Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
The solar setup worked flawlessly. I was away from the vehicle for 4 days and the jeep started up easily.
2013 10th Anniversary JKUR Build
- Thread starter Johnnyenglish
- Start date
The solar setup worked flawlessly. I was away from the vehicle for 4 days and the jeep started up easily.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Sweet! Very glad to read this. :victory:
Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
I was able to use the stock battery tray with some minor modifications. I'll post pictures later showing the changes.
Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
Thyrepljkg
I've had two RTTs now. My first one was a Tepui Kukenam. A solid tent. They claim it's a 3 person tent... but unless the other two people are hot chicks, its really only a 2 person tent. Setup and take down were fairly quick and painless. However I didn't like that it extended outside of my vehicles footprint. I found myself on several occasions not being willing to use it on the side of a highway or rest stop due to being uncomfortable with that (even when there was room so that the overhang was away from traffic or over the ditch or something (this is up north where it's very remote and completely acceptable to camp on the side of the highway and in rest area's). Other than that I like it. The only thing I didn't really like was that if you didn't pack it right you'd get it all folded up and it was only once you started to put the cover on that you'd realize that, and then have to open it back up and either remove stuff or repack it.
My second RTT was a James Baroud Escape. It's a lot smaller. They say a 2 person tent... but you'd better really like the other person - aka your significant other or a hot chick. But I find that it's perfect for me and the occasional friend that's come camping with me. I love the hard shell tent and that it fits within the foot print of my trailer. I like the fact that it seems to have more interior space for bedding. I have an extra mattress in there, as well as my bedding and a couple pillows. That in the Kukenam, would make it tight, but this closes with ease. I also love the fact that it goes up in seconds (30/45 from start to finish), and goes down almost as fast (60/120 depending on how good you are with it). This is great when it's pissing rain and you're just looking to break camp. Also has a solar powered fan and numerous window options to allow for great ventilation (a lot better than the Kukenam). Great tent and I have no regrets on buying it - even with the $5100 CND price tag after paying duty, the exchange rate, and shipping to northern Canada last summer.
After I used mine for the first time last summer, I stuffed it back in the ziplock bag, then bungied it to my can holder. Not ideal, but it stayed there and meant that the smelly hose didn't have to come into the cab or in my trailer box.
Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
Super Siphon
I did the same thing on this trip. I bungied it to the back of the AEV gas can so it sat between the can and the rear window.
I did the same thing on this trip. I bungied it to the back of the AEV gas can so it sat between the can and the rear window.
Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
M101A3 Trailer
I'm starting a new project. I picked up a M101A3 off craigslist. As you'll see from the pictures I'll need to sandblast and powdercoat it to deal with the surface rust, however, there are no major rust issues and the previous owner installed a max coupler. I'm planning on:
- replacing the heavy axle and 37" run flats with a #3500 axle with electric brakes and matching wheels and tires;
- adding a rack for my CVT RTT;
- battery/solar;
- tongue box for the battery and electrical (maybe my fridge as well depending on which way I go with the top).
- water storage and demand pump for shower and washing dishes.
Any other mods I should consider? I'm debating whether to do a hard top or bows/tarp. I want to make sure I keep it as light as possible. If anyone is looking for a M101A3 axle and or 37" run flats in SoCal let me know.
I'm starting a new project. I picked up a M101A3 off craigslist. As you'll see from the pictures I'll need to sandblast and powdercoat it to deal with the surface rust, however, there are no major rust issues and the previous owner installed a max coupler. I'm planning on:
- replacing the heavy axle and 37" run flats with a #3500 axle with electric brakes and matching wheels and tires;
- adding a rack for my CVT RTT;
- battery/solar;
- tongue box for the battery and electrical (maybe my fridge as well depending on which way I go with the top).
- water storage and demand pump for shower and washing dishes.
Any other mods I should consider? I'm debating whether to do a hard top or bows/tarp. I want to make sure I keep it as light as possible. If anyone is looking for a M101A3 axle and or 37" run flats in SoCal let me know.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Sounds pretty cool. :beer:
Any idea what the trailer box weighs?
I always thought a torsion axle setup with shocks would be pretty cool for an off road trailer.
Something along these lines:
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR35HDS02.html
Any idea what the trailer box weighs?
I always thought a torsion axle setup with shocks would be pretty cool for an off road trailer.
Something along these lines:
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR35HDS02.html
Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
The specs put the weight at 1,400# unloaded. Removing the surge brakes and pintle and replacing it with a max coupler probably saved 80#. I'm hoping to lose a couple hundred more with the axle/wheel/tire swap.
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Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
Those are really cool but they cost as much as the trailer...I haven't ruled them out, it would definitely reduce weight.
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Johnnyenglish
Adventurer
Trailer Progress
Finally made some progress on the trailer build. Added a rack for my CVT tent and bows for a tarp and something to give my Flycraft raft to ride on.
Finally made some progress on the trailer build. Added a rack for my CVT tent and bows for a tarp and something to give my Flycraft raft to ride on.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
The rack came out great! Aluminum sure saves a lot of weight. :beer: