The Crusher Too 11Dec20

While I've now owned a 2019 Land Cruiser for a couple months, I still own the Crusher (make an offer).

The Crusher Too is now dialed in for new activities. I first remounted my ARB Awning, Titan Rod Vault and Rocky Mount Ski Racks and Bike Rack aboard the OEM roof rack bars. It's amazing how quickly gear racks and pig stickers can move a lux car toward ghetto - yeah baby. The Crusher Too's rear spoiler doesn't serve as a grab handle to get me to the roof as the '98 did, so I installed a $6 handle on the back of the rod vault.

I used Slee Offroad, a Toyata-focussed aftermarket 4x4 provider and modification shop, located in Golden, CO, to install storage and electrical modifications. I know from wiring the fridge in the '98 that I'd rather leave that work to focused professionals. First out were the 3rd row seats and first in were the ARB storage system pieces. On the driver side I speced a rolling floor above a large locking storage drawer and on the passenger I went fixed floor. The roller assures that I'll have full access to the fridge. On the surfaces of the ARB storage I had tie down rings installed; they hold the fridge and other gear solidly. Even these are pretty cool as I can remove them if I need to have a flush surface to carry something.

To assure I power the fridge, and anything else I want, without ever impacting the start-ability of the car, I installed an AGM deep cycle auxiliary battery. To get the right size AUX (Group 35 at least) though I had to have the START battery moved to the passenger side of the LC200 (and move the power steering vessel to even fit it), and then install a new larger tray in the original battery location. In order to manage charging both from the alternator, and accommodate solar charging of the AUX I chose a Redarc (another Aussie company like ARB) charger manager. To fuse and distribute the new AUX power throughout the vehicle a small fuse box was installed in the rear area.

 

With power rejiggered and distributed I added an inverter (to get full pure sine wave 120v AC from the AUX). The inverter is installed beneath the passenger side ARB fit kit in the back and turning it on is via a simple panel. The 120v AC outlets are located in the top of the same fit kit and are covered when not in use making margaritas or running the microwave and the lathe.

I also added a number of additional 12v DC outlets of either the dual USB variety or the standard female "cigarette lighter" kind. Some are pointed out the back of the car in the driver side ARB "fit kit" and some are installed in the console pointing toward passengers in the back seat. Everybody, and then a few, can charge their phone in Crusher Too. The far rear ports also have an AUX battery gauge.

Of course I added a trailer brake controller for towing the camper, etc.. I chose the Redarc again as the only stuff showing is a little switch on my dash instruments - the rest is hidden away. I am also plumbed to the roof rack area to install my Zamp solar panel but it's not installed during winter, in deference to my ski rack... I couldn't get both installed up there at the same time without risking roof or solar panel integrity. See, I swim upstream but I'm none too careful flopping my ski bindings around up there.

At the end of the day it just looks like a modern stock Land Cruiser; we now know it's a Crusher Too.

UPDATE - Solar Panel Mount Epiphany 11Jan21...

I had an epiphany concerning mounting the solar panel on the Crusher Too. I did some measuring and some ciphering and ordered a new larger Rocky Mount ski rack and installed it on the existing OEM bars. Yes, I did pay $20 less for the all black version rather than buying matching brushed aluminum. Anyway... I now have a very secure, easy to use, but temporary mount for my solar panel (mostly for use in summer) and no compromise or work required to fit the car for winter (skiing). Wow.

 

UPDATE 2 - Sold The Crusher 11Jan21...

Well, not only did I fix the solar mounting issue on the Crusher Too but I sold the Crusher for cash to a good home - the $5 Craig's List ad worked. The guy already owns a '93 LC80 and will be a good owner for my old '98 LC100. We had the three main LC series there but I didn't get the pic. I am stoked to be a one car owner but saddened to see the Crusher move on from me - it was such a gr8 car. I got plenty more than the trade-in value, even at 325K miles.