Builds The Camper van replacement Build (2 Viewers)

[Just a Ninja]

Finally go t the Tough Dog setup installed. I went with the adjustable 45mm setup with the 0-660# load rate TourFlex coils. After talking with the shop (SD Trux), I decided to go with SPC UCA's. I know a lot of people have installed this kit without them, but several people I talked to said that it was a no brainer to upgrade the UCA's at the same time.

So this setup ended up costing between the standard OME and BP-51. We will see how it shakes out over time. Had i known I was going to do the UCA's I might have made a different choice, but again, silly to think too much on it without putting some miles on it.

I will say, it seems to have lifted it more than expected. Surely that will settle after driving it and even more once the sliders, front bumper, rack etc are added.

Makes the 285/70/17 tires look small. SD Trux was worried that a bigger tire would rub the KDSS and even said to keep an eye on it when airing down. Will probably wear out these tires that came with the Rock Warriors before making a change regardless.

This weekend the ARB dual compressor gets installed as well as some progress on the rear drawers.

Making a custom set of drawers out of the pile of 80/20 i have left over from my campervan build. Should be able to get away with only purchasing the UHMW slides and birch for the top/drawers. Hence why some of the fastener choices may not be what you would pick when building from the ground up.

But the result will be strong and light.

The goal is to be able to take this in and out quickly. Drawers will be very easily removed and 4 U-bolts will hold it in place with the below brackets. Did not realize this is how the KISS drawers are held in place until I looked into how theirs was done. Happy to see I was on the right track.

For our sleeping quarters when the whole family comes along, we settled on the RX-5 OzTent. Hesitant about a ground tent, but more hesitant about climbing up a ladder with a small child and 90lb dog.

The most important part of it all is that we successfully got some permits to do the White Rim Trail late May as well as a night out at Point Sublime on the North Rim. Two destinations that have been on my list for a while and we needed a "purpose" for the build to help drive decisions.

I've been thinking about building some drawers for my 200 and possibly using 8020 got the frame so I was super excited to see this post.... And then super let down to see you bought the ARB's ... LMAO. I may still try to build a set but who knows. Great build.

 

[bemerritt]

Well the White Rim Road was flooded and quite frankly the cruiser wasn't ready for prime time just yet. So been enjoying it in and around what California has to offer for the time being.

Bud Built sliders are almost here and I am tentatively on Dissent's schedule. Should be a fun couple of months!.

1up rack for the ebikes. Drove ~1000 miles like this and am very happy with the rack. Still meh on the roof box, but it does have an ability to swallow gear.

Loving the Oztent so far

Most importantly, the daughter approves

 

[bemerritt]

Had some fun out in the Sequoia National Fores this weekend. Towed a Jeep (with street tires) that was stuck in this mud section out while scouting for campsites. He was rather excited when i rolled up, as he was trying to get out for hours while his wife looked on from the passenger seat. Went back a couple days later once the rest of our group showed up.

 

[bemerritt]

Two last trips before more mods. First was out in the dunes at Pismo Beach:

Second was out in Hollister Hills with my buddy in his 4runner

First time getting stuck in the cruiser. went thru some off camber moguls after the mud pit. Tires had no traction, had to use some traction boards on the passenger rear tire.

Got home and my wife noticed a flat the next morning.

So used that as an excuse to replace the other 3 with KO2's. The rock warriors came with KO's that were pretty old and i was waiting for an excuse to replace them. New ones look much better.

 

[bemerritt]

Also took on some damage to the front and rear bumpers, as well as a good amount of pinstriping.

Fortunately the cruiser is off to Dissent at the end of the week for a new front bumper and roof rack, so the front isnt an issue. And hopefully the rear won't be long behind now that its scratched up. Just need the funds to do it right the first time with swingouts, camera relocation, lights etc.

Will also be installing my budbuilt sliders that recently arrived.

Cant wait to see the transformation. Excited to see the black powdercoat parts on a black cruiser, should look sharp.

 

[bemerritt]

Couldn’t be more happy With the Dissent front bumper and rack. Sliders from Budbuilt are solid. Working on the roof rack layout for a quick trip out over Labor Day.

 

[bloc]

First time getting stuck in the cruiser. went thru some off camber moguls after the mud pit. Tires had no traction, had to use some traction boards on the passenger rear tire.

View attachment 2045515

Do you remember whether you had your center diff locked for this? I know pics often don’t convey how difficult an obstacle is but I had a similar situation and a lot of difficulty getting out.. only to realize my CDL wasn’t engaged.

 

[bemerritt]

Tried bot crawl control and with the center diff locked if I remember correctly.

 

[foeix]

Do you wonder about the crumple afforded by the Arb drawers? I have a 200 and the same drawers and have reservations about how they will/won't collapse if rear-ended. I'd hate for the wood and metal frame to hit my daughter in the car seat. Thoughts?

 

[civil offroad]

@bemerritt Sweet Build! @benc is a pretty cool stand up guy and so is his crew! Are your pelican cases bolted to your Dissent roof rack?

 

[Overland Tailor]

Is the rack also from @benc ? Looks very nice......

 

[bemerritt]

Do you wonder about the crumple afforded by the Arb drawers? I have a 200 and the same drawers and have reservations about how they will/won't collapse if rear-ended. I'd hate for the wood and metal frame to hit my daughter in the car seat. Thoughts?

Honestly, this is the first time i have given it thought. The only part I’d be worried about is the top sliding part, but it is still pretty low.

@bemerritt Sweet Build! @benc is a pretty cool stand up guy and so is his crew! Are your pelican cases bolted to your Dissent roof rack?

Still trying to figure out how to mount the pelican case. Trying to avoid putting holes in it. May try turnbuckles around the handles anchored to the rack with eye bolts

Is the rack also from @benc ? Looks very nice......

It is!

 

[TeCKis300]

Do you wonder about the crumple afforded by the Arb drawers? I have a 200 and the same drawers and have reservations about how they will/won't collapse if rear-ended. I'd hate for the wood and metal frame to hit my daughter in the car seat. Thoughts?

The rear of most vehicles, especially wagons, don't have much sacrificial crumple area. As the 200-series also has a 3rd row, the rear space is part of the sacred passenger cell, as in we don't want this space to crumple at all. With the way the frame reaches just about all the way to the rear extents, ending at the tow hitch, it is especially stout and will resist crushing to the degree possible.

If the accident is serious enough where the drawers are impeded upon, the forces at play transmitted through the frame rails would be the bigger concern. So long as the drawers are properly secured.

If there were such an accident, I would rather be in the middle row in a 200-series, even with drawers, than anything else.

Reminds me of this insane recent local to me accident. Would the 200-series have a chance? Even with an intact passenger cell, the forces were still ridiculous that it's questionable.

 

[bemerritt]

Great info. But you were supposed to say, "as long as you have an aftermarket rear bumper, you should be ok." That way I can show the wife its needed.

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Honestly, this is the first time i have given it thought. The only part I’d be worried about is the top sliding part, but it is still pretty low.



Still trying to figure out how to mount the pelican case. Trying to avoid putting holes in it. May try turnbuckles around the handles anchored to the rack with eye bolts



It is!

As far as mounting boxes to the roof rack, I’ve been toying with the idea of these cargo chocks from Front Runner. Kinda spendy, but might do the trick.

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Whoops.
Adjustable Rack Cargo Chocks - by Front Runner

 

[bemerritt]

You know, i had seen those and completely forgotten about them. Should be easy to weld something like that, maybe i'll head down to the metal supply store tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!.

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

You know, i had seen those and completely forgotten about them. Should be easy to weld something like that, maybe i'll head down to the metal supply store tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!.

Not a problem. I’ll be interested to see what you come up with, DIY every time. (If I could weld, that is)

 

[bemerritt]

Finally added my cupholders and rear USB ports

Had our first successful trip (Toro Peak) while leaving mom at home. Which is also the last trip for a while as we have a son coming soon.

But the big news is this

My wife's lease was up in a month. We had contemplated every car under the sun. Test drove a couple and mainly hated how cheap they felt (Rav 4). So we ended up with a 2012 GX460. Took the wife some convincing due to gas mileage, but hey, mission accomplished. The 200 has officially ruined driving experiences or us by simply elevating our standards.

 

[civil offroad]

I knew that tail gate was good for something. My wife thinks its a waste until I showed her that picture!