Thanks!
2014 Jeep JKUR ("Q") Overland Build
- Thread starter bjunc
- Start date
Thanks!
Factor 55
I had liked the concept of the Factor 55 shackle mount as a replacement for the winch hook that came with the Warn winch setup from AEV. However, it just wasn't a high priority item (especially considering the price).
If you read/watch the Factor 55 marketing, you'll see they talk about the safety latch on a hook being a common failure point. Well, on a recent trip on the NY section of the TAT (Trans America Trail), I needed to do some winch work (clearing a fallen tree), and the safety latch bent. For me, that was the sign to switch to a "closed system".
While I was at it, I swapped the Warn fairlead with a Factor 55 fairlead (reused the same holes / bolts as the Warn fairlead).
I had liked the concept of the Factor 55 shackle mount as a replacement for the winch hook that came with the Warn winch setup from AEV. However, it just wasn't a high priority item (especially considering the price).
If you read/watch the Factor 55 marketing, you'll see they talk about the safety latch on a hook being a common failure point. Well, on a recent trip on the NY section of the TAT (Trans America Trail), I needed to do some winch work (clearing a fallen tree), and the safety latch bent. For me, that was the sign to switch to a "closed system".
While I was at it, I swapped the Warn fairlead with a Factor 55 fairlead (reused the same holes / bolts as the Warn fairlead).
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
This is a really nice build!
Looking forward to reading trip reports! :beer:
Looking forward to reading trip reports! :beer:
Captain Texas
Adventurer
Awesome! If there is anything I've learned, bolt on when ever you can because you can't take back sheet metal.
rino
Approved Vendor - OK4WD
Bobby, looking forward to watching the progress on the Jeep! How is the Goose Gear treating you?
The Goose Gear setup is great! I haven't received the tie down screws yet though, so I'm using the Mac's hardtop tie down strips to keep the Alu-Boxes in place. Not a big deal, but it'll be nice when the tie down screws show up.
By the way, my TrekPak order arrives on Wednesday. Planning on experimenting with creating dividers for the Alu-Box 42L. You were right, it came out to ~$100...
Alu-box 42L with TrekPak
One of the many cool things I saw at Overland Expo East was how Goose Gear set up their Tacoma. Brian pulled out a drawer, and everything was immaculately organized with these little foam dividers. Turns out, these are made by a company called TrekPak, and they have a somewhat ingenious method for cutting to size. They are basically a foam sandwich, with "flutes". The flutes guide a special cutting device that allows you to get perfect / straight cuts every time.
TrekPak makes kits for different companies, mostly Pelican. Definitely not for Alu-box, which was my goal. After measuring the inner height of the Alu-box 42L, I decided a 6" divider height would work well. I pretty much took a wild guess on how many dividers I would need.
I was a little unsure how I was going to handle the inner corners of the alu-box, since they're rounded. Turned out to be pretty easy. Basically, I bent the divider twice on each side of what would be the apex of the corner radius. A single bend would create gaps. Other than that, nothing fancy (I thought I was going to have to add relief cuts in the foam).
Overall, I'm pretty happy about how it came out. That said, this is about $100 worth of TrekPak dividers / cutter / pins, so there's that...
Before:
After:
One of the many cool things I saw at Overland Expo East was how Goose Gear set up their Tacoma. Brian pulled out a drawer, and everything was immaculately organized with these little foam dividers. Turns out, these are made by a company called TrekPak, and they have a somewhat ingenious method for cutting to size. They are basically a foam sandwich, with "flutes". The flutes guide a special cutting device that allows you to get perfect / straight cuts every time.
TrekPak makes kits for different companies, mostly Pelican. Definitely not for Alu-box, which was my goal. After measuring the inner height of the Alu-box 42L, I decided a 6" divider height would work well. I pretty much took a wild guess on how many dividers I would need.
I was a little unsure how I was going to handle the inner corners of the alu-box, since they're rounded. Turned out to be pretty easy. Basically, I bent the divider twice on each side of what would be the apex of the corner radius. A single bend would create gaps. Other than that, nothing fancy (I thought I was going to have to add relief cuts in the foam).
Overall, I'm pretty happy about how it came out. That said, this is about $100 worth of TrekPak dividers / cutter / pins, so there's that...
Before:
After:
rubicon91
Explorer
Wow that does look really nice the after pic. I decided after expo I really need to get my act together with my bins. Funny I was looking at an Alu-Box or 2 to get. Your before pic pretty much sums up every bin I carry with me lol. I may pick your brain when the time comes and I order an Alu-Box about that storage setup after you have utilized it for awhile.
Abe Froman
Adventurer
Set up in the rear is awesome.
When the stove is deployed is there room to "work" between the trailgater and the stove?
I need to get the rear of my JKU organized......
When the stove is deployed is there room to "work" between the trailgater and the stove?
I need to get the rear of my JKU organized......
Happy to help. I've been using the Alu-Box for a few months. Just recently found a solution I like for keeping it organized. So far, so good.
Yeah, there's room, but not much. Another option I was riffing on with Rin, would be to move the fridge to the passenger side, and nix the "tailgater" table. Rin might have already tried it since we spoke about it. I also have an Eezi-Awn K9 table, but it's nice to have the tailgater as a quick option for prep (say, at a pit stop for a quick bite).
Blue Ridge Overland: Tool Bag
Just thought I'd show that the Blue Ridge Tool Bag fits perfectly in the Goose Gear drawer, with room to spare. I keep tie down straps / ratchets in the Mac's bag. First aid in the back, with some bungees and 550 cord.
Another thing worth mentioning is that you can open the top drawer without opening the rear hatch / window. Seems kind of silly, but if you're in a rush, it's nice.
Just thought I'd show that the Blue Ridge Tool Bag fits perfectly in the Goose Gear drawer, with room to spare. I keep tie down straps / ratchets in the Mac's bag. First aid in the back, with some bungees and 550 cord.
Another thing worth mentioning is that you can open the top drawer without opening the rear hatch / window. Seems kind of silly, but if you're in a rush, it's nice.
Propane
Tank: Worthington 299494 6-Pound Aluminum
Mount: Sure Marine 001-749 6# Propane Tank Rail Mount
In considering propane solutions, I really gravitated to a long and slender aluminum tank. In all honesty, the look played a role in that, but I think it worked out really well.
Worth noting, but the rear window can open / close without hitting the propane tank when the tailgate is open.
I drilled 2 holes in the mount, and passed 1/2" brass bolts / wingnuts through the Hi-lift jack. I think this position works really well. I had tried mounting on the roll bar using Power Tank clamps, but I didn't like that as much for a few reasons.
Tank: Worthington 299494 6-Pound Aluminum
Mount: Sure Marine 001-749 6# Propane Tank Rail Mount
In considering propane solutions, I really gravitated to a long and slender aluminum tank. In all honesty, the look played a role in that, but I think it worked out really well.
Worth noting, but the rear window can open / close without hitting the propane tank when the tailgate is open.
I drilled 2 holes in the mount, and passed 1/2" brass bolts / wingnuts through the Hi-lift jack. I think this position works really well. I had tried mounting on the roll bar using Power Tank clamps, but I didn't like that as much for a few reasons.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
I like the slim tank. That's a cool idea.