Ducmonsta's Build Thread-very pic heavy!

The trailer setup looks awesome man! Glad you are still getting out there and exploring with the kids. We miss you back here in VA.
 
weeeee said:
How are you liking the 34x10.5? I'm debating that size since I don't really want to try the E-rated KO2. My second AT choice would be Duratracs but I hear they wear very quickly.

What suspension are you currently running? Any issues with rubbing?
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I got your pm. Sorry I missed this. I guess I've been busy answering a bunch of questions about the TD.

I'm essentially running a Toytec Ultimate kit with some slight modifications. I started with just the 5100s and eventually added the adjustable coil perches and top plate at a later date. I never documented it as I didn't think it was interesting enough information. I'm obviously running the ARB front bumper so there's no clearance issues there. I've also done a BMC so it's good at that point. The tires have touched the inner fender on some higher speed romps in the forest but it hasn't been anything to complain about.

As far as my satisfaction with BFG, I've always been a fan. I started with the Nitto TGs because I wanted something more aggressive and it was one of the few tire manufacturers that had a decent size for 18s. Ever since I lost the weight from going to 17s and 34s, I've increased the fuel economy from 12 to almost 14. So I'm pretty happy. The Nittos ran bigger and the BFGs run smaller so there wasn't a huge difference in height. But I like the feel of the narrow and lighter BFG. Much better turn in and I can feel a serious difference in the steering wheel. So my perception will be affected because of comparison to what I was running before.

I will never personally run a Good Year tire on any truck that I own. But that's specifically because of personal past experience.
 
I'm late to this update game on the new trailer. Looks awesome Bobby, when I get the new truck late next year to tow my behemoth we'll have to plan a trip.
 
Ducmonsta said:
I know there are a lot of questions about the headlights, but that's going to take some time in explanation. So, I'm going to get into the interior stuff and why I chose to do what I did.

First of all, had to change out the nav system. It wasn't because I didn't like it, well, it was, but I really hated the operating system when it came to ipod use. It flat out sucks. Who wants to scroll through your entire list of music while driving?!

So I chose to use the Pioneer AVIC920BT. Why didn't I just go all out and get the bad mama jama 120? Well, I've got a friend in the biz so he got me the headunit, wiring harness, steering wheel harness, dash kit, etc for $400. Yup! That's why. Anyway, I really didn't like the HUGE GAPING space on either side of the head unit so I added switches. Originally, I had just regular round rockers with a red led (of course, red) and it looked ok. It still looked ginormous so I went with the dinoc vinyl (thanks, to you Harper). Then I found these switches from Oracle that had a great led round push button leds. The four top most switches are regular and the bottom 2 are momentary (hopefully for a train horn, soon).

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View attachment 51887
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Duc,

Nice job!

Question: I was told by some folks in the know at a certain company in Virginia that replacing the factory head unit would cause you to lose certain functions.

He said that, even with the kit for using the steering wheel controls, I would still lose the ones that control the phone. He also said that I would need to install new satellite radio and GPS antennae. He finally said I would need to install a new backup camera.

Needless to say, that was a real putoff...:nono:

My question to you is, how did you deal with these issues, assuming you ran into them at all?

Thanks! :nicethread:
 
G8RB8_12SR5 said:
I'm late to this update game on the new trailer. Looks awesome Bobby, when I get the new truck late next year to tow my behemoth we'll have to plan a trip.
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Thanks! It would be an interesting trip to hit up some of the trails with your house on wheels. Let's get some pinstripes on your 30' behemoth!
 
USNA91 said:
Duc,

Nice job!

Question: I was told by some folks in the know at a certain company in Virginia that replacing the factory head unit would cause you to lose certain functions.

He said that, even with the kit for using the steering wheel controls, I would still lose the ones that control the phone. He also said that I would need to install new satellite radio and GPS antennae. He finally said I would need to install a new backup camera.

Needless to say, that was a real putoff...:nono:

My question to you is, how did you deal with these issues, assuming you ran into them at all?

Thanks! :nicethread:
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Thanks! I'm not sure this certain person in a certain place in Virginia has the knowledge of aftermarket radios. At least not in what has changed recently. I did lose some phone control functions but this was 5 years ago. I would think that newer head units and integration wiring harnesses have gotten better. I am currently using the factory back up camera wired directly to it from the head unit. If you're buying a new head unit specifically for sat radio and or gps, it should come with the necessary antenna or at least have that option from the manufacturer of the head unit.

Best thing to do would be to find a reputable aftermarket stereo shop to address your questions. That means... not Best Buy unless you know the install tech or supervisor personally.

J-BlickPhoto said:
One of the best threads on the forum! :reddance:
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Ha, coming from...http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/158462-j-blickphoto-thread.html

But, thank you!
 
It was Crutchfield.

I was pretty stunned, to be honest. Been doing business with them since at least 1980...
 
USNA91 said:
It was Crutchfield.

I was pretty stunned, to be honest. Been doing business with them since at least 1980...
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Ha, I thought you were talking to [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] about stereo upgrades. Did you actually walk into the Crutchfield in Va and talk to someone? Or was it an experience online/phone?

Either way, the best way to find out if you can trust someone that is working on your car is to talk to the actual person working on it. You would have to be a darn good salesman/service writer to make me feel comfortable not speaking with the tech. Most of the time, sales people think with profit and aren't necessarily knowledgable. Good technicians (audio/mechanical/whatever) will have the vehicle's outcome in mind. That means selling the right components/labor or whatever it is that will make the installation correct and even easier for them.
 
It's only 23ft (25ft with tongue and bumper) and the truck will be 19ft...so 44ft total? lol. As soon as I get back to the states next fall I'll be in touch
 
Awesome build! What is the interior portion of the trailer with the door finished like and what is the intended use? Storage or sleeping area?
 
Ducmonsta, Was that you in the Fox 12 KPTV news pulling out some stuck cars in the ice? It was one of our members in a black 4 runner with the tent on top.
 
Thanks guys! I was just having fun out there. It was something I started doing the last snow storm we had a couple years ago. I just got caught by channel 12 this time. Always willing to lend a hand. Plus I get to use this badass truck so why not. The look on people's faces as I pull them is priceless. Especially when they're chevy's and ford's.
 
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