My overland build progress

So since the beginning of the year (2021) I started building my truck. Which I purchased my Yota brand new with 0 miles in 2018, I have always loved the out doors, spent 10 years in the Marine Corps and now with my current career, as you all can see from my posts, I love being outside, off roading and hiking and I’m very thankful for the job I have that allows it. Ever since I’ve worked in mammoth, shaver lake, arrowhead I’ve always just wanted to camp in my truck. So now I’m making my dream a reality and showing my kids the true and fun nature of being outside.

Truck Mods:
February 2021:
4” RC Lift
Amp steps,
35x12.5R18 OC Toyo AT
18” KMC Grenaders
Air rit bags (which came in handy when towing my 99 Cherokee and kids toys)

April 2021:
Pre-ordered RTO 5 person roof top tent (being delivered next week)
RCI 18” bed rack (installed 7/10/2021
CaliraisedLED in bed molle system (installed 7/20/2021)

June 2021
Traction boards
Shower tent
Tent lights

still to come for future mods by end of year is:

Dual battery to run exterior lighting on rack and converter
Solar panel pad
Air compressor for tires
Hidden gun compartments
Front Bumper w/ winch
Full spare hitch mount
Dual switches for exterior lighting to control at the end of the bed or inside the truck while driving
Annex shelter for the cold/rainy camping trips

that’s all for now. I’ll keep updating as I install and add mods. I would love feedback and knowledge on anything ya’ll have to offer to add. I’m also planning on changing out my suspension next year. Any takes on that would be greatly appreciated!

#YotaOn

 

That is a good looking truck!

 

thanks man! Love your truck too! How’s the weather in chandler?

 

Gonna a sweet build!

 

Might want to consider a set of abs sensor protectors up front.

 

Armor is underrated. Consider replacing those steps with some sliders and add some skids for protection. Gotta make sure you get home in one piece (or a few pieces as long as you get home!).

Also, airbags are nice and all for towing, but I’d swap those out for some heavier duty leaf springs. You’re going to want articulation and travel, which those airbags are going to limit.

 

Terribly hot!

-JS

 

another option would be daystar cradles.

 

Great looking truck!!! How do you like that RCI bed rack? Looking to get the 18” with tonneau adapters.

 

thank you! So far so good. Just got it in the mail Saturday. Been pre ordered since April/may lol. Can’t wait to put my tent on it when it gets here

 

yea I was thinking of getting rid of them when I re-do my suspension. Thinking of going with the stage 4 icon or fox.

 

Got my boards up

 

Working on my @Caliraisedled molle panels. Got the passenger and driver side installed and now working on the cab molle system.

beginner mistake… I had the rack on and loctit in and had to take it off lol. Thank god my RTO elite tent wasn’t up top yet ‍.

 

Nice build, taking notes

 

Which RCI mounting option did you get? Any benefit to the ‘C clamp’ vs the Toyota mounting brackets?

You happy with the rack as a whole? Is the center brace you have in the picture that ‘additional top brace’ they sell?

 

I do love the rack! It’s the perfect height for me and my needs. I did order the extra brace due to the fact of ordering the 5 person elite roof top tent to have that extra support for my 5 person family up top.

the mounting option, I thought I ordered the brackets for the bed side rail option but I was wrong and ordered the c clamps and after some thought and factoring in everything I’m going to have on the rack I think the c clamps are the best option. I might throw in and drill the holes to add that extra security of reinforcement.

 

The only con about it, is I wish the rack actually fit the whole bed length. I ordered the one it said to purchase for the dimensions of the short bed and I feel like the rack is really short for it. I wouldn’t mind it having another crossbar installed.

 

So you ordered the 52" length rack (the one for the 5'6" bed)? I'm going to call them and ask if the 58" rack would fit, since the bed measures 65" (inside dimensions)

 

yes, and when installed it’s actually 51” the tent has 14” of overhang on the front and back. So I scooted the rack back and now the center cross arm is 8” behind my rear axle and bags. I might scoot the rack back up a bit but with my OCD I won’t like it not being centered lol

 

Just spoke with Tim from RCI, just for everyones future knowledge, the 6ft (58") bed rack option will fit on the crewmax short bed rails, since our bed measures 65" total.

 

yea I just got off the phone with Brian and he did confirm what you said but with my size tent I need to have it centered on the rack and if I got that larger rack I wouldn’t be able to slide it back to center my tent. So I guess before you buy, factor in the dimensions of everything to be sure your tent is centered on your rack because they tent won’t clear the height of your cab. So in a way I got lucky and ordered the right one lol

 

Finished installing the complete @Caliraisedled molle system.

Mounted my fire extinguisher as well for work. That way it’s an easier access then inside the cam an in my work box. Thought about mounting it next to my traction boards but was weary of it falling off on the freeway lol.

now just waiting for my tent (which will be here this week). Then onto my monthly projects! Can’t wait

 

Just got the tracking for my tuff stuff elite 5 person roof top overland tent has shipped and will be at my house tomorrow!

 

Cool build and nice to see a fellow Blowmont resident!

 

Well here it is! Got delivered 3 hours ago!!! Can’t wait to get home

 

should try and get together soon. August is swamped for work for me so it’ll be hard.

 

I hear ya. Work is always swapped during the summer for me too. We can shoot for a meet up in the fall when it's not 110° outside too

 

Got my tent up last night! Got done at 0100 am this morning! Had a couple set backs lol. I cross threaded the lock nut and had to cut it off and go get a new one for Home Depot. Then had to adjust my cross bars on my rack after getting the rack up top. That took a few hours. But overall would have only take a few hours to install if it wasn’t for that. The kids think it’s there tree house hahaha.

next week I’m ordering my lights.

 

Thanks too @boardude for the #yodagan swag!!! Thanks for the hook up with the extra goodies. With this sticker I feel like I’m catching up to @Squatting Pigeon lol.