AEV Brute Double Cab

[upcruiser]

(emphasis mine)
Time I'm time again I'm shocked to see people talk about building an "overland" rig with 37s, 4.5 inch lift, etc. etc. that gets something like 12-14mpg and has a range of maybe 250 miles. I wonder how many of those people have ever taken them out of their own country? or on an extended 6-12 month trip? (not to mention a solid 24-48 month overland journey).

I have to remember a lot of people go "overlanding" around a couple of states where they are never more than 115 miles from a mcdonalds, and probably similar to a NAPA and overnight parts.
Everyone has a different "dream rig" in mind, I guess.

-Dan

Dan, you are a great example of what you actually need to undertake an international trip. The biggest modification you need to make is that of getting out of your comfort zone and going. There are infinite numbers of ways to travel, it is all too easy to think it is undoable without the kitted rig. One of my most memorable trips was crossing the Atacama in a bone stock 2wd Chevy Luv diesel(which was a great little truck).

 

[Hilldweller]

... that gets something like 12-14mpg ...
-Dan

:drool:
Dang, I wish I could get 12-14 when I'm towing...

 

[TangoBlue]

(emphasis mine)
Time I'm time again I'm shocked to see people talk about building an "overland" rig with 37s, 4.5 inch lift, etc. etc. that gets something like 12-14mpg and has a range of maybe 250 miles. I wonder how many of those people have ever taken them out of their own country? or on an extended 6-12 month trip? (not to mention a solid 24-48 month overland journey).

I have to remember a lot of people go "overlanding" around a couple of states where they are never more than 115 miles from a mcdonalds, and probably similar to a NAPA and overnight parts.
Everyone has a different "dream rig" in mind, I guess.

-Dan

I resemble that remark. I only managed a month long journey of 9,000 miles coast-to-coast and Canada. I'm really feeling like a poseur now... I guess you're right Dan.

Your comments really put into perspective how narrow-minded and selfish I am for thinking that raising my children through college, paying a mortgage, honoring my commitment to Service for the country and my spouse, etc., is really something that is meaningless in the long run. It would be far superior to ignore those responsibilities and eschew my bond to others in my life for an extended trip of 6 to 48 months. That is an enduring contribution to society and others close to us to be proud of.

I suppose the gist of what you're saying is that the marque of a man is the memories that he creates for himself?

Thanks for setting me straight - I'll have less fun now planning trips with my truck, enjoying the journey, meeting interesting people, and experiencing inspiring places.

And, no, you weren't just talking about this AEV Jeep. I can appreciate your accomplishments Dan, whatever they were, but don't look down your nose at us...

 

[JPK]

"The AEV Jeep can carry a whole hell of a lot more weight than the oem Jeep."

There's a difference between "can carry" and "is rated to carry." The official weight rating includes the performance of the brakes and suspension. Vehicles have cargo ratings to ensure safety.

Get in an accident with a vehicle carrying more than the cargo rating, and watch your insurance company wave good-bye!

Two well loaded trucks there!

Unless the vehicle is in commercial service, weight rating are merely a suggestion. This applies to the US DOT and to every state DOT whose rules I am familiar with. Your insurance company cannot deny coverage because your vehicle is loaded beyond GVWR, think about it, to do so would be to deny coverage for your "negligence," which is what you are insured against.

In so far as a JKU's brakes, they are fine, even with a heavily loaded - by my standards - Jeep, moreover, even Jeep thinks they are sufficient for a Jeep loaded with 700lbs plus 3500lbs of brakeless trailer. But, should you think necessary, enhanced brakes for the JK's are available, I'm sure that AEV would install them fr you, they are a can-do company.

As far as suspension - that is what I am referring too, the AEV suspension, which can handle well a "whole hell of a lot more weight" than an oem suspension.

Regarding the performance, well, see AEV for thie 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi conversions, like I did and like the Brute DC has. With the 5.7 VVT and the 545rfe, 4.88's in New Generation D44's riding on 37's the JKU's performance is excellent, even carying "a whole hell of a lot more weight." But if a Hemi isn't in your future, don't frett too much, even Jeep believes that the 2007-2011 3.8 and 42rfe provide sufficient performance for the Jeep, 700lbs and a 3500lb brakeless trailer. The 2012 engine and transmission are more capable than the pre-2012's as well.

If you feel you must live within an oem manufacturer's limits, wether GVWR or any other, don't bother with modifying any vehicle in any way. Even tire size or inflation. You will be venturing out side of their parameters! Sure as hell don't consider an AEV JKU or Brute!

JPK

 

[JPK]

I resemble that remark. I only managed a month long journey of 9,000 miles coast-to-coast and Canada. I'm really feeling like a poseur now... I guess you're right Dan.

It really puts into perspective how narrow-minded and selfish I am for thinking that raising my children through college, paying a mortgage, honoring my commitment to Service for the country and my spouse, etc., is really something that is meaningless in the long run. It would be far superior to ignore those responsibilities and eschew my bond to others in my life for an extended trip of 6 to 48 months. That is an enduring contribution to society and others close to us to be proud of.

I suppose the gist of what you're saying is that the marque of a man is the memories that he creates for himself?

Thanks for setting me straight - I'll have less fun now planning trips with my truck, enjoying the journey, meeting interesting people, and experiencing inspiring places.

And, no, you weren't just talking about this AEV Jeep. I can appreciate your accomplishments Dan, whatever they were, but don't look down your nose at us...

Maybe we can travel together.

But I may be disqualified, my 4.5" lifted Jeep with 37's rides better than my wife's oem Rover, handles as well or better and has twice the range. Carries weight better too. Also tows better.

Geez, I may be disqualified because my Jeep has a 500 mile range on the road and more than 350 off road. I might get to far from a McDonalds.

JPK

 

[Dan Grec]

I resemble that remark. I only managed a month long journey of 9,000 miles coast-to-coast and Canada. I'm really feeling like a poseur now... I guess you're right Dan.

Your comments really put into perspective how narrow-minded and selfish I am for thinking that raising my children through college, paying a mortgage, honoring my commitment to Service for the country and my spouse, etc., is really something that is meaningless in the long run. It would be far superior to ignore those responsibilities and eschew my bond to others in my life for an extended trip of 6 to 48 months. That is an enduring contribution to society and others close to us to be proud of.

I suppose the gist of what you're saying is that the marque of a man is the memories that he creates for himself?

Thanks for setting me straight - I'll have less fun now planning trips with my truck, enjoying the journey, meeting interesting people, and experiencing inspiring places.

And, no, you weren't just talking about this AEV Jeep. I can appreciate your accomplishments Dan, whatever they were, but don't look down your nose at us...

I apologize about my comment sounding like that. I just re-read it, and you're right, it does.
(I won't edit/change it so these comments continue to make sense.)

I wasn't trying to say that a man is judged by the journeys he makes or anything like that.
I would never want to pass judgement on anyone, and again I apologize if I sounded like that.

What I was trying to say was I'm always a little surprised at the rigs people choose (or dream) to build for "Overlanding". I suppose the problem in my brain is I have a set "black-and-white" view of overlanding and what it entails, which doesn't mesh with what others are trying to do/achieve/prioritize.

I was not at all commenting on people or their life choices, more-so on the rigs they choose, which is obviously very much personal choice and opinion.

I need to get out of the black and white. (That's my Engineer brain coming through)

My apologies again. I'll be more thoughtful / respectful in the future.

-Dan

 

[TangoBlue]

Maybe we can travel together.

But I may be disqualified, my 4.5" lifted Jeep with 37's rides better than my wife's oem Rover, handles as well or better and has twice the range. Carries weight better too. Also tows better.

Geez, I may be disqualified because my Jeep has a 500 mile range on the road and more than 350 off road. I might get to far from a McDonalds.

JPK

That might work out, but see, my uh, truck, has about 6 inches of lift on 35's from the SAC and suspension modifications... in the interest of full disclosure you should know I'm not really an Overlander. I've been told I'm a Rock Crawler.

I don't go rock-crawling and am not all that interested in it, but that's how my truck has been labeled by the Overlanding elite. But I do like going on long trips to remote locations in the US and Canada...

 

[TangoBlue]

I apologize about my comment sounding like that. I just re-read it, and you're right, it does.
(I won't edit/change it so these comments continue to make sense.)

I wasn't trying to say that a man is judged by the journeys he makes or anything like that.
I would never want to pass judgement on anyone, and again I apologize if I sounded like that.

What I was trying to say was I'm always a little surprised at the rigs people choose (or dream) to build for "Overlanding". I suppose the problem in my brain is I have a set "black-and-white" view of overlanding and what it entails, which doesn't mesh with what others are trying to do/achieve/prioritize.

I was not at all commenting on people or their life choices, more-so on the rigs they choose, which is obviously very much personal choice and opinion.

I need to get out of the black and white. (That's my Engineer brain coming through)

My apologies again. I'll be more thoughtful / respectful in the future.

-Dan

Your gracious reply is the marque of a man.

It wasn't required or even expected, but thanks for your sincere remarks; if it means anything, your stock went up in my view.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

This Jeep towing a Custom Built/Lifted Casita Travel Trailer behind it would be my dream EXPO vehicle to circomnavigate the globe or just make that trip from the North Pole to Terra Del Fuego I keep promising myself

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Sure.... If you want to rock crawl, but I think most folks here are beyond that mentality and either have a rig for that or don't care for that to begin with. For the stuff that 90% of the folks do on this forum, a Power Wagon would work great. Much smaller than a dedicated rv style overland rig, you pop a FWC on one and you literally are good to go. I think some folks miss the point of some of these vehicles. AEV isn't trying to build rock crawlers either, though they are pretty adept at it for a vehicle that drives and handles so well plus has the benefit of a Chrysler factory waranty. Yeah alot of folks here are pumped on them. They aren't some Billy Bob's shop creation but a fully engineered vehicle that is actually comfortable to drive, good handling, and competent in alot of areas. Alot of people have these romantic notions of driving some old iconic, or perhaps overbuilt beast on a long trip somewhere but in reality the day to day discomfort and hassles are overlooked. To me, an overland rig should first and foremost be a comfortable place to spend alot of time in.

This would suit me just fine http://www.fourwheeler.com/eventcoverage/129_1108_2011_overland_expo/photo_04.html Although it can be fun I never once said anything about rock crawling, I actually prefer scenic trails that access great fishing over crawling, but do get down to Moab twice a year.

 

[jscherb]

Here's a photo I took today at the AEV booth at SEMA:

Looks an awful lot like this concept drawing I posted in 2009

 

[JPK]

I was about to post that photo but you beat me to it!

BTW, you are an oracle for predicting th DoKa two years ago!

JPK

 

[BigAl]

Looks an awful lot like this concept drawing I posted in 2009

They changed the wheels:elkgrin:
Can you recommend any lottery numbers?

 

[Black Dog]

Gas cap is in a different place too.

 

[jim65wagon]

I'm not really an Overlander. I've been told I'm a Rock Crawler.

I don't go rock-crawling and am not all that interested in it, but that's how my truck has been labeled by the Overlanding elite. But I do like going on long trips to remote locations in the US and Canada...

So other people have called you a rock crawler too......I thought it was just me. Really T, it was all in jest. Afterall, if you have to drive over some rocks to get to your campsite it qualifies as "Overland" rocks being part of the land and all.

I've seen some pictures of the trips you've taken and I swear it looks like overlanding to me.....but then again I'm never far from McDonalds anyway, so what would I know. I just camp in a 4 state radius just waiting until I can get to Moab, or Canada. Or anywhere the scenery is nice and the fire is warm.

I dig your truck, even if it runs like an Amish buggy. IPOR made you a real "go-anywhere" vehicle you can be proud of.
.
I would love to load up that AEV truck with camping gear, throw in a fishing pole and a kayak on top and go somewhere fun with the family. The whole point of all of it is to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors, breathe in some decent air, meet some new(or old) friends and have a good time with the time you have.
.
Heck, I would love to load up my truck with camping gear, a fishing pole and a kayak, and go somewhere fun......