Builds My $1k rig build

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Next up is making a shovel mount. I got the idea from this guy on YouTube (minus the aluminum stock but I can add that later for an additional ax or hi-lift).
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I have been waiting for my headlights to burn out so I could justify LEDs. The headlights are the last exterior lights to be switched over. I've been living with two different running lights/low beam bulbs that make my OCD kick in. I've had these LEDs on my Amazon wish list for some time. Finally one of the bulbs burned out and it was time to change them all!
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Low Beam

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High Beam
 
Created a few brackets to attach my traction boards to my roof rack. This is 1" aluminum stock, bolts and knobs from the hardware store.
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Close up on the installed knobs and bracket. I'm a little concerned how well they will stay tight... they bend the bracket down and seem very snug, but will have to watch them to see how they do.
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You can get a better feel for what it looks like here and also a shot of my shovel mounts as previously posted.
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The upcoming camping and road trip made me get busy on building a custom cooler slide out. My cooler is so heavy when loaded--it is too cumbersome to take in and out. This took me a day to build but more than that planning and collecting all the parts needed to build. It even has a storage underneath for my folding table. Here's a demo!


I started out with ordering these 500lb fully locking drawer slides from Amazon. Then I locally sourced aluminum angle, plywood, lots of bolts, and screws. The tie down straps are $3.99 at Harbor Freight. I cut and assembled the sliders first then attached them to the base. This is all held down to the floor with the existing bolt holes for the 3rd row seats. I don't have many pics of the process... I just measured and cut things to what I needed. The base is wider and longer than what I need as I plan to build slide out drawers and possibly box in the cooler itself. Here's one pic of a test fit after I cut the anchor holes.
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I like those LED bulbs. Any problems with the plug or did you have to cut down the plastic to make them fit in the housing?
 
I like those LED bulbs. Any problems with the plug or did you have to cut down the plastic to make them fit in the housing?

Plug and play! There was one that was just too tight to kind of screw in and I shaved down the little extra nubbins on the bulb side. I'm sure that's only there to help make a tight seal but my old bulbs didn't have it and the new was still very snug.
 
My suggestion for your fridge slide is to remove the wood screws you have screwed the brackets to the plywood with. Go with a t-nut from the underside and bolt into it. You should have clearance for the bolt on top. Otherwise as you wheel and overland with it those wood screws are going to come loose.

The upcoming camping and road trip made me get busy on building a custom cooler slide out. My cooler is so heavy when loaded--it is too cumbersome to take in and out. This took me a day to build but more than that planning and collecting all the parts needed to build. It even has a storage underneath for my folding table. Here's a demo!


I started out with ordering these 500lb fully locking drawer slides from Amazon. Then I locally sourced aluminum angle, plywood, lots of bolts, and screws. The tie down straps are $3.99 at Harbor Freight. I cut and assembled the sliders first then attached them to the base. This is all held down to the floor with the existing bolt holes for the 3rd row seats. I don't have many pics of the process... I just measured and cut things to what I needed. The base is wider and longer than what I need as I plan to build slide out drawers and possibly box in the cooler itself. Here's one pic of a test fit after I cut the anchor holes.
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I have been waiting for my headlights to burn out so I could justify LEDs. The headlights are the last exterior lights to be switched over. I've been living with two different running lights/low beam bulbs that make my OCD kick in. I've had these LEDs on my Amazon wish list for some time. Finally one of the bulbs burned out and it was time to change them all!
View attachment 2000145
Low Beam

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High Beam

Are you happy with the light output those have? Any problems with being too bright with oncoming traffic? I have hir lights that have been recommended on here but they're getting pretty dim after a year.
 
My suggestion for your fridge slide is to remove the wood screws you have screwed the brackets to the plywood with. Go with a t-nut from the underside and bolt into it. You should have clearance for the bolt on top. Otherwise as you wheel and overland with it those wood screws are going to come loose.

Good idea, however after being yanked around for a couple of weeks of off-roading the platforms are holding together well. My wood screwed plastic tie-down brackets didn't fair well so will be switching those to bolted metal. This was some what of a temporary trial and would like to make a modular drawer system so I'll keep this in mind when configuring.
 
Are you happy with the light output those have? Any problems with being too bright with oncoming traffic? I have hir lights that have been recommended on here but they're getting pretty dim after a year.
What is awkward is the white light. It takes a little to adjust to and even on overcast days you can see the white reflection from road signs. The output is outstanding and I haven't noticed any indication they are too bright with oncoming traffic.
 
The Epic Overland Adventure is over and I've been slow to give updates. Two weeks in Colorado and Utah camping and off-roading! Many many trails in CO are still closed due to snow and debris so had to make some adjustments.

This is Twin Lakes on the East side of Independence Pass.
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West of Independence Pass in a campground open but previously wiped out by an avalanche.
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Over to Marble and headed up to Crystal. This is a loop I had originally planned for the trip but had to turn back as Lead King Basin/Lost Trail Road were still closed. Still a worthwhile trail to see Crystal Mill. You can see a debris field here. To put it in perspective that's at least 10 feet of snow with rocks and trees mixed in.
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My cruiser buddy.
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Iconic Colorado.
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Spent a couple of days around Ouray. We ❤❤ Ouray!! Originally the Alpine Loop is what started this whole trip however most passes are/were still closed. We could still get up to a few mining camps and the trip up Tommy Boy Basin did not disappoint.

Snow walls!


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The epic views of Moab! Just an amazing place and so much fun to off-road.

My cruiser buddy and a view of the Colorado River.
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Lunch break with a view.
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Some random location NW of Moab with a disappointing view. o_O
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My cruiser, cruiser wife, cruiser buddy and the La Sal mountains.
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Like all fanboys, I find Land Cruisers wherever I go. My family is well aware and was okay with delaying lunch a few minutes so I could check it out. Here's a nice patriotic 40 while on vacation in Panama City Beach.
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Thanks to Jason Harris and Ozark Overland Outfitters (not sure why he isn't on MUD)... I scored a deal on a Dobinson Roof Top Tent with Annex!
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A full review will have to wait. I missed a couple of opportunities to use the rtt this Fall and won't need it for my upcoming trip to Moab. Yup--I'm going back to Moab!
 

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