Builds ROTW douglashuft

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douglashuft said:
It is a fun trail. Due to child visitation issues causing us to miss the wagon run (and I actually did not expect to get the cruiser ready in time for at least a quick run down cadillac hill on Saturday) We will reluctantly be missing this years Rubithon. Instead we will be heading to some lakes a bit south (and the slick rock trail) instead.
Utica Reservoir - CA
4x4Wire - Slickrock & Deer Valley Trails
californiajeeper.com :: Slick Rock Road Maps
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Doug I could probably join you for slick rock if the time is right....LMK
 
I imagine we will do slick rock June 22 or 23rd. Kinda like load up the kids and take the "shortcut" to bear valley for ice cream. I have never been on this trail but am under the impression that it is moderate and only takes a couple hours. Unfortunately, I have no radio and cell phones don't work up there.
 
Doug,
Nice rig. Can add more comments regarding the trailer wiring...Where did you get the wiring kit? Was it an all in one kit? I like how you installed it off the bumper...I am considering doing something similar to this.
 
latinoguy said:
Doug,
Nice rig. Can add more comments regarding the trailer wiring...Where did you get the wiring kit? Was it an all in one kit? I like how you installed it off the bumper...I am considering doing something similar to this.
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The spot on the bumper was chosen because the corner brace for the crossmember would accommodate it. Simply the easiest spot to mount it with no interference and hopefully the bumperette will slightly protect the plug. As far as the kit, there was none, I cleaned the connections up tied into the "port installed" trailer wiring. I had the cheap controller from a previous vehicle, bought the 7 way plug. The brakes and 12volt trailer power were fresh wires that I ran along with the factory loom under the carpet. I did pull a bit of wire through the truck (and installed breakers where they connect to the battery. Aux plugs all run off a fused block on the firewall. If I had known about the slee method under the passenger seat I would have gone that route.
 
Nice rig Doug! My parents have a cabin in Arnold (Bear Valley) and I go wheeling and camping up by Uttica a few times a year. That place is awesome.

I'm in SF out by Ocean Beach BTW. I haven't "bumped" into your rig yet. Mine is a champagne LX450 with specs in the sig.
 
rhyary said:
Doug,
Can you elaborate on the trailer harness. I recently re did mine and I like your fixed plug vs. my dangling setup.
Rami
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Not much to elaborate on. Drill the hole in the bumper that fits a 7 way plug and bolt it in. As far as the wire is concerned, All auto parts stores usually sell a 7 way plug that has wires already installed. Rather than use these wires with splices, I prefer to disassemble the plug and screw in the wires directly that run to the battery, controller, etc. A lot of these harnesses have a 4wire plug that connect to the existing 4way (and can be disconnected if you run that style of trailer).
 
gnx7 said:
Nice rig Doug! My parents have a cabin in Arnold (Bear Valley) and I go wheeling and camping up by Uttica a few times a year. That place is awesome.

I'm in SF out by Ocean Beach BTW. I haven't "bumped" into your rig yet. Mine is a champagne LX450 with specs in the sig.
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Last couple of years we have headed out to union/uttica rather than the tlca rubithon for various reasons. It was my consolation trip since I was missing the rubithon but turned out to be a nice "discovery". The kids have a great time.
I have only had the cruiser since late November 2007 and the bed liner was done a few weeks ago so you probably have not had much chance to see it in its current state. Not to mention I commute in my mini to save a little gas.
 
I'd say you commute in your mini to save a lot of gas :).

I've parked my LX450 unless I have something to haul/tow or a trip to take. Driving a 30mpg commuter car myself now.
 
similar trucks

Not to hijack your ROTW, but our trucks are amazingly similar. Color, deflared and line-xed, removed roof-rack, even the metaltech sliders. Awesome job and great ROTW.
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Yup, so far my budget dictates keeping the truck fairly stock. I considered lining only the flare area but had some rocker damage to cover up. I like the steel wheels but could not find any cheap enough to justify replacing the stock aluminum. I love the fact that the first things folks do is to remove the premium features (such as roof racks, flares, etc).
 
just a couple driveway photo's. testing the metal tech sliders. placed the hilift under the rub rail at the front of the passenger side. Should be the weakest due to the cat guard. the photos show 1/2" clearance with the truck flat on the ground. The truck lifted by the hilift. Last the slider body barely contacting a bolt on the bottom of the fender.
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A few shots of the liner on the roof covering the damage from the factory rack. The yakima rack is used to haul kayaks and bikes. On a tight trail I will remove the racks so the trail doesn't. all my gear will fit inside which keeps my cog lower and the gear cleaner. I figure I still have more room for gear than a 40 that has a bunch a stuff strapped on a rack hanging off the back.
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Yea, my steel wheels were real cheap. They are FJ Cruiser take-offs. Bad part is they are 17". My local dealer takes them off almost every new FJC that they get in and put those ugly BBS wheels on them. Practically gave them to me.
 
"fixed" my rotw. Downloaded new pictures that were lost (in a server crash?)
 
douglashuft said:
A few shots of the liner on the roof covering the damage from the factory rack. The yakima rack is used to haul kayaks and bikes. On a tight trail I will remove the racks so the trail doesn't. all my gear will fit inside which keeps my cog lower and the gear cleaner. I figure I still have more room for gear than a 40 that has a bunch a stuff strapped on a rack hanging off the back.
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That is probably the best looking fix of the rust spots from the factory rack I have ever seen!:cool: I really want to steal that idea... My :princess: wants me to find out how much it will cost to get our beast painted.:D

Good write-up and great rig!:clap::clap::clap:
 
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