Off Road Build with DIY and Production Mods on 37’s

Hey! Welcome to My Build Thread!​

I am a tinkerer and like to solve problems. I hate bins and built a DIY kitchen unit that was featured by Overland Bound’s YouTube channel and 900k views later I co-founded PullKitchen with a business partner producing high-end off road kitchens that you don’t need, but you might want. I am no longer involved that business but it was fun while it lasted!

This build thread is how I am going about solving my problems and making off roading and camping more fun. I have learned first-hand that if something is easier to do then it’s likely I’ll want to do it more.

Central to my build is my KB Voodoo ProMax rack, if you are interested in one or their VRS Rack hit me up for a discount code.

This is the current configuration of my ‘22 with added 37’s. How-to info below:






How it started

TABLE OF CONTENTS:​

Bed Lights and Diamondback Cover Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712559
Rear Bed Electrical Box Build-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712582
Rear Bed Electrical Box Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712587
Compressor Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712587
Wiring Loom From Engine to Bed-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712596
Method 703 Wheels-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2712887
HAM Radio Wiring Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2713939
Ram Mount Dash Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/#post-2714376
HAM Unit Mic Wire Routing-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2724452
Dash Switch Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2724488
Rack Plug Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2730077
Chase Bar Trailer Plug Wiring-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2739304
Chrome Handle Delete-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2739408
Westcott Designs 3/2 Lift Before and After-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2742861
Hood Decal Install-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-2#post-2747449
Tailgate Chrome Handle Delete-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-3#post-2762985
Half Bedslide-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-3#post-2783550
Short @KB Voodoo Rack and PullKitchen Walk Around Video-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-3#post-2790038
KB Voodoo Rack, Lockers, and Cargo Tray-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-3#post-2806697
Rack Lights, Rack Mods, and Pull Out Game-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-3#post-2828644
Cat Shield Anti-Theft-
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-4#post-2846682
Rotopax Install to the KB Voodoo Rack
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-4#post-2854802
How the KB Voodoo Rack Looks With Rotopax and Storage Locker
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-4#post-2871991
Air Bag Install
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-4#post-2902538
OME 2864 Rear Springs
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-2956755
OME 2864 Rear Springs Installed
https://www.tundras.com/threads/‘22-off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-2959507
Heritage PRO Grille with Diode Dynamics Amber Light Bar
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-3037042
Telescoping Awning Mount Design
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-3095926
CBI Covert Winch Bumper
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-3107411
CBI Covert Bumper Installed with Diode Dynamic Fog Lights and Winch
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-5#post-3118612
Telescopic 270 Awning Mounts
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-6#post-3206105
OME 2866 Rear Coil Springs Installed
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...nd-production-mods.105476/page-7#post-3260845
Fitting 37’s and Cuts Needed
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3277391
Off Road Rack and Tent Hoist
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3279794
WHY ARE DEER SO STUPID! Zip tie repair
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3297390
Cascadia 4x4 Hood Solar Panel
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3299358
37” Tires and Mounting a 35” Spare
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3314596
DR KDSS Track Bar Relocation Kit
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3314596
Paint Matched Mustache with Deer Damage Repair
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3384002
Tire Pressure PSA for Off-Roading
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-7#post-3385141
Camper Propane Forced Air Heater Install
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-8#post-3451569
Group 27F X2 AGM Battery Install
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-8#post-3488691
Adding LED’s to a 270 Awning
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-8#post-3499169
SDHQ ABS Guards
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-8#post-3501570
5lb Propane Bottle Mount to KB Voodoo Rack
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-8#post-3514520
DIY 4-Way Inflate/Deflate System
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-9#post-3595862
Rago Fab Bed Side Stiffeners
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-9#post-3629565
RCI Metal Work Engine Skid Plate
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off-road-build-with-diy-and-production-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-9#post-3670965
Westcott Designs Rock Sliders
https://www.tundras.com/threads/off...ction-mods-on-37’s.105476/page-9#post-3719854

 

My Limited came with the Limited power option which includes the AC outlet in the bed and bed lights. The lights work good but I wanted great. The bed lights turn on with the overhead external rear light when you open the tailgate so I piggybacked off those. I was going to add a pin switch to the tailgate but wasn’t needed.

I bought these LED’s

$24 MICTUNING 2Pcs 60" White LED Cargo Truck Bed Light Strip Lamp Waterproof Lighting Kit with On-Off Switch Fuse 2-Way Splitter Cable Compatible with Pickup RV SUV and More

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JUE9OLM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_GJJDT1AMKXZJFCHJARDE
I was going to use this pin switch for it, if I had needed it

$4 Nickel Plated Pin Switch w/Polycarb Plunger and Rubber Boot

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TQPM6Q?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_YHWRB3VCJD3NW706H64Q

If you have bed lights it is very simple to remove the lights and access the wiring behind them. They are a spring fit so you slide the light to the right and pop out the left side first. Then I mounted the LED’s, drilled a hole the size of the wire, and passed the wire through the bedside between the bed and fender. I routed it back to the existing light fixture and spliced it into the wiring. Pretty easy


I received my Diamondback cover and installed it. Easy install and I love them. I had one previously on my Tacoma and this is the SE model which can still handle 400lbs on top. I can walk on it, load on top of it, and yet it only takes 5 minutes to remove.


How it looks with the LED’s

 

Did the very necessary TUNDRA decal install
https://tvdvinyldecals.com/products/premium-cast-vinyl-decals-for-2022-tundra-tailgate

 

I like to off road a lot and changing tire pressure is like changing shoes. If you are playing football on grass you aren't going to wear bowling shoes. The same is true if you are running forest roads, desert roads, or hitting rock gardens changing tire pressure helps with grip and comfort.

Some people opt for an SPOD (or similar) to control multiple functions of lights, compressor, and such from the cab. I found my work flow while camping was that most of my time was spent at the rear of my truck by the tailgate. So I decided to put my switches and compressor back there. I don’t like popping my hood to access the compressor because the truck needs to be running to power the compressor and it’s hot up there. To turn on a camp light I don’t want to have to open my driver’s door to access a control panel up front to turn on a light in the back.

I purchased a BlueSea water proof switch

$77 Blue Sea Systems 4304 Panel WD DC 12V Fused 4 POS Gry

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009PUDJE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_9FBRDAS2KZJ5M1J4VH1J
Water-resistant project box, large with flange

$13 Pinfox IP65 Plastic Project Box ABS Waterproof Electronic Enclosure Junction Box with Fixed Ear 7.8" x 4.7" x 3"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083GQ4BRP?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y6BS6JWWGCXSZYKJNG5V
Water-resistant project box, small

$9 LeMotech Project Box ABS Plastic IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Electrical Junction Box Outdoor Enclosure for Electronics Black 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.1"(115 x 90 x 55 mm)(Pack of 1)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092HS9CMR?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7QXRPK6GWMRFWK332S6T
12v power socket

$12 ELECTOP Rectangular SAE Connector Power Socket Sidewall Port, Weatherproof SAE Quick Connector Solar Panel Flush Mount SAE Plug Adapter, 12AWG SAE Cable for Solar Generator Battery Charger (2 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P4M46M5?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_WVBAQNFZD803X7XZWR7W
Negative bus bar

6 Terminal Bus Bar - 150A BusBar Block with Cover, Ground Distribution, Power Distribution Terminal Block w/ 6 M4 Screws + 2 Studs, for Car Boat Marine caravan RV (New)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WV486BS?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6371WQYCT9M26KXEC293
Wire loom x2

$15 Alex Tech 25ft - 1/2" Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable Sleeve Split Sleeving For USB Cable Power Cord Audio Video Cable – Protect Cat From Chewing Cords - Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXF12HC?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_C95S3XHHC5RPF1VJGDWZ

The project box is going to be installed through the bed side wall and exposed to the elements in the fender well so I made it water resistant in design.

The first cut is rough but will be hidden

Water proof switches, plus fuses are right there easily accessible

More cuts for the power plugs to run my fridge and shower unit…what? A clean man is not a mean man

Backside of the wiring, the large project box houses the positive wiring

The small project box is the negative bus and is screwed to the large box


That way the unit can be pulled out as a whole making it easy to work on or fix if needed. You can see the main wiring looms coming out the backside

To make it pretty I added a faceplate, 1/4” black HDPE

To make the faceplate flush I routered out a recess

Bam!

 

I decided to place my compressor, after much deliberation, on the bed side wall in front of the wheel well. I went with a QuickDraw ARB compressor mount because of its simplicity, rubber dampeners, and well it’s easy.
https://quickdrawbrand.com/product/arb-twin-compressor-bracket-universal-mount/

The space between the truck bed and fender is pretty spacious, so I decided to route my wiring, braided compressor hose, and switch box in that volume.

The first cut always cuts the deepest….

Now I’m committed! (Or should be committed according to my father-in-law)

I added Rivnuts so the mount would stand the test of time, you can see how the wiring goes through

Backside showing the space available


I think the compressor/air chuck plate is a clean install! I would have centered it but you can just make out a crease to the left of it where a support rib runs up the backside of the wall. I didn’t want to compromise that rib



To route the wiring and braided hose I took off the rear tire and removed the fender flare and wheel well faring. It’s all easier than it looks, just took my time removing the press fit clips.

I used this bulk head fitting to pass the air hose through the bed side wall for a clean install.

Beduan 1/4" NPT Stainless Steel Female Bulkhead Coupler Thru-bulk Pipe Fitting (Full Female Thread)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09958F96J?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_GTWFTK1Z4R4E86N5ED6X
I purchased all my air fittings, compressor, hoses, air chuck, mount plate from https://www.desertrat.com/
Free shipping and no tax for me


How it looks


I may add a deflection plate to protect the compressor, but I will be adding a DIY full length half bed slide that will contain and control any gear on this side

 

Now not all my stuff is DIY, I will be adding a PullKitchen soon!

Sets up in 10 seconds giving you pantry storage, kitchen storage, onboard water with sink and electric pump, dual burners, onboard rechargeable power, 8 LED’s, flat space, and removable cutting board.

 

For wiring the dual compressor I used 8awg wire to run 2 positive lines from the battery to the compressor. Each compressor gets its own wire. I ran the negative wire to the compressor and spliced in the negative wire from my switch box as well. I also ran a shorter negative wire to the rear of the truck and grounded it to the frame. The switch box also has a positive line all the way to the battery. I used the wire loom listed previously and snaked it from the rear panel over the wheel well, down under the truck, up at the front wheel well, across the engine bay where it terminates by the battery.
8awg marine grade wire

$36 Ancor 111002 Tinned Copper Wire, 8 AWG (8mm2), Black - 25ft

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NV0HR2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_S0GXN33T0DDP0PB91346

I used marine circuit breakers to control the electrical connection to the rear. One is 25A for the switch box, the other is 90A for the twin compressor. Another great feature, besides protection, is that when you press the yellow button it opens a circuit and allows for safe working on your electrical connections in the rear. I mounted of them to the top of the relay fuse box in locations where the nuts underneath would not interfere with the fuses inside. There’s enough slack in the wires to fully remove the top and have access to the fuses as well.

$28 GLOSO Circuit Breaker E99 90A Breaker Standard Surface Mount 1/4" Diagonal Stud Waterproof IP67 Marine RV Truck Hi-Amp (90A)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089T8VXXV?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5WT55V0MVBKVMJ4C0JHW

Wire loom across the engine bay


Circuit breakers


I routed all of the wiring through the whole truck and drove it for a couple days before electrifying the system. If there was going to be a failure due to heat and melting I wanted it to happen before I connected it. I drove to Yosemite and back this weekend and the entire line was perfectly fine.

Yosemite is stunning!

 

I've seen you on YouTube!

This thread is absolutely awesome!!

 

Thanks for posting all of this @PapaDave418 ! I’ve subscribed to this thread because I can’t wait to see what you do next (and the bed lights are on my to do list).

 

I used @RevereOverland 20% code and purchased Method 703 17x8.5 +35 wheels. I bought my friends tires he took off his day old Bronco Wildtrack which are Goodyear 315/70/17. He owns a tire shop and at $200 each mounted balanced and TPMS switched over I’m pretty happy. There are something like 34.2” or so. They barely rub the little mud flaps I have on still. I have a Westcott 3/1 lift coming till I figure out what I want to do for real.


Stealth Custom Series wheels have their head quarters in my town so I drove over to pick up lug nuts as Method was out and I’m glad it did. They have shorter lug nuts so they don’t stick out a mile like some lug nuts do, and I got to sample some colors next to my truck. I would have purchased from them but they are still working on off sets for the new Tundras.


Oh and I ended up selling my 20” TRD wheels and tires for $1500

 

Yes! Thanks for starting this @PapaDave418

 

I am wiring up my HAM radio and needed to pass the power cords through the firewall. HAMs specifically state not to power it off of the fuse block but the battery to keep down electrical noise.

On both sides of the truck under the dash are 2 large rubber grommets that have a big wire harness passing through. I poked a wire hangar through it and fished the power wires through

To get the plastic formings off start with the hand twist nut

Pull off the side pieces by lifting straight up

To access under the dash above the footwells these clips press in


Inside the engine bay

 

How high is the grommet up in comparison to, say, the steering wheel?
For the Tacomas, I've always been slightly concerned with a bit of water splashing in when doing a water crossing.

If one did a big water crossing in the Tundra, would they be in risk of water splashing or coming in?

I have the strangest thoughts/ideas lol

 

Not too strange…

It’s about the same height as where the steering column comes through the firewall. In line roughly with the bottom of the glovebox, and because I poked a hole with the coat hangar as opposed to cutting a hole it would be a bit before water would get through as the rubber stretches around the wires.

 

Just finished this project before going to the PullKitchen shop today.

I needed to add a Ram Mount to hold my HAM head unit, and I decided off to the left was most out of the way and easy to do.

When you pull on the AC housing pull straight out and 4 clips release, then you need to rotate the housing clockwise to release the clip from the center faring over the steering wheel speedometer display.

Give it a good tug straight back at youRotate clockwise


See these clips, make sure to lift this section to reengage them when reinstalling it allOnce out you can see the directionality of all the clips


I found a spot with enough clearance for a washer and lock nut


I started with a small pilot hole and for plastics I like step drills as they usually leave a clean hole Washer and lock nut in

Looks pretty clean, and the hole isn’t the worst if I go to sell the truck someday, or I’ll leave the Ram mount as a presentI snaked the control cable up the side, it’s easy to push between the seams


Again looks clean and easily adjustableEasily insight but out of the way

 

I used a door antenna mount

 

Holy cow that's neat. This is becoming my favorite build thread lol

 

Awesome build. I am doing a similar thing with a project box for my bed accessories, but I am going to make it mobile with magnets on the back so i can move it around in the bed or extend it outside the truck.

 

That sounds like a cool idea, I’d like to see how it turns out!

 

Haha thanks!

 

I was just reminded about RFID attacks to steal trucks by copying the key’s signal. Thieves can get it when you lock the truck if they are near enough, or they come to your house and pick up the signal from the driveway or front door by grabbing the signal your key pings out to the truck as it sits on your counter or wherever.

Here’s my PSA-The More You Know

If you are worried about an RF hack via the key fob you have two options. RF shield box or turn the key off at night. I personally do the second option as I’m walking into the house.

To turn off the key-
Press and hold the lock button then press unlock twice and you’ll see the little red light flash a couple times. The key is now off and not pinging out to the truck. You can confirm it by grabbing a door handle to see if the truck responds.

To turn the key back on-
Press unlock and the key is active again

My spare is turned off as well so it’s not in the house pinging away wasting battery

 

This is great info. Part of the reason to get my 2017 was because I wouldn't have to worry about the smart key.

 

Question for you @PapaDave418, since I'm not very electrical, and you seem very savvy, I'm currently mounting a pair of Baja Designs on the hood. The harness I'm running is limited in that the negative ground wire is not very long. Can you ground to the negative battery terminal? Or should you ground to the frame/vehicle via an available bolt? I was going to use this bolt outlined on the passenger side wall against the cab.

 

You can ground to the battery, just be mindful of how many wires you have coming off of the battery and it doesn’t turn into a Christmas tree. If you do ground to the frame make sure to scratch off any paint for a good connection and then I hit it with a quick blast of black paint after everything is locked down to help keep rust away.

 

Grounding to the frame reduces 50% of the wiring in the vehicles which is why they do it, cost savings and somewhat of a weight savings depending on the vehicle. That way you don’t have to run a negative back to the battery every time. Because my switch box is all the way in the back I did run a negative back to the battery and a negative to the frame in the rear to make sure I accounted for any voltage drops due to cable distance.

 

Thanks! That makes sense, good to know that I can do it. Just didn't want to blow anything up if ended up going that route. I may just ground it to that bolt I circled earlier, so it looks a little less messy.

 

This is going to be an epic build, from the looks of it so far.

Hit me up, if you want to hit the trails some time! I’m in San Ramon.

 

I’m taking a group this weekend up to the Lost Coast with overland bound. I lead the monthly meet up in Pleasanton.

 

Heading out on a trip tomorrow morning and finally got my PullKitchen installed. 50% of my camp set up in 10 seconds. You don’t need a PullKitchen but you might want one.

Prep


5/16” large flange Rivnuts going in for the Quick Mount


Hanging out


Part of the design philosophy is that it removes quickly to get your truck back. It takes 1 minute to pop the orange pin out and one bolt up front and you remove it. Easy

 

Website?