LawnDart's Build Thread

Where did you end up placing your antenna on the roof? or did you go for the hood mount?

The CBI swing arm has a mounting "tab" (or provision rather) that we used. We just opened the hole up to .750" and used a NMO mount. We ran the cable down the swing arm, and under the cargo area and up into the vehicle.

It's a bit too tall for my parking structure, so I need to remove it when entering or exiting the garage. I have a cap that goes on over the NMO port.

I'm using the Larsen 2/70B antenna, which puts the top of the antenna just over my roof line. It's not super 'whip like" in that it's not a rubber noodle. But it does shimmy around. I MAY consider their smaller/shorter model, and see how it performs. That way I'm not concerned about it just wiggling around.

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Awesome, I'm installing a Yaesu 857D and Kenwood TM-D710AG in my new 4Runner this weekend (well, it'll be about 80% complete). Pics of the antenna and radio body?

73 NS7I
 
Awesome, I'm installing a Yaesu 857D and Kenwood TM-D710AG in my new 4Runner this weekend (well, it'll be about 80% complete). Pics of the antenna and radio body?

73 NS7I

Antenna is in the photo post above your post.

Here's how we mounted the body:

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I went to TAP Plastics and got some black/smoke ABS plastic in a 6"x6" plate, and mounted the bracket to that, there's hook sided velcro to keep it secured to the floor. I ended up buying the ICOM external speaker as the internal speaker wasn't the loudest. That's also velcroed under the seat. I'm using the Yaesu MEK3 mic extender since oddly the FTM400 uses two cables, one goes to the display head, and the other goes to the mic. So there just wasn't enough cord to get from the body to the mic at a spot where it'd feel comfortable using.
 
Coming from you...that means a ton. Thanks man. I may mount a roof mounted water system like this for trips:

Vehicle Mounted Pressurized Shower | WaterPORT

So I considered something like this but ultimately ended up jumping on the RinseKit on Kickstarter. For $145 I got the sink fill connector and the field fill kit in addition to it. Holds 2.5 gallons (vs. 3.3 for the water port) but it's portable so we can swap it between our vehicles. The downside I guess would be you can't mount it externally like RoadShower or WaterPort, but the portability and lower price is what won me out, worth a look if it's something you're considering.

P.S. They also now make a heater element for the RinseKit so you can take a hot shower with it while adventuring.
 
So I considered something like this but ultimately ended up jumping on the RinseKit on Kickstarter. For $145 I got the sink fill connector and the field fill kit in addition to it. Holds 2.5 gallons (vs. 3.3 for the water port) but it's portable so we can swap it between our vehicles. The downside I guess would be you can't mount it externally like RoadShower or WaterPort, but the portability and lower price is what won me out, worth a look if it's something you're considering.

P.S. They also now make a heater element for the RinseKit so you can take a hot shower with it while adventuring.

Link?
 
Some of the pressurized systems use a bladder. I'd be a little concerned about it splitting. The RinseKit relies on the stainless tank expanding, which might have more longevity. Remember that these need some air in them to be compressed to maintain pressure, since water does not compress.

My not-nearly-as-cool kit is a 3.5 gallon WaterBrick and a 12V pump from Amazon that I drop into the brick. That way I have a little pressure for washing off boots, hands, etc.

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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rinsekit/rinsekit-the-revolutionary-portable-shower

5 days to go on their campaign just FYI

EDIT: it works off of the same principles as the waterPORT utilizing the pressure from your hose or sink. The field fill kit requires you to use a bike pump to pressurize it.

Some of the pressurized systems use a bladder. I'd be a little concerned about it splitting. The RinseKit relies on the stainless tank expanding, which might have more longevity. Remember that these need some air in them to be compressed to maintain pressure, since water does not compress.

My not-nearly-as-cool kit is a 3.5 gallon WaterBrick and a 12V pump from Amazon that I drop into the brick. That way I have a little pressure for washing off boots, hands, etc.

4_Standard_Brick.jpg
71ORPvdW54L._SY355_.jpg

I can use my compressor to pump up the waterport. My issue with the rinse kit is I'd rather not carry anything that can leak INSIDE the vehicle, and outside the vehicle makes cleaning easier. I may do the waterport and just ratchet strap it to the roof. That's really about the only thing I can add to the vehicle at this point. hah.
 
I have seen some pretty cool diy rack mounted "pressurized shower" kits made from 2-4" black pvc. Assuming of course you want a solar heated shower setup. :)

Google "Diy car shower" will pop up a multitude of pics.
 
I have seen some pretty cool diy rack mounted "pressurized shower" kits made from 2-4" black pvc. Assuming of course you want a solar heated shower setup. :)

Google "Diy car shower" will pop up a multitude of pics.

I like the idea of the Road Shower, but the size is sort of an issue. So the water port might be a good compromise.
 
Agreed could be a bit ungainly depending on size.

I like the idea of the water ports frame mount but would be afraid of smashing the shot out of it. :) I was surprised at how inexpensive it is too.
 
Agreed could be a bit ungainly depending on size.

I like the idea of the water ports frame mount but would be afraid of smashing the shot out of it. :) I was surprised at how inexpensive it is too.

That's why I like the idea of roof mounting it with a pair of ratchet straps. You can easily remove it when not needed and store it in the vehicle for long road trips. Install it. And then have height to your advantage when showering. Plus it's 150 dollars so it's not so expensive that if it doesn't work well for your needs you can sell it or give it away and not fret.
 
Decided to go a different route on the shower. A company I know is working on a drop in upgrade to the LCI Scepter water cans that adds a pump and flexible spray nozzle. So I can just keep water in my rotopax but my rear water can will be for cooking, drinking, and showering. Simple.

Other note, got into Moab yesterday. It's Toyota Heaven out here for Rock Therapy, mostly Tacos though.

Around Price, Utah I got flashed by an oncoming white Tacoma, and realized it was Clay Croft in his new Expedition Overland rig.

We have each other's phone numbers so literally at the same time we called each other, "dude, nice ride!" "Jinx!"
 
Decided to go a different route on the shower. A company I know is working on a drop in upgrade to the LCI Scepter water cans that adds a pump and flexible spray nozzle. So I can just keep water in my rotopax but my rear water can will be for cooking, drinking, and showering. Simple.

Other note, got into Moab yesterday. It's Toyota Heaven out here for Rock Therapy, mostly Tacos though.

Around Price, Utah I got flashed by an oncoming white Tacoma, and realized it was Clay Croft in his new Expedition Overland rig.

We have each other's phone numbers so literally at the same time we called each other, "dude, nice ride!" "Jinx!"
I hate your life, btw.

A buddy of mine is out there with his 3rd gen. I'd describe what it looks like and tell you to keep an eye out, but it probably blends right in.

Again, hate your life. :cheers:
 
I guess I've been asked a few times to do a build thread, so here's a build thread.

I'll put a little bit of context here into the purchase. January of 2013 I got laid off after almost 4 years at a design agency here in Portland. First time I've ever been laid off in my life. And as such, as a young guy, only 30 at the time I began to panic. How would I make ends meet, would I need to sell my dog for burrito money, is my sperm and plasma enough for an XBOX ONE?! Anyways all real legit stress aside, I entered into freelance, and have actually been more financially stable, made more annually working for myself, and generally get to enjoy my free time a lot more now.

I never invested much in my vehicles, I had an 86 BMW 325i, an 1978 FJ40, and until recently a functional if not absolutely boring 2001 VW Golf 2-Door. So I finally took a pregnant pause, and decided, "hey Me, you've survived 2+ years of professional uncertainty, treat yo self!" "hey, thanks, Me, I will!"

Anyways, so I started looking around and fell in love the the 4Runner. But specifically the TRD Pro in the Inferno. It was THE configuration that to me made me go from a six to a twelve. I've had a Toyota in the past, my family owns a Prius (it gets good gas mileage, and my mother is a saint, don't make me look like the bad guy here!), so it was a natural choice.

Anyways a few months back, after some hair pulling, and dealing with a dealer that wasted a month of my time saying they had a TRD on order for me (but didn't), then basically told me to pound sand when they couldn't get one for me. p.s it's Broadway Toyota.

How it originally started out, nothing fancy, heavy duty floormats, cargo cover and net, about it:

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And here's what it looks like now:
-Gobi Stealth Rack + ARB 2000 Awning
-Gobi Ladder
-Rigid Industries E2 40" Combo Light Bar
-Rigid Dually Flood Lights 2x Rear
-WARN Zeon 8000S Winch + Pelfrey Hidden Winch Mount + Factor 55 Prolink
-Demello Rock Sliders

Wiring for the lights I believe was run up through the frame, and out the roof, so two holes had to be drilled in, and then were covered up via the weather strip using grommets. Then all wiring was routed through the rack itself. I'll try to get a photo of the wiring setup tomorrow.

I spend a decent amount of time in the desert camping, so building a rig to that effect is the goal.

Next steps:
-Stronger springs
-Full skid plates. Likely Shrockworks.
-CBI Bumper with swing out tire carrier.
-ARB Snorkel

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Love what you did here. Also really like the color.
 
I hate your life, btw.

A buddy of mine is out there with his 3rd gen. I'd describe what it looks like and tell you to keep an eye out, but it probably blends right in.

Again, hate your life. :cheers:

haha, thanks man. My rig is built for overlanding so some of this terrain is certainly a new challenge.

Ran Onion Creek with the Pelfreybilt crew yesterday, which was amazingly gorgeous.

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