Sour Grapes Build Thread

[SWbySWesty]

hmmm - I personally don't have a need for a snorkel since I'm in California...so I haven't thought about it, but there's plenty of debate to search for! haha

On another note, I went up to Big Bear yesterday and did an Adopt A Trail snow run with NAXJA. SUPER fun!

Check out the day here on my Adventure Brigade Blog!

 

[Nikson]

I dont think I've ever had a bad trip out on some sort of a trail...

As far as snorkels go... they are pretty much a "LOOK" thing (I believe), unless your vehicle in situations as such for most of the trips...

In personal need, being that I am doing a Vladivostok-Moscow, trip across Russia next year, I know I will have to do some water crossings during the trip, so I NEED to water seal my XJ as much as possible...

 

[Nikson]

How do you find that ENGEL workng out for you???

 

[SWbySWesty]

How do you find that ENGEL workng out for you???

Ho-Lee moly!!! The fridge is the best thing since bread. With my second battery, I noticed that between driving stop/start and what not, I could hear the National Luna system switching back and forth automatically and the YellowTop stayed at 100% capacity.

The fridge kept everything cool and did a great job while ratcheted down. The only negative is that it had to be ratcheted down making going in/out of it kind of a pain, but I don't think they make a "slide-lok" for my model...I now see why you'd want one!

 

[Nikson]

Ho-Lee moly!!! The fridge is the best thing since bread. With my second battery, I noticed that between driving stop/start and what not, I could hear the National Luna system switching back and forth automatically and the YellowTop stayed at 100% capacity.

The fridge kept everything cool and did a great job while ratcheted down. The only negative is that it had to be ratcheted down making going in/out of it kind of a pain, but I don't think they make a "slide-lok" for my model...I now see why you'd want one!

Just that I see that they start around what... $400 or so and go up to over $1000, right?

That makes me kind of wonder, is it one of those where more expensive = better, or just I would be paying for the brand name (ARB, etc.).

For me, as long as it works and it is necessary capacity, I am fine...

I will have it in my trailer (which will probably have 2 batteries) and I will most likely add a solar charging system for the "parked" times...

As far as attachment, I would imagine there has to be a simpler way to get it hooked up and not have to use the strap...

 

[SWbySWesty]

Yes, I will work on figuring out a better mounting solution for convenience. As for brand-name vs non-brand name: read this

I considered it, but once I read the thread about some of the problems, I'd rather pay the extra couple bucks to get the brand name reliability. Plus I still have a warranty as well!

 

[Nikson]

Yes, I will work on figuring out a better mounting solution for convenience. As for brand-name vs non-brand name: read this

I considered it, but once I read the thread about some of the problems, I'd rather pay the extra couple bucks to get the brand name reliability. Plus I still have a warranty as well!

Done bunch of reading and dont seem like anyone sways a certain way...

My personal experiences have shown that even a BIG BRAND gear fails on trails, while some cheap <made-in-china> brand holds up to all the beating...

I guess will have to do some of my own test-n-trial...

 

[Nikson]

www.sierraexpeditins.com site sells fridges, and looking at the prices...

ENGLE & ARB are pretty similar in prices, and ARB seems to be even cheaper...

47QT at $750 / ENGEL 40QT same price...

 

[SWbySWesty]

Call Martyn @ Adventure Trailers or Wil at Sierra and talk to them...they'll give you the lowdown on their testing...

 

[Nikson]

Call Martyn @ Adventure Trailers or Wil at Sierra and talk to them...they'll give you the lowdown on their testing...

Might just come down to that...

Thanks

 

[SWbySWesty]

I finally got around to installing my new battery/starting cables. Pics below. The car feels like it starts with more power. The only thing left I want to do in the engine compartment is a "tune-up" with distrubutor cap & rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires.

 

[Nikson]

I finally got around to installing my new battery/starting cables. Pics below. The car feels like it starts with more power. The only thing left I want to do in the engine compartment is a "tune-up" with distrubutor cap & rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires.

Nice update... never hurts... :ylsmoke:

 

[SWbySWesty]

Nice looking XJ. Would love to see a couple more shots of that JCR roof rack. I've been looking at it for a while trying to decide if I want it or not. I like it because it's low profile and good for carrying lights, tire, hi-lift...which is probably all I would have on a rack anyways.

Hey man, sorry it's taken so long to get back to you! It's been so beautiful here that I'm taking advantage while I can!

Here are rack photos:

 

[SWbySWesty]

I had to get my AC fixed. There's one thing I don't like - and that's sitting in a HOT jeep especially during summer when it's 90-100 degrees out...lame. That and with my Mojave Road trip and summer desert/baja trips coming up, I'd rather be in climate control :smiley_drive::sombrero:

So I broke down and took my Jeep to Santa Monica Radiator. AMAZING customer service (which the online reviews all raved about, but WOW). Chuck was super nice and helpful and accommodating to my schedule.
Turned out the since the previous owner had the car rewired that he had to call an independent electrician to come out to find a bad relay and then also some other electrical issue with the compressor clutch. Once that was fixed, they found low refrigerant because of a small hole (but couldn't find it). SO - they filled it with a neon dye and before my Mojave trip next weekend I can drop the Jeep off and they'll put it under a black light to find the hole, fix it and return it to me so that I don't roast in the desert.

YAY! :wings:

Fix AC - check! :victory:

 

[TheGleam227]

Hey man, sorry it's taken so long to get back to you! It's been so beautiful here that I'm taking advantage while I can!

Here are rack photos:

Thanks, very understandable on the weather situation! It's been amazing the last week or so in SC.