Full Size Tundra Build with DIY Solutions

[PapaDave]

Doesn’t look like much but it is time consuming. Lights, and the wiring of them.
I use cheap rock lights for my camp lights because…well they are cheap and I just need rugged water proof lights. That braided cord goes to the 12 pin plug I installed previously.

Link to the rock lights I use for rack lights

White Rock Lights, YONEDA 4PODS Aluminum Housing IP68 Waterproof Pure White LED Rock Lights Underglow Fender Lights for Trucks, SUV, ATV, Offroad, Motorcycle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VMNJSWX?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_TPH86A00WC0V6PMCAJG8

I put 4 rock lights around the sides with custom mounts to angle them out but not into my eyes at camp. I had an extra one so I mounted it for the cargo area. To that same circuit I wired in amber LED’s to my tool boxes on the KB Voodoo rack.

On a separate circuit I have power going up into my tent, I added an automotive plug so if I need to detach the tent from the rack it’s easy (not pictured yet). I have a 3rd light circuit that will be an amber spotlight for the top of my PullKitchen. The PullKitchen has no shortage of lights but the tops can be a little dark as the LED’s shine from underneath the tops in the storage areas.
Cargo Light

KC HiLites LED bar installed and wired. Imperative for group travel in dusty conditions.

Btw I don’t like most tent mount systems for off road durability so I used long carriage bolts through the aluminum extrusions to lock nuts.

I added pull handles for my monster paws

I also decided to add an extension to hold more gear under the rack to effectively make the cargo tray longer

This is all on top of a Diamondback cover, and it designed to lift off in less than 5 minutes.

 

[PapaDave]

Here are some more photos of the area light mounts, the 12 pin connector that powers the rack, how the power panel and air compressor configuration looks, the KB Voodoo tonneau cover bracket location, tent power, and my slide-based camping solutions.

12 Pin connector, allows to me quickly connect and disconnect the rack from the truck to remove the rack and tent as a whole unit.

Power panel access and compressor location with gear loaded

Power to the tent with an automotive disconnect plug if I need to separate the tent and rack. This power goes to the switched LED light inside the tent, a 12v to 5v usb charger step down, and an external switched LED light near the ladder. There is a master switch on the power panel in the truck bed to kill all power to the tent so I don’t have to wonder if an LED light was mistakenly left on when the tent is closed up.

 

[PapaDave]

Now I don’t like to brag, but my pull out game is strong ….

 

[PapaDave]

Camping up at Leavitt Lake with @DocTaco in the Sierras of California. 9600’ and it was awesome.

We had 2 PullKitchens there

 

[PapaDave]

Catalytic Shield and Skid Plate for 3rd Gen Tundras

 

[PapaDave]

Installed 3 gallon Rotopax’s onto my KB Voodoo rack, which come ready with Rotopax mounting hole patterns that makes the install a breeze. Again DM me for a discount if you want as they are the best racks on the market. Between the Modular add-ons like the gear lockers, bike racks, cargo tray, tonneau cover brackets, no one compares

 

[PapaDave]

Installed a heritage pro grille as it offers an easy mounting point for a light bar. I went with Diode Dynamic’s amber set up.

3rd Gen Tundras have gone fancy to a CANBUS system so I had to order a canbus interface trigger system which only takes a couple days to ship from England I believe. CANM8 CANNECT HIGHBEAM


I like it!

Just a simple process of slapping it in….


CANM8 System which detects signals and is minimally invasive

 

[PapaDave]

Telescoping awning mount for use with an iKamper. I made a full DIY thread as well linked HERE

I am working on adding a 270 awning to my rack that has an iKamper. The challenge is that an iKamper shell HEAVES out to the drivers side on its hinges as it opens to the passenger side. So one can’t place the awning too close to the tent (on the drivers side) or they will interfere with each other. So I’m mocking up telescoping mounts. The idea is to be able to tuck the awning up tight next to the tent in transport, then slide it out 7” away from the tent to deploy the awning and open the tent. I am going to use square tubes that nests inside of each other to function as the telescoping mechanism, simple and durable. I used this method for my privacy tent on a prior build and it worked well.

I didn’t want a 90” awning hanging out 7-8” away from the tent all the time which I why this project was born.

My progress so far

My son-in-law helped me draw it up

 

[PapaDave]

I had the plates cut and welded by a local guy and I added a knob to tighten down the set up so it doesn’t rattle on the trail. I also added safety bolts that limit how far out the mount can extend, and push buttons as redundant lock

 

[Blu12T]

I had the plates cut and welded by a local guy and I added a knob to tighten down the set up so it doesn’t rattle on the trail. I also added safety bolts that limit how far out the mount can extend, and push buttons as redundant lock

View attachment 275913View attachment 275914View attachment 275915View attachment 275917View attachment 275918View attachment 275916

Those turned out nicely!

 

[PapaDave]

I purchased a CBI Stealth Winch Bumper and was excited to get this installed, off roading without a winch feels a little too vulnerable to me.

 

[PapaDave]

 

[PapaDave]

I have been on a journey to figure out good springs for my DD/off road build. The coil air bags I installed popped, then put in OME 2864’s and while a great lift very stiff for my load. Today I put in progressive OME 2866’s and I think I found my sweet spot. On my initial drive the rear is more compliant and doesn’t pop quick so harshly like with the 2864’s.

My measurements from center of wheel hub to fender flare. I have about 350lb loaded or so.
2864’s
Left
25.5
Right
26 3/8”

2866’s
Left
23.5
Right
24 3/8


I thought it would be harder to put the springs in but it was pretty easy. The hardest part is just making sure you release about 6 spots for the ABS and brake lines. I used 2 jack stands and my floor Jack under the pumpkin to control the axle height. I took off the lower shock bolts and the rear sway bar U joints.

The passenger side was a little tougher to droop the axle so I used my bottle jack

Height of the 2864 vs 2866, the new black ones are the 2866. About 3/4” shorter

How the truck sits mostly loaded. The left side could use a .5-.75” shim as the awning I mounted makes it lean a touch. But when not camping my rack will come off so I’m hoping the progressive spring works well unloaded as well.

 

[PapaDave]

300 miles of dirt from North Idaho through the mountains to Polebridge MT and the very edge of Glacier National Park. The last shot shows my 270 freestanding awning with 2 poles down as it was blowing about 15-20mph for about an hour before sunset. I love off roading in this truck!

That’s my PullKitchen hanging out as well!

 

[PapaDave]

Well finally, 37’s!
I chose Toyo’s newer Open Country R/T Trails. Love the looks and solid reviews. To my eye the proportions finally look right.

Someday I will upgrade the suspension, but for now the truck has Westcott’s 3” lift up front and 2” in the rear with OME 2866 springs.

 

[PapaDave]

My truck converts from off road rig to daily driver in 10 minutes. I built a 4 point hoist that lifts each corner and the rack/tent/awning/cargo tray goes on or off as a unit without breaking a sweat. KB Voodoo designed their racks to be compatible with tonneau covers and it is a complete game changer for my build. (Yes I like overlanding, yes my wife loves me, and yes she loves coming)

 

[PapaDave]

Stupid Deer!

My wife and I had just finished our anniversary dinner and were heading home by Lake Coeur d’Alene going only about 40 mph when a deer popped out.

Damage done

My insurance fixed it but this was 5 days before on a 2,000 mile road trip to a family reunion where went camping.
Pulled off the whole grill and adjusted my stealth CBI bumper a little.

100 zip ties later it looks respectable. I had to do some zip tie Frankenstein stitching.

Couldn’t get this to line up, don’t judge me

 

[PapaDave]

I installed Cascadia 4x4’s 75W hood solar panel. I placed it right on top of my hood decal and I’m happy with how it came out. The install is straightforward as outlined by Cascadia and there’s plenty of videos on it. I am hopeful that it will do a nice job topping off the battery as my fridge draws from it.

Zip Tie Fancy

 

[PapaDave]

I put on 37’s and used one of my 35’s as a spare. A friend gave me an older Lexus 17” wheel and I mounted it up today. The spare is a 265/70R18 at 32.6” which is a long way from 37”, so I figured my 315/70R17 (34.4”) is closer. A 37 will not fit under the 5.5’ bed.

I mounted up a 35 and it leaves just under an inch of room from the pan bar. The tire is snug against the hitch and I aired down to 12psi to help a little. BTW I have onboard air if I need to use the spare. I don’t foresee the width of the tire being an issue. I hit some speed bumps hard and the pan bar doesn’t touch so far. Yeah, speed bump testing haha

 

[PapaDave]

With my 3”+ lift in the rear I purchased DR KDSS track bar relocation kit. Pretty easy bolt on that allows the pan bar to flatten out so when the rear suspension cycles, it doesn’t cause bump steer.

https://drkdss.com/products/copy-of-botck-bolt-on-trackbar-correction-kit-tundra

The kit came really fast and was perfect. I had to jack up the axle a little on the passenger side to get the track bar to fit but then everything else worked great. If anything changes I’ll certainly update it here.

I’m keeping on eye on the 35” spare’s clearance as well. So far it hasn’t touched.