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You and I are on the same page Bill. If the IPF is still an option, it is worth understanding why AEV specified them as available. But I think you can agree that judging the merits of an entire vehicle on optional headlights does the vehicle and the discussion a disservice.

Many trucks, both present and past don't have locking tailgates. It would be extremely easy to swap the existing latch for a locking one. They are sold in a locking variant. 10 minutes and $30 and you have a locking tailgate.

Actually, I think you have valid point regarding the lighting option, and one I plan to ask AEV about. I just find it ironic that the argument regarding the merits of the Brute devolved to optional headlights. The idiom "grasping at straws" comes to mind ;)

I got an update from Mike Serpe. Harald has received cash to help rebuild the house and equipment/food/water from Karl, who drove all the way down. Thanks to all who helped!

No convincing necessary, in fact, I avoid the subject of "cost" nearly entirely. That you view the vehicle as overpriced has no impact on its real value, because you are already not a customer. In reality, many people buy Brutes and HEMI conversions, and Aston Martins, and Rolex. Something is...

Wish you were closer Mike. You should take a ride on the Stelvio. Super short seat height (about 32") and a low seat option too. Plus shaft drive and an 8.5 gallon tank!

Yes, it would be cheaper.

Yeah, it looks like the IPFs are an option. Ours does not have them. However, I do take great pleasure in the irony of disputing which headlights are optional on the Brute. . .

I just checked our Brute. It has factory headlamps. Only the auxiliary lights are IPF. Not sure where the assumption started that Brutes have IPF headlamps. Ours does not have them and I do not see any others in our photos that do either. It is also not listed as a part of the conversion...

People carry too much stuff. The payload of the Brute works just fine for me. A friend and I drove half way around the world in a Suzuki Jimny with NOTHING on the roof and I could still see out of the back window. I want the performance and platform flexibility. I want the reserve capability...

The smartphone is just not there yet. I cannot get reliable tracking from any app to date. As a result, I often use the smartphone or small tablet for navigation (great maps) and a small Garmin just to make sure the track logs properly, and as a backup unit. Of course, my needs might be...

I am sure there are things that are not perfect. However, their parts are all made in QS / ISO compliant facilities. Their body panels are made in one of the highest quality low volume press facilities in the world, an AEV bumper being made next to a Ford GT 40 fender. They are a global OEM...

Won't touch that one with a ten foot pole :) I dig the idea of a regular cab JK Brute. I agree that the "New" and "Available at a dealership" is a bit of a stretch, but I felt comfortable with the qualification. I know the level of engineering that AEV goes through to produce these low volume...

I believe that is a critical point. I view a 500 as a really small bike for me. I rode a KLX250S for a day and it just never felt right. My 630 is my small bike and it feels like I am riding a mountain bike ;) I feel really at home on a 1200GS.

Good suggestion Mike. We will look into that too. I also believe the WR can be lowered quite a bit.

Those attributes just enhance the vehicle IMHO. A 4-door truck is particularly effective at so many things, including being the "Ultimate Overlander". No one would second guess a VDJ79 or Defender 130. The Brute is just a better performing version. Greater capability. I have been fortunate to...

Awesome. Start a new thread on your truck when it arrives. I am sure many of us will chime in on ideas for the project. Also happy to help with your trip west. I have been meaning to ping you about our plans to visit Big Bend too. Could be a fun shakedown and we would be honored to have you and...

Unfortunately, nothing is cheap with the G-Klasse. However, they don't need much (or anything) for serious travel. Install a good set of tires on 16" rims and download your favorite tunes onto the iPhone. . .

Thank you. We are fortunate to have the experience. However, my opinion is still shaped by my personal expectations for performance. I am willing to compromise nearly all comfort to ensure performance from the vehicle. I have dodged enough trucks in Siberia and evaded enough bandits to prefer...

You just put it in the back seat area, nice and centralized and still in the HVAC It has four tiedowns. It would be easy to mount others too, a tie down channel, etc. It would also be easy to install 12v outlets. Not sure I track you on the freezing comment. I would carry the water in the...