Just a Little Driving and Camping
Had to go pick up a used SmartCap so decided to hit Wolf Gap Campground and Davis/Thomas on the way back. Got to experience 3-4 seasons in a single day, welcome to WV. Lol Then, soon thereafter, ventured up to a local state park, Cooper’s Rock, which is just amazing for camping, hiking, and biking. The kids, and their Dad, really needed a nice outdoor weekend.
Time for a change…
Well, its been a few years running the FZJ80 and as life has changed, so has my use of the rig. With very little “hardcore” offroading going on, more mountain biking, camping, and trips with my boys, its time for a change. While I love the 80 series for all the reasons that make it great, its just no longer the best fit for our needs. So… 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road in Blue Crush. While I wouldn’t call the plans for the rig extreme, some nice enhancements getting added including: Toyota TRD Lift 4-Runner Gunmetal SEMA Wheels 275/70r17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 SmartCap with Prinsu Rack CBI Aluminum Front Bumper TBD Aluminum Rear Bumper and Skid Plates Superwinch Winch – Model TBD So, nothing fancy, but this will be my 5th Tacoma since they were first introduced in 1995 and quite frankly, I loved each one. Great truck,…
Buying a Used Rig – Part I
In the grand scheme of things, not everyone can afford to drop $50k – $60k on a new 4-Runner TRD or Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Thankfully, the used rig market is quite healthy with a lot of vehicles for sale at a huge variety of price points. Still, even used rigs can be quite pricey, $20k and up is not uncommon these days. So, for those of us where this whole “overland” fad is just car-camping and not a career, choosing the right vehicle at the right price can be daunting, but it need not be.
An Article Worth Sharing
Locked Gates Ahead
Project Evergreen Part 1 – Introduction
Backstory
In 2015 I was bit by the Land Cruiser bug. Having “just” my 2011 Toyota Tacoma to play in, and it being a somewhat expensive vehicle to damage offroad, I decided a second rig was in order. While Land Cruisers are legendary for their reliability, the 80 Series is perhaps the pinnacle of Toyota’s offroad engineering efforts. Overbuilt in virtually every aspect, sporting a solid front axle with birfields, and a full-floater rear axle, they are extremely tough and capable. In my opinion, the combination of capabilities, reliability, and comfort in the 80 Series is simply hard to beat at any price point. I quickly found a 1993 Triple-locked FZJ80 with 234k miles and all the goodies already installed. I went ahead and bought the rig, and the seller has since become a friend of mine, that will become an important fact later in the story.
Buying an 80 Series Land Cruiser
I get asked a lot about my FZJ80. Many of those questions are from folks looking at getting one for themselves. The decision to go out and buy a 20 year old vehicle is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not only should you consider it’s current condition, but also its maintenance and usage history. While those may seem the same, knowing the maintenance and usage history can give a great picture of what MIGHT give you problems, where the current condition just gives you a snapshot of right now. Thankfully, this topic has been covered in great detail so without getting to thick into the discussion, here are some of excellent starting points for those looking at adding an 80 series to their vehicle stable!
Oil Testing Basics
Just wrote an article for Dirt Road Trip. Check it out! http://dirtroadtrip.com/blog/trucks/oil-testing-basics/
Gear Review – OzTrail OR375 Tent
Well, I think it’s time I do a real review of my OzTrail OR375 tent. In my travels, this tent is what I get asked the most about, by far. Folks love the footprint, construction, and ease of setup, so let’s look at it in detail.
Product Review – ExOfficio Clothing
After much debate, I finally went ahead and purchased a few items from the much-touted ExOfficio line of clothing. It seems like everyone that has some speaks of it as if it is the holy grail of adventurer gear. My experience has been a mixed bag. Some I absolutely love, other items were quite a disappointment. All of these clothes are comfortable, fit very well, and provide excellent ventilation and drying time. However, the durability of some left much to be desired. These are not cheap clothes and while I did not pay MSRP for any of them, I still expect them to perform. So, on a item basis, let me share my thoughts.
Product Review – DEPO Smoke LED Tail Lights for FZJ80
DEPO Smoke LED Tail Light Installation for the FZJ80
Having been in the process of making some lighting upgrades, and having a cracked driver tail light since I got the truck from one of the previous owners, I figured it was time to fix it. I had originally looked at a full set of Depo light including headlights from a guy on IH8MUD, but in the end he couldn’t get smoke, just clear. Opinions vary, and it is personal preference, but having a white truck, I wanted smoked. So, Ebay to the rescue. For less than a single OEM assembly, the new set was on its way.