The Wallygator Chronicles

I read through your whole thread, you've done a really good job. Nice build!

 

do you like the ironman awning? I would like an awning and the arb ones are pretty expensive.

 

I do. It's been great and comes with more features than the arb.
Has a dimmable LED light strip. Also the replaceable and rubber pole joints make it arguably more durable.
The price is better than the arb and with the additional features it was a smart purchase IMO. They have sales all the time so best to wait for one if you can.

 

thanks, will keep that in mind.

 

Just looked. The prices have gone up since I bought mine but they have a sale of 20% off and free shipping right now.

 

Is that from the company? I refuse to to buy anythi g from Amazon….

 

Yes it is. Ironman 4X4 America

https://ironman4x4america.com/

 

Assuming u have the 6.5’? Is it big enough for 4 people to sit under comfortAbly?
Do the quick release mounting brackets have a fixed mounting distance between them? (Would like to mount them on wall studs of trailer)
Pretty sweet u can easily remove the unit when not using it, keep the sun/theives away.

 

Yes 6.5 bed. The one I have is 6.5' x 8'. They make a bigger one, I think it's 8x8. I believe four people would be comfortable under mine but if you can fit the bigger one it may be better for you? But mine fits (it's a little bigger) in the bed of my truck.

The mounting brackets can be placed anywhere. The awning has a track on the back and you can move the mounts anywhere along the track. An yeah the reasons you mentioned are why I like the quick release mounts. I may buy two more for the other side of the canopy.

 

Dare I ask what the blue nalgene bottle is for?

 

Not for drinking!

 

Everything has been working great. Was here for almost 3 days and I thought the fridge was gonna drain the battery cuz there was maybe 2 hours of sun hitting the panel each day. Lowest voltage seen on the lithium battery was 13v.
The truck got down to 12.2v probably from opening the doors so much. Reminds me I really have to get a portable jump starter soon!

 

I bought this jump starter to keep in my truck, things pretty amazing for its size. Can also charge other things like your phone etc. if you need to.

NPET P4F 1000A Peak 10000mAh Car Battery Jump Starter - for up to 6.0L Gasoline/3.0L Diesel Engines, 12V Auto Battery Booster Pack, Portable Power Bank with USB Quick Charge 3.0

https://www.amazon.com/NPET-1000A-10000mAh-Battery-Starter/dp/B08XPZ1N2Q

 

Sweet, thanks for the tip! I don't have one because of the price of the Noco brand and wasn't sure on other brands. I trust your opinion. Ordered! Lightning deal for $39!

 

I'm sure there are some better ones out there, but this one had great reviews, and you can't beat it for the price. Love your setup BTW.

 

Thanks! I really like. It can always be better and I do have plans to improve it but have been too busy using it. Plus things are functioning well enough and tearing it all apart to spend money right now has not been too motivating.

 

Well not a good day Tundra wise. Mailboxes and Tundras don't mix.




.....nope

I can't have nice things

 

ouch

 

Any creases or just scratched? I’ve been there too with my parents mailbox. Happens to all of us

 

I think the lower stuff will buff out but that big scratch up top no way. No creases, no dents, so that is a blessing. Just means I need to start saving for the linex duraliner body coat. Hmmm, which color?

 

Channeling your inner ElkHunter?

 

Spent almost 7 hours doing a thing today...





Not even close to being done but the base is built. It's gonna have a drawer in the main compartment that needs to be built yet. Then sand it all and 3 coats of poly.
Followed by remounting the battery and all the power equipment. This is gonna be a huge improvement over the cot setup.

 

Ok, more progress made on the bed platform today. Mocked up the power compartment...





Front and rear power points mounted.
Front...


Rear...


Tops mounted and finger access holes drilled.



All ready to sand and poly...hate that part.

 

Looks great! How high is the platform, and how much headroom does it leave you? I know you've got a 32" cap, but trying to pin down actual height underneath a DCU as precisely as I can.

 

I will get back to you on this and take some measurements for you tomorrow

 

Wow not sure how I missed these last few updates; looks great!

your battery wiring always looks so clean. Not sure why mine always looks like a rats nest

 

Just read through the whole thread. love the way you went with the build.. simple and functional!

 

Ok so from the top of the bed ridges to the lowest part of the aluminum frame (2" from the very top, these run front to back) on the 32" side is 4'4". My sleeping platform is 15" high and I use a Exped megamat 10 for the bed. It's 3" thick. I have no issues with height. I'm 5'11". Hope this helps

 

Thanks Wallygator. Your truck is listed as having a 22" deep bed, which suggests the cap has 30" of space underneath it, which makes sense given the 32" height on the outside and those 2" to the lowest part of the frame inside. I'm surprised you lose a full 2" in height to the frame. Are the crossbars really that thick or is there something else about the design that takes up some of that space?