Well I thought I would a thread about my truck. I will be posting pictures here on what I have done to my truck, and what I am going to do, as well as pictures of the truck in use. op: Enjoy. A little back ground: I like to hunt and fish and really love to go to remote spots in the back country. In the past I have loaded up a wheeler to the hilt and hit the road, but I always needed something else. After a few days you find out you didn't bring enough or whatever. This truck allows me to take everything I need to do a week long excursion in the outdoors with no return trips! With the cab heat I can stay warm and dry and that extends my trips even longer. So from humble beginnings: And as she sits today, Additions: Camo kit, offroad lights, auxillary fuse box for accessories, 2 meter radio, stereo, speakers, tach, winch, rear bumper, tires, rims, rear seat, storage boxes, 2" lift, 8 "D" rings in the bed.
I installed a lift kit New tires, Kenda Bear Claws, 24x8x12 on stock rims A pioneer stereo and speakers A glow shift Tachometer Four overhead 35 watt off road lights And a 2 meter 65 watt radio
Finally added a camo kit to my truck, it is advantage max1 camo. I think it looks like seaweed in photo's, it looks alot better in person. And added a rear "jeep" seat in back with seat belts. Installed a rear bumper, and removable 3000lb remote controlled winch. I do not have a front receiver yet.
A close up of the camo pattern: I have installed a 5 gallon gas can, two storage boxes in the bed and two more storage cases under the bed on the drivers side. I have also just put on a UTV rifle case that straps to the back "head ache" rack in the bed. The plus side to this is that I can take a two full size rifles with me, the down side is I lose my visiblilty out my rear window. I guess that's why they put two mirrors on the sides huh? The storage boxes in the bed are removable, I did not want to bolt them in, as this would have left them non-water tight, and I also wanted to be able to take them out at camp. So I installed "D" rings in the bed and just use bungees to hold them down, the gas can base is bolted down.
With the design from another thread on this website, I welded two steel tubes to a flat bar and bolted it to the frame, and then "slipped" the storm case onto that and drilled a hole for the hitch pin. Works great! I put a tire repair kit and small compressor in one of the boxes under the bed, the tire repair kit has the Co2 cannisters and Co2 tire attachment, along with tire plugs, glue, plug insert tool, and "Rescue Tape"--(amazing stuff...google it)
The other under bed storage/ storm case has a bunch of stuff ($%#@) in it. Like a first aid kit, survival food bar, 550 cord, fire making supplies, those el-cheapo rain poncho's, roll of trip wire, fishing snag reel, signal flares, Esbit folding stove, trioxane fuel bars, survival blanket, and a couple of glow sticks. The rifle case is supposedly weather resistant according to the manufacturer, and it does have nice rubber flaps over the zippers to keep out moisture and dust, but I sprayed it with a water repellant silicone spray just the same as sometimes we hunt in nasty weather and I don't need my rifle rusting away. Cant hurt right? On each side is a zippered compartment that your rifle slips into, so one for your passenger and one for the driver.
Behind the seat is a couple of goodies as well. I had to put my spare tire in the bed because of the rear bumper I put on does not allow you to get to the spare when its in the factory placement above the gas tank:frustration:. So I lost a little bed space.... behind the seat I put a 3 gallon jug of water, a 1 quart jug of antifreeze/coolant, a winch kit and a two man tent. The winch kit and two man tents are inside water proof bags. The winch kit is something that I assembled myself out of stuff from my wheeler, truck etc. I now take it with me in whatever I am driving. It contains: leather gloves, zip-ties, a 5000lb axle strap (used as a tree saver), a ATV stretch recovery strap (camo colored), 8000lb snatch block, two 6000 lb clevis's, a 3 ton 15' tow strap and a never been used el-cheapo tow rope from my wifes old car. Oh yeah and a glow stick.
In the factory mounted tool box I put a small tool bag, that contains metric wrenches, metric socket set, tape, a multimeter, hose clamps, wire cutters, pliers, etc. It also houses the 5 gallon fuel can nozzle and a small folding camp shovel. The boxes in the bed contain all sorts of crap as well.... the passenger side has toilet paper, jumper cables, rope, tie downs, a spot light, bungees, road flares, and a misc bolt/ fastener kit. And they are still water tight, and are easily removable! Just take off the bungee, and they double as a chair when using the tail gate for a table. The drivers side has rain poncho's, survival knife, 2 bottles of water, an extra water proof bag, duct tape (to hold the universe together) a collapsable water bowl, a water purification bottle, a Coleman Dual fuel stove, and a mess kit. The Dual Fuel stove operates with Coleman White Gas or Unleaded. It works really well! The Mess kit has alot to it as well, it has two "frying" pans, a pot, a cup for coffee, a spoon/fork/knife untencil, a pot handle, a p-38 can opener, lighter, esbit stove, seasonings, cider mix and freeze dried coffee pouches with creamer. This has been a life saver alot on some of my outings. It works well with the dual fuel stove.
Bored yet? Still with me? Almost done. I have also got two sets of tires now, because as I was running around town my Kenda Bearclaws were eating away fast! So I went to the junk yard and bought some rims from a 1997 Hyundai Accent for $20 and painted them black. I then went to Wally world and got the cheapest 13" road tire they had. I think they were like $28 a piece. A couple of cans of spray paint later.... And I think that has been about all. It seems like a ton when I put it altogether here, but it has been a year since I got the truck, and have done it bit by bit. Most of the stuff I already had in one place or another. I have blown a radiator hose in South Dakota on vacation this summer and wish I had some of this stuff with me then. I am getting ready for the elk and deer hunt's next month and I am taking the mini for the elk. I will take some pics and post them for you guys if you want. So what do you think of my "Franken-steen" creation of a MINI Expedition vehicle? I am going to mount a hi-lift jack, shorty shovel and a pick behind the seat in the bed soon. This site has given me a ton of inspiration and information! Looking forward to hearing your comments on what I have done so far and what I should do.
sweet set up...it's the survivorman edition of the Carry..looks like you won't be leaving anything behind
WOW, I thought I was prepared for the "apocalypse"! Nice job, and if you don't mind, I will be using some (MOST) of your ideas for my future mods! All I need is a 4WD mini, and off to work I go! My current 94 Mitsu 2WD will be the starting point, until I get a 4WD mini. BTW, not bored at all, just keep it coming!!! Excellent use of limited available space.
The other half is Harbor Freight! Most of that stuff has been floating around my garage, or wheeler, or truck... and the rest has been overtime shifts. I am scared to add it all up though. Cuz then the wife might find out just how bad this "hobby" has become...
Now I am going to drive it like it was stolen, well, not that bad, just going to enjoy driving/using it, but I need to get a front receiver hitch and add some reverse/back up lights. And if I can follow Ironravens lead and get my city to pass an ordinance allowing these... Three cities in Utah already have, I am getting their oridinances together and going to submit it hopefully next month. I know a couple of the city council members and think it will go through. They are street legal here in Utah and are plated, but the law states in "muncipalities not greater in population than 7500", so I can drive it in the city next door and most of Utah. I will start local, then maybe go after changing the state law. I don't think they should be on any limited access roads/highways, but local roads are ok. If a moped is legal/safe?!?!?
That made me laugh, because my wife teases me relentlessly about that all the time, I guess I am too much of a "boy scout" sometimes, and want to be "always prepared" But I have been caught in nasty weather hunting before, when it dumped a couple feet of snow on us in a matter of hours! And I don't want to be one of those stories on the news just yet. But then again, what if the zombies DO rise? op: HA HA. ...And of course, use any of the mods I have done to this truck, I think mine came from this forum anyway. Just post yours as well, maybe yours will be better and I will have to upgrade
Dude! Well done! Well done! I have a very similar setup. Ill have to post some pics of the subtle differences. I like what you've done with the truck very much. Also like all the little kits stuffed here and there all over it. You gave me some great ideas. Thankyou for that post! Very detailed.
... Very, Very nice, thanks for taking the time to share. Everyone can appriciate the thought and work envolved in your set-up and the time and effort it takes to get a passable post; Just right...op: Post away, it all looks good and if you have more to give, we appriciate the effort. BTW---Tell her that the HOBBBY is ALWAYS cheaper than going to the bar, and that you are prepared, for going into the great unkown wilderness, or as we call it in the north, the BUSH, she will be all the better for it. (by the buy, make sure to have a brand-new set of nail-clippers somewhere in there, and she will be more then happy....at some future point in time. the-Ace-up-the-sleave and justification for it ALL..."Yea, I got that honey"....Priceless...) Make sure that her stuff is in there TOO. And be ready, just to go......after work......all-is-done-baby.....lets-GO.... It's all in the presentation, before you know it, SHE will be pushing YOU,......"Let's GO"... Not trying to hyjack my friend, just modivate you...... We need some...OUT-AND-ABOUT...pics.... Show us what your State looks like, from your vantage point...ON-SITE... That's what we what to see..... ...
Erixun, Great post! Thanks for the pics and ideas. Even with all the gear your new hunting vehicle can carry it looks as though you could still load your ATV in it as well. Would definitely like to see some pics of it out in the wilderness. Maybe even one with an elk or deer in it. ________ Honda NSR125
Pictures of the truck "out and about" will be posted. Would love to share some of my views of this state. No worries about hi-jacking the thread! And your pics are a motivator! I just need a couple days off from work to go. Utah is known for some strange things ....and I am not going into that stuff on this thread.... and then most of the "tourist" stuff out there is just about the red rock desert part of the state or the ski resorts, but there are alot of other cool outdoor places. Funny, lived here in my younger years, couldn't wait to get out of the state, joined the military, lived in other states/countries traveled alot and then wound up back here. No place like home, Toto? With the back seat in the bed, my wheeler wont fit , have to remove the seat. (which is done by removing just a couple of bolts) But I am going to try and atleast find out how well an elk fits in it . Won't be a BIG one this year, I drew a spike only tag. Will keep you posted.
very nicely done. did you find the storage cans at military surplus? i have looked at the utv rear seats- but your idea for the jeep seat is a good one too. just seems to sit kinda low, i wonder if the utv seat for adult riders would be more comfortable for their legs? just thinkin out loud- your setup is trick, and priced right too. wish my truck had that factory under bed box. harbor freight is great isnt it? have a coupon for the winch, gonna get that this week. keep the pics and info coming.
Yes, I bought those cans about a 100 years ago at a military surplus store in northern Utah, their moto is "we have everything you want, if we can find it." they have a huge lot with stacks and stacks of "stuff". (you know, one man's treasure....) I thought about one of those UTV seats, but I liked the idea of sitting lower in the bed, (safer?) more peace of mind when the kids are sitting back there, and I can see out the back window with passengers. And it is comfortable to ride on as an adult with the full size seat cushion. When I saw one of those UTV seats at the store, just didnt seem to have a full depth to it for trail riding/bouncing roads. Maybe I am wrong though. I also toyed with the idea of going to the junk yard and finding a rear seat to a full size Blazer rig, with the arm rests, but liked the idea of storage boxes on the sides. And the price was better on this. I got it for about $130 with free shipping. Course' had to buy the seatbelts at $14 apiece so.... maybe not that much better. And as far as the under bed factory box, I think I like the storm cases better! They are simple, hold a fair amount, are easily removable, and water tight.
the storage cans are a good idea, i like them. i agree a rear blazer or bronco seat might be wider, and i would like that too- may have to go to the junkyard and shop (wife hates it when i do that "how can you spend 3 hours walking around a junkyard of wrecked cars?"- she just doesn't get it!) you're right about better visibility, and lower might be safer too. there's another post of someone using that factory underbed box to mount on board air- now i like that idea too. now i've just gotta get busy and do some mods to mine!!
... We're, still waiting........op: Hyjacking is OK,, you asked for it.... I'm usually "out and about", when there is no snow....so, I'm not around that much, but I try to help out when I am here... Modivation, for you this is... WELCOME TO THE BADLANDS...North, of the 50th parallel... FIRE, is the source of man's control, and one of the five reasons to "go out".... We were "out" for FIVE DAYS, and never saw a sole... You don't score, baby....till you score,....and if you don't go out, you can't POST..... Bike, in the truck, truck in the truck, boat onto the truck. On-site, truck becomes camper, bike stays in truck, boat goes onto other truck. I like to drive one, and take four...... ...
My weekend is starting today... so I will load the mini truck up in the trailer, and then complete some honey-do's! And take the wife out for a small date tonight, so I can get my kitchen pass . And then I am running out to the west desert for two days of solitude! Leaving the wife to work, and the kiddies in school! So some new pics are coming! I am going to try and get to an area we used to hunt in as a kid, havent been out there in 25 years! Going to "camp" by Eureka, Ut and go see some of the old mining ghost towns in the area. Cant really call it camping anymore, cuz of the toy hauler. Has a shower, stove, heater, generator etc...really ruffing it now! Lots of trails out there. And the camera is going with me....
Nice setup. I bought one of those winches too, hopefully my front receiver/brush guard will get started today
My trek took me past this military disposal chemical depot. It is in Tooele (pronounced tuh-will-la) county. It is home to 53% of the nations chemical weapon stockpile. I took the pictures as I was driving by, the military security personel do not really have much of a sense of humor if you stop by the fence and take pictures or gawk. They show up with you on the business end of a Mk-19 grenade launcher or a .50 cal mounted on top of their hummer. As you enter the valley in which this disposal plant is located, they have installed these alarms with wind directionals and reader boards, in case of a leak or spill...