(Set this thread up to further discuss GG's new 2016 JKU. But really just general duscussion of this vehicle as bug out transportation and customization.)
@GG comments on her 2016 JKU:
"Yeah it's pretty stock right now. I bought it then set any upgrades aside so I could get through the holidays. I just changed out the stock lights for brighter ones and added new running boards. Tires are fine and don't need to be changed out - all season/all-terrain."
Truck lite knock off led headlights from China are very cheap and very good.
If you ever need new tires. Look for a set of "take offs". When people buy new 4x4s they iften replace the stock tires and wheels. I bought a set off a new Jeep Gladiator with only 1800 miles for $800. Sold my existing set for $400. So for $400 I got new tires and wheels. That would yave cost $1200+ (new tires) plus the cost of the rims.
"For interior lighting, the plan is a mix of Atomic Bright tap lights and white Christmas lights. The Atomic Bright ones are cheap (approx. $10 ea.) and run on two AAA batteries. They get a fantastic battery time for what they are. I already have several since I used them to supplement bad camper lighting but I've tested them and left on continuously they get around 18 hours of full brightness and another 8 or so dimmed. Using it normally, I got almost a full 4 weeks before I needed a battery change. Christmas lights in a small space are actually fairly bright."
I am using these. They wrap around the rollbars. They include red lights. So no one can see you as well. And they reta7n your eyes night vision.
Screenshot_20240114_193556_Amazon Shopping.jpg
LED Dome Light UTV Interior Dome Light, Universal Roll Bar Mount LED Light UTV Interior Light Roll Cage Utility Light (White&Red) https://a.co/d/cnPS9yd
But if you ever want to use existing power/wires to connect lights. These clips make it super easy. Cheaper 8n Aliexpress.
Screenshot_20240114_190642_Amazon Shopping.jpg
125 Solderless Quick Splice Snap Wire Connector, 50 pcs red 22 Through 18 Gauge,50 pcs Blue 16 Through 14 Gauge,25 pcs Yellow 12 Through 10 Gauge https://a.co/d/4HS1YO1
This is a how to 8n using these clips. And changing your front side markings to blinkers:
https://youtu.be/1bcXueAXphs?si=jKr5MRUNG7hZaUyR
"Bed platform is already designed. Took a few designs from various forums and Youtube and put together what I wanted from those. Removing the back seat and building a box type platform. One side for sleeping with open storage to the tailgate. The other will be sunken cabinets with sunken hinges including one for security type items that is accessible from the front seats or the back. Add storage bags to the rollbars and wheel weld storage and I'll be fine for carrying what I need. I've got a rough sketch of it somewhere if I can find what Girl Child #2 did with my notebook, lol."
I'm going to use this design. As it uses aluminum studs from Home Depot. Which are alot lighter than wood. One thing I learned from my previous Jeep. Is that weight matters alot. It can effect ride quality and ride height and most importantly how much power your Jeep will end up with.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/under-floor-storage-178549/
"I'll be installing a dual battery kit with a secondary battery and a 1500 watt inverter. Living on the truck came in handy b/c I was able to learn about those types of things and see what worked and what doesn't. I had outfitted his truck with an actual freezer and it fits perfectly in the passenger floorboard of my Wrangler. So, I'll be taking it with so I can make sure I have enough food to be on BLM land or wherever without having to go for groceries every other day."
I'm going to do the same. Using an AGM and a LiFePO4 battery. Dual battery is much better than a battery bank.
Sounds like you've been researching and planning about as much as me.
Here's my shortlist of items I want to do:
1) Tow strap https://a.co/d/9FKLRTJ and Warn winch.
2) Sidemarker wire clips to make them turn signals.
3) Shocks - Rancho RS5000x - Amazon or Rockauto. These are best shocks for road comfort. I had them on my TJ. Inexpensive and best ride. Great on pavement and good for offroad. You don't want offroad only shocks. Way to harsh.
4) Obdii scanner. Amazon. $20. Jscan app lists best ones on their site. Quite cheap tho.
5) Door sill covers. Aliexpress.
6) Tie downs under hardtop bolts in back. https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLByzzE
7) Dead pedal. This gives your left foot someplace to ride while driving. Saves alot of foot and leg fatigue.
8) Visor warning label cover up decals for 2011+ JK Models Sizes: 8.75" x 3.625" (driver) and 8.75" x 1.8125" (passenger). You can buy these online. But cheaper to just cut out of black tape. The white warning labels on the visors are an eyesore when driving king distances.
9) Hide a key. Still haven't found the best place to put this.
10) USGI improved duffle bag for vehicle kit. These now come with better access and shoulder pads if you need to move stuff to and from Jeep. Great for a vucle kit or misc large items i.e.- clothes, tools, cooking stuff etc. Allegheny Surplus on ebay.
11) 50 cal ammo can under center of back seat. Paint black. There is no support under the center bottom of the rear seat. This solves that problem. While g8ving you seli hidden storage.
12) Android head unit 6gb/128gb $299 - ebay. Backup cam & forward cam. A 10" screen, android double din head unit, is way better than an expensive.name brand US unit. $300 and comes with new oerfectly fitted dash panels. For any easy, stock looking install. These can do a large number if things. Not just play music or show your backup cam. Sound quality ajd cellphone connection time improves dramatically. But a ton of ither stuff too.
13) InteriorLights - footwell 2, rear cargo strip light with pressure switch, roll bar lights,
14) Dual battery. AGM and Lionpo4. Redarc controller. Research this controller on YT.
15) JBL speaker set. Polyfil for soundbar. These will drastically improve stereo sound quality. Or cheaper Polk set. Those are good too.
This will improve your rear visibility massively. This allows you to recline and unrecline the rear headrests. Which normally block a large space in your vision to the rear. Just a screwdriver and zipties.
https://youtu.be/3GbePp-Ms2s?si=AKaP_HEErq3hSP6X
Lastly, this is the monster of all monster threads on cheap jk mods. Over 5000 posts.
https://www.wranglerforum.com/threads/cheap-jk-mods-please-share.77590/page-200#replies
This is my 2013 JKU. I picked it up end of summer. Its stock except for the roof rack:
20230925_184533.jpg
This is after I replaced the tires and wheels. And redyed all the bumpers and black exterior trim. Inckuding door handles and mirrors.
20230924_172450.jpg
If you ever need new tires. Look for "take offs". This 8s when someone buys a new 4x4 they often immediately put new tires and wheels on. Especially if they are going to do a lift. These came off a new Jeep Gladiator.
New just the Falkan tires were going to cost me $1200+. Tire prices have skyrocketed the last few years. I bought the set of five tires and wheels for $800. Then I sold the existing tires and wheels - that came in my Jeep - for $400.
So instead of spending $1200 just on new tires. I spent $400. And got a set of new wheels and tires. Well almost the take offs had 1800 miles in them.
20230924_172411.jpg
This is everything getting taped
Off and dyed.
20230920_144038.jpg
My Jeep thread is here:
https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=1695.0
@GG Added a ton of info to my first post.
This. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Quote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 03:28:43 AMThis. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Lmao! I'm the same way! Completely! But its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
Quote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 03:44:09 AMQuote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 03:28:43 AMThis. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Lmao! I'm the same way! Completely! But its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
QuoteBut its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
What are religious or sumpin?
Quote from: flybynight on January 15, 2024, 10:26:18 AMQuote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 03:44:09 AMQuote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 03:28:43 AMThis. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Lmao! I'm the same way! Completely! But its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
QuoteBut its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
What are religious or sumpin?
Lol! No. Just like to sleep once in awhile. :)
@GG Sorry for the avalanche of information above. I keep copious notes on everything I research and/or plans for doing so. So most if it was copy and paste. If I don't i find myself three weeks later doing it all over again. Because I can't remember a damn thing! Lol.
I really tore into improving this vehicle for bug out purposes too. As my Jeep TJ was fairly limited in this regard. Much smaller. Better for offroad. But as a daily driver or road trip vehicle it was something I won't purchase again. Except for a second offroad vehicle only.
The JKU is not as solid mechanically. But makes way more sense. Size wise. And its still a capable offroad vehicle. Having storage and room for multiple people is so essential. Especially with the roof rack. And you can sleep in it. No way my 6'3" ass was fitting in a TJ to sleep! ;)
I still have some mechanical issues to sort out. Wish I could have afforded a 2014+ like yours. 2012-2013 had a number of engine issues that were worked out by 2014. But I got this one in excellent physical condition for a very good deal.
Quote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 05:02:55 PMQuote from: flybynight on January 15, 2024, 10:26:18 AMQuote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 03:44:09 AMQuote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 03:28:43 AMThis. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Lmao! I'm the same way! Completely! But its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
QuoteBut its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
What are religious or sumpin?
Lol! No. Just like to sleep once in awhile. :)
@GG Sorry for the avalanche of information above. I keep copious notes on everything I research and/or plans for doing so. So most if it was copy and paste. If I don't i find myself three weeks later doing it all over again. Because I can't remember a damn thing! Lol.
I really tore into improving this vehicle for bug out purposes too. As my Jeep TJ was fairly limited in this regard. Much smaller. Better for offroad. But as a daily driver or road trip vehicle it was something I won't purchase again. Except for a second offroad vehicle only.
The JKU is not as solid mechanically. But makes way more sense. Size wise. And its still a capable offroad vehicle. Having storage and room for multiple people is so essential. Especially with the roof rack. And you can sleep in it. No way my 6'3" ass was fitting in a TJ to sleep! ;)
I still have some mechanical issues to sort out. Wish I could have afforded a 2014+ like yours. 2012-2013 had a number of engine issues that were worked out by 2014. But I got this one in excellent physical condition for a very good deal.
I don't need multiple people room other than a front passenger seat. Girl Child #1 has her own off road vehicle so the most I'd be carting around is girl child #2 and she will be in Puerto Rico for school by summer.
I paid $31k and change for mine, but its a 2016 that had less than 65k miles on it. Mechanically it's sound other than needing the ABS sensor changed. I've got preventative stuff and the sensor on my list for next month then I'll start the actual build out.
Quote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 06:13:42 PMQuote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 05:02:55 PMQuote from: flybynight on January 15, 2024, 10:26:18 AMQuote from: Moab on January 15, 2024, 03:44:09 AMQuote from: GG on January 15, 2024, 03:28:43 AMThis. I'll check the links out as soon as coffee makes me human :smiley_crocodile:
Lmao! I'm the same way! Completely! But its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
QuoteBut its 1:45am here. So no coffee until later today.
What are religious or sumpin?
Lol! No. Just like to sleep once in awhile. :)
@GG Sorry for the avalanche of information above. I keep copious notes on everything I research and/or plans for doing so. So most if it was copy and paste. If I don't i find myself three weeks later doing it all over again. Because I can't remember a damn thing! Lol.
I really tore into improving this vehicle for bug out purposes too. As my Jeep TJ was fairly limited in this regard. Much smaller. Better for offroad. But as a daily driver or road trip vehicle it was something I won't purchase again. Except for a second offroad vehicle only.
The JKU is not as solid mechanically. But makes way more sense. Size wise. And its still a capable offroad vehicle. Having storage and room for multiple people is so essential. Especially with the roof rack. And you can sleep in it. No way my 6'3" ass was fitting in a TJ to sleep! ;)
I still have some mechanical issues to sort out. Wish I could have afforded a 2014+ like yours. 2012-2013 had a number of engine issues that were worked out by 2014. But I got this one in excellent physical condition for a very good deal.
I don't need multiple people room other than a front passenger seat. Girl Child #1 has her own off road vehicle so the most I'd be carting around is girl child #2 and she will be in Puerto Rico for school by summer.
I paid $31k and change for mine, but its a 2016 that had less than 65k miles on it. Mechanically it's sound other than needing the ABS sensor changed. I've got preventative stuff and the sensor on my list for next month then I'll start the actual build out.
Mine is 2012 and had 120k miles. I paid 11k. Most go for around 20k+ around here. The owner didn't want to hassle with it. And thought that there was way more wrong with it than there actually is. Either way I had several thousand in savings to spend on any needed repairs. Even if I replace the engine I would come out ahead.
It is also a 2 owner car, treated very well, and in excellent condition. I also couldn't afford a 20k car paying in cash. (I don't finance anything. I only pay cash.) I had the 11k from selling my TJ. And probably would have ended up with a much lesser model with the old 3.8l engine and interior. This way, by paying for repairs as I go, I got a much nicer model. And still probably save a few grand.
The only really big ticket repair I have found so far is the rocker/lifters. Its about a $1500 job. And a known issue with this first year new model. The rockers they used were shit. Basically. Still deciding whether to do this myself. It's a 3hr job (with a short cut) doing it myself. But 10hrs to have a shop do it.
I'm still trying to find the source of a bad coolant smell. I replaced the radiator. But I think it may be the heater core. Same issue with the heater core too. 3hrs with a short cut. And 10hrs without.
Other than that it drives excellent. And is way nicer than my TJ.
I haven't forgotten I'm supposed to update this post, lol. It's been pouring in Texas for days so I've not been able to get out and get pics and things. I'm hoping to be working on the DIY window covers by Thursday. Yes, I'm doing a lot DIY because I don't see the point of paying $$$ for things I can literally make better quality myself; especially window covers and a headliner.
I put myself on a timeline to avoid the fact that I tend to rush headfirst into things. This month was new headlight and fog light bulbs, the DIY window covers and the DIY headliner. Next month is that ABS sensor and I'm going to go ahead and replace the brake pads too. The calipers need greased too I'm sure. I can do the work myself so I'm not too worried about paying someone to do it all.
March is a general engine checkup and I'll need an oil change by then I'm sure. I just did a fluid check when I changed out the headlights, but I'd rather have it double checked to be certain.
April is the bed platform. This is an INCREDIBLY rough drawing but I did it in less than 5 minutes so rough is to be expected. Also it's obviously not going to be the square on the sketch. It will, however, be fitted side to side with cut outs for the roll bars and such. It's a 10" platform base in the back. I am only 5'3" and 10" high still allows me plenty of room to sit upright in the back with no issue. It doesn't look like it, but it does run the length of that entire side of the Jeep. I'm short but don't want to be forced to sleep in a fetal position because I didn't allow myself enough leg room, lol.
The platform could be simpler, could be more complicated, but given that I plan to live in this thing for at least two years, I want something more than a some that I've seen. I need storage for gear and things if I have any hope of making it that long in there for that long. I lived in my Subaru Outback during my political activist moment a couple years ago and learned from that what I need, lol.
The little cubby that says double access is a split top cabinet that will function as a security cubby. Because it's reachable from my drivers seat and the sleeping area, it will open from both sides. I carry a small .380 which isn't great for EDC but it's better than nothing and given how my husband went out, it's all I'm comfortable carrying right now. All of the cubby's that have lids use sunken hinges so I don't risk cutting myself on them.
The fridge/freezer I already have. It's what I sent with my husband on his truck. Cools to -4 or up to 41°F and the one we have fits perfectly on the passenger floorboard. 12v or normal plug and only draws 9 amps (I THINK, don't quote me on that amperage).
The freezer is the reason for the inverter though. I intend to spend quite a bit of time on BLM land and don't want to be running into town every 2 days to buy groceries. Realistically if I do it right, I can carry 2 months food in that freezer plus another 3-6 in dehydrated meals and ingredients. I'd rather dehydrate it myself than rely on Mountain House types.
Inverter will be run through a dual battery kit and that's the one part of the build that I can't and won't even attempt to do myself. That's the most expensive part of the build too. I'm looking at $1k for the kit and the 2nd battery plus labor for whoever I get to install it under the hood and wire the inverter to it for me.
The sleeping pad I already own too. It's a mesh of an extra thick yoga mat that I have two of for some reason and the 3" memory foam topper that's on my current bed. Plan is to cut it down the center and glue the two halves together for 6". Add the yoga mat and that gives me 9" of padding. I may add a thinner camping mat to the top of the platform itself for extra, but I really think that would be overkill.
May will be the gather the gear I don't already have and then I'm hoping to be out of here by my birthday in June. I already own most of what I'm taking with, but there are a few loose ends I will need to tie up like lighting. Going simple with that and just using white Christmas lights inside. Given the small space, a couple strands of those will give me plenty of light at night. I do have several LED lanterns and sticky lights on hand though if I need.
I'll also be swapping out my separate butane and propane cookstoves for a combo stove. I have both fuels stocked pretty well already but I'd rather have a camp stove that can use both. That way when I run out of one, I can immediately fall back on the other without having to spend any money out of pocket for longer.
Can you tell? I don't like spending money if I don't have to :smiley_blink: . Between the two, I have well over a years worth of fuel in storage if I spend the $50 to get the combo stove. Obviously I won't be able to carry that much with me at one time, but I'll be in and out of the area where my storage unit is and I'm leaving caches of certain supplies at a couple friends houses in MI, OH, MO and a few other places. Basically trying to set it up so I can grab what I need no matter where I am. May work, may not. We will just have to see, lol.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/417244748_1809639386124320_8335890561375369099_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8cd0a2&_nc_ohc=nz_9U5dCMK0AX_RGNJs&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=03_AdS8LLwL7MyR3RBraL8pR6P3Eokw3ULWcGeGv-RR7Ak_Fg&oe=65D94DE5)
This looks incredible! Wish I was smaller. I can't sleep in mine unless I removed the front passenger seat. Lol. And 10" of storage is awesome.
A few thoughts:
1) One thing I did was look for offroad gear lists. Not that you need offroad stuff. But you'll see stuff you might not have considered just for road safety and camping type stuff. Not to mention repairs you can do yourself.
What spare parts to take. What tools. Compressor. Chains. Tow strap. Fluids. Buy a cheap Veapeak obd2 scanner and download a free obd2 app. For $12 you can diagnose your own Jeep problems.
There are lengthy lists to cull from. I might have one.
2) You should consider a mounted metal lock box for the pistol. Not so much for safety as for different state and local ordinances. And theft. I have one with the old 5 button combination lock. You can open it quickly with the press of two buttons at the same time. Not that you have to keep it in there all the time. But gun laws vary drastically from one county or city to the next.
3) Doing stuff DIY is best. Especially things that are ridiculously overpriced like those stupid $400 headliners! I agree!
Also do run a search on Aliexpress for "jeep jk". There are so many things on there I had not thought of. So many things that are cheaper. And so many things I plan to diy myself that I had not thought of. (They have really good - really cheap - sound and heat sheild material for your headliners too.)
Are you considering a roof rack?
4) Do yourself a favor and add up all your weights before you start buying stuff. Weight can have a great effect on a Jeep. How fast it goes. How much gas you use. How much wear and tare. Its offroad and bad weather capabilities.
I had massive plans for my last Jeep. But once I started listening to other Jeep guys. And adding up weights. It curtailed alot of my plans.
You might consider the weight of your platform materials vs cost. Even if you can get away with 1x instead if 2x in some areas. Or 1/2" ply instead of 3/4". Alot of rv builders have good ideas in the weight saving department. There's a guy on youtube yhat builds with home depot foam core insulation. Its very strong and lightweight. But there are a ton if other materials to consider.
5) The dual battery set up is easier than you think. You've probably already seen these. But here are a few links to everything from a $75 dual battery set up to a masterclass. You'll want to at least understand how it works and how it is set up. As you'll undoubtedly need to fix, operate and expand it.
https://youtu.be/8F6AYavY870?si=1M1md_IBX5akL0_7
https://youtu.be/pRmadnYU-mE?si=tjwC3__bW9xBFFfO
https://youtu.be/ja5sE_-ikdg?si=5gMd1ZUmiiJJ43ft
6) I forgot to mention Expedition Portal. Its the grandaddy of overlanding forums. Anything you want to know about setting up your vehicle can be found there. Whether it's just a camping rig or something you want to drive around the planet. Someone has been in your situation and written a long diy post or article about it. Plus everyone is super nice and very helpful.
7) Lighting. You might either research that more. Ask on Expedition Portal. Or have someone help you design your electrical. Even though its simple there are advantages to different strategies. Like I think standard led xmas lights might draw more than other 12v string lights. Also consider solar. Even if its just a portable panel. And not hard mounted. That will save you alot of charging your batteries with the engine and gas. Esoecially if your ststionary for a few days or longer.
8 ) Consider a tailgate table or some form of outdoor cooking area. They are easy to diy. They also sell cheap tables that hang off your tires.
9) You might consider not glueing your foam mattress topper sections together. Alot of moisture can build up when sleeping out. Even in a vehicle. And your going to want to remove fabric and foam type items to hang and dry. Foam won't slip if stacked. And will dry out alot faster in 3 inch sections rather than 6 inch sections.
So what are your plans for this big trip? Sounds amazing! :)
A few Aliexpress links. These are not the cheapest prices. Search for specific product to see everyone that sells it:
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Quote from: Moab on January 25, 2024, 12:02:42 AMThis looks incredible! Wish I was smaller. I can't sleep in mine unless I removed the front passenger seat. Lol. And 10" of storage is awesome.
A few thoughts:
1) One thing I did was look for offroad gear lists. Not that you need offroad stuff. But you'll see stuff you might not have considered just for road safety and camping type stuff. Not to mention repairs you can do yourself.
What spare parts to take. What tools. Compressor. Chains. Tow strap. Fluids. Buy a cheap Veapeak obd2 scanner and download a free obd2 app. For $12 you can diagnose your own Jeep problems.
There are lengthy lists to cull from. I might have one.
Already have that list made. Most of it I don't need to buy as I already have it from his truck. I won't be removing the hard top while I'm living in it so none of those tools need to come with. Do need to grab an impact wrench so I can pull the back seat for the platform build and need to pick up chains before next winter though. My Jeep will read it's own codes for the most part. That's how I figured out the ABS sensor went kaput, but I do intend to pick up a separate scanner just in case the internal system goes south, but that's not a big issue.
2) You should consider a mounted metal lock box for the pistol. Not so much for safety as for different state and local ordinances. And theft. I have one with the old 5 button combination lock. You can open it quickly with the press of two buttons at the same time. Not that you have to keep it in there all the time. But gun laws vary drastically from one county or city to the next.
I have a mounted under seat one that I pulled from his truck. He never kept his .38 in it so there's no attachment to it with how he died. The center cabinet would be more for things like bear spray when I'm in for the night so I'm not risking getting myself with it rolling around the back lol. I am JUST clumsy enough that I would 100% roll over on that stuff and trigger it to go off and then I'm screwed lol, but it is a good reminder so ty for that.
3) Doing stuff DIY is best. Especially things that are ridiculously overpriced like those stupid $400 headliners! I agree!
Also do run a search on Aliexpress for "jeep jk". There are so many things on there I had not thought of. So many things that are cheaper. And so many things I plan to diy myself that I had not thought of. (They have really good - really cheap - sound and heat sheild material for your headliners too.)
I spent $80 on the materials for the window covers and the headliner. Reflectix fleece, suction hooks for the window covers and spray adhesive. My biggest issue with purchased ones, especially window covers is how flimsy they are AND the fact that they use Reflectix. Reflectix works best with an air gap, not directly up against the cold window.
To create the air gap on both, I've got an 8x4 piece of foam insulation board. Foam wrapped with Reflectix wrapped with black fleece. The fleece is mostly aesthetic honestly, but I'm a chick and don't want to look at a silver Reflectix ceiling and window 24/7 lol. It will help keep any cold or heat from radiating off the interior Reflectix piece though should it get that far.
Honestly mine is insulated pretty decently. When we were at 118 this summer, that Jeep stayed fairly cool considering. One thing I have considered doing later on is using a paint on top of the hard top to try and deflect some of the heat. Right now it's black so it absorbs more than it reflects. That's later on though and something I will worry about then.
Are you considering a roof rack?
Not right now. I could but I don't want the loss of gas mileage. I get AMAZING gas mileage (for any car, not just a Wrangler) at an average of 19 mpg and a roof rack will lessen that by quite a bit.
I AM considering a rear hitch rack. I'll still take a hit with my mpg but not nearly as much.
4) Do yourself a favor and add up all your weights before you start buying stuff. Weight can have a great effect on a Jeep. How fast it goes. How much gas you use. How much wear and tare. Its offroad and bad weather capabilities.
I had massive plans for my last Jeep. But once I started listening to other Jeep guys. And adding up weights. It curtailed alot of my plans.
You might consider the weight of your platform materials vs cost. Even if you can get away with 1x instead if 2x in some areas. Or 1/2" ply instead of 3/4". Alot of rv builders have good ideas in the weight saving department. There's a guy on youtube yhat builds with home depot foam core insulation. Its very strong and lightweight. But there are a ton if other materials to consider.
Already considered. Living on the truck the way I did with him, it was one of the first things that came across my head. By far the heaviest weight is going to be the platform. I don't have and won't be taking a ton of specific gear. A folding table, a lightweight folding privacy tent, etc. The max towing capacity for mine is 3,500 but I don't want anywhere near that to keep my engine in tact. The closer to that limit I push, the quicker I wear that engine out. Honestly though, I don't think I'll come anywhere close to the max though. I know everything we had packed into the truck sleeper and even with our own bodies we still came in at less than 1500 lbs on the steers.
As for the wood, I want a thinner cut. Sounds backwards, but the thicker the wood, the more headroom I lose. If necessary, the platform doesn't necessarily need a bottom to it. I would like one for stability, but the build can be done without one.
5) The dual battery set up is easier than you think. You've probably already seen these. But here are a few links to everything from a $75 dual battery set up to a masterclass. You'll want to at least understand how it works and how it is set up. As you'll undoubtedly need to fix, operate and expand it.
https://youtu.be/8F6AYavY870?si=1M1md_IBX5akL0_7
https://youtu.be/pRmadnYU-mE?si=tjwC3__bW9xBFFfO
https://youtu.be/ja5sE_-ikdg?si=5gMd1ZUmiiJJ43ft
I haven't seen those specific ones so I will take a look. What I found was a dual battery kit and my issue with installing wiring. I can mechanic enough to get by and more than the average woman, but I am NOT an electrician whatsoever, especially when it comes to car electronics. I don't have a large list of requirements, but I do need to be able to run a 1500 watt inverter off of it b/c of the nature of my job and that freezer. At some point I'm going to have to figure out a secondary probably thermoelectric cooler too b/c even though I'm not currently on insulin for my diabetes anymore, the possibility of needing randomly is always there and it can't be frozen but has to stay cold. For now, the plan is to just use a regular cooler since I have that on hand and don't want to add to my "launch" costs anymore than I have to.
6) I forgot to mention Expedition Portal. Its the grandaddy of overlanding forums. Anything you want to know about setting up your vehicle can be found there. Whether it's just a camping rig or something you want to drive around the planet. Someone has been in your situation and written a long diy post or article about it. Plus everyone is super nice and very helpful.
I'll check it out. Ty.
7) Lighting. You might either research that more. Ask on Expedition Portal. Or have someone help you design your electrical. Even though its simple there are advantages to different strategies. Like I think standard led xmas lights might draw more than other 12v string lights. Also consider solar. Even if its just a portable panel. And not hard mounted. That will save you alot of charging your batteries with the engine and gas. Esoecially if your ststionary for a few days or longer.
That's why I want the dual battery kit that I've been looking at. I don't need the ignition running to power it whatsoever. It will run things with the key off but will also charge the main battery when it is running should that be needed. My concern is getting stuck on BLM land in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery. My luck that is exactly what would happen.
As for solar, I am hoping to take my solar generator I already own. I've 2 100 watt panels for it already. Texas in 2021 taught me that lesson lol. We were without power for 10 days. For the string lights, you may be right and I'll have to take a look.
8 ) Consider a tailgate table or some form of outdoor cooking area. They are easy to diy. They also sell cheap tables that hang off your tires.
See above. :) This whole plan actually started right after he died and I owned a Malibu. Yes, I was going to outfit my Malibu and live in it while traveling. I stopped and forced myself to wait when I realized I was only trying to run from grief and that I needed to handle that before I made any major decisions in my life. Plus, it would have been no where near as comfortable lol.
But I have a nicer Coleman folding table and a folding side storage table as well for cooking. I'm also hoping to get a folding tailgate table but need to make sure that will work with the platform. I work from a computer so it would give me a solid place to work from if I didn't want to sit at the table in a camp chair or sit at a Starbucks.
9) You might consider not glueing your foam mattress topper sections together. Alot of moisture can build up when sleeping out. Even in a vehicle. And your going to want to remove fabric and foam type items to hang and dry. Foam won't slip if stacked. And will dry out alot faster in 3 inch sections rather than 6 inch sections.
Valid points. Thank you for pointing them out. I'm working on an idea that's kicking around my head to help deal with the condensation issue, but I need to finish kicking it around to really lay it out.
So what are your plans for this big trip? Sounds amazing! :)
Ohio to see family for a couple of days, then Michigan to my best friends. We've worked out a deal where I can come steal from her eggs and garden in exchange for help anytime I'm in the area. She's one of the people I'm planning on leaving some of that fuel with.
Then I am heading to Upstate NY to drop one of Steve's long guns off at my brother in law's house in exchange for his dog tags. I've got 4 dispersed sites marked upstate so I'll likely be there 3-4 weeks. From there I'm heading to Maine for a month or so to bum around the only part of the country I've never been to, lol. There's a Jeep event in Maryland in August that I'm considering attending too.
Once that's all done, it'll be about time for the weather to turn cold so I'll head back down this way, check on the girls and then head to NM ish areas for the fall and AZ for the winter.
Second year I want to drive the Yukon up to Alaska LOL. I figured it's probably best to get the first year kinks out of the way before attempting that one though
How does Ali Express do on shipping? Take forever or no?
Quote from: GG on January 25, 2024, 02:03:49 AMHow does Ali Express do on shipping? Take forever or no?
The "Choice" deals are 11 to 14 days iirc. It may be faster. They do have a section that is less than 7 days. I have never had anything late or not arrive. Neither has Majorhavoc that I know of. And I have made over 30 purchases. There are other sites like this. But they are more expensive.
I posted the dual battery info more for educating yourself than doing it yourself. (Although I do think if you just needed the $75 set up. You could do it yourself. As you seem very handy.) But I mainly posted those vids so you know what equipment you want. And how you want it set up.
Including the location of everything. Where you want to store the batteries, where you want outlets and what kind, and what type of control modules you want to use. It matters which batteries you do and don't want to use and when. And when and how you want them charged.
You mentioned "I don't need the ignition running to power it whatsoever.". Without the ignition running (or solar) there is nothing charging or powering the batteries. But maybe by "it" you mean powering the things you need power for?
Either way, the reason you want to at least watch a few videos. Is so you understand what your options are. And can make choices in line with what you need and want. It can be set up in many different ways. With many different pieces of equipment. Of varying quality. It's very much not one size fits all.
Its easy to understand though. So you can best decide what kind of system you want.
Definitely take the solar panels. You'll be surprised how often you'd have to run the engine to keep the batteries charged. There are alot of videos by people that work while they travel. You can learn alot from their mistakes. And to see how their systems have evolved over the years.
Sounds like a great trip. I hope to move in the coming year. And can't wait. :)