June 2013

This year we made our first attempt at an “onsite - live build” at the Overland Expo.  With the help from our friends at both Baja Rack and Rigid Industries we were able to pull it off.  The price tag on this build was $1834.99 with the price of the Baja Rack Utility rack at $535 and the price of the Rigid Industries E-Series 40” LED Light Bar being $1299.99.

In the previous issue I went through how I began my 4 door Tacoma Build. This time I want to cover how I solved storage, electrical, and communication issues.

Exterior/Storage:

Basic Specifications:

• ARB Simpson IIIB RTT
• Front Runner 'Bakkie' RTT Rack System
• Front Runner Windcheetah Slimline Rack (prototype mount setup)
• ARB Touring Awning
• Bedliner and exterior panel coating
• Core-Trax Load Tie Down System

CAUTION: Woman on the Trail
The better half’s take on four wheeling

On a girl’s weekend in Denver last fall, my friends and I parked on a busy city street and hopped out of my car, ready to take on a full day of shopping.  As I rounded the rear driver side, I stopped in disgust at the sight of a small stock SUV with a shiny new Hi-Lift and winch haphazardly mounted to the front.

“Now that’s a waste of a perfectly gorgeous Hi-Lift,” I said.

The odd look of amazement and confusion on my friends faces told me that I had just spoken in a foreign language.

“That’s it. He’s finally converted you,” my best friend replied.

I’ve been four wheeling with the better half for a little over a year now. At first, it fed my addiction to getting out and in to the mountains as often as possible. Now, it’s in my blood.