[rickashay]

Nice and clean tablet install. Love having mine there as well... Any chance your going to be out in the Kootenays this summer? We should link up and go for a run.

Addison

[williamteichroeb]

Originally Posted by rickashay

Nice and clean tablet install. Love having mine there as well... Any chance your going to be out in the Kootenays this summer? We should link up and go for a run.

Addison

Sorry @rickashay I don't know how I didn't see this until now, as I've logged in fairly regularly. Anyways, I didn't make it out to the Koots this summer. Instead, we went to the overland rally, and did a week trip through Washington and Oregon. We have moved to Cultus Lake now, and if you're ever in the area, please shoot me a message. Next summer, we may decide to do a trip to the Koots to visit old friends. If we do, I'll send you a message.

[Habitant]

Your info says Chilliwack, where I am, but all your photos look like you're out of town.

[williamteichroeb]

Originally Posted by Habitant

Your info says Chilliwack, where I am, but all your photos look like you're out of town.

I am indeed in Chilliwack (Cultus Lake more specifically). We moved back to Chilliwack in March of this year after being away for 3 years. We should organize a trip soon. I'm assuming you're part of bctoyota4wd?

[williamteichroeb]

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted to this forum. Lots of things to update you all on.

In mid-July my girlfriend, I, and our son, went to the BC overland rally. We had a blast and it was the first time Emily has really been to an event, or off-road meet like this. It was cool to see that she was into it! Even though she isn't as crazy about it as I am, she enjoyed going to the presentations and checking out the venders. There were a lot of cool people that we met, and she even won a $200 flashlight/survival combo prize.

Here is my vehicle all cleaned up and ready to get on the road....



We decided to rent a RTT for the rally. I had always wanted a RTT but they're very expensive and the drawbacks of a RTT have kept me from pulling the trigger. We decided to rent one to see if it might be something worth buying down the road.



I can honestly say that I'm not sold on the RTT thing. Here's why:

-decreased fuel economy being large up top the vehicle and weighing 130lbs
-1500-3000 CAD $$$
-takes a fair bit of time to set up (maybe 5 minutes, but my ground tent takes 3 so you can't argue it's quicker that's for sure
-annex takes a very long time (8-10 minutes for me to set up) and is very heavy and eats up room inside the car.

We got to the rally quite late around 2200hrs so we set up in the dark in the temporary area, then found an actual spot the next morning. The location, although it was beautiful was not ideal... It was in a rocky, dusty parking lot, with no shade, and no river or lake nearby to jump into. Here's a view of the rally from the air (not my photo, I just found it on google)





It was a very fun event, but next year we want to go to the one in Plain, Washington near Leavensworth. It looks like it's a much better location, with more venders, and in a nicer area. We can't wait!!!

[williamteichroeb]

We decided to do an overnight trip from Harrison Lake to Boston Bar. I believe it's about 120-130 kms through mostly easy forest service roads. The trip takes you close to some hot springs which we stopped at, called Clear Creek. We then went over a very high mountain pass, which had some deep wash outs and some technical terrain.







The road then descends into the Nahatlatch valley where there is some amazing camping.

This is the fire lookout tower. We couldn't really see anything as the smoke from all the wildfires was very thick.









It was a very steep climb for a good 15 minutes, so I opened my hood to let the vehicle cool down, while we ate, and hung out. I had her in 4lo for the climb to help the tranny, and for the descent to save the brakes


All in all, an amazing trip with some friends that we met at the overland rally.


Hope to do another trip soon with these guys!!

[williamteichroeb]

After the scorching heat at the Overland rally, and a torential downpour while camping at Manning Park, I convinced the girlfriend that we needed an awning. To me this will be far more beneficial than a RTT.

Before we had an awning, we had to rig up protection with a tarp, which wasn't always possible if you weren't around trees.



I ordered the awning directly through Mike at Dobinsons. His customer service was second to none when I ordered my suspension so when I found out he sold awnings (and at very reasonable rates I may add) it was an obvious decision to get it from them.

It came 3 days later from Florida to Washington!! I couldn't believe it! He literally shipped it the same day I paid for it.

Thanks for the great customer service @Dobinsons Mike !


Packaged nicely



Came with pegs, lines, and a nice case (same material as awning fabric)





Install was very easy (as expected) and took me about 15 minutes alone. The hardware that came with it, however, is slightly small for the prinsu rack, so I used the tie down hardware kit that you can buy from prinsu or frontrunner and used that to secure the L bracket. I am slightly worried that someone could steal the awning in all of 2 minutes by twisting the eyelets off, but I guess I'll take that chance.



We were recently camping in Merritt, BC, and the winds were about 50-60 kms an hour and the awning held up. We obviously were using the pegs. Also after that incident, we decided to buy 2 additional pegs from Canadian tire, and some more line to brace the awning out to the sides as well. Many people at the campground that day, had their tents blown away or wrecked. A large around of water did pool on top the awning, but we didn't really have it sloping enough. If the awning poles had have been more angled I don't think we would have had that problem. On a plus note, it goes to show just how waterproof and solid this awning is.



We set it up immediately and here's how it looked.



I really appreciate how long the awning is (10' as opposed to 8'). It provides additional protection from the elements.



I want to add, that we have used this now about 7-10 days, and it has held up great. When it gets wet we deploy it the next sunny day to let everything dry out.

[williamteichroeb]

Our annual roadtrip this year was to Washington and Oregon. We had 8 days to explore a small portion of these states.



August 18th- Wanatchee state park. Beautiful area near Leavensworth. Can't wait to go back.



August 19th- Leavensworth to Mt. Rainier. Camped at Snow Lake

Attachment 311604



August 20th- woke up for an early morning swim in Snow Lake. Explored Mt. Rainier a bit more, including doing 2 more small hikes. Camping at a Cougar Rock campground





August 21st- Mt. Rainier to Portland. Beautiful drive. Arrived in Portland early afternoon, first stop we went to the strippers for a brew, then explored some of the iconic Portland sites (Voodoo dounuts, bookstore etc...). Spent the night at an airBNB



August 22nd- Hood river, some waterfalls, town of Hood river, and more Portland in the evening. 2nd night at airBNB

August 23rd- Left Portland, drove to a cool tree obstacle course, then drove through some beautiful state parks, trough Tillamook, to Cannon Beach. Camped on Cannon beach for the night.





August 24th- Explored the town of Cannon beach. Drove north to Seattle. Stopped to check out the cool sites along the way. Arrived in Seattle at our BNB, then went to check out the city.

I had planned us a secret VIP Ferris wheel ride overlooking the city. I had some kinder surprises in my backpack, that I had secretly opened before our trip. I carefully removed the wrapper, then removed the toy, and replaced it with a ring. I then resealed the chocolate with melted white chocolate, and re-wrapped it in the tin foil. I marked one with a small dot....this one I gave to my now Fiance. I pretended that I had just bought them but made sure to give her the marked one. It was quite a magical moment.

edit* I realize you guys from the USA have different kinder egg surprises that aren't wrapped like ours, due to your laws. I guess someone sued Kinder surprise because a child swallowed the toy inside the chocolate so yours are wrapped separately. This trick wouldn't have worked.



August 25th- breakfast in Seattle, 3 hours in REI, then north back to Canada.

[mlhansen]

What awning is that?

[williamteichroeb]

Originally Posted by mlhansen

What awning is that?

Hey, it's the DOBINSONS 4×4 ROLL OUT AWNING 6.5FT X 9.8FT MEDIUM SIZE

here's a link to it on their site:

https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/prod...-and-hardware/


I just bought it by messaging @Dobinsons Mike personally, but they have a website and amazon store.

[Crikeymike]

Originally Posted by williamteichroeb

I had planned us a secret VIP Ferris wheel ride overlooking the city. I had some kinder surprises in my back, that I had secretly opened, removed the toy, and replaced it with a ring. I then resealed the chocolate with melted white chocolate, and re-wrapped it in the tin foil. I marked one with a small dot....this one I gave to my now Fiance. It was quite a magical moment.

Attachment 311602

August 25th- breakfast in Seattle, 3 hours in REI, then north back to Canada.

Congrats man, that's a really cool way to convince her to stay with you!! Chicks love chocolate, and rings.

[williamteichroeb]

Decided to do a bit of routine maintenance. Still under 95,000kms on the odometer. I did an oil change, re and re air filter, greased driveline and UCA’s, and took the 4runner to Toyota to get the transmission flushed. There seems to be some discussion on whether to flush the transmission in these units. I don’t believe in “lifetime oil” so I decided to get it done. Drives beautifully and I personally am glad I did it for peace of mind. I’m OCD about maintenance and want my runner in tip top shape. I am also the guy that changes oil every 5,000kms even though I’m using synthetic.



Attachment 311650

Oil change with pennzoil ultra platinum and OEM filter



OEM air filter. Compare old to new after only 2 months. Perhaps the forest fire smoke and a couple dusty trips contributed more than normal to its condition.


Took it in to Toyota to get a full transmission flush. Cost $232.00, but I couldn't do this job myself as I don't have the proper tools.


Installed a portable VHF radio mount from “stinkyfab racing”. They make it to fit a Beofang radio but it fits my icom ICV85 perfectly also. Also bought a DC 12v charger for my radio. It's good to be prepared if traveling where typical cell coverage ends.

[williamteichroeb]

Originally Posted by Dobinsons Mike

Congrats man, that's a really cool way to convince her to stay with you!! Chicks love chocolate, and rings.

Thanks Mike. She's a keeper!

[williamteichroeb]

Today I decided to do a bit of maintenance and winter prep....

1) swapped over my tires/wheels to my winter set. (Toyota steelies and nokian hakkapeliitta LT2 in 235/80R17).





2) did a cursory inspection of the front as I have noticed a loudish clang when reversing at an angle, all seems tight except my passenger CV axle. There is about a 1/2" play when grabbing the axle and shaking it. The boot on the axle tore about 1.5 years ago, so I knew it was only a matter of time before dirt and grime starting to degrade the joints. I have ordered a reman'd OEM axle without OEM boots from CVJ axles. Will install in the coming weeks.

3) oil change with pennzoil ultra platinum synthetic 5W-30. Oil changes are so easy with the fumoto valve. Awesome purchase.



4) Bought some copper anti-seize to use on my prinsu rack screws. The screws are stainless and the rack rails are aluminum. I could see the corrosion already starting to form, so decided instead of eventually breaking the screws in the rails, I'd address this early.....I suggest other prinsu rack owners do this as well!





Just before swapping over the tires my friends and I went to the mountains for a little target practice. Everytime I bring my guns out I feel so "American." Shooting is a fun sport, and I see why so many Americans enjoy this hobby.

[bsa70]

This is one of the best builds I have seen. I really want to do this, if you don't mind, what will be your total investment$$$ Gives me an idea what to look forward too....