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Cowboy Denny

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Blog Entries posted by Cowboy Denny

  1. My new 2024 5th Gen 4Runner

    4Runner · Cowboy Denny · 10/21/2024 02:07 PM

    After recovering from the shock of how expensive the new 6th gen 4Runner will cost it made my decision rather easy. I am in the process of purchasing this beautiful 5th gen TRD offroad premium.  I found Financial Plus Credit Union will give me a loan for 84 months @ 5.99% which no one even comes close to.  Also checked on insurance and its going cost me around $159/month.
    So enough of the boring financial stuff, lets talk about what is comes on the new/used 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium.

    Then add these extras after the 4Runner left the dealership
    5 yr ceramic re coating done professionally
    Completely wool wax undercoated 2 days after it was purchased from motor city rustproofing (every aug re-apply $300)
    Bullet mounting system installed for all your phone and laptop camera stuff
    Complete black out kit installed
    AVS valance front and back
    Heavy duty Miller cat shield installed over catalytic converters
    Trd pro front skid plate installed to replace oem black
    Avs snorkel install from rear axle breather port
    Complete 15 % ceramic top of the line window tint all widows and front widows 7 in top strip done by tint world in Livonia
    Complete rago rear window Molly panel and top connector installed
    Comes with 4Runner cement gray cooler
    As you see its a nicely built 4Runner with all these extras at least $4000 worth.
    270-HP 4.0-Liter V6 Engine
    4Runner’s legendary reliability continues with power from its 4.0-liter V6 engine. With up to 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, you have all that you need to take you from adventure to adventure.
    Part Time 4x4
    Giving you more control of your 4Runner’s capabilities is an available four-wheel drive 4-wheel-drive system that provides high- and low-range options. Select High 2 (H2) for daily driving and for the best fuel efficiency, High 4 (H4) for more traction under 55 mph, and Low 4 (L4) when you need to drive slowly or help in trekking over difficult terrain
    TRD Off-Road
    Delivering consistent performance when the going gets rough, TRD Off-Road’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) * helps steady the course. And TRD Off-Road’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and part-time selectable 4WD help you take on rock, dirt and mud—without losing your grip.
    Take on every adventure with style to match your purpose. TRD Off-Road features unique 17-in. alloy wheels with black-painted inserts and TRD Off-Road badging on the side of the rig. A hood scoop and black-painted roof rails finish off a rugged look that says you're itching to get out there.
    5000-Lb. Max Towing Capacity
    With 4Runner’s ability to tow up to 5000 lbs., * venturing into some of nature’s toughest ranges doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. 4Runner adheres to SAE J2807, the standard for tow ratings set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
    Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof
    Take it all in. 4Runner’s available power tilt/slide moonroof brings you closer to the great outdoors, without you even leaving your seat.

    Smart Key System With Push Button Start
    No need to reach into your pocket or purse with 4Runner’s Smart Key System. Lock and unlock the front doors and open the trunk by simply carrying the Smart Key. Once inside, just press 4Runner’s convenient Push Button Start, and you’re ready to roll.
     
  2. Ground tents are often overlooked in the overlanding world, where rooftop systems get most of the attention. But for many adventurers, a well-designed ground tent is not just a viable option—it’s the perfect one. Below is a complete article-style breakdown (with visuals and product comparisons) explaining why.
    Ground tents are often overlooked in the overlanding world, where rooftop systems get most of the attention. But for many adventurers, a well-designed ground tent is not just a viable option—it’s the perfect one. Below is a complete article-style breakdown (with visuals and product comparisons) explaining why.
    Overlanding is about freedom, mobility, and self-reliance. While rooftop tents (RTTs) have become popular, ground tents remain a foundational choice—and for good reason.
    1. Freedom From Your Vehicle
    One of the biggest advantages of ground tents is independence. With a rooftop tent, your sleeping setup is tied to your vehicle. If you want to explore trails, grab supplies, or scout terrain, you must pack everything down first.
    Ground tents allow you to:
    Set up a basecamp
    Leave your gear behind securely
    Freely explore with your vehicle
    This flexibility is a major advantage for longer trips or multi-day stays.

    2. Cost-Effective Without Sacrificing Performance
    Compared to rooftop tents (often $1,000–$4,000+), ground tents are significantly more affordable while still offering durability and weather resistance. 
    Even high-end overland ground tents typically cost:
    $300–$1,200 vs. thousands for RTTs
    That cost difference allows you to invest in:
    Better sleep systems
    Cooking gear
    Recovery equipment

    3. No Impact on Vehicle Performance
    Roof tents add weight, wind drag, and raise your center of gravity. Ground tents eliminate those issues entirely.
    Benefits include:
    Better fuel economy
    Safer off-road handling
    No height clearance issues (garages, trails)

    4. More Space and Comfort
    Ground tents often provide:
    Larger floor space
    Higher ceilings
    Room for cots, storage, and even standing
    For families or longer trips, this added livability is a major advantage.

    5. Setup Is No Longer a Hassle
    Modern overland ground tents—especially hub-style designs—can be deployed in seconds.
    For example:
     Gazelle T4 Hub Tent uses a pop-up hub system for near-instant setup
     Overlandish Basecamp Hub Tent offers quick deployment with rugged materials
    This eliminates one of the traditional downsides of ground tents.
    Ground Tent Drawbacks (Honest Perspective)
    Ground tents aren’t perfect. Key limitations include:
    Exposure to mud, water, and uneven terrain
    More interaction with bugs and wildlife
    Requires finding a suitable campsite surface
    However, many overlanders mitigate these with:
    Ground tarps or mats
    Elevated cots
    Smart site selection
    Overlandish vs Gazelle Tents (Head-to-Head Comparison)
    To understand how ground tents vary, let’s compare two popular overlanding brands: Overlandish (premium rugged builds) and Gazelle (fast-deploy hub tents).
    Featured Models
    Overlandish Basecamp Tent
    Gazelle T4 Overland Hub Tent

    Product Comparison Table
    Attribute
     Overlandish Basecamp V2 Tent
     Gazelle T4 Overland Edition Hub Tent
    Setup Speed
    Moderate (traditional or semi-rigid setup)
    Extremely fast (hub pop-up design)
    Durability
    Heavy-duty, expedition-grade materials
    Durable but lighter-weight
    Weather Resistance
    Excellent (built for harsh environments)
    Very good (3-season capable)
    Weight & Portability
    Heavier, bulkier (weighs roughly 62 lbs)
    Lighter, easier to transport (weighs roughly 34 lbs)
    Packed Dimensions
    15" x 15" x 59" long
    8" x 8" x 66.5" to 68"
    Interior Space
    Spacious, basecamp-oriented
    Spacious with vertical walls
    Best Use Case
    Long-term camps, rugged expeditions
    Quick stops, frequent moves
    Price Range
    Premium (~$1,000+)
    Mid-range (~$400–$600)

    Pros and Cons Summary
    Overlandish Tents
    Pros
    Built for extreme durability
    Ideal for long-term basecamp setups
    Premium materials and construction
    Cons
    Heavier and less portable
    Slower setup
    Higher price point
    Gazelle Tents
    Pros
    Lightning-fast setup (hub design)
    Easy to transport and store
    Great balance of durability and cost
    Cons
    Not as rugged as expedition-grade tents
    Bulkier when folded compared to backpacking tents
    Slightly less weather resistance in extreme conditions
    Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
    Choose Overlandish if your trips involve:

    Extended stays
    Harsh environments
    A dedicated basecamp setup

    Choose Gazelle if you prioritize:

    Speed and convenience
    Frequent movement between camps
    Simplicity and reliability
    Bottom Line
    Ground tents remain one of the smartest choices in overlanding because they offer freedom, affordability, and versatility. While rooftop tents look appealing, many experienced overlanders still rely on ground setups for their practicality and adaptability.
    If your goal is to explore without limits, a high-quality ground tent might not just be the better option—it could be the best one.

  3. Sons First Car is 2009 Toyota Rav4

    3rd gen Rav4 (XA30; 2006–2012) · Cowboy Denny · 04/06/2026 05:48 PM

    So what started off as a "good deal" turned out to be a money pit like everything I purchase.
    The vehicle is a 2009 Toyota Rav4 with only a 131k miles which is far less than anyone else had for less than $5000
    It appeared pretty clean car with some imperfections like minor scratches and some small dents in body but no rust anywhere.
    Tires are an offbrand with decent tread.
    Not licensed so only able to drive around subdivision and not get it up to speed which is where it all fell apart.
    First stop was the dealership to have them do an inspection and opened pandoras box. Quote to fix found issues was over $8000 (most expensive fix is probably the rear differential seals leaking like crazy)
    Paid a little of $5300 for other stuff and not everything....
    Brought it home and ordered a driveshaft from 1aauto which was $1000 cheaper than dealership was charging (not including labor). Installed driveshaft and the manual and every website said torque the front bolts to 26ftlbs which snapped the bolts off.. stopped after two. Could not extract the snapped bolts so had to pay $80 to have it towed to Muffler Man which charged me $600 to fix that and install a muffler.
    Now the check engine light comes on if car sits for more than a day and so I decided to purchase a OBDII scanner from Autozone (on sale for $128) and found its the O2 sensor even though I paid Toyota to replace it last time (which was stupid because they are so easy to change). In an effort to see if its just stuck in the ECU I took the negative battery cable off for 30minutes and put it back on to see if that fixes the reoccuring O2 P1058 error message.
    TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors).. all 4 are not connected to the ECU (issue existed before I unhooked battery). I verified tire pressure is 44psi on all four tires and yet stupid light is on. Need to figure out where the reset/relearn button is. They say its down by the OBDII port or on the dash or in the glove box.. so far haven't found it yet but thats for another day. I did check into some name brand tires and found a set of 4 balanced and installed for $300 which is a steal but his tires are fine for now.. maybe before winter.
    We purchased the vehicle with one broken key with a bunch of tape to hold it together. Ordered a new cut key from Toms Key $100 and then realized its a smart key so you need the programmer otherwise the vehicle won't start. So thats another $154 with a $70 deposit... now we wait.
    What's left to do...
    program a new primary and spare key
    fix leaking rear differential
    clean or replace headlights (very cloudy)
    replace headunit with carplay compatible (GPS, Spotify, etc)

  4. 4th Gen Tacoma

    Tacoma Fourth Gen (2024-present) · Cowboy Denny · 04/04/2026 01:31 PM

    Focus: Maximum power and efficiency using the TNGA-F global truck platform.
    Engines: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (i-Force) or a 2.4L hybrid (i-Force Max).
    Features: Rear coil spring suspension for improved ride comfort, available 14-inch touchscreen, and new Trailhunter off-road trim.
    Changes: Increased torque and towing capacity, but early models may have limited availability and potential first-year software issues.

  5. 3rd Gen Tacoma

    Tacoma Third Gen (2016-2023) · Cowboy Denny · 04/04/2026 01:25 PM

    Focus: Modernization, comfort, and advanced off-road technology.
    Engines: 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L Atkinson-cycle V6.
    Tech: Added Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and improved safety tech (standard on newer models).
    Updates: 2020 facelift, standardizing more features across trims.

  7. 5thgen 4Runner Tool Kit

    4Runner · Cowboy Denny · 02/05/2026 02:05 PM

    A lot of us will end up carrying lots of tools with us because we just never know what we will face while on the trails. Some companies have been so kind to help trim it down to just what we should need for our 5th gen 4Runners and here is a list of some of those kits.
    Red Dog Tools 5th Gen 4Runner Kit Steelman PRO - $289
    High Quality Red Dog Custom Tool Kit for the Toyota 5th Gen 4Runner 2010-2024 Model
    Steelman Pro 
    Customized, heavy-duty nylon tool bag
    One impact adapter/reducer set
    One ball pein hammer
    One set of slip joint pliers
    One set of long nose pliers
    Five combination wrenches
    One flare nut wrench
    Two screwdrivers 
    One breaker bar 
    One quick-release ratchet
    Eight sockets (varying sizes)
    One specialty sockets (axel nut)
    Two extensions
    Steadfast Systems 5th Gen 4Runner (10-23) Specific Tool Kit - $790
    5th Gen Toyota 4runner specific curated 3/8” sockets from Wright Tool; featuring Wright Drive Technology, these include use case specific deep well and specialty sockets if necessary.
    5th Gen Toyota 4runner specific curated Wright Tool combination end wrenches with Wright Grip Technology.
    Various Wright 3/8” drive extensions, accessories and rachet(s).
    Knipex Pliers Wrench, Needle Nose Pliers, Locking Pliers.
    Gedore Locking Pliers
    Megopro Screwdriver, specifically for automotive applications.
    Hyde Utility Knife.
    Grayvik Rip Style Claw Hammer.
    Eklind Metric Allen Wrenches.
    Mayhew Striking Pry Bar.
    Steadfast Systems MTR Flap Module
    Steadfast Systems MTR PALS Module
    Steadfast Systems Small Modular Pocket (SMP)
    Steadfast Systems Large Modular Pocket (LMP)
    and if you opt for the Heavy Duty Kit (which jumps the price to $990) it also adds in addition to the above
    3x Steadfast Systems LMP.
    Trusty Cook Dead-Blow Hammer.
    Knipex Needle Nose Locking Pliers.
    Gedore Large Locking Pliers.
    Large Breaker Bar.
    Mayhew Alignment Tool.
    Midwest Bulldog Shears.
    Overland Outfitters The Essential Tool Kit for Taking Your Toyota Off-Road
    Tool kit
    Work gloves
    Breaker bar
    35 mil socket
    Pry bar, small and big
    Paper towels
    Brake clean
    Ratchets — normal 3/8ths, stubby 3/8ths and 1/4 inch with extensions
    Sockets in metric sizing
    Extra spark plug socket
    Sledgehammer
    Punches
    Vice grips/pliers
    Channel locks
    Screwdrivers — flat head, Phillips head, torx + a multi-bit
    Round file for your chainsaw
    Crescent wrench
    Metric wrenches — from a tiny 8 mil to a 24 mil
    Flare nut wrench in 10 mil
    Wire brush
    Pipe wrench
    Allen keys
    Lock tight
    Knife blades
    Exacto knife
    A bag of various bolts (in case a bolt breaks)
    Bailing wire
    Penetrating lube
    Electrical components, like butt connectors and wire

  8. GL4WDA WinterBlast 2026

    Offroad Event · Cowboy Denny · 02/01/2026 08:17 PM

    This is the one event Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association hosts as a fund raiser. It was done very well and everyone was very polite and helpful. The below video is what was captured on the iPhone when it wasn't overheating (which i believe was due to running OnX Offroad to track where we went).
    The group we were with was the "Pink Group" which was for the minimal scratches or otherwise known as pin stripping due to the branches along the trail producing a sound of nails on the chalkboard as it glides across your paint. The first few were tough to accept then you remember you are here to offroad in Michigan and in Michigan we got woods. I don't regret it at all and neither did the others that had new vehicles enjoying the same sounds as mother nature made her presence.
    If you want the GPX files just click on the tab that says.. Routes (GPX files) and download them for yourself.

  9. What are GMRS Radios?

    GMRS · Cowboy Denny · 12/22/2025 05:13 PM

    GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a U.S. licensed radio service for short-to-medium distance two-way communication, using UHF frequencies (around 462/467 MHz) for handhelds, mobiles, and repeaters, offering more power and range than FRS radios, popular for family, off-roading, and group activities, with a family license covering the user and relatives for a fee, requiring no test. 
    Licensed & Family-Friendly: A single license (currently $35 for 10 years) covers the applicant and immediate family, with no test required.
    Enhanced Range: Higher power limits (up to 50 watts) and access to repeater systems significantly extend range beyond license-free FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie-talkies.
    Versatile Equipment: Available as handhelds (walkie-talkies), mobile units for vehicles, and repeater-capable systems.
    Common Applications: Popular for hiking, camping, off-roading (Jeep owners), family coordination, and small business communication.
    Shared Frequencies: Uses channels similar to FRS but allows for more power and repeater use, offering better performance. 
    How it Works:
    UHF Frequencies: Operates in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band, around 462 MHz and 467 MHz.
    Repeaters: Accessing repeater channels (often channels 15-22) allows signals to bounce off a base station, dramatically increasing communication range.
    FRS Compatibility: GMRS radios can communicate with lower-power FRS radios, making them great for mixed-use groups. 
    In essence, GMRS offers a powerful, easy-to-get, and family-oriented radio system for reliable short-to-medium distance communication, bridging the gap between basic FRS radios and more complex amateur (ham) radio. 
    FRS (Family Radio Service) is a license-free, low-power radio service for short-range family/group use with fixed antennas, while GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) requires an FCC license (which covers the family) for higher power (up to 50W), external antennas, and repeater access, offering significantly longer ranges (miles vs. a mile or two) for activities like hunting, off-roading, and family businesses. Both use similar UHF frequencies, allowing FRS and GMRS radios to communicate, but GMRS offers more power and features for extended range and versatility. 
    FRS (Family Radio Service)
    License: Not required.
    Power: Low (max 2 watts).
    Antenna: Must be fixed/non-removable.
    Range: Very short (1-2 miles typical).
    Features: Basic voice, no repeaters, fixed antennas.
    Best For: Keeping track of kids in a park, short-range family camping. 
    GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
    License: Required ($35 fee for 10 years, covers immediate family, no test).
    Power: Higher (up to 50 watts on some channels).
    Antenna: Can be removable/external (base/mobile units).
    Range: Longer (5+ miles, much further with repeaters).
    Features: Voice, data, repeater capability, can use shared FRS channels.
    Best For: Off-roading, hunting, larger family/business use, emergency comms. 
    Key Similarities & Differences
    Frequencies: Share many UHF channels (462-467 MHz).
    Compatibility: GMRS radios can talk to FRS radios (but FRS cannot use GMRS repeaters).
    Licensing: FRS is free; GMRS costs money but grants more power/range.
    Equipment: FRS is simple handhelds; GMRS allows base/mobile units with external antennas. 
    The "best" GMRS radio brand depends on your needs (ruggedness, features, budget), but top contenders include BTECH (versatile, programmable), Midland (reliable, user-friendly for families/off-road), TID Radio (great value, easy Bluetooth programming), and Rocky Talkie (durable for outdoors). For high power (50W) mobile/vehicle use, BTECH and Midland are popular; for handhelds, BTECH GMRS-PRO, TID Radio TD-H8, and Rocky Talkie 5W are highly rated in 2025. 
    Top Brands & Why They're Recommended:
    BTECH: Known for highly customizable radios like the GMRS-PRO and powerful 50W mobile units (GMRS-50V2) for off-roading, offering great features and app integration.
    Midland: A long-standing name, great for general users and families, offering durable, easy-to-use models like the MXT series (vehicle) and GXT series (handheld).
    TID Radio: Praised for value and modern features (Bluetooth programming, color screens, good batteries), like the TD-H8, great for hobbyists wanting more.
    Rocky Talkie: Excellent for outdoor adventures, known for ruggedness and simplicity, especially the 5-watt handheld model.
    Retevis / BaoFeng (with GMRS models): Offer budget-friendly entry points (like Retevis RT22 or BaoFeng UV-9G/UV-5G), but be sure they are GMRS-certified models for legal use. 
    Key Factors When Choosing:
    Handheld vs. Mobile: Handhelds (e.g., BTECH GMRS-PRO, Rocky Talkie) for portability; Mobile (e.g., Midland MXT575, BTECH GMRS-50V2) for vehicle power (up to 50W).
    Power: 5W for handhelds, up to 50W for mobile units, affecting range.
    Features: NOAA alerts, USB charging, app/Bluetooth programming, ruggedness, color screens. 
    Recommendation:
    For beginners or families, Midland offers simplicity; for enthusiasts wanting features, TID Radio and BTECH are great; for serious off-roading/rugged use, BTECH (50W) or Rocky Talkie are top picks. 

  10. What are FRS Radios?

    FRS · Cowboy Denny · 12/22/2025 05:02 PM

    FRS (Family Radio Service) is a popular, license-free two-way radio system in the U.S. for short-distance communication, using small, handheld devices similar to walkie-talkies for family and group activities like camping or hiking. Operating on UHF frequencies (462-467 MHz) with 22 channels, FRS radios are easy to use, inexpensive, and don't require an individual license, making them great for personal use, though their range is limited (around 1-2 miles) due to low power (max 2 watts) and no repeater use allowed. 
    License-Free: Anyone can use them without getting an FCC license.
    Short Range: Best for close-range communication, typically 1-2 miles, affected by terrain.
    Channels: 22 channels, some shared with GMRS, often with privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS) to filter noise.
    Power: Limited to 2 watts, restricting range.
    No Repeaters: Cannot use signal boosters (repeaters) to extend range, unlike GMRS.
    Use Cases: Family outings, camping, hiking, events, and even some business uses. 
    Several manufacturers produce FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. Prominent vendors include Midland, Motorola, Cobra, and others who offer a variety of FRS-compliant devices. 
    Here are some known FRS radio vendors:
    Baofeng (BTECH/Pofung): Offers budget-friendly and simple-to-use FRS radio models.
    Cobra: A well-known brand in communication radios and automotive electronics that manufactures FRS/GMRS compatible units.
    DeWalt: Produces durable FRS radios often marketed towards business or industrial use cases.
    Icom: A manufacturer of quality radio communication products, including models capable of FRS frequencies.
    Kenwood: Recognized for high-quality, durable commercial-grade radios that can be used for FRS.
    Maxon CIC Corp: Another manufacturer involved in the radio communication market.
    Midland Radio: Offers a wide range of FRS and GMRS consumer radios, including their X-Talker and BR series.
    Motorola: Produces FRS and GMRS radios, particularly under their "Talkabout" consumer line.
    Ritron: Manufactures industrial and business-focused radio equipment, some of which are FRS/GMRS compatible.
    Rugged Radios: Specializes in UTV and off-road communication equipment, including GMRS/FRS handheld radios.
    Uniden: Another vendor in the consumer radio market.
    Wouxun: Known for higher-end FRS radios that often include advanced features.
    Vertex Standard (now part of Motorola Solutions): Previously produced radios used for FRS/GMRS communication. 
    When selecting an FRS radio, ensure the specific model is FCC type-accepted for FRS operation and adheres to FRS power limitations (max 2 watts on most channels, fixed antennas), which means a license is not required for operation. 

  11. The Mounds ORV Area

    US - MI · Cowboy Denny · 10/13/2022 01:50 PM

    2020-Mounds-map-and-rules.pdfFun Park worth checking out.  The Mounds is open 365 days a year; however, from March 15 through May 15, all trail areas of the Mounds are closed except for the 8-acre scramble area which is located to the North West of the ticket booth. Trucks are not permitted. ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes are allowed. All areas of the Mounds will reopen to all vehicles the morning of May 16
    Hours:
    Monday – Saturday: 8:00 am – Sunset
    Sunday: 10:00 am – Sunset
    2020-Mounds-map-and-rules.pdf

  12. 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter

    4Runner · Cowboy Denny · 09/24/2024 11:43 PM

    Sooo excited for the new Toyota 4Runner
    CONS I see are
    no recovery hooks on the front of the 4Runner (only the rear) Not sure how a winch will get mounted worried about water crossings with so much electronics (older generations had no problems but little electronics) Much Much more expensive everyone says stay away from 1st year model PROS I see are
    Sexy as hell looking (great design.. way better than the land cruiser) TrailHunter is already built with everything you need to hit the trails from the factory (so warranty) excellent mpg for 4runner finally still body on frame    

  13. Toyota Land Cruiser

    Land_Cruiser_(1951-1955) · Cowboy Denny · 09/10/2024 11:56 PM

    The very first SUV built by Toyota became very popular.  Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951.  At the time, the U.S. military went to Toyota due to the need of a capable vehicle for efforts in the Korean War.  The Toyota Land Cruiser drew inspiration from the famous original Willys Jeep.  Like the Land Rover that preceded it, the original Toyota Land Cruiser was inspired by Jeep’s CJ. The first prototype ran Toyota’s B-type 6 cylinder engine. The aesthetic drew inspiration from the military Jeeps driven by U.S. military personal stationed in Japan. Unsurprisingly, the Willy’s legal team came after the Toyota Jeep BJ. Ownership of the name Jeep belonged to the American manufacturer. So, in order to avoid stepping on the toes of such a trademark, Toyota renamed the new military truck. The first Toyota Land Cruiser sold with new badging in the mid-1950s. The FJ40 is a well-loved model even today, and restored builds are sought after and pricey.
     
    By 1953 production of the Toyota BJ was in full swing with three model variants on offer: the BJ-T touring model; the BJ-R radio vehicle; and the BJ-J cowl chassis which could be equipped with a special custom body such as for making a fire-engine for example.
    The first retail two-door Model BJ models were conceived as purely utilitarian 4WD vehicles for police and forest workers. In 1958, Toyota introduced a hardtop version and started selling the Land Cruiser in North America.  The 20 Series Land Cruiser entered the market as the new “civilian version” of the military truck.  Toyota also improved on the suspension and shortened the wheelbase. This is also the first Toyota Land Cruiser that ever made it stateside. In 1960, the iconic 40 Series (the model today’s FJ Cruiser was inspired by) went on sale. It promptly became Toyota’s best-selling model between 1961 and 1965 in the U.S.
    The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles.

  16. Suzuki

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:54 PM

    Suzuki Motors was a transformation of the original Suzuki Loom Works company in 1954, after the textile industry in Japan collapsed. The motorcycle arm of the company rapidly developed powerful and small engines, and today is known for powerhouse motorcycles like the Hayabusa and the GSX-R1000R

  17. Triumph

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:55 PM

    Triumph Motorcycles is the largest UK-owned motorcycle manufacturer in the world, after purchasing all the rights and models from the defunct Triumph Engineering. They are famous for their standard motorcycle model lines that use triple-cylinder engines, known worldwide as “Triumph Triples.”

  18. Yamaha

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:55 PM

    Yamaha Motor Company was formed in 1955 as an associate company of Yamaha Corporation, which still holds the majority voting stake in the company. Much of the development of their motorcycles is derived from motorsports, which shows with exceptional supersport models such as the YZF-R1.

  23. Royal Enfield

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:53 PM

    Royal Enfield of India is the second company to bear the name, with a transfer of license from the original Royal Enfield of England in 1968. It is famous for having the longest in-production model in the world, with the Bullet first being produced in 1901

  24. KTM

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:53 PM

    Through a very complicated series of events, the informal company started in Mattighofen, Austria in 1934 became KTM AG in 1992. KTM is now one of the largest European producers of motorcycles, and are world-famous for their nearly indestructible off-road and adventure bikes.

  25. Kawasaki

    Brand · Cowboy Denny · 04/22/2023 08:52 PM

    Kawasaki Heavy Industries was started in 1878, as a producer of maritime equipment and vessels. Kawasaki began motorcycle manufacturing in the late 1960’s and today, their bikes are famous for being nearly bulletproof, and many of their models being friendly for new riders.

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