Dusty, The Trusty Taco

[Paris0514]

I’m much more into the balance between function/durability & weight than I am looks. Granted I don’t want some ridiculous sh/t hanging of my rig but I’ll sacrifice the IG cred for something reputable.

Definitely understand that. I’ve tried to build most of my vehicles with that in mind. Some may ask why I have an Old Man Emu suspension setup and not the Icons with remote reservoirs anymore.

Durability, reliability, and ease of replacement. They just work. They have for a long time. No need to rebuild them. You throw another in. It’s cheaper and faster than rebuilding. Sure they don’t ride like cloud 9 but I have had a remote Resi leak and then fail on a trail. I’d rather know I’m making it than damage something else trying to get out with a blown shock.

 

[Paris0514]

Anybody else using the Stedi Type X Pros for lighting?

 

[PatricL]

Is that a Surface tablet mounted with a Hondo Garage Un-holey vent mount? I have a Surface - thing is really heavy. Is it ok there?

 

[Paris0514]

Is that a Surface tablet mounted with a Hondo Garage Un-holey vent mount? I have a Surface - thing really heavy. Is it ok there?

Yes that is an iPad Pro 10.5”. I have ran it like that for a couple years on and off-road. The mount does well. At the time Expedition Essentials didn’t exist. I think for the most part the Hondo Garage is great. I would probably like to get my vents back though. So EE is probably in my future.

 

[PatricL]

Yes that is an iPad Pro 10.5”. I have ran it like that for a couple years on and off-road. The mount does well. At the time Expedition Essentials didn’t exist. I think for the most part the Hondo Garage is great. I would probably like to get my vents back though. So EE is probably in my future.

Where is your base unit for the FTM-400 mounted? I thought about putting my display where you did but I am right handed and didn't want to have to reach over that way. I'll post a picture of mine when I get home.

 

[Paris0514]

Where is your base unit for the FTM-400 mounted? I thought about putting my display where you did but I am right handed and didn't want to have to reach over that way. I'll post a picture of mine when I get home.

The base unit is under the driver’s seat.

I have played around with my head unit. It is now towards the good times radio.

I also have a Midland MXT400 on the passenger side.

 

[Paris0514]

Some people tend to ask about my fridge slide. It is a MSA Drop Slide. I had obtained it several years ago directly from MSA in Australia.

There was another company at the time in the US who was making a knock off of their original product. It was cheaper to purchase in Australia and have it shipped than buy the US version. So that’s what I did.

The slide makes it very easy to load and access food and drink from the fridge.

 

[Paris0514]

Since I posted about the fridge slide I should talk about the drawer system.

I wanted a drawer system to store my tools. repair gear, and kitchen items.

The most cost effective way was to build my own.

I knew I wanted to put a house battery in the back of the truck.

To protect it and keep it out of the way I put it towards the cab.

Dead space was left between the back of the drawers and the area near the cab.

The drawers and cabinets are built with plywood which was treated with a textured paint.

The drawers have half inch bars on each side that slide on roller bearings.

The top of the drawer cabinet has outdoor carpet covering the top.

 

[PatricL]

@Paris0514 I think the Ipad is a fair bit lighter than my Surface tablet. I would like to have a place to mount it but would probably need to come from the floor. My FTM-400 head unit is temporarily in a cell phone mount, which works surprisingly well. I am going to move the head unit next to the tablet. I have a piece of metal with threaded mounts to fit ram mounts right above the radio bezel. (I realize it looks like it blocks my view but it is adjusted so the top of the tablet is even with my view of the horizon of the front hood.) The base is in between the rear seats. Mine is an access cab and I have a platform for my dogs. No provision for human seating in the back.

 

[Paris0514]

@Paris0514 I think the Ipad is a fair bit lighter than my Surface tablet. I would like to have a place to mount it but would probably need to come from the floor. My FTM-400 head unit is temporarily in a cell phone mount, which works surprisingly well. I am going to move the head unit next to the tablet. I have a piece of metal with threaded mounts to fit ram mounts right above the radio bezel. (I realize it looks like it blocks my view but it is adjusted so the top of the tablet is even with my view of the horizon of the front hood.) The base is in between the rear seats. Mine is an access cab and I have a platform for my dogs. No provision for human seating in the back.
View attachment 113071

Looks great! I have my 400 head unit on a ram phone holder on the Honda garage mount. Works really well.

If you are looking for another option on mounting the tablet you might consider what I might be doing in the future and using this instead.

Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen USB Powered Accessory Mount (3TPAM)

Enhance your Tacoma 3rd Gen with our USB Dash Mount. Explore Expedition Essentials' range of accessories for a customized experience. Shop yours today!

expeditionessentials.com

This will allow you to have a heavier object mounted without concern of falling off, damaging anything, or unnecessary movement.

 

[PatricL]

Looks great! I have my 400 head unit on a ram phone holder on the Honda garage mount. Works really well.

If you are looking for another option on mounting the tablet you might consider what I might be doing in the future and using this instead.

Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen USB Powered Accessory Mount (3TPAM)

Enhance your Tacoma 3rd Gen with our USB Dash Mount. Explore Expedition Essentials' range of accessories for a customized experience. Shop yours today!

expeditionessentials.com

This will allow you to have a heavier object mounted without concern of falling off, damaging anything, or unnecessary movement.

That is a nice looking mount and sturdy too.

 

[Paris0514]

It will be what I do next if and when I change.

 

[Paris0514]

Here is more pictures of the lighting I have currently on the truck.
A write was done for the Stedi lights in gear review found here:

Stedi Type X Pro Driving Lights

Recently I switched front bumpers. My original bumper had a location for a smaller light bar. When I switched to a full size bumper I needed to address some lighting issues I had dealt with for some time. The lighting from the smaller light bar was good but not great. The light also was...

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