Builds TheGrrrrr Build Thread - 2013 LC (4 Viewers)

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So, do we think something like this would work, mounted somewhere underneath, maybe above the spare and wired to a physical switch in the dash?


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It says it was designed for oil cooling but would work for a variety of other applications including fuel cooling.
 
So, do we think something like this would work, mounted somewhere underneath, maybe above the spare and wired to a physical switch in the dash?


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It says it was designed for oil cooling but would work for a variety of other applications including fuel cooling.
We need to understand what the actual temperature of returned fuel in the line actually is. If it's just a few degrees above ambient (on hotter days) - that cooler likely wont do anything due to a lack of temperature differential.
 
We need to understand what the actual temperature of returned fuel in the line actually is. If it's just a few degrees above ambient (on hotter days) - that cooler likely wont do anything due to a lack of temperature differential.

No knowledge here, just Google, but it seems there inline fuel temp TCs available.
 
LCDC 8 Preparations:

Mounted up the iPad Air (wifi only) and added 4G LTE Hotspot and Bluetooth GPS in support. Running navigation (Waze, Google Maps (with download maps for offline, OnX Offroad (with downloaded maps for trails), entertainment (Spotify mostly) and Garmin PowerSwitch (Lights and Lockers) on iPad. Streaming audio from iPad is delivered over vehicle bluetooth.

This frees up my phone for displaying additional gauges via OBD Fusion and generally making the phone more available for taking photos and other tasks without disrupting navigation, entertainment etc. This is particularly useful on the trail when exiting the vehicle and wanting to have phone handy without having to get everything set back up upon getting back in the vehicle.

Escort Max 360 is also connected via bluetooth to the iPad so alerts are audible over the vehicle audio system and not drowned out by music.

HAM radio is the same setup for the past year-ish having moved from the Icom 5100a to the Yaesu FTM-400XDR for better APRS functions.

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Sorry if I missed but can you post the info and pics of how you have the iPad mounted?
 
Just to update the build aspect of the thread:

Added Rigid light bar which doubles as a wind fairing.

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Upgraded to 2016 OEM wheels, still have the 1.25" spacers installed with 275/65/18 Duratrac's:

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Installed some magnetizing mounts for under cabinet lights used for camping:

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Installed new cupholder:

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What are the cup holders? Look great and Ive never liked the stock ones (Ive got there same truck... 2013 and same color). Great build!
 
Sorry if I missed but can you post the info and pics of how you have the iPad mounted?


Sorry for the delayed response. The mount is just one I picked up off Amazon. This is it: https://a.co/d/7ZTT4a0

Here are some photos. I've been very happy with it.

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What are the cup holders? Look great and Ive never liked the stock ones (Ive got there same truck... 2013 and same color). Great build!


Multiple configurations available here: BH3D Printing
 
Sorry for the delayed response. The mount is just one I picked up off Amazon. This is it: https://a.co/d/7ZTT4a0

Here are some photos. I've been very happy with it.

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Did you mount it to the plastic panel with bolts or self taping screws? I have added molle panels there not with only self tapping screws. Not sure how well that would work with something like an iPad (weight) mounted to it.
 
Did you mount it to the plastic panel with bolts or self taping screws? I have added molle panels there not with only self tapping screws. Not sure how well that would work with something like an iPad (weight) mounted to it.

I just used self-tappers and it doesn't move. So far very solid even off-road. I think the positioning of the weight is a factor. I wouldn't want the arm positioned to where the weight of the ipad was putting a bunch of leverage on the mount. As it's used in my vehicle the weight is pretty close to being directly above the mount, which applies a minimal amount of leverage.
 
As I await shipment of my Dissent front bumper, and think about what the next phase of this build will look like, I'm finding myself torn between continuing the functional build-out as a trail truck and the compromises I've made for camping/touring. The reality is that I haven't been doing all that much camping and virtually no touring where I'm sleeping in/on/with the truck. The camping I've been doing has mostly been within a 3-5 hour drive of home and within and hour or two of civilization and for at most 3 nights. The longest treks I've been making have been to Utah and Colorado for Land Cruiser events where I've found staying in hotels or vacation rentals far more convenient. Clearly I'm getting old or just lazy. These facts have me leaning towards getting rid of things like my awning, Waterport, fridge and full sized roof rack. I'm thinking of maybe going back to either a stock roof rack or like a Prinsu. Putting the focus on reducing all that wind drag and keeping the bulk of my weight as low as possible. This truck is still my daily driver and while I don't drive enough to care about the fuel economy, getting back to something resembling the factory aerodynamics does appeal to me, the new front bumper notwithstanding.

Opinions welcome.
 
My advice is either you use it or you lose it. If you aren't utilizing the items you put on the truck or the build in general and don't intend to or foresee yourself doing so even semi-regularly in the near future then you should make a change. I think we all get caught up in the idea of what we want to be doing or day dream of doing more so than what we actually have the time and resources for and therefore we over build. I have never found myself longing for an awning and unless you aren't going to see civilization for more than three days I don't see the fridge as necessary either. That said, if you already have the fridge I'd be inclined to keep it around for those longer trips when it might be useful. Which roof rack are you running now?
 
My advice is either you use it or you lose it. If you aren't utilizing the items you put on the truck or the build in general and don't intend to or foresee yourself doing so even semi-regularly in the near future then you should make a change. I think we all get caught up in the idea of what we want to be doing or day dream of doing more so than what we actually have the time and resources for and therefore we over build. I have never found myself longing for an awning and unless you aren't going to see civilization for more than three days I don't see the fridge as necessary either. That said, if you already have the fridge I'd be inclined to keep it around for those longer trips when it might be useful. Which roof rack are you running now?

I’m running the big Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. It’s too wide and with the rail system it’s too loud. It looks dumb without the rail system. I love the awning when I use it but I hate the way it (and all awnings) look on the truck. I really just need to come up with an easier way to just mount it before a trip and take it off after. The WaterPort is a fantastic product that I do not use at all. The fridge is awesome but too big to run all the time. I’ll probably sell all three eventually.
 
I'm picking up a full roof rack from Westcott Design next week. I found the Rhino, ARB and Dissent rack to be to wide for my needs.

I like that they use the existing mounting points so no drilling. It's also nice that they are local (AZ)
 
I’m running the big Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. It’s too wide and with the rail system it’s too loud. It looks dumb without the rail system. I love the awning when I use it but I hate the way it (and all awnings) look on the truck. I really just need to come up with an easier way to just mount it before a trip and take it off after. The WaterPort is a fantastic product that I do not use at all. The fridge is awesome but too big to run all the time. I’ll probably sell all three eventually.

You need to keep the fridge. I need someone on my trips who has a fridge!
 
I’m running the big Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. It’s too wide and with the rail system it’s too loud. It looks dumb without the rail system. I love the awning when I use it but I hate the way it (and all awnings) look on the truck. I really just need to come up with an easier way to just mount it before a trip and take it off after. The WaterPort is a fantastic product that I do not use at all. The fridge is awesome but too big to run all the time. I’ll probably sell all three eventually.
Awning - I am using a FPG Sweet spot on a stock rack.. I did see some new brackets at Expo this last weekend that were designed to dismount the awning easily. I did not get pictures though.
The funny thing was, my friends ARB regular side awning and the tent bits they make for it were the best thing I saw in awning.. its not slick, but compact and serves a serious shelter purpose. tub floor, mesh screen, 8x8 tent with access to the car from inside.... I thought it was stellar, Awning - Tent.-cot - Done
Awnings & Accessories | Camping Gear | ARB 4x4 Accessories - https://arbusa.com/tents-awnings-camping/awnings-accessories/
For racks you can do a K9 they have tighter width options than the ones mentioned.
Fridges... unless you are running DC-DC-solar, and a lithium battery, or driving all the time your going to have to turn it off.. add those things..
 
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The funny thing was, my friends ARB regular side awning and the tent bits they make for it were the best thing I saw in awning.. its not slick, but compact and serves a serious shelter purpose. tub floor, mesh screen, 8x8 tent with access to the car from inside.... I thought it was stellar, Awning - Tent.-cot - Done

Agreed. The functionality, durability, and value are extremely high on the ARB Touring awning and room. I've seen it stand up to 40mph gusts. Swear it was going to be torn to shreds, but it made for secure shelter all night for my buddies family.
 
Dissent bumper installed yesterday. I need to make some adjustments to allow for flex, but I'm very happy with it. More pics after adjustment and better light. And yes, I will remove the tow hooks. My install guy threw them back on because he wasn't sure what I wanted.

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Looks really good. How do you like those Stedi lights?

I haven't had a chance to use them much in the wild but I have high expectations for them. The Aussies seem to love them and I am extremely impressed with the build quality, brightness and light pattern. The packaging even rises to whole new level. Lots of customization options with colored lenses, different lens covers and colored accent rings. STEDI is doing a lot of things right.
 
My father runs the Stedi lights on his Gladiator and he's been very impressed. Dissent front looks great!
 

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