rochmpr V5 build - This is getting expensive

Regarding the Yaesu FTM-400, the head has a threaded mount on the back that is an M5 thread. Using a Ram X-Grip with the head interferes with the GPS so the threaded insert needs to be utilized. Ram makes various ball mounts in both male and female threads, but nothing compatible with M5. I ended up getting one that is ¼"X20 female and bought a long M5 bolt. I then cut the head of the bolt and epoxied it into the Ram ball mount and then used a nut and washer to secure to the head piece. If this fails, I will go old school and weld it.

 

And then finally, the HAM and having an always on USB required power, and since I already had the dash torn apart and was running the antenna wire, why not go all the way with a Blue Sea 6-Circuit fuse block and 50A breaker. I mounted the breaker to the Rago Compressor Mount next to the ARB and then ran the wire and the antenna cable at the same time through the fire wall boot by the brake booster. Finding a place to mount the fuse block was a little challenging. I was looking up under the dash (where I mounted the HAM base), but there were no good locations to my liking. Since I had the dash and center console already ripped apart, I started looking in those areas. I came up with (while not ideal) to mount in on the inside face of the center console area just forward of the shifter. This means that the fasteners would be viable, but with the Victory MOLLE panel and some attachments, the would not really be that noticeable.

 

Do you plan on using bed stiffeners at all? I'm just wondering if there will be enough flex that the tailgate will start to rub on the antenna mount. I actually thought about getting one of those mounts just to use as a handle to get in the bed, but figured it'd be over kill (and was worried about it rubbing eventually).

Good work fixing the jack mixup!

 

I have already installed bed stiffeners. It is a very snug fit. The tail gate did slightly drag on it, so I used a large wren6to tweak it a bit. If you look at the pics, you can see the drag marks.

 

Gotcha, thanks for the info!

 

Subscribed!

 

They other week, I found a fair deal on an Alu-Cab Gen 3 RTT. I contacted the seller and was able to make a deal. The only issue is that I do not have a topper yet, so how in the heck to I get this thing home from 6 hours away. I had recently bought some T-nuts for the bed rails so I came up with the idea of placing 2X4's on the bed rails and then securing them to the bed rails with a piece of angle fabbed from some aluminum angle stock. When I got there to pick it up, I made some measurements for the current mounting brackets and adjusted the 2X4's to line-up. We then slid the RTT over onto my truck and I then drilled some holes in the 2X4's to line-up with the RTT brackets, through some bolts through and secured them and BAM, done deal. I then through some ratchet straps over the RTT for some additional security and then headed home. Once I got home, the fun began of getting this off the truck and into the garage until the topper arrives. It is quite interesting unloading one of these by yourself. I also had to air down to about 10 psi to get into the garage. No pictures of unloading as it was far from safe (or pretty).





Now to start the build-out in preparation for the topper.

 

I have been thinking about this for a bit now and making some crude sketches. Now I am starting to get things rolling. I have first rough rough drawings done and first set of cut sheets for a box build and slides for a fridge/freezer and camp stove box. Looking to pick up a SnoMaster CL56D (whenever they come back in stock) and am basing the build around that. I have already received 2 sets of 26" full length, heavy duty locking slides and picked up a sheet of ¾" Baltic Birch plywood. Now to start cutting and assembling.

SnoMaster dimensions


Sketching to determine dimensions and measurements


Cut sheet for plywood and back panel to reduce weight and keep strength

 

Looking forward to see how it turns out. Nice detailed drawings btw.

 

Thanks, but for me, these are pretty crude. I have been know to make drawings to scale, including isometric drawings. I may have been in construction way too long.

 

Started cutting the plywood for the box build. I have the box pieces cut and have also cut out the top and back panel to keep the structural integrity while reducing the overall weight. Also, some more crude sketched for some more dimensioning. I have all of the slides, now I need to reach out to a tin knocker friend of mine to have him bend me up some sheet metal.

Back panel marked up for the cut-out to reduce weight


Back panel after cut-out and sanded


Rough sketch and dimensions of the multi slide which will house the 12v fridge/freezer on top, cook stove on the lower platform and another slide-out drawer for utensils, seasonings, etc.

 

A little progress on the sides of the box. All laid out, ready to drill and cut. Then on to pre-assembley. If anyone is wondering which design program I am using, it is PenCil 2.0.

 

The other week, I completed all of the cutting of the panels and started working on the slides and the supports. I had some 16 ga. sheet metal (SM) bent-up and then marked everything to drill to mount the SM and hang the 2nd slides off of those and also mounted the slides to the sides of the panels. Then, progress came to a screeching halt when I fractured my ankle and banged up my knee taking a fall while out running in the neighborhood. Even better, did it the day the wife and I were going on vacation for our wedding anniversary to San Diego.

Well, today is the first day without any pain meds and feeling pretty good, it was time to get back at it. I decided, with all of the free time I had to think, that I would weld the SM to the slides to maximize dimensions and not have to account for clearing nuts and washers. I laid0out everything and drilled holes in the SM so I could plug weld the SM to the slides and then grind the welds flush. This ended up working out pretty well. I also started some pre-assembly of the box. I need to now drill out for installing wood dowels to connect everything as well as drill holes with a counter sink for all of the screws and then cut out material for the shelf platforms and then fabricate the lower utensil drawer.

 

great build. sub

 

Thanks

 

I made a little more progress on the box build this weekend. After a pre-assembly of the box to make sure everything fits and works, I then laid out and driller ¼" holes at the joints to install wood dowels. I have found it easier to drill while assembled in order for the dowels to line up when re-assembling and gluing. After everything is drilled, I then laid out to pre-drill all the holes for screws with a countersink bit. After everything was drilled out, I disassembled the box and glued the dowels into the pieces and let the glue dry. After that, I then placed glue on all of the faces that join together and the protruding dowels and assembled, clamped and screwed the box together and let that dry. The following day, I put the slide assemblies in and cut the tops for the slides and secured them. I now need to fabricate the utensil / spice drawer which will be located under the stove slide and slide out like a kitchen drawer, then disassemble and paint.

 

Went and shoehorned this thing through a trail. More to come.

 

In case no one caught it, I had an RSI Smart Cap installed last week. I am impressed with the quality and construction. Looking forward to getting some use with it soon.

 

How's your Rago dash mount backing plate working for you? Does the dash mount still wiggle/vibrate or is it rock solid? Thinking of making a backing plate as well.

 

I wouldn't say it's 100% rock solid, but it has minor vibrations with a phone and HAM up there. It is worth it, and pretty easy to make.

Some high hopes to think about dragging a Tundra through the Rubicon. Took my 5th Gen 4Runner to Little Sluice and it was a tight fit in a few spots. I couldn't imaging trying to fit this beast.

 

Little Sluice got blown up many years ago so it's much easier now. Definitely wouldn't even consider it back then. I'm gonna give it good try. Need to armor up.

 

Oh yeah. First run through the Rubicon was 2000. Last run was 2019, a lot has changed and a lot has remained the same. Still a very tight and technical trail.

 

Several months ago, I started building a camp box for the bed of the truck for a SnoMaster fridge and camp stove to slide-out. As posted above, I was making good progress until I was reviewing some measurements and actual dimensions of the SnoMaster and had a serious "Oh sh!t" moment. Somehow, when writing down the dimensions, I screwed up and wrote down the wrong dimension for depth, by the tune of 5 or so inches. Well "F" me. Guess I need to start all over again. This time I got it right and also, by luck, I went on and found there was only one SmoMaster CL56D available, so I bought it and received it promptly. Over this long weekend or two, I was able to complete building all the pieces and paint everything with several coats of exterior paint and install it in the bed of the truck. Next project, power and air to the bed of the truck.

 

Holy sh!t! That is bad ass!

 

Thanks, spent a lot a sleepless nights designing this in my head.

 

Man I really love the setup congrats!
Are you happy with you rear springs?

I am planning to go to the same route with topper, RTT, kitchen etc ..
I bought a 2021 TRD Pro with 2.5 FOX shocks and was wondering if I should also consider updating front suspensions as well or if rear spring only would make it (as I am not planning to load the front with more than the air compressor).
Also, any reason to go Icon RXT instead of Deavers or Alcans? (I have seen these names a lot on the forum)

Keep going!
Thanks for sharing.

Edit::
https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com...ndra-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-pack-w--add-in-leaf/
Did you go with option 3?

 

Currently, the rear RXT springs are sitting at Option 1. I need to install the additional leaf and put in the Option 3 configuration next.

I considered the Deaver U748's, but ended up with the RXT's. Not sure if any one is that much better than the other

 

Beautiful work!! Nice job.

Still enjoying the RSI cap?

 

The fridge project turned out great! Very nice!