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  1. MattJ

    Official Test Results: Five Ways to Heat a Tent

    The exhaust chugs out at a constant rate but without much pressure, so I just need to give it some help getting away from the tent. The conduit solution fits very tight and snug, plus it is 100% metal. I've learned the hard way that even high-heat silicone and ducting can melt due to the...
  2. MattJ

    Official Test Results: Five Ways to Heat a Tent

    Well, now that the temperatures are dropping it is time to bring this project back to the front burner for more work! Two updates: 1) I coated the case with Sharkhide, which should provide durable protection against the elements. 2) After more research and close inspection, I have FINALLY...
  3. MattJ

    Night-Vision Lights Project

    Thanks! Not only am I a proud Eagle Scout, I have spent the last two years building the world's first BSA Expedition Vehicle ("BEV"). It is a project that I dreamed up to get kids excited about Scouting and overlanding, my two favorite things! I should probably start a separate thread about...
  4. MattJ

    Barn Door for JK factory hardtops

    Looks great! And matching camo print patterns everywhere! Ready for the runway. ;) I really like that the hi-lift is angled, so that it doesn't protrude above the roof of the Jeep. Mine sits straight up, so I have to remove it when I open my Tepui tent if it is configured to open toward the...
  5. MattJ

    New JKU Cargo System and Other Upgrades

    It's the Maximus-3 short platform (made by Rhino Rack, I think). I really like that it allows me to remove the freedom panels and has several side rail configurations. Plus, it comes with two side ladders that look really good when installed. Switching from hard to soft top is something I...
  6. MattJ

    New JKU Cargo System and Other Upgrades

    I exhibited my Jeep at at Scout event this weekend. There was some wind and rain in the forecast, but I couldn't stake the vestibule of my Tepui tent since I was near asphalt on that side of the vehicle. Then I realized I could use the ladder itself. So I figured I'd pass along this tip to...
  7. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Thanks. That's what I figured, and that's what we did. Certainly easier to let air out on the trail than add it!
  8. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    You mean end up at a higher psi? Stop at 15psi instead of 12psi when fully-loaded and heavy? The added weight on the tires increases the psi by itself, right? I'm trying to figure out how that factors in, if at all. Maybe psi is just psi and the weight load doesn't matter. If you like 12psi...
  9. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Thanks again to everyone for keeping this discussion going. I'll continue to post as I build experience and share what I learn. I did some technical trail driving this weekend in Vermont. The first couple days I rode along with some other drivers and on the third day I drove my own Jeep fully...
  10. MattJ

    Pressurize your Scepter Water Can

    Now I need to do some research on the pressure ratings of glued-on end caps. Just realized I won’t have threaded ends since I’m cutting a custom length. And I doubt 8-inch PVC is made with threaded ends anyway . . .
  11. MattJ

    Pressurize your Scepter Water Can

    Next thought: How about 8-inch PVC? I currently use it for fishing poles. Would need to switch to threaded ends and lock them on with PVC glue.
  12. MattJ

    Pressurize your Scepter Water Can

    Well, after purchasing, assembling an testing this concept, I'm going to consider it a failure. What did I learn? That pressurizing a container that was not made to withstand pressure is an uncomfortable pursuit. And that it takes a LOT of pressure to generate a moderately impressive stream...
  13. MattJ

    Night-Vision Lights Project

    I used the lenses this weekend at a Scout event. They worked great and took less than 1 minute to set up. I flooded a field with deep red light for a game of Capture the Flag that had been re-worked into Martians versus Aliens (hence the red light). The Scouts loved it!
  14. MattJ

    Pressurize your Scepter Water Can

    I decided to build all of the components into a single cap. 20psi safety release valve and 3/8" hose barbs, which is the right size for a nice shower spray, I've learned. I'm just waiting for the schrader valves to arrive on the slow boat from China. I didn't notice the shipping time was four...
  15. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Thanks everyone for contributing to my bump on this thread. Rooftop tents are even more popular now than when this post started five years ago. I really appreciate all the input on each specific topic and question I put to the group. I wanted to also mention that I recently upgraded my rear...
  16. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Yeah - that's what I was taught. Both hands on wheel, thumbs outside, stay neutral to the seat, not the ground. But in that position it really feels much harder to steer with as much control since the wheel is holding more of my bodyweight (even though it shouldn't be). I guess I need some...
  17. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    The fella with the camera in the foreground also caught my eye, since it takes a full three seconds for him to react to the flop. Presumably he was filming the whole thing and wanted to make sure he got a steady shot of the entire thing? I am VERY careful about making sure everything inside...
  18. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Thanks for sharing those. The first one . . . well, no comment. I'm sure it's all been said in the YouTube comments. On the second one, it looks like there was plenty of room to get the front end pointed down the slope a bit more (driver side) since the trail was nice and wide, but maybe...
  19. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Does anyone have experience with a clinometer app that they want to share? I've always wondered how easy they are to install (presumably a Bluetooth link with the OBD port) and how accurate they are (that is, can they really help pinpoint when a situation is uncomfortable but safe versus...
  20. MattJ

    Traversing difficult terrain with a roof top tent

    Thanks - I agree that off-camber situations are uncomfortable. The picture in my avatar is a memorial to one time when I nearly flopped. It made me realize that missing your desired line by just a few inches can have a major impact when you are navigating obstacles off-camber. I have a...
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