I’ve been on quite the journey with my Toyota Tacoma, especially when it comes to choosing the right rock sliders. For a while, I was all in on Demello Off-Road sliders with a kickout. They served me well, but then I discovered something that took my Tacoma to the next level—PAKRAX Toyota Tacoma rock sliders. In this post, I’m going to spill all the details on why I made the switch, and why you might consider doing the same.

The Problem with Demello Off-Road Sliders

Functional Concerns: The Kick-Out Issue

The Demello Off-Road sliders are known for their durability and robust design, but they also come with a kick-out at the rear. While the kick-out can be useful for extra protection and a secure step, it extended about an inch and a half past my rear tires. This extension was not only visually unappealing but also posed functional concerns. For instance, it made navigating tight trails a bit tricky and occasionally caught on obstacles that the truck would have otherwise cleared.

Aesthetic Drawbacks: A Bulkier Look

In terms of aesthetics, the Demello sliders gave my truck a rugged, functional appearance, which many off-road enthusiasts love. However, as I began to appreciate a more streamlined and sleek look for my Tacoma, the bulky design of the Demello sliders, especially with the rear kick-out, no longer matched my vision for my truck.

The Switch to PAKRAX Tacoma Sliders

A Sleek and Modern Design

When I stumbled upon the PAKRAX Tacoma sliders, I was immediately drawn to their clean, streamlined design. Unlike the Demello sliders, the PAKRAX sliders hug the body of the truck more closely, providing a sleek and modern appearance without sacrificing functionality. The absence of the rear kick-out gives the truck a more uniform and integrated look, which was exactly what I was after.

Enhanced Functionality without Compromise

Despite the sleeker design, the PAKRAX sliders still offer excellent protection and a convenient step for accessing the truck. The sliders are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the demands of off-roading while being lightweight enough to not add unnecessary bulk to the vehicle. This combination of form and function was a major factor in my decision to switch.

Improved Clearance and Maneuverability

Installation Experience and Overall Satisfaction

Installing the PAKRAX sliders was a straightforward process. They fit perfectly onto my 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road without any modifications required. The quality of craftsmanship was evident right out of the box, and I was impressed with how seamlessly they integrated with the truck’s existing design.

Since making the switch, I’ve received numerous compliments on my truck’s updated look. The PAKRAX sliders have not only met but exceeded my expectations, providing the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Switching from Demello Off-Road sliders to PAKRAX Tacoma sliders was a decision driven by both aesthetic and functional considerations. For those looking to enhance the sleekness of their Tacoma without compromising on off-road capability, PAKRAX sliders are an excellent choice. They have transformed the look of my truck while maintaining the protection I need for my off-road adventures.

If you’re considering an upgrade or just want a change in the look and feel of your truck, I highly recommend giving PAKRAX Tacoma sliders a try.

The post Why I Switched to PAKRAX Tacoma Rock Sliders: A Sleek Upgrade first appeared on Urban Armed.

CURRENTLY SOLD – ***

I’ve decided to sell my 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s been a fun incredible off road adventure chariot, but it’s time to move on to other projects. I have owned this vehicle for a couple years now and have done a ton of maintenance to it. Below are a list of maintenance items and features of this 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser.

• 200,554 Original Miles
• 4×4 All Wheel All Time – Center Locking Differential (no rear or front lockers)
• Prinsu Roof Rack
• OME 2 inch lift
• Snorkel
• Trail Gear Front Winch Bumper
• Aftermarket Alpine CD/USB/Bluetooth Stereo
• Custom Seat Covers
• Weathertech Floor Mats
• BFG KO2’s 33” on pacer wheels 5 new with full size spare (only about 5500 miles on them)
• AC Blows Cold!
• Third Row Seats Included!

Maintenance & Repairs:

• New front brakes & rotors
• New front birfields
• New front drive flanges
• Valve adjustment with gasket replacement 
• New oil pan gasket
• New front Pinon seal
• New Rancho Shocks
• OME Rear Springs
• Full Tune up: plugs, wires, rotor, cap, fuel filter
• New heater fan resistor
•  New Brake Booster
• New alternator 
• New Battery
• Marlin Crawler Inner Axle Seals HD
• New LH RH Drag Links
• New Slee Steering Drag Link
• New Slee Steering Rod
• Nitro 80 Series Berf Replacement
• Steering Pump Rebuilt

Contact Me Regarding Sale:

The post 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale first appeared on Urban Armed.

First let me explain why an overland trailer. For the past couple years working as a digital nomad I have been using a Gazelle T4 Hub tent as an office while using either a CVT Mt. Shasta tent or more recently my iKamper Skycamp mini as a sleeping tent that is mounted on the back of my 2019 Toyota Tacoma.

So I decided to pull the trigger on an off-road capable overland trailer after a couple years of researching and touring different tailer setups. I was able to experience several different trailers at the 2022 Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, AZ. I’ve never owned an off road camping trailer of any kind before so this is a whole new world for me.

Here is a list of features I was looking for:

• Dry weight less than 3,000 pounds
• Decent water storage
• Heat
• Ability to not only sleep but also sit inside to work
• Capable of off-road travel – no rear axle, independent suspension
• Off road tires
• Power
• Fridge / freezer combo
• 360 degree hitch
• 270 degree awning
• Kitchen sink and stove

This was a slow purchase process as I didn’t want to have any buyers remorse. I know that recreational vehicles can have their quarks and I certainly have experienced a few, the first was within the first 24 hours of ownership. Even though there are a couple trailers that I seriously considered that didn’t check every box (the ability to sit inside to work was the hangup) I ultimately decided to go with the Mission Overland Summit.

The overland trailers that ended up being on the final short list were the following:

• Mission Overland Summit
• Boreas XT
• Off Grid Expedition 2.0
• Mammoth Overland Trailer

The Boreas XT is an attractive choice because they’re actually baed in Pueblo, CO. which is very closed to me and I love the build quality of their trailers. I would have selected that trailer if it weren’t for the need to be able to use the trailer to work in as well as sleep in. That was the deciding factor for me and I’m still planning to own a Boreas XT trailer at some point in the future. My parents are putting in an order for one at the end of the year. This was a difficult choice to make but I ultimately went with the Mission Overland Summit because of the unique design with the pop-up roof which allows room for the bed to convert into a table and benches on either side. This single feature is the one alone which swayed me to the Summit overland trailer.

Here are the key features of the Mission Overland Summit Overland Trailer:

KEY FEATURES

• Clam shell retractable roof
• Large windows, bug screens, and privacy blinds
• 76 inches (6’4″) of standing room when roof is popped
• TRUMA Combi Eco heating & hot water unit 
• Fully insulated walls, ceiling, & floor
• Queen bed with 4” medium density foam
• Wooden swivel table with seating for 4 
• External hot water shower
• Slide out dual zone 69 liter fridge & freezer
• Slide out kitchen with dual burner stove and sink
• On demand hot water
• 37 gallons of fresh water storage
• Timbren axle-less suspension
• 22 inches of ground clearance 
• Nine internal storage compartments

This is an introduction post as I have only been on a couple of trips with this trailer. I plan to continue writing about my experiences and challenges with my choice. I will be doing a six month review on this trailer as I feel in order to properly evaluate something like this I will need to run it through a lot of different trips and different climates. So far the only issue I’ve had thus far is with the passenger window struts. They broke the first day I owned it. They’re really cheap aluminum and they unsprung when trying to life the window to close it. Otherwise everything has worked quite well. I will say I’m not as impressed with the customer service though as I have been trying to get new window hinges and my emails have gone unanswered so far. I will update this post as this progresses.

Here is a video of the introduction for those that enjoy video content. If you enjoy my videos please consider subscribing as it helps me grow and reach more people interested in the same topics.

The post Mission Overland Summit – Best Overland Trailer For Remote Work first appeared on Urban Armed.

The Tent Acquisition

I drove to Chattanooga, TN where CVT has a sales office and installation center not knowing what to expect other than the purchase of the rooftop tent. I left Atlanta with my Tacoma which at the time had the Diamondback bedcover and the KB VooDoo crossbars for the tent to live on and my tools. I was fully expecting to spend some time in the parking lot assembling and installing the tent before I drove back to Atlanta as I knew I wouldn’t have the space to haul the tent in the box. I have to say that I was really impressed with the service and they offered to install the tent for me free of charge. I just backed the truck up into the bay and within about 15 minutes my new tent was on and ready to rock

 was really excited to get home and plan the next camping trip to run this tent through it’s paces and see how comfortable it would be. Since then I have 130 plus nights in this tent and I will say i has added a level of comfort and luxuriousness to my camping and overland adventures. After spending all my life in ground tents or hammocks I soon came to realize why people would spend the money and carry the wight of a sleep system such as a rooftop tent.

First, I like sleeping up in the air. I like to call it my “sky condo” as it does give you a big sense of security knowing that not every little critter, spider, bug, snake or bear can easily just roll up into your crib while you’re sleeping. Though I’ve never had an encounter with some of these animals in my tent it’s a nice peace of mind. Secondly I like that there is a 3 inch foam mattress. This means I can sleep on a comfortable bed without using an air mattress or using cots. This is important in the winter time because so much body heat is sucked out of you when you’re sleeping close to the ground in January. Thirdly the protection from the elements is the next big factor of why I wanted to be elevated. I have had a few occasions of sleeping in a ground tent only to eventually be infiltrated by water from rain storms and trying to prepare for an invasion of H20 into my domicile. No more of that. The CVT rooftop tent has a nice big footprint with the extended overhang over the ladder to keep you very dry and it has done so for the past three years with rain and snow.

Now these sky condos do come at a cost and I would not advocate for anyone to get one for only a few nights a year of camping unless you have the means and money is not an issue. I would only suggest a mobile habitat like this one if you are spending at least 20-30 nights a year or more out camping and especially if you are overlanding to sparse camp sites that may be on the side of hills or on uneven ground where a ground tent would either be too rocky or not level enough to enjoy.

The post CVT Mt Shasta Pioneer Extended Roof Top Tent Review first appeared on Urban Armed.

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