The Order of Things... Why did you do it when you did...

[rlynch356]

I've been planning out my jeep modifications for my new 2015 JKU and am following a meandering path based on what i need or realize i need for the type of camping i do as well as my Scuba needs as well (i have to be able to pack in multiple sets of double tanks and all the associated gear)
Right now i have a built up D90 that serves as my GoTo truck for trails and events and the like. So that is effecting things.

Here is my current order.
1) ARB sliders - these are a future "need" for off road but serve an immediate purpose in allowing my daughters to get in the truck easier (they are small and can use them as a step.
2) Seat Covers and seat heaters. Protect and make it better in the winter (this was one of the last things i did to my 90 i i used them all all the time when it was a DD.
3) Fridge (with plugs for the D90, and the 200 series as well)
4) Front runner interior shelf and rear door table
5) Expo trailer (potential to derail everything below for this one)

x) rack system (this is for the Oz tent and fire wood, maybe water..)
x) bumpers, tire carrier
x) Lift (small, i have to lift up 150 lbs of tanks on a frequent basis)
x) Dual battery system and SPOD (may put this after #3 - based on use)

This list is pretty fluid based on what i end up doing in the next year but i suspect the fridge is going to be a must have and will shape the rest of what i do. Also i am going to balance somewhat with warranty effecting mod's - but in general i know that should not be an issue but sometimes rears its ugly head as a PITA.

Why did you do what you did when you did?
Looks, function, etc...

 

[Septu]

Bought my JK in Feb 2012. Stayed stock most of the first year (new lights, wheel spacers, spod and some other minor things). Bumper and winch went on in Nov 2012. New fenders and rubber (33x13.5x17) went on in ~April 2013. Rear bumper went in July 2013. Lift went on in April/May 2014. Did the exhaust a few months ago (mainly for the sound - yeah I know, and as prep for my new genright dual tank I eventually want). I wouldn't mind a dual battery setup (it's on my wish list)... but have been rocking my fridge for a few years now (3/4?) and a ton of lights, and juice has never yet been an issue.

I've done a bunch of other little things as the funds became available, as I came across deals... or (and this is usually how it goes lol) as I give into a whim. OBA, power tank, rock rails with steps, grab handles, edock, nav setup, LED setups (headlights, light bars, etc), and other mods (I've had my fridge for a few years now). But with the big things (bumpers, tires, winch, lift), these were things I only wanted to do once. And while I did get a cheap winch (Engo 10k), it was/is one of the best value winches out there. Figured I'd run it till it dies, then get a Warn. The bumper was exactly what I wanted (the rear was a cheap used generic one I got a good deal on). The lift is exactly what I wanted (3.5" MetalCloak lift). The tires I got too good of a deal on to pass... (900 for 5 practically new tires (less than 1000mi on them) and sold my stock ones for 450). Otherwise I would have gone to 35s - which I will be doing this year sometime. At which point I'll also have to deal with how to carry the spare (still on the stock setup).

I think the big thing is to not spend money on cheap things, only to have to do it over again. Make sure that what you're getting is something you actually need (or just want lol). I didn't need (and still probably don't need) a lift. 7/10 when my JK was stuck, I either screwed up my line, or was likely going to get stuck regardless. However I love the looks, and the ride is great. Same with getting 33s vs 35s. I like the look of 35s. However with the 33s I'm not getting stuck because of my tires (even on my old JK where I followed everyone in their 35s). The F bumper I wanted to carry my winch, some lights and for additional protection against animals (lots of night driving, TONS of animals up here). I could have gotten a cheaper one... but held out and found exactly what I thought I wanted. 2 years later I'm still loving it, and have no plans to change it out.

Just remember that plans change (which you alluded to with the trailer). And even with 2 trailers (teardrop and m101), I couldn't imagine life without the fridge.

 

[shays4me]

I did a REAR BUMPER AND TIRE CARRIER immediately after purchase. As a matter of fact, I removed my spare until it arrived. I have seen far too many Jeep Wranglers with bent tailgates over the years, and wanted to protect my investment. My second purchase was a Warn winch. I often travel alone, so I wanted the safety of a quality self recovery item. After that it all kind of fell together. I still don't have big tires, which is usually the first or second item everyone adds. I do use this Jeep though, and other things took greater importance than having "the look" right off the dealer floor.

 

[dp7197]

Your JKUS is pretty capable stock. You will need to determine if you need a small lift to handle the weight of a fridge, SCUBA stuff, trailer, or bigger tires.

You could probably get away with a small puck lift and 255/8R17 tires and do 90% of what you intent - I do.

The ARB fridge will take up some room in the back - essentially half the width behind the rear seat and about to the top of it also. Be prepared to use your rear seat for some of the cargo. Get yourself an ARB wiring kit for the fridge also - don't use the factory 12-volt plug.

I run JCR Slider/Steps which work well for the Mrs. getting in and out. I also run cheap ARB seat covers but had used nice Mopar ones when I had seat heaters underneath. Nice floormats as well.

I keep the majority of my camping stuff in my trailer ready to go, negating the need for a roof rack.

I have been looking at S-PODS for a while but now waiting for the new solid state system from Switch Pros which was shown at SEMA.


Good luck.

 

[Beowulf]

For me, I'd do the Long Ranger Tank before anything. I get asked the question about what mod I do first if I'd do it all again, and it would definitely be the tank. Even just for urban driving, I love having tons of fuel.

 

[Ranger Steve]

Right off the bat with my WJ and a small lift, bigger tires and front and rear shackle recovery points. From there I'll be adding a CB for trail rides and other interior upgrades that will make the jeep more fun for camping.

The future will hold a hidden winch behind the stock front bumper and rear tire carrier under the stock rear bumper. The rear bumper will come first to clear room in the back of the jeep. It's anyone's guess after that on board air will be around at some point.

Most importantly will be taking the family out and using it. Otherwise our mods are wasted.

 

[rlynch356]

All but a few trails here in NC are do-able with 2" lift and a little taller tire (32.5") if your careful. My lift is not planned for much more than this but if i need to later on i what to be able to add tire.
Obviously cave diving and off roading don't really mix, so the only bits that carry over is the Fridge and the roof rack mounted foxing awning both are life savers in FL heat (In a drysuit, wearing thinsulate in summer.... easy to overheat and get dehydrated).

 

[shays4me]

All but a few trails here in NC are do-able with 2" lift and a little taller tire (32.5") if your careful. My lift is not planned for much more than this but if i need to later on i what to be able to add tire.
Obviously cave diving and off roading don't really mix, so the only bits that carry over is the Fridge and the roof rack mounted foxing awning both are life savers in FL heat (In a drysuit, wearing thinsulate in summer.... easy to overheat and get dehydrated).

FWIW, I've been able to go everywhere I've wanted with the stock BFG mud terrains. I did add an EMU lift to get a little under belly clearance and an arb air compressor for airing down, but the tire size has been fine. I haven't done any hardcore video worthy trails,just unimproved forest circus roads and two tracks. It may not look as good sitting in the mall parking lot but stock tires get me there and back!

 

[rlynch356]

I'm planning on the BFG a/t ko2's when they come out in 285/70-17 a little shy of 33"s that will give me a little more clearance under the diffs which I'll need.
I'm waiting to drive an ARB 2" suspension before I lock it in, I did drive an AEV 2.5" lift and was impressed with the ride.

I'm still on the Goodyear wranglers tires which are a highway tire really, so the cage to the BFG will be the biggest upgrade for off road.

 

[lysol]

I've been planning out my jeep modifications for my new 2015 JKU and am following a meandering path based on what i need or realize i need for the type of camping i do as well as my Scuba needs as well (i have to be able to pack in multiple sets of double tanks and all the associated gear)
Right now i have a built up D90 that serves as my GoTo truck for trails and events and the like. So that is effecting things.

Here is my current order.
1) ARB sliders - these are a future "need" for off road but serve an immediate purpose in allowing my daughters to get in the truck easier (they are small and can use them as a step.
2) Seat Covers and seat heaters. Protect and make it better in the winter (this was one of the last things i did to my 90 i i used them all all the time when it was a DD.
3) Fridge (with plugs for the D90, and the 200 series as well)
4) Front runner interior shelf and rear door table
5) Expo trailer (potential to derail everything below for this one)

x) rack system (this is for the Oz tent and fire wood, maybe water..)
x) bumpers, tire carrier
x) Lift (small, i have to lift up 150 lbs of tanks on a frequent basis)
x) Dual battery system and SPOD (may put this after #3 - based on use)

This list is pretty fluid based on what i end up doing in the next year but i suspect the fridge is going to be a must have and will shape the rest of what i do. Also i am going to balance somewhat with warranty effecting mod's - but in general i know that should not be an issue but sometimes rears its ugly head as a PITA.

Why did you do what you did when you did?
Looks, function, etc...

The first thing I got was the fridge. I have ran it for multiple days off the factory battery. With that said, this and my CB is the only thing I'm installing before upgrading the electrical system. If you keep putting off a dual battery, relay box and some sort of switch system, wiring will start getting bad.

 

[rlynch356]

dual batteries are in the plan... sometime after the fridge and the front Bar/winch combo. My D90 does not have a dual system and i know what you mean - keeping it clean is tough..

 

[rlynch356]

...a Bit of an update..on my order to things anyway.

Fridge ordered today (ARB 50qt) with 2 wiring kits for the JKU and the D90. The rear shelf is looking like a "Not Needed" part. I need to figure out the Fridge/Dive gear arrangement and if i actually have room for a slide. I suspect not at this point but we'll see

But I NEED to add in under seat lockable storage...for things that need to be locked out of sight.

Seat covers should arrive soon from the land of elephants and lions with any luck.
And Seat Heaters are in, which makes me very happy.

I'm going about this "Build" as i identify things that will make my life better or i want to do with the truck.

 

[rlynch356]

So an update of sorts..

1) ARB sliders - Complete.. In the future i may have gone a different direction but they are here..
2) Seat Covers and seat heaters. Protect and make it better in the winter - Escape Gear Seat covers - love them
3) Fridge - Also Done and hard wired - this was actually one of the turning points...
4) Front runner interior shelf and rear door table - Rear Door table Done, its amazing how much i use it, I am not going to do an interior rack as it would interfere with my diving. So Eliminated after careful thought, Real world use, and measurements.
5) Expo trailer (potential to derail everything below for this one) - More later

x) rack system (this is for the Oz tent and fire wood, maybe water..) - Roof rack... I opted for a BajaRack UTE (flat floor no basket), in reality i'm undecided on the rack concept, it is useful but for normal everyday things rather than mounting a bunch of gear up there for camping. The ARB sliders do not provide much in the way of "Step" and i don't like the idea of loading a lot of stuff up there or using it for a RTT. So its a "Future" use item which could have waited.
x) bumpers, tire carrier - For the moment, Not needed.. I'm finding the jeep is capable as is for my uses which are mostly Daily Driver and some dirt roads.
x) Lift (small, i have to lift up 150 lbs of tanks on a frequent basis) - Not needed yet.. So no plans yet
x) Dual battery system and SPOD (may put this after #3 - based on use) - SPOD - Not needed yet, i don't see a need yet to install a bunch of lights, just haven't had the need. Deal battery, jury is still out on this one.. I am running the ARB Fridge 24x7 so we'll see if more power is needed. I do have an anti-gravity jump starter system in the truck for backup which works great.

And that brings me to the trailer... This is actually my main focus now rather than adding a bunch of do-dads to the the truck.

A Teardrop provides me with a secure place to camp, and has storage for all my gear leaving the truck virtually empty of camping gear which i need. My uses are really base camp style camping with day trips, both for exploring and for diving. Plus, our plans for long off road trips are focused on the Land rovers currently. My brother in law is building up his SIII 109, so the jeep will stay as is for the time being while i focus on some minor items in my D90 and use it for adventuring (basically as is).

The teardrop is next up on the list and all it entails.

I thought long and hard about what i do and how (and take notes in the field ) So i'm Done, with a mostly stock jeep. I'll clean it up a bit and take a picture of Phase "Now" maybe this weekend.

 

[GFA]

So what's your plans for the wife and girls with the teardrop? Ive gotten my wife past the sleeping in a coffin stage but now I need to convince her the 4 of us can make due in a 6wide even though I'll likely end up in a 2 person tent. The other option would be a RTT on the teardrop for my girls but she has separation issues when we're in the middle of nowhere...

Your build sounds like it's coming together nicely though. I've been running my fridge 24/7 on a die hard platinum with no issues, even in the UT summer heat so I'd hold off to see if you really need the dual system. Those little jump start batteries are nothing short of amazing too.

 

[rlynch356]

The tear drop plan for 4, is a RTT and a the main space, (I also have an Oztent RV5 for more if needed). If my wife comes along i'll be up in the RTT with one of the girls till they get a little older (9 & 5).
I have 3 weekends planned for april right now in the RV-5 but only 1 of the girls can go on each trip. That will probably be the trend as they are both involved in sports.
i've been looking at other trailer options but realistically there is not much you can pull with a JKU or a D90 that makes sense other than a TD, nor would it work for my other plans (TAT, and North FL base camp for diving)