After installing the dual-battery system I needed a way to keep it charged up when we’re not on the road. I looked at both wind turbines and solar options. Most turbine options need a mast of 20′ or (ideally) more to get them up and away from turbulence caused by the ground, nearby trees, rock outcroppings and the …
Category: Gear
UPDATE (Dec. ’23): We upgraded to a larger, dual-zone fridge for longer adventures. ======================== After deciding to undertake this adventure we set about thinking what we’d need and how to set it up. One of the most important things we need is to store refrigerated food for long periods of time. After the Tacoma was acquired, the ARB Fridge/Freezer and the …
In no order of importance and just off the top of my head at the moment: For the Tacoma: • Bumpers. Front for sure. Rear would be nice as well as much to carry extra Jerry cans and another spare as anything else. I like the ARB and its price but not its weight. There’s …
I traded in my old mid-90’s snugtop camper shell for a brand new snugtop Hi-Liner. I now have no idea why. I am extremely disappointed in the fit and finish and lack of attention to detail they took when making it. The installation was of the same low caliber as well. Aluminum drill shavings were left in and …
I am the 2nd owner of this Tacoma. The previous owner did several upgrades to it and a couple of them I even like. One that was not to my liking was his change to 15×12 wheels with substantially larger than stock Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ 33×12.50R15LT (318/72/15). While certainly fun and cushy off-road they had their drawbacks. …
Quick deflation is cool but the flip side of that is the re-inflation when you leave the off-road world and reenter paved roads. I have found that about 48 psi, cold, is my best option for comfort on paved surfaces. When I started airing down for off-road fun my target is ~25 psi and I was …
I usually like to drive fast enough to essentially skip across the tops of the washboard rolls which seems to be between 30-35mph. In sand or on rocks reducing your tire pressure gives you a larger tire tread contact patch and softer, more flexible and pliant face and sidewalls which help grab hold off, roll …
As well as the Tacoma is set-up for our needs and how comfortable we are on this nomadic adventure sometimes it’s nice to avail oneself to the simple luxuries in life. I’m talking about hot showers that didn’t come trickling out of a solar shower bag and potable water that didn’t need to be hand pumped …
We’re continuing on our way to Glendale to drop a load of stuff off at the storage unit. Our next stop after Barstow is up in the hills off Hwy 72 and Vicksburg Pit Road in Vicksburg, AZ. The Free Campsites website has told us about dispersed camping options there on BLM land but we pushed further up …
In no order of importance and continually being fine tuned: • Follow the Leave No Trace principle and, if you Pack It In, Pack It Out. • Picking up and packing out your own garbage is no longer adequate. To keep up with scumbag litterers please consider picking up more than just your own garbage. …