New member; Advice needed

[Knothead]

Hi Everyone,

I have a few questions regarding specific resources for my rig, as well as using this community.

First, a bit of background: My wife and I are experienced campers, and have toured the US in three major loops so far, but never really went off highway (We were either in a conversion van with a pop-up or in a Prius). After our daughter was born, we migrated to doing more local camping, and then found out about the overlanding scene. We now have a 2008 Land Cruiser (as of the past week) and will be taking it to Maine for our daughters (2 years old) first major trip in just a few days.

We'd like to do some easy trails to both get a feel for the LC and to have some general off-highway fun. As a new memeber and new-to-overlanding, I'm having a hard time finding trails that are clearly easy. I'm also having a hard time finding reviews and tips/tricks on building some stuff in the LC, things specifically like where people in AUS are getting those carpet/mats for their dash, or easy ways to add a 12V supply to run a dash cam.
Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[Joey83]

Why not look at ebay or amazon for the dashmats?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=2008+toyota+land+cruiser+dashmat&_sacat=0&LH_PrefLoc=4

 

[Knothead]

Thanks for the link! My thought was that these help prevent dash cracks in the future, any idea if that's right?

 

[Flamewave]

Do you have a 12v cigarette lighter port? I run a Bestek three-socket charger I got off of Amazon and it's usually powering a dash cam, action cam, Garmin and my phone.

 

[Knothead]

That's a neat Idea. I was concerned of overdrawing on a 12V port by using an extension like that, but I think I'll go that direction at first. The problem in the LC is there isn't really storage space. The arm rest storage area is a "cool box" - novel, but not the best, and I need to make sure the wife is happy with what's in her foot space.

I think the real solution is to put in a new 12V port in that foot space and/or in the second row. The LC only has the standard ports right in front of the shifter with the AUX cable there as well. It gives a cluttered feeling on longer trips that we are trying to avoid.

 

[megacabcummins]

That's a neat Idea. I was concerned of overdrawing on a 12V port by using an extension like that, but I think I'll go that direction at first. The problem in the LC is there isn't really storage space. The arm rest storage area is a "cool box" - novel, but not the best, and I need to make sure the wife is happy with what's in her foot space.

I think the real solution is to put in a new 12V port in that foot space and/or in the second row. The LC only has the standard ports right in front of the shifter with the AUX cable there as well. It gives a cluttered feeling on longer trips that we are trying to avoid.

I removed the cigarette lighter and the 12v ports in my truck and replaced them with blue sea dual 4.8a usb ports. Then I also added a blue sea switchable panel for the fridge under the drivers seat that has on/off, 12v port, dual 2.1a USB ports, and a digital volt readout. As soon as I get time I'm going to add a low voltage cutoff between the auxiliary fuse block and the panel so I don't have to worry about a dead battery.

Sent from my VS996 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[The Crowbar]

First look into the North Maine Woods. Its is a public/private venture where logging companies allow public acces to pristine woods. Their are some grestvtsails logging roads to travel with dispersed camping sites throughout. Many are on lakes with unforgettable views. And they are near Mt Kahdtin. Also look at Slee Off Road they carry a lot of accessories for the LC.

Sent from my SM-G965U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[The Crowbar]

First look into the North Maine Woods. Its is a public/private venture where logging companies allow public acces to pristine woods. Their are some grestvtsails logging roads to travel with dispersed camping sites throughout. Many are on lakes with unforgettable views. And they are near Mt Kahdtin. Also look at Slee Off Road they carry a lot of accessories for the LC.

Sent from my SM-G965U using OB Talk mobile app

Great trails

Sent from my SM-G965U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[The Crowbar]

Also ih8mud has an entire LC100 and 200 series forums with tons of advice and articles.

The cool box is actually pretty awesome. I kind of felt the same way you did initially. We just moved from Maine to San Diego and it was nice to keep a six pack of drinks and snacks cold for whenever while road tripping across.

Sent from my SM-G965U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Knothead]

Awesome advice, thank you! I'm familiar with Slee, but every time I access Ih8mud I get spammy pop-ups. Not sure what that's about.

The North Main Woods; is this the correct place to be reviewing? I need to find someone in the area that I can contact in case we get stuck. I've not done any work yet on the LC, but it has good (new) AT's, so I'm a bit apprehensive to get stuck with the family somewhere 1000 miles from home/help.

 

[The Crowbar]

Awesome advice, thank you! I'm familiar with Slee, but every time I access Ih8mud I get spammy pop-ups. Not sure what that's about.

The North Main Woods; is this the correct place to be reviewing? I need to find someone in the area that I can contact in case we get stuck. I've not done any work yet on the LC, but it has good (new) AT's, so I'm a bit apprehensive to get stuck with the family somewhere 1000 miles from home/help.

Yes that is the place. At the entrances there are checkpoints. You check in with them and they will send out a search party for you if you dont make it back at the time indicated. The main roads were decent logging road but you have an option to go deeper at your comfort level and you can always turn around if it looks beyond your comfort level.

Sent from my SM-G965U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Flipper]

Thanks for the link! My thought was that these help prevent dash cracks in the future, any idea if that's right?

Have a dashmat in all my vehicles. Custom fit for your truck, great product! The one is in my 84Porsche which are notorious for cracked dashes, especially where the defroster vents are, not one crack!

 

[4wheelspulling]

Hello and welcome knothead,
No has mentioned Sleeoffroad.com yet. If you want to look at some 4wheel mods like lifts and stuff, check them out on the web. They know their stuff when it comes to the Toyota Landcruiser, even the newer models like yours. Benz.