Switch's 2022 Tacoma Access Cab Build

Switch

Observer
After all of my work to add lights inside and outside the bed of my truck, my wife pointed out that she couldn't see the tailgate itself or use it effectively as a table with just the LED lights inside the truck cap. She asked if a light strip could be placed on the truck cap hatch. I could have run more of the LED light strip that I did inside the truck cap but in looking at various products I thought it would useful to have a dimmable light and it might be fun to have a light strip with different colors.

So I found this product which, with some testing, I learned can be hard wired to a switch so I don't need to use the remote unless I want to:

I opted to install it on the inside lip of the truck cap opening rather than on the hatch itself.

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The fit was perfect on my ARE Z-Series truck cap. I almost wish I'd used this kit on the sides as well.

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It has dimming controls as well a color options and annoying flashing patters. All controlled by a IR controller conveniently mounted on the shelf near the back.

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It provides amble light on the tailgate even on the lowest setting.

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And the colors are fun to play with.
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In other news we just spent 5 days exploring trails and canoeing lakes and rivers in Northern California.
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What a great start to an awesome summer. We are looking forward to many miles ahead!
 

Switch

Observer
I also added a Dual Battery on the passenger side of the engine bay.

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I finally got the parts to finishing the aux battery project. The Hellroaring auxiliary battery isolator has an LED indicator and uses remote switch for connecting the aux battery to the primary.

I needed a place to mount that LED and switch and realized I could also add voltage meters for the primary battery, aux battery, and solar panel on the left side of the center console.

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I only needed one switch for the battery isolator but this would be a great spot for some extra switches. So I just added a handy mount for my iPhone.

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Switch

Observer
A few snap shots from summer camping trips. All made possible by our Tacoma:
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It's been a great Summer. Looking forward to Autumn...
 
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Switch

Observer
Today I figured out a stupid easy way to rig a table for cooking off my Yakima HD Rack
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We always take this 2'x4' sheet of plywood to use a kitchen countertop on existing campground picnic tables or our folding aluminum table. Years ago I made a DIY awing that mounted the table in a similar position. Today I figured out how to mount is using just some cheap 1" webbing and two buckles.

The buckles allow to level the table even is the truck is not level
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I just loop the strap through the horizontal bar on the end of the Yakima HD rack bar.
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I had a couple of buckles left over from a forgotten project

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I've also been working to mount my old DIY awning to the new Yakima rack. This is how it looked on my 2nd Gen Taco:

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I'll post some more details on the awning after I get a chance to see how it works (along with the table) next weekend.
 

Switch

Observer
Got a chance to test the new table and awning this weekend.

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The awning is still a two person job to setup and I have not added mounts for the support legs to attach directly to the truck like on my old setup. I just wanted to get a feel for setup and take down time. It is just as sturdy and cumbersome as before. I'd really like to either improve my design or find something as sturdy but easier to set up.
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Here at Artesia Dry Lake, I'm working on my model Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy Rockets.
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Back at camp this new table proved to be crazy easy to set up and very stable.
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Fajitas are always a camp favorite and aways hot using cast iron skillets.

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