- Thread starter
- #101
So I was planning on hitting a bunch of surf spots in northern Baja. Really would like to kitesurfing Punto San Carlos. Is this north of all the highway 1 issues?
Build LX450: Baja surf trip build
- Thread starter DanMedeiros
- Start date
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- expedition ready fzj80 lx450
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So I was planning on hitting a bunch of surf spots in northern Baja. Really would like to kitesurfing Punto San Carlos. Is this north of all the highway 1 issues?
Yep I figured you'd be hitting San Carlos to kite. In that case, you'll be constrained to the 1 all the way down. Not a big deal since you've got time on your side. Just be careful between San Carlos to south of Catavina... Keep your eyes peeled for giant semi's crossing into your lane and potholes. No biggie.
Was informed by my buddy in mexicali that there are two large protests scheduled for the 7th and 12th. Apparently it is Mexico wide. Last night there was a large protest in Rosarito. Right now traveling through the peninsula looks pretty bad ... Lots of traffic, blockades and many gas stations without gas. The people are pissed at the government. My buddy said it's going to get worse before it gets better. Hopefully it will clear up by Feb. Probably fine for tourists but just lots of probable delays.
Was informed by my buddy in mexicali that there are two large protests scheduled for the 7th and 12th. Apparently it is Mexico wide. Last night there was a large protest in Rosarito. Right now traveling through the peninsula looks pretty bad ... Lots of traffic, blockades and many gas stations without gas. The people are pissed at the government. My buddy said it's going to get worse before it gets better. Hopefully it will clear up by Feb. Probably fine for tourists but just lots of probable delays.
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- Thread starter
- #103
Struggling with how to power my ARB fridge!
I just priced out all the components and it came out to $650 on amazon before even buying batteries! Is there a cheeper way to do this? This doesn't include the cost of the sale tray and relocation bracket I bought.
Also stuck on what batteries to buy. Seems like only a group 34 batter fits in the tray. Their rated at 68 amp hours so if I'm thinking about this right its only 34 usable amp hours. That doesn't seem like it will power a fridge long!
I just priced out all the components and it came out to $650 on amazon before even buying batteries! Is there a cheeper way to do this? This doesn't include the cost of the sale tray and relocation bracket I bought.
Also stuck on what batteries to buy. Seems like only a group 34 batter fits in the tray. Their rated at 68 amp hours so if I'm thinking about this right its only 34 usable amp hours. That doesn't seem like it will power a fridge long!
Appliance epoxy paint, about as close as you can get to powder coat. I use Ace brand from the local hard ware store. It dry's to the touch super fast so dust & bugs don't stick to it as bad. people ask if it's power coat. work's great
when I was young I went to Baja all the time for surf, all ways hit the Boarder at day break, then shoot for Quattro Casa's as the first stop, and never ever Drive at nite.
1. Do I need to fuse the wires leading to the Blue Seas ACR
- Yes. Use ~150amp circuit breakers within 12" (along the length of the cable) from the battery. I mounted my breakers right on the battery boxes.
2. What Amp rating should the bus bar be?
- What is the highest amp component attached to it?
3. I need to ground the 2nd battery to the fender, body, and block right? Alternatively can I just run a negative wire to the main battery?
- More grounds the better. I grounded mine to frame and primary battery.
Another note: I'd skip spending the money on the AGM batteries. Mine started failing after a few months of use. I brought it back and the guy at Sears said that the AGM batteries were being returned way faster than usual. I also talked to my buddy who is a mechanic and he also said the same. I started buying flooded cell batteries again (I never had an issue with Interstate).
I'd get a deep cycle battery for your 2nd battery and hook it up to your fridge and accessories. Use a starter battery for your primary battery.
Keep up to date with the latest gas shortages. Hwy 1 is being blocked in Camalu. I'm sure it will be cleared up by next month, but its been getting worse for the last few weeks.
Lastly, don't spend too much time in Tijuana...
Tijuana homicides hit record high
- Thread starter
- #106
MAJOR PROGRESS!!! Finally got my dual batteries wired up! I didn't even burn my truck up. I'm pretty stoked considering this is the first time I have ever done a project with 12V electrical. Just making a wiring diagram and figuring out which parts to buy took months. Anyway here it is... Feel free to critique.
You need to add the rubber grommets to the battery boxes to protect the cables just like what is on negative cable on the drivers side battery box. Alternatively you can split some rubber hose lengthwise and use that in place of a grommet.
The secondary post are handy but on some batteries they have have less amps just a thought.
- Thread starter
- #109
I wonder about the oddessy's. I think the 2nd post is supposed to be for a trolling motor. Should be good right?
- Thread starter
- #110
Well after a ton off work its finally time to start packing the truck, mapping a route, and head south! Leaving right around March 3rd. Going to be visiting friends in San Diego then crossing the border there. Main thing I could use advice on is a spot to camp that first night. We are going to try to cross the boarder at first light, get through TJ, and find a quiet place to camp. Hopefully near a surf break.
If you don't feel like posting such prized info here maybe send me a PM?
Thanks!
If you don't feel like posting such prized info here maybe send me a PM?
Thanks!
- Thread starter
- #112
@rc51kid Thanks! Been meaning to post up the finished truck but been too busy packing, planning and finishing upwork.
Have a blast. I hitch hiked and surfed around central Baja for a little while 10 years ago. There are some incredible spots that are still pretty remote. You'll do great. Looks like you are way more prepared than I was. Pretty sure I survived on beer and oranges for a week straight. But who cares the swell was pumpin! Will be interested in your adventures. Cheers!
- Thread starter
- #114
Frustrating news on the tent front. I think everything has worked out for the best though. Tepui is pretty behind in producing the white lightening hardshell and isn't going to have a tent ready in time for the trip. Evan at Tepui was pretty cool though and refunded my entire deposit even though according to the kickstarted rules he didn't need too.
Anyway my replacement alucab tent arrives this week! Here are some pictures of it on a 60. It weighs the same amount as the Tepui version but seems a much beefier. I constantly bashed my old RTT into branches on overgrown fire roads. All in all the tepui delay was an excuse to buy a more expensive tent LOL. I was also able to trade my safari rack to my buddy Tom in exchange for some Rhino Rack heavy load roof bars. This will take an additional 60LBS off my roof.
Anyway my replacement alucab tent arrives this week! Here are some pictures of it on a 60. It weighs the same amount as the Tepui version but seems a much beefier. I constantly bashed my old RTT into branches on overgrown fire roads. All in all the tepui delay was an excuse to buy a more expensive tent LOL. I was also able to trade my safari rack to my buddy Tom in exchange for some Rhino Rack heavy load roof bars. This will take an additional 60LBS off my roof.
Can't wait to see that thing in person!
- Thread starter
- #116
I received my alucab yesterday! All in all pretty impressed with the tent. For those of you considering this my one grip is that the ladder is terrible! My truck is only on 33s with standard height OME springs and it barely reaches. It is also really narrow, and is rather bulky given that it doesn't collapse. I'm going to try and pry the mounting bracket off and install it on a collapsible ladder similar to the ones that a tepui comes with.
I also wished they hadn't painted alucab on the front. I had giving out free advertising. Gonna have to spray paint that too.
I also wished they hadn't painted alucab on the front. I had giving out free advertising. Gonna have to spray paint that too.
- Thread starter
- #117
It finally wasn't raining this weekend! I just got new OME springs. 2.5 heavy heavies. A local shop wanted to charge me $500 to install them. After debating for a week the local land cruiser crew convinced me to give it a try. Front springs were so easy. Didn't even have to remove the shocks.
The rear springs where a pain. I got stuck and @Shoredreamer came to the rescue with a special tool that made pulling off the rear shocks doable. He also lent me his floor jack and jack stands. Thanks Chris!!!!!
I screwed a few things up. I broke a bolt on my rear sway bar bracket. Super dumb. Thinking back on it I wish the Slee instructions told me just to remove the link and not mess with the bracket. I also somehow managed to bend a wheel stud
. But regardless the lift is on and 'm pretty stoked on it. Truck goes into the shop for caster bushings and to fix my mistakes.
Here is a pic of the truck and the bolt I broke
The rear springs where a pain. I got stuck and @Shoredreamer came to the rescue with a special tool that made pulling off the rear shocks doable. He also lent me his floor jack and jack stands. Thanks Chris!!!!!
I screwed a few things up. I broke a bolt on my rear sway bar bracket. Super dumb. Thinking back on it I wish the Slee instructions told me just to remove the link and not mess with the bracket. I also somehow managed to bend a wheel stud
. But regardless the lift is on and 'm pretty stoked on it. Truck goes into the shop for caster bushings and to fix my mistakes.Here is a pic of the truck and the bolt I broke
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- Thread starter
- #118
The most important thing is that I have a departure date! Leaving the 6th for 7 days of backcountry skiing. Head home to load up surfboards and then head south. Managed to bribe some baja veterans to point me in the right direction surf wise. Wife is planning out all the food. Getting pretty pumped. Still have several truck projects to finish:
- Buy spares
- Install alucab
- Install sliders
- add power to alucab
- Thread starter
- #119
Question for Baja veterans. We are considering heading down the bay side and then crossing over to surf near el rosario. Is it safe to campo along the way over their or is it not advisable?
Tons of camping. Safe too.
Puertocitas is a nice easy push in one day. Great camping area and gated at night. Sulfur hot ponds to soak in on the sea's edge.
Gonzaga would be another popular camping spot.
From there you could head south and west, hitting the 7 Sisters bays on the Pacific.