2018 Lexus GX build

The Lexus dealer will be in awe the when you bring this bad boy in for service!

Funny you say that. The parking brake does not hold well on a steep incline. The debate in my head is drive one way for an hour to have them say its not covered under warranty due to modifications just to turn around and drive home an other hour P.O. or save the two hours and adjust it myself.
 
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Funny you say that. The parking brake does not hold well on a steep incline. The debate in my head is drive one way for an hour to have them say its not covered under warranty due to modifications just to turn around and drive home an other hour P.O. or save the two hours and adjust it myself.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 states that a dealer must prove that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage.
 
Took a break from the build process to get out and disconnect. Headed out to Douglas Creek, it’s BLM land with dispersed camping. Not much for wheeling but a decent place to camp.
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Finished the tray yesterday. My NOCO dual battery charger will mount to this. I don’t drive the GX daily and wanted to keep the batteries in topped up condition and to have the ability to put the fridge in the truck the night before a trip with out drawing the battery. .125” 5000 series aluminum. I have a bunch of small items that need to go to powder coat next week.

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The rear door pockets on the GX offer very little useful space for such a large door. Gleaning ideas from the rental Land Cruisers we had last fall in Namibia trying to utilize all space available and ease of use and access. We laid this out to most used items and how things fit. I drilled 1/4” holes and we used shock cord with knots on the back side of the panel.


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I have eyed Truckvault for a very long time. I am one that usually builds my own storage with pretty good results. I just never get it to the level of quality that I wanted. So with this possible being the last truck I build I wanted what I felt was best for me.

Truckvault is a Washington based company with the west coast facility in Sedro-Wolley WA just an hour northeast of me. Their main customer is L/E, EMS, and military. Civilians are a small part of what they build. That being said they were open to a custom build of my design. My design is based of my daughters platform found here. https://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/wayward_skye’s-third-gen-4-runner-build.5406/page-2

Truckvault had me up for a measure of the GX, we discussed ideas went to plans and I changed it. I wanted a bit more flexibility and removed a portion of the build and made the one drawer taller. We did a second fit and measure with all my gear and went forward. The build was complete and ready to go then the lock down came and slowed all forward momentum.

The idea behind this design was to afford a 72"+ sleep length and a 30"+ width at the torso. We nailed it with a 75.5" sleep length and 32" width at the torso. This is all on the right side of the storage area to compensate for the left side fuel tank and KDSS system weight. On the left side of the platform the floor is modular for the fridge, water tank and two Front Runner Wolf Pack storage boxes. The left side can be completely opened up to allow hauling tall items. The weight came in under the projected weight of 190 lbs to 160. I specified the high end lock as I wanted to secure my firearms when away from the vehicle without worry or a key.

With the drivers and passenger seats moved and tilted fully forward I can sit on the ledge of the platform remove my boots, undress and easily climb into my sleeping bag while the truck is running, dry, and warm. Once in bed simple reach up and push the start stop button.

Yesterday Truckvault spent 4 1/2 hours installing my platform. Cutting and fitting the wing panels to the contour of the interior. I couldn't be happier!

Today I was playing Tetris configuring the drawer dividers. The first set up is for camping and trail use the other is for when I want to bring along my long guns.

The final picture is the general layout of the modular storage area.

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Note in the drawer my heavy hand tools reside in the forward part of the drawer so when closed they are forward of the rear axle. In front of that is a hatch that will hold recover rear and you can partial see the flip up head rest that is approximately 12".

Ill try to get better pictures of this if someone is interested.
 
Cargo pucks and L track came in this weekend wanted to get my load out anchor points installed before next weekends camping trip. Made some folding wheel chalk mounting brackets as well.

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That looks great! No lock in/out on the drawer though?

I am in the planning/debate stages of mine. Cant decide on half drawer or two drawers.
 
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