Corey's 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Build
- Thread starter Corey
- Start date
It is a ViewStar.
They have a newer panel out now with a newer controller, but I believe they took away the Anderson plugs, so you would have to add your own.
Member III
I wonder if that voltage panel would fit in my Xterra's spare switch spots. It didn't say much about it on their webpage though.
Fridge Monitors, Rotopax, & Awning 4-29-2017
Added two digital fridge monitors to my National Luna Weekender 50 Twin fridge/freezer this morning.
The Engel wireless one I have been using since 2008 is not working properly anymore, and I got away from wireless.
I found these on Amazon a few weeks back, and you can set it for Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Although the fridge has an LED readout on it, I wanted a temp monitor in each section to get a better reading on my temps.
Link:
Digital Refrigerator Freezer Room Thermometer, Max/Min Record Function with Large LCD Display (2 Pack of Black)
I lowered and turned the mount 90 degrees for the two Rotopax cans I carry as I could not deploy my new awning without taking them off.
And the Adventure Tool Company Tool Roll is so handy to have wrenches available to work on the mount.
Compare below in the first picture when the Rotopax were upright, you can clearly see the Eezi-Awn swing arm is lower than the cans, thus why I had to remove the cans to deploy the awning.
Now look at the arm with the Eezi-Awn name on it and see how it sits higher than the Rotopax, thus allowing me to deploy the awning without removing them.
I do have to lift that arm up slightly to clear the top of the Maxtrax, but there is a little flex in the arm, but not enough to have cleared the Rotopax when they were up higher.
In the picture below I have two of the awning legs down, and the rear one is pushing up the canvas enough to clear the top of the Maxtrax when opening the rear door, or just sitting.
This clears the top of them from rubbing on the awnings canvas in case it is windy.
The Alu-Cab 270 awnings actually have a small arm you flip up to lift the canvas higher, but not really needed in my case.
In the final pic is me just relaxing in my new Blue Ridge Chair Works called "The Blue Ridge Chair".
I picked it up about a month back, very comfortable after I was done working for a few hours earlier on the rig.
Added two digital fridge monitors to my National Luna Weekender 50 Twin fridge/freezer this morning.
The Engel wireless one I have been using since 2008 is not working properly anymore, and I got away from wireless.
I found these on Amazon a few weeks back, and you can set it for Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Although the fridge has an LED readout on it, I wanted a temp monitor in each section to get a better reading on my temps.
Link:
Digital Refrigerator Freezer Room Thermometer, Max/Min Record Function with Large LCD Display (2 Pack of Black)
I lowered and turned the mount 90 degrees for the two Rotopax cans I carry as I could not deploy my new awning without taking them off.
And the Adventure Tool Company Tool Roll is so handy to have wrenches available to work on the mount.
Compare below in the first picture when the Rotopax were upright, you can clearly see the Eezi-Awn swing arm is lower than the cans, thus why I had to remove the cans to deploy the awning.
Now look at the arm with the Eezi-Awn name on it and see how it sits higher than the Rotopax, thus allowing me to deploy the awning without removing them.
I do have to lift that arm up slightly to clear the top of the Maxtrax, but there is a little flex in the arm, but not enough to have cleared the Rotopax when they were up higher.
In the picture below I have two of the awning legs down, and the rear one is pushing up the canvas enough to clear the top of the Maxtrax when opening the rear door, or just sitting.
This clears the top of them from rubbing on the awnings canvas in case it is windy.
The Alu-Cab 270 awnings actually have a small arm you flip up to lift the canvas higher, but not really needed in my case.
In the final pic is me just relaxing in my new Blue Ridge Chair Works called "The Blue Ridge Chair".
I picked it up about a month back, very comfortable after I was done working for a few hours earlier on the rig.
Thanks, I saw the battery slot, I will have to see if I have the correct battery laying around.
Mini Quick Fists & Gerber BG Hatchet Mounted 5-13-2017
I use to keep my Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet in one of the drawers of my cargobox.
After mounting the Fiskars axe awhile back, I thought it would be a good idea to free up some space in the cargobox and mount the little BG hatchet by the Fiskar axe using some Mini Quick Fists.
It turned out pretty good, and now I have easier access to it while camping, or fending off rouge zombies :)
I have a lot more projects to work on such as installing a new 12v LED light in the roof top tent, mounting up a Trasheroo trash bag on the spare tire, but it looks like rain is before too long.
Next weekend it looks like better weather may make an appearance.
Trying to get a lot of these little things out of the way before camping season is upon us.
Also the owner of Outer Limits Supply announced last week on Instagram that he has a new holder setup for his first aid kits like I have on my rear doors table/rack.
It eliminates having to use the straps that are on it now, and it will not move around as much.
Will be looking into that for sure.
He is showing them at the Overland Expo West this weekend to the lucky people who could make this annual event in Arizona.
Links:
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Mini Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 5/8" - 1-3/8" diameter (Pack of 2)
I use to keep my Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet in one of the drawers of my cargobox.
After mounting the Fiskars axe awhile back, I thought it would be a good idea to free up some space in the cargobox and mount the little BG hatchet by the Fiskar axe using some Mini Quick Fists.
It turned out pretty good, and now I have easier access to it while camping, or fending off rouge zombies :)
I have a lot more projects to work on such as installing a new 12v LED light in the roof top tent, mounting up a Trasheroo trash bag on the spare tire, but it looks like rain is before too long.
Next weekend it looks like better weather may make an appearance.
Trying to get a lot of these little things out of the way before camping season is upon us.
Also the owner of Outer Limits Supply announced last week on Instagram that he has a new holder setup for his first aid kits like I have on my rear doors table/rack.
It eliminates having to use the straps that are on it now, and it will not move around as much.
Will be looking into that for sure.
He is showing them at the Overland Expo West this weekend to the lucky people who could make this annual event in Arizona.
Links:
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Mini Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 5/8" - 1-3/8" diameter (Pack of 2)
Influencer I
Goal Zero Lanterns, Yeti 400 Lithium Solar Generator, & Compass Hood Decal
I have several Goal Zero LED lanterns I used on my old Campinglab awning.
I was not sure how I was going to "string" them on the new Eezi-Awn Bat 270 awning I picked up recently, so I deployed the awning this morning to see how it could be done.
Low and behold the awning has these nice little aluminum rods at the end of the awning support bars with the exception of the very last one that wraps around the passenger side, and I just ran a zip-tie through a hold on that one to hang the lantern from.
The Goal Zero Light A Life lanterns can be daisy chained together, and they also have a built in hook/clasp which makes it easy to hang it to attachments such as the rods and the zip-tie on the awnings support arms.
Depending on where I put my new Nemo crapper/shower tent I picked up for this new season, I can probably have enough length in the lanterns cable to run a 5th one to the Nemo.
How am I powering these lanterns?
Yesterweek I picked up the new Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium solar generator.
Some of you may remember I picked up the ArkPak a few years back, and it is very nice for powering stuff at home during a power outage, and for camping.
But...it weighs in at close to 100 lb, and the Yeti is only 17 lbs.
The ArkPak will be retired to home duty only since the Yeti 400 is so light.
It has both an 8mm 12v output, and also a cigg12v outlet.
Also two 110v outlets.
I also picked up a cool folding stool awhile back to stand on when packing the awning away from Amazon, and it will also be used for setting the Yeti 400 on.
For charging it it has a 110v 8mm input, and that is also how you plug in a Goal Zero solar panel.
I ordered the Boulder 100 watt Brief Case model with built ion charge controllers, and that will arrive probably by this coming Friday.
So now I will be running three solar panels:
1. Powerfilm foldable 60 watt for the starting battery
2. Renogy 100 watt suitcase style for the aux battery that powers the National Luna Weekender 50 fridge/freezer
3 Goal Zero Boulder 100 watt Brief Case for just the Yeti 400 Lithium solar generator
I also ordered a nice compass decal via Amazon, and installed it this morning to the hood.
The compass decal is high quality, but unfortunately my die-cut decal installation procedure is not.
I messed up up and got some of the black parts that adhere to the hood misaligned, and it looks like crap if you look at it closely.
I already have another one on order, and I am going to see if a local body shop or vehicle decal place can do the installation for me.
Also these come in many different colors, and when you order it, it defaults to black unless you contact them after placing your order to select another color.
I am wondering if I should stick with black, or get a white one.
What do you think???
Links:
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Boulder 100 Briefcase
Jeronic 11-Inch Plastic Folding Step Stool, Black
Compass Hood Sticker, Compass Car Vinyl tr1882
Pictures:
Passenger side light, the only one that needed a zip-tie to hang from
Lanterns lit up, I wish I had some pics in the dark, but it gets light out now around 5:20 am
These put out quite a bit of light when it is dark out
The Yeti's control panel showing how much charge in hours is left if all four lanterns are running, turn off half the lanterns, the run time doubles
On the new stool
Closeup showing the lanterns hook/clasp attached to the awnings rod in the support arm
The 42 liter Alu-box I keep my Goal Zero lanterns, two propane lanterns, and the Powerfilm 60 watt solar panel in
From a distance it does not look too bad
But when you get closer, you can see line that points to the S is crooked, and the lower circle part to the left of the line
I also have a few bubbles in it.
Maybe a shop can fix it, but just in case, I have a new one coming if they have to scrap this one.
I have several Goal Zero LED lanterns I used on my old Campinglab awning.
I was not sure how I was going to "string" them on the new Eezi-Awn Bat 270 awning I picked up recently, so I deployed the awning this morning to see how it could be done.
Low and behold the awning has these nice little aluminum rods at the end of the awning support bars with the exception of the very last one that wraps around the passenger side, and I just ran a zip-tie through a hold on that one to hang the lantern from.
The Goal Zero Light A Life lanterns can be daisy chained together, and they also have a built in hook/clasp which makes it easy to hang it to attachments such as the rods and the zip-tie on the awnings support arms.
Depending on where I put my new Nemo crapper/shower tent I picked up for this new season, I can probably have enough length in the lanterns cable to run a 5th one to the Nemo.
How am I powering these lanterns?
Yesterweek I picked up the new Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium solar generator.
Some of you may remember I picked up the ArkPak a few years back, and it is very nice for powering stuff at home during a power outage, and for camping.
But...it weighs in at close to 100 lb, and the Yeti is only 17 lbs.
The ArkPak will be retired to home duty only since the Yeti 400 is so light.
It has both an 8mm 12v output, and also a cigg12v outlet.
Also two 110v outlets.
I also picked up a cool folding stool awhile back to stand on when packing the awning away from Amazon, and it will also be used for setting the Yeti 400 on.
For charging it it has a 110v 8mm input, and that is also how you plug in a Goal Zero solar panel.
I ordered the Boulder 100 watt Brief Case model with built ion charge controllers, and that will arrive probably by this coming Friday.
So now I will be running three solar panels:
1. Powerfilm foldable 60 watt for the starting battery
2. Renogy 100 watt suitcase style for the aux battery that powers the National Luna Weekender 50 fridge/freezer
3 Goal Zero Boulder 100 watt Brief Case for just the Yeti 400 Lithium solar generator
I also ordered a nice compass decal via Amazon, and installed it this morning to the hood.
The compass decal is high quality, but unfortunately my die-cut decal installation procedure is not.
I messed up up and got some of the black parts that adhere to the hood misaligned, and it looks like crap if you look at it closely.
I already have another one on order, and I am going to see if a local body shop or vehicle decal place can do the installation for me.
Also these come in many different colors, and when you order it, it defaults to black unless you contact them after placing your order to select another color.
I am wondering if I should stick with black, or get a white one.
What do you think???
Links:
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Boulder 100 Briefcase
Jeronic 11-Inch Plastic Folding Step Stool, Black
Compass Hood Sticker, Compass Car Vinyl tr1882
Pictures:
Passenger side light, the only one that needed a zip-tie to hang from
Lanterns lit up, I wish I had some pics in the dark, but it gets light out now around 5:20 am
These put out quite a bit of light when it is dark out
The Yeti's control panel showing how much charge in hours is left if all four lanterns are running, turn off half the lanterns, the run time doubles
On the new stool
Closeup showing the lanterns hook/clasp attached to the awnings rod in the support arm
The 42 liter Alu-box I keep my Goal Zero lanterns, two propane lanterns, and the Powerfilm 60 watt solar panel in
From a distance it does not look too bad
But when you get closer, you can see line that points to the S is crooked, and the lower circle part to the left of the line
I also have a few bubbles in it.
Maybe a shop can fix it, but just in case, I have a new one coming if they have to scrap this one.
Outer Limit Supply Quick Release Bracket Installed 6-3-2017
I have had my Outer Limit Supply Weekend Warrior first aid kit for awhile now mounted to the Springtail Solutions table/rack setup on the back door of my FJ Cruiser.
This is a top notch kit designed by Travis owner of Outer Limit Supply.
The way the kit mounted before was a two strap setup, and his new mount he unveiled at Overland Expo West 2017 is a much better setup IMO, and so much easier than having to release the two straps.
The first aid kit could move around a little with the straps, not so with this new setup!
It is held in with magnets, and they will not release until you pull down a red straps.
You can mount the strap at the top or bottom, I chose the latter.
The included instructions and template you tape to the rear of your kit make the installation a breeze.
This is way faster to get to your kit if needed, and much more secure.
If you want to upgrade to the new setup, get a hold of Travis, I am very excited about the new kit for sure!
Links:
My first aid kit, Weekend Warrior Series
Quick Release Mount
Pictures and one video:
Please excuse me for not looking into the lens, I was looking at the LCD screen which I had flipped towards me on my Canon Rebel T5i camera.
Tape the included template to the rear of the kit to drill four holes for the quick release bracket
Make sure to empty your kit first, which Travis mentions in the instructions.
Push the four bolts with the flat washers and rubber washers through the holes
Then attach the QR bracket to the rear of the case, and tighten up with the included nuts for the bolts
Screw the mounting plate to the quick release bracket through the magents with the four counter sunk screws
Mounting plate and QR bracket
Skottle is feeling lonely not getting any attention until tonights dinner.
Bracket mounted to the rack/table
Plenty of room for the rack/table to be in the down position, and not have the kit interfere with the plastic surface of the FJ
Showing the old mounting plate above that used the two strap system, not sorry to see it go
You really do not see the red strap hanging down unless you look from underneath
See, the strap kind of disappears when you look at it from straight on
Outer Limit Supply Quick Release Bracket
I have had my Outer Limit Supply Weekend Warrior first aid kit for awhile now mounted to the Springtail Solutions table/rack setup on the back door of my FJ Cruiser.
This is a top notch kit designed by Travis owner of Outer Limit Supply.
The way the kit mounted before was a two strap setup, and his new mount he unveiled at Overland Expo West 2017 is a much better setup IMO, and so much easier than having to release the two straps.
The first aid kit could move around a little with the straps, not so with this new setup!
It is held in with magnets, and they will not release until you pull down a red straps.
You can mount the strap at the top or bottom, I chose the latter.
The included instructions and template you tape to the rear of your kit make the installation a breeze.
This is way faster to get to your kit if needed, and much more secure.
If you want to upgrade to the new setup, get a hold of Travis, I am very excited about the new kit for sure!
Links:
My first aid kit, Weekend Warrior Series
Quick Release Mount
Pictures and one video:
Please excuse me for not looking into the lens, I was looking at the LCD screen which I had flipped towards me on my Canon Rebel T5i camera.
Tape the included template to the rear of the kit to drill four holes for the quick release bracket
Make sure to empty your kit first, which Travis mentions in the instructions.
Push the four bolts with the flat washers and rubber washers through the holes
Then attach the QR bracket to the rear of the case, and tighten up with the included nuts for the bolts
Screw the mounting plate to the quick release bracket through the magents with the four counter sunk screws
Mounting plate and QR bracket
Skottle is feeling lonely not getting any attention until tonights dinner.
Bracket mounted to the rack/table
Plenty of room for the rack/table to be in the down position, and not have the kit interfere with the plastic surface of the FJ
Showing the old mounting plate above that used the two strap system, not sorry to see it go
You really do not see the red strap hanging down unless you look from underneath
See, the strap kind of disappears when you look at it from straight on
Outer Limit Supply Quick Release Bracket
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Solar Panel For The Yeti 400 Lithium Generator 6-4-2017
I may post these two videos to the camping section later too, but the Goal Zero Boulder 100 watt solar panel and the Goal Zero Yeti 400 lithium generator will be used with the rig.
Powering up the old school Goal Zero 3 watt LED lanterns which will be hung on the Eezi-Awn Bat 270 awning, and also for charging up items such as the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 lumen lantern, charging flashlight batteries, and also charging up the batteries for my Canon Rebel T5i camera.
I am a little disappointed in the Goal Zero canvas case the solar panel ships with, as there is zero padding.
However the Renogy solar panel I use to charge up the aux battery that powers the National Luna Weekender 50 Twin fridge/freezer ships with a nice padded case that works with the Goal Zero solar panel just fine.
For what you pay for Goal Zero gear, they should include a padded case as well.
One more thing, the Goal Zero solar panel does not include a charge controller, but one is not needed since the Yeti 400 has one built in.
If you want to use this solar panel to keep a rigs battery topped off while camping, you will have to wire one in, or you could get the plug & play Goal Zero Guardian 12V Plus Charge Controller.
I have two of them (never used them yet), and they connect to the 8mm plugs that Goal Zero uses.
You could also cut off the battery clips and hard-wire it to your battery.
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Test Part 1
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Test Part 2
I may post these two videos to the camping section later too, but the Goal Zero Boulder 100 watt solar panel and the Goal Zero Yeti 400 lithium generator will be used with the rig.
Powering up the old school Goal Zero 3 watt LED lanterns which will be hung on the Eezi-Awn Bat 270 awning, and also for charging up items such as the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 lumen lantern, charging flashlight batteries, and also charging up the batteries for my Canon Rebel T5i camera.
I am a little disappointed in the Goal Zero canvas case the solar panel ships with, as there is zero padding.
However the Renogy solar panel I use to charge up the aux battery that powers the National Luna Weekender 50 Twin fridge/freezer ships with a nice padded case that works with the Goal Zero solar panel just fine.
For what you pay for Goal Zero gear, they should include a padded case as well.
One more thing, the Goal Zero solar panel does not include a charge controller, but one is not needed since the Yeti 400 has one built in.
If you want to use this solar panel to keep a rigs battery topped off while camping, you will have to wire one in, or you could get the plug & play Goal Zero Guardian 12V Plus Charge Controller.
I have two of them (never used them yet), and they connect to the 8mm plugs that Goal Zero uses.
You could also cut off the battery clips and hard-wire it to your battery.
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Test Part 1
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Test Part 2
New Hood Compass Graphic 6-6-2017
Mucho better!
I talked with a local graphics/sign/vehicle wrap company last week, and I stopped in Friday to show them my butchered job I did on the Amazon compass decal.
He said they could not really fix it, and while it was OK quality, it is not as good as the 3M and laminated material they use.
The one I had on there was not laminated with a protective coating.
He took a picture of mine, and his graphics artist duplicated the one I had, but made it 24"x24" instead of 22"x22", I like it.
I will keep an eye on it to see how it does, but this stuff is made to be outdoors.
So far I am very happy with it.
If anyone local or not local is interested in the design, you can get a hold of the shop and see it they can send the file since I had to pay a digitizing fee, and get one of these for your rig.
Links:
Fast Signs Main Site
Fast Signs Of Auburn, WA
Pictures:
Closeup shot, an exact duplicate of the other one
Yeah...
Side shot, takes up more of the hood than the 22" one
Another side shot, kind of hard to get more detail, my rig is in the full sun right now
Mucho better!
I talked with a local graphics/sign/vehicle wrap company last week, and I stopped in Friday to show them my butchered job I did on the Amazon compass decal.
He said they could not really fix it, and while it was OK quality, it is not as good as the 3M and laminated material they use.
The one I had on there was not laminated with a protective coating.
He took a picture of mine, and his graphics artist duplicated the one I had, but made it 24"x24" instead of 22"x22", I like it.
I will keep an eye on it to see how it does, but this stuff is made to be outdoors.
So far I am very happy with it.
If anyone local or not local is interested in the design, you can get a hold of the shop and see it they can send the file since I had to pay a digitizing fee, and get one of these for your rig.
Links:
Fast Signs Main Site
Fast Signs Of Auburn, WA
Pictures:
Closeup shot, an exact duplicate of the other one
Yeah...
Side shot, takes up more of the hood than the 22" one
Another side shot, kind of hard to get more detail, my rig is in the full sun right now
Adventure Tool Company Atlas Map Case 7-1-2017
I needed a nice case to keep my atlas in to protect it, and I remember seeing a nice one on Adventure Tool Companies website, so I ordered one, and it showed up this past Thursday.
As with anything from Adventure Tool Company, this Atlas Map Case is made in the USA in Colorado of heavy waxed canvas and MILSPEC components.
This is the fourth item now I have bought from Paul and Amy from their company.
All of their products ships with heavy wrapping paper and string around it, and a thank you card, a very nice personal touch!
I had another Atlas, but was due to for an upgrade to a newer addition when I did a little research on Amazon, and found that a lot of people prefer the Washington Benchmark one better, so I went with it.
I remember from surfing Adventure Tool Companies site before that they had a case for these type of atlases to protect them, so I ordered one up earlier this week.
This is a great way to keep it nice looking.
In addition to using GPS and Gaia Maps on my Android NVIDIA Shield tablet I bought earlier to map out and set waypoints for futures visits of campsites, the Atlas is a great tool to use as it shows most of the logging roads, lakes, and trails I want to find to check out new campsites.
If you are looking for a great way to keep your atlas nice, pick up one of these from Paul and Amy.
It smells nice too :)
Every time I open up the cargobox, I can smell the canvas of my three tool rolls I bought from them, simply intoxicating.
Links:
Atlas Map Case
Washington Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas
Pictures:
This is always how their products arrive after you take it out of the shipping envelope
A thank you card, and a sticker
Atlas case opened up on my hood, and the flap on the left side is Velcro in the open position, it folds over on the opposite side
Case and atlas folded, and the Velcro flap you open to gain access to the atlas is now closed
I needed a nice case to keep my atlas in to protect it, and I remember seeing a nice one on Adventure Tool Companies website, so I ordered one, and it showed up this past Thursday.
As with anything from Adventure Tool Company, this Atlas Map Case is made in the USA in Colorado of heavy waxed canvas and MILSPEC components.
This is the fourth item now I have bought from Paul and Amy from their company.
All of their products ships with heavy wrapping paper and string around it, and a thank you card, a very nice personal touch!
I had another Atlas, but was due to for an upgrade to a newer addition when I did a little research on Amazon, and found that a lot of people prefer the Washington Benchmark one better, so I went with it.
I remember from surfing Adventure Tool Companies site before that they had a case for these type of atlases to protect them, so I ordered one up earlier this week.
This is a great way to keep it nice looking.
In addition to using GPS and Gaia Maps on my Android NVIDIA Shield tablet I bought earlier to map out and set waypoints for futures visits of campsites, the Atlas is a great tool to use as it shows most of the logging roads, lakes, and trails I want to find to check out new campsites.
If you are looking for a great way to keep your atlas nice, pick up one of these from Paul and Amy.
It smells nice too :)
Every time I open up the cargobox, I can smell the canvas of my three tool rolls I bought from them, simply intoxicating.
Links:
Atlas Map Case
Washington Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas
Pictures:
This is always how their products arrive after you take it out of the shipping envelope
A thank you card, and a sticker
Atlas case opened up on my hood, and the flap on the left side is Velcro in the open position, it folds over on the opposite side
Case and atlas folded, and the Velcro flap you open to gain access to the atlas is now closed
Trasheroo Installed 7-22-2017
Bought this years ago, but never got around to putting it on.
I have trued unsuccessfully for the past few weekends with no luck.
I know they say on the FJ Cruiser to cross the straps at the top of the tire, but I could not get it to work.
Plus I have two sets of Maxtrax on the Maxtrax hanger on my tire, and that takes up some room.
If you have a swingout spare tire carrier on your bumper, it is a lot easier to install from from I have read.
Also a woman I follow on Instagram who has an FJ Cruiser opened up her rear window to get to the straps.
Since I have a rear ladder, my window will not open far enough to try that trick.
The way the Trasheroo comes is the top and bottom straps are made to hook together, but what I did was take off the buckles and made it so the top straps would connect with each other, and same for the bottom.
And instead of going over the spare tire, I ran the buckles on the top through the big slots on the Maxtrax and connected them and took out as much slack as possible and reran the right strap through the Maxtrax again so it would be tight.
For the bottom two straps I ran the left side behind the Maxtrax, and the right side buckle through one of the Maxtrax slots again.
The bag is nice and tight, and it not going anywhere, unless a thief decides he wants it.
Stuffed some tall kitchen drawstring trash bags in the upper zippered flap, and according to their site, it can take a 30 gallon trash bag in the main compartment which I will pick up tomorrow during a grocery run.
That will keep the main compartment clean from liquids and other nasty trash.
Besides using this for trash accumulated during camping trips, it will be used for carrying a firewood bundle.
Links:
Trasheroo, Off Road Spare Tire Trash Bag
Specs
Pics:
Top straps run through the Maxtrax
Bottom straps ran behind the Maxtrax
Trasheroo ready for work
Bought this years ago, but never got around to putting it on.
I have trued unsuccessfully for the past few weekends with no luck.
I know they say on the FJ Cruiser to cross the straps at the top of the tire, but I could not get it to work.
Plus I have two sets of Maxtrax on the Maxtrax hanger on my tire, and that takes up some room.
If you have a swingout spare tire carrier on your bumper, it is a lot easier to install from from I have read.
Also a woman I follow on Instagram who has an FJ Cruiser opened up her rear window to get to the straps.
Since I have a rear ladder, my window will not open far enough to try that trick.
The way the Trasheroo comes is the top and bottom straps are made to hook together, but what I did was take off the buckles and made it so the top straps would connect with each other, and same for the bottom.
And instead of going over the spare tire, I ran the buckles on the top through the big slots on the Maxtrax and connected them and took out as much slack as possible and reran the right strap through the Maxtrax again so it would be tight.
For the bottom two straps I ran the left side behind the Maxtrax, and the right side buckle through one of the Maxtrax slots again.
The bag is nice and tight, and it not going anywhere, unless a thief decides he wants it.
Stuffed some tall kitchen drawstring trash bags in the upper zippered flap, and according to their site, it can take a 30 gallon trash bag in the main compartment which I will pick up tomorrow during a grocery run.
That will keep the main compartment clean from liquids and other nasty trash.
Besides using this for trash accumulated during camping trips, it will be used for carrying a firewood bundle.
Links:
Trasheroo, Off Road Spare Tire Trash Bag
Specs
Pics:
Top straps run through the Maxtrax
Bottom straps ran behind the Maxtrax
Trasheroo ready for work
Odyssey 34R-PC1500 Extreme Battery Installed 7-28-2017
I was on my second Toyota battery, and it recently started to get weak.
The original Panasonic one from July of 2006 ran for seven years, and kept the ARB fridge going too on camping trips, as the fridge was not wired to the aux battery.
Now the second Toyota battery lasted around four years also running the old ARB fridge at times.
My new fridge, the National Luna Weekender 50 Fridge/Freezer is wired directly to the auxiliary battery, and I think that is was ended the Redtop that was in there, as that was also a starting battery.
The new fridge is doing much better on the Optima Yellowtop since it is a deep cycle one.
Back on topic...after mucho research of what Toyota owners were running for a starting battery, I went with the Odyssey 34R-PC1500 AGM.
The battery to get years back was the Sears Diehard Platinum, but that went by the wayside, and is no longer available.
The off-road shop I deal with the owner has a 4Runner, and he is running the same Odyssey they put in my rig today.
The Toyota battery was showing around 12.2v when the engine was off, while the new Optima was showing 12.9 to 13v at rest.
The new Odyssey is resting right now after the engine being off for two+ hours is 12.8v, and I am sure it will be better once it is fully charged up from driving more.
The only accessories that will be powered by it will be the two 12v outlets in the rear of the FJ, and the CB, so not really much of a drain on it.
And the winch is wired to the starting battery too.
Yes, it is a jungle under the hood with the two sets of ARB Intensity LED lights, the Rigid rock lights, the Blue Sea auxiliary fuse box in the passenger footwell side panel (it powers the CB and twin 12v outlets back in the stern), the wires for the solar charge controller for the Powerfilm 60 watt solar panel for the starting battery, and maybe a few other things such as the alarm, dual 12v gauge in the cab, etc.
Later in the near future the shop will be installing another Blue Sea box or if there is something better and wire it to the new battery, and then run most of the accessories off of it, thus clearing up so many wires going to the positive terminal now.
I thought about one of those Source controllers where all of your accessories switches are built into it, but I already have the light switches hard wired and mounted to the rig inside, and I want to keep it that way for now.
Once the new box gets installed, it will look a lot tidier under there for sure.
Links:
ODYSSEY Auto/LTV Battery Model 34R-PC1500T
(Group 34 with tin-plated brass SAE automotive posts - reversed terminals)
Auburn Car Repair & Offroad
Pics:
Closeup of the new battery
Showing both batteries, and yes Virginia, it is a mess on the new battery which will be rectified before too long.
In fact after I post this I am going to call up John the shop owner and ask which would be the best box to go with.
The Blue Sea auxiliary box mentioned earlier that is in my footwell kick panel
I was on my second Toyota battery, and it recently started to get weak.
The original Panasonic one from July of 2006 ran for seven years, and kept the ARB fridge going too on camping trips, as the fridge was not wired to the aux battery.
Now the second Toyota battery lasted around four years also running the old ARB fridge at times.
My new fridge, the National Luna Weekender 50 Fridge/Freezer is wired directly to the auxiliary battery, and I think that is was ended the Redtop that was in there, as that was also a starting battery.
The new fridge is doing much better on the Optima Yellowtop since it is a deep cycle one.
Back on topic...after mucho research of what Toyota owners were running for a starting battery, I went with the Odyssey 34R-PC1500 AGM.
The battery to get years back was the Sears Diehard Platinum, but that went by the wayside, and is no longer available.
The off-road shop I deal with the owner has a 4Runner, and he is running the same Odyssey they put in my rig today.
The Toyota battery was showing around 12.2v when the engine was off, while the new Optima was showing 12.9 to 13v at rest.
The new Odyssey is resting right now after the engine being off for two+ hours is 12.8v, and I am sure it will be better once it is fully charged up from driving more.
The only accessories that will be powered by it will be the two 12v outlets in the rear of the FJ, and the CB, so not really much of a drain on it.
And the winch is wired to the starting battery too.
Yes, it is a jungle under the hood with the two sets of ARB Intensity LED lights, the Rigid rock lights, the Blue Sea auxiliary fuse box in the passenger footwell side panel (it powers the CB and twin 12v outlets back in the stern), the wires for the solar charge controller for the Powerfilm 60 watt solar panel for the starting battery, and maybe a few other things such as the alarm, dual 12v gauge in the cab, etc.
Later in the near future the shop will be installing another Blue Sea box or if there is something better and wire it to the new battery, and then run most of the accessories off of it, thus clearing up so many wires going to the positive terminal now.
I thought about one of those Source controllers where all of your accessories switches are built into it, but I already have the light switches hard wired and mounted to the rig inside, and I want to keep it that way for now.
Once the new box gets installed, it will look a lot tidier under there for sure.
Links:
ODYSSEY Auto/LTV Battery Model 34R-PC1500T
(Group 34 with tin-plated brass SAE automotive posts - reversed terminals)
Auburn Car Repair & Offroad
Pics:
Closeup of the new battery
Showing both batteries, and yes Virginia, it is a mess on the new battery which will be rectified before too long.
In fact after I post this I am going to call up John the shop owner and ask which would be the best box to go with.
The Blue Sea auxiliary box mentioned earlier that is in my footwell kick panel
Enthusiast III
Awesome build! I also have a 07 FJ cruiser other than an icon 3" lift it is completely stock. I can't wait to start building it!
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
Off-Road Ranger I
- 357
- First Name
- Wesley
- Last Name
- Smith
- Member #
-
7565
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KF0KIS
- Service Branch
- Retired Army
This is one of the most detailed build threads I have ever seen! Lot of great info. I am slowly building up my 2011 FJ and you gave me some good ideas
This is the most detailed build thread I have ever seen. I salute you sir. You add links, peoples names who you have spoken to, your spelling and grammar are spot on. Great job.
Oh, and I've also surmised that you HAVE to be single to be doing this much in addition to your guitar items that I have seen in your pics.
Oh, and I've also surmised that you HAVE to be single to be doing this much in addition to your guitar items that I have seen in your pics.
