still need to mount the propane tank, battery, underbody boxes and then finish the rear cabinets... Its hard to speculate right now.

 

[1973Guppie]

cool build! can't wait to see the finished product.....

 

[SWCruiser]

Reminds me kindof a Jackalope !

Crap, now i sound like the princess, judging on looks, not function.

Honestly, beats the hell out of setting up a tent in the rain..........

Actually, it will grow on you if you look at it enough... as for setting up in the rain... yes, thats exactly one of the reasons I concocted this build. I like setup to be painless and quick... Im usually out hunting 4am and stay past dark. Last think i want to do is mess around with setting things up.

 

[Bryan E.]

This is looking a lot neater than I first pictured it from your beginning pictures. I'll give you a tip of my hat for thinking of such a cool project and being able to get started on it. Looking great. Will make one heck of a fun, adventure, unique rig. Really cool. More pictures please...

 

[scrowley]

Looking great. Sure will be a cool camp rig.

 

[M32H32is]

Wow. As a fellow hunter, this rolling deer camp is awesome! Great vision & even better execution.

 

[SWCruiser]

This is looking a lot neater than I first pictured it from your beginning pictures. I'll give you a tip of my hat for thinking of such a cool project and being able to get started on it. Looking great. Will make one heck of a fun, adventure, unique rig. Really cool. More pictures please...

I was scratching my head on the initial stages too and wondering if I would ultimately love it or have a kid only a parent would love... Its been growing on me and I think once everything is in place it will come together well.

Looking great. Sure will be a cool camp rig.

Thanks... In AZ we have some nasty backcountry roads and with this it shouldn't be a problem. Im definitely more of a expeditioner than a crawler.

Wow. As a fellow hunter, this rolling deer camp is awesome! Great vision & even better execution.

Thanks!!!! I hope it proves to be the perfect elk and deer camp rig for me... If i keep the trailer I built im going to convert one whole side of that too a freezer... big enough for two elk.

On my trailer i had a line tucked under the sink that i could use to spray off game and i think ill do the same on this... helps with getting off the hair and any dirt on the meat. I always try and camp near a water source so Im also going to hook up another pump to feed into the tank.

 

[M32H32is]

I like the water sprayer idea, will have to incorporate that into my build.

 

[SWCruiser]

It will prove extremely useful. Ive washed down muddy shoes, sprayed down the truck, cleaned gear, etc.

 

[SWCruiser]

Bunks!

I remember seeing a post on this somewhere but first time I saw the whole process of setup.. really cool idea.. Lets see if I can include this..... Maybe a good idea for a gear loft of some sort...