I. Design
This next series of posts are lengthy but I wanted to share my thought process with you guys. While it might not quite be "built not bought," it required a significant amount of work on my end and wasn't quite as simple as clicking on "Add to Cart."
The next goal for my build was to be able to carry a full-sized spare 285/75R16 BFG KM2 as all of the research regarding locating a 33-inch tire appeared to be too much work: deflating said tire (tough call without onboard air) and modifying the OEM receiver hitch.
This book, I mean update, will consist of seven (7) parts:
I. Design
II. Fabrication
III. Installation
IV. Post-Install Customizations
V. Modifications Performed in Conjunction With (ToyTec Superflex Rear Springs, Tundra 13WL Brake Upgrade, Goodridge S.S. Brake Lines, Speed Bleeders, and ATE super Blue fluid.
VI. Feedback / Lessons Learned
VII. Onto the Good Stuff (Rausch Creek Offroad Park, BudBuilt Rear Diff Skid, and Flagpole Knob Fall 2013)
I. Design
It all started with a bunch of research on my part on rear bumpers and swing-out tire carriers for 4Runners, Land Cruisers, and -gasp- Jeeps.
I knew I wanted a plate bumper as the tube and hybrid styles just aren't my thing. I did, however want to increase the level of protection and incorporate some rear 3/4 panel protection in the form of tubes. It's a slippery slope, in my opinion, between function and form that starts to look obnoxious. My research concluded with my basis of design of CBI Offroad Fab's 3rd Gen 4Runner Plate Rear Bumper and customizing to suit my needs.
I started looking really hard at the swing-outs and associated accessories that Slee Offroad offered for the 80 and 100 Series Land Cruisers. Two things that really stuck with me were a rear ladder incorporated into the swing-out and having provisions on said ladder for RotopaX fuel and water containers. While Gobi ladders are a rather efficient solution and a known quantity, one thing that I did not know was if they were tight enough to coordinate with a swing-out arm, specifically CBI’s. Also, there are myriad jerry can solutions out there, but it appeared that RotopaX were the only ones low profile enough to successfully articulate when combined with a spare tire mount. I also wanted some place to mount a rear LED light and to be able to accept caribiners and clips for awnings, tarps, or what have you.
Wheel/Tire Position: I wanted the spare on the driver's side. Pros: general visibility particularly for maneuvering and lane changes. Cons: weight increases in an disadvantageous manner what with the primary occupant and battery already on the LH side.
LH Side Pivot: Since the tire was moved to the LH, it only made sense to move the pivot as well. I didn't want the load of the tire to act in moment any more on the pivot than absolutely necessary. Also, I'm not sure where you guys live, but I drive on the right hand side of road and park on the same! A swing-out is already cumbersome in and of itself, but having to finagle around one in the event you're parallel parked would be laughable at best!
A-Arm Tube Tire Carrier: While I'm sure CBI's standard carrier is functional and strong, it did not mesh well with the form of the rear ladder that I sketched. I really liked the looks of the tubes merging together similar to a header collector. See the PDF for more info.
De-Sta-Co Stainless Steel Latch w/ Lock: Frankly, I am not a huge fan of CBI's auger-style (LOL) threaded latch mechanism. It might be strong, but it doesn't really allow for quick, one-handed operation of the swing-out and I didn't like the idea of this piece of metal dangling from a tether. Nathan said that CBI was working on a new style of latch, but it had not been finalized by the time my bumper was complete.
Slee-Style Rear Ladder: The primary function is that of a ladder, but also to accept Slee's Rotopax carrier. Really, what is the point of both a ladder and mounting stuff to it if the ladder function is rendered useless? I requested holes on the horizontal surface of each rung for traction.
Slee Offroad RotopaX Pivot Carrier: This was attractive to me because it was an existing solution that appeared to be very well sorted. On top of being pre-drilled for RotopaX mounts, it can also accept Powertank brackets. It comes in a unique soft-textured powdercoating and utilizes Antiluce latches to lock it down. Adjustable rubber bumpers to provide preload on the latches to eliminate rattling. The details that Slee builds into their products are truly amazing: there are stainless steel slide plates riveted in place that bear the action of the catches and simply eliminates damage to the coating. Brutally efficient. Details. I love it.
Link:
Slee - Toyota 100 Series Land Cruiser Rear Bumper
Fold-Down Camp Table: This was a no-brainer option that CBI offers. Flat work surfaces are hard to come by anywhere let alone on the trails. It would be great for fixing lunch or hell, if we had to perform some trail repairs, it would allow for tools and parts to be laid out.
I started sketching my vision of a swing-out literally on Post-It notes. The sketches evolved and were refined enough to send to someone so they could also visualize what I was after.
With the great success I had with my custom sliders from CBI Offroad Fab, discussions with Nathan at CBI were started. I sent him a PDF with my sketches, requirements, and representative pictures for the ladder, Slee Rotopax Pivot Carrier, and tube rear wheel mount. We had multiple exchanges via email and over the phone to the point where a price quote with itemized options was provided for my review and negotiation. As an aside, CBI and Nathan Wright in particular, are top notch and are just a pleasure to deal with. Lucky for me, I live nowhere near those guys, 'else I'd be in the poor house for real.
Below are the PDFs that I sent to CBI:
