Recent content by jwkilgore

That sorted it, thank you. Would have saved me a bit of panic had they included that step in the instructions, but you get what you get. Now I've got to solve the problem where the welding bowed it a bit and now the front wings stick way out from the vehicle, but we'll get it done.

I started putting together my Coastal Offroad rear bumper today and hit a snag. The instructions say the black piece under the hatch should be pried off, but mine is formed as a single piece with the rest of the bumper cover. Has anyone run into this issue before? It looks like they've...

I learned to weld on an ancient Lincoln "Cracker Box" stick welder, and have used that up to professional gas-engine-powered rigs(*). Weld strength is more about knowledge and skill than equipment. As long as your rig has the amps to handle the thicknesses in the bumper you want to buy, you can...

According to the website, "While the hitch is very well reinforced, we cannot rate it for on-road towing due to the DIY welding nature of this kit." Edit: Ignore this part of my comment: I interpret that to mean that their bumper and hitch design is plenty strong for towing. But they don't...

Quick update: The cost has gone up, and is now $400 +$10 CC charge for an annual beach driving permit for Gulf County FL. Everyone I dealt with was incredibly friendly, from the security guards on break at the courthouse ("Do you have a knife on you?" "No." "You're good, go on in") to the beach...

No ripping through or over dunes or through the surf here unless you want to get arrested. This is entirely for the convenience of not having to lug all my family's beach gear for 450-yards from the house to the nearest water at the private entrance, or using a public entrance and fighting for a...

Very good question on cell coverage, so I checked CellMapper and OpenSignal. Both show good coverage at the rental house and beach there, but poor coverage at the prettier beach on the west side. Looks like a set of FRS or GMRS radios is getting added to the list. I do not tow or pull people...

Update for those interested: Gulf County Florida beach driving permit increased this year from $300 to $400 for a non-resident annual pass. No temporary passes. They are clearly using the cost as a way to limit the number of vehicles out there. No Maxtrax due to recommendations, increased...

Thank you for the advice. For just sand use I fully agree. Honestly using the shovel to dig a "ramp" in front of the tires should be all I would need if I buried myself. But these have been on my list for a while, I do a lot of off-roading in rocky areas and want a set that will seriously stand...

I'm planning a vacation to Cape San Blas and will get the beach driving permit. I've been occasionally offroading for years, but never long periods on a beach. I already have basic offroading supplies like straps, shovel, General Grabber 275/70 tires, hi-lift, etc. I plan to purchase: Maxtrax...

I was thinking about pulling the trigger on a Badlands Apex 12k winch (Harbor Freight branded Warn knock-off with really good reviews). While I was thinking I got a 10% off coupon by text, so I got it. Now I have a few days to think longer, I may return it before installing Cons: 1. It isn't...

Y'all lose access to the internet when the new 3rd Gen Tacos were having problems not too long ago? That said, the problems were mostly fixed quickly. My main issue with brand-new generations is that they are always missing lots of normal amenities. They get added over the next few years as...

I was looking purely at the numbers and went with 255 75 17 last time; that size beat out the 275 70 17 option. Cooper AT3's. Slightly taller than stock (265 70 16 on a 5th gen), but narrower so minimal effect on gas mileage. The downsides quickly starting beating out the upsides. Noticeably...

For me this would be a no brainer: time for an aftermarket bumper!

Not to belabor, but Tejas is asking about 285/75 tires which are 34". My 32's (255/75) fit with tons of room to spare. Lots of people run 285/70 tires (33") without issue. But 285/75's are pushing it. They will require a BMC at a minimum, and most likely an aftermarket UCA for more...