fullofdays
Wondering Wanderer
If there was a shop doing AEV esque builds for Toyota, I'd be putting one next to my JK350. I'd love a 4runner or Tacoma fully outfitted.
AEV Jeep Conversions...
- Thread starter SSF556
- Start date
If there was a shop doing AEV esque builds for Toyota, I'd be putting one next to my JK350. I'd love a 4runner or Tacoma fully outfitted.
ryancrouch
New member
ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :drool: at the thought of a AEV prepped Tacoma!!!!!!!!!
Clutch
<---Pass
I am of the opinion that AEV items are expensive, but at the same time they are something that once you see in person they really do stand out compared to the competition. My AEV bumpers have smooth lines that I prefer the looks of over the angular looks of most other bumpers. AEV also has the best fitting corners out there and many other companies start with them to build their corners (PSC, GenRight). In addition the rear bumper gives overlanders many features that other comapnies haven't thought of, or been able to engineer (water tanks built into the bumper, using area behind spare for a shovel and gas).
While I would love to be able to afford a full conversion from AEV, I don't have that kind of money. At the same time I do have an appreciation for their products, and have bought many products from them to be able to get the same function and look.
While some people may argue abotu the weight, for a full width bumper the AEV is one of the stronger bumpers out there, but at the same time is fairly light for a full width. I could go with a stubby bumper, or even a luminum and probably save 50 pounds on each bumper, but at the same time what am I giving up with that 100 pound total weight savings? I am giving up some protection of the radiator, protection of the fenders, and other components that would be protected since an animal strike would be spread over a wider area as the animal is most likely to be pushed to the side of my Jeep past the wheels.
For some people animal strikes are of little concern, but from my 7 years living in Montana and driving through open range animals scare me on the road. I have come around a corner in the dark on a mountain pass doing the speed limit to find a cow sleeping in the middle of the road. I have also driven down the interstate and seen a moose casually stepping over the concrete divider between the sides of the road. I have seen people hit horses. These aren't the average deer strikes that I am trying to protect against, and I do still drive in Montana for at least a few weeks every year.
I would say that my requirements driving in the Northwest are different than someone driving in the Southwest. I am not looking for maximum approach angles, or the ability to drive through the desert at high rates of speed. I am simply looking to protect my Jeep for the areas I drive through both on-road, and off, while at the same time fitting the aesthetics that I prefer.
I look at AEV similar to the Apple products (Apple tax). Many people will comment that Apple products have a much higher retail price than other companies electronics. At the same time though Apple also tends to have a higher resale value than other electronics companies so once you have made the initial investment future upgrades are less painful. For example I bought an AEV bumper in 2008, and I just sold it to upgrade to the newer AEV front bumper with a bit more tire clearance. Most companies 5-6 year old bumpers have little value (maybe $200-$300) however I ended up only losing a few hundred dollars compared to when I bought the bumper 6 years ago. This higher resale value means I can upgrade to the newer AEV style without it being as painful as if I had gone with another manufacturer the first time around.
I have also read the comments about weight, and to be honest the Jeep JK wasn't designed to carry a lot of weight. Based on the GVWR if I had a family of four and went shopping at the mall and Costco I could easilly be over the GVWR. For overland and expedition use I think that the best way to get around this on the JK would be to use a trailer. For some this may be impractical, or not the way they would want to use their Jeep, and that is fine. At the same time once you start to fit a kitchen (fridge and stove slider from Adventure Trailers,) there isn't a lot of room behind the seats for cargo.
While I would love to be able to afford a full conversion from AEV, I don't have that kind of money. At the same time I do have an appreciation for their products, and have bought many products from them to be able to get the same function and look.
While some people may argue abotu the weight, for a full width bumper the AEV is one of the stronger bumpers out there, but at the same time is fairly light for a full width. I could go with a stubby bumper, or even a luminum and probably save 50 pounds on each bumper, but at the same time what am I giving up with that 100 pound total weight savings? I am giving up some protection of the radiator, protection of the fenders, and other components that would be protected since an animal strike would be spread over a wider area as the animal is most likely to be pushed to the side of my Jeep past the wheels.
For some people animal strikes are of little concern, but from my 7 years living in Montana and driving through open range animals scare me on the road. I have come around a corner in the dark on a mountain pass doing the speed limit to find a cow sleeping in the middle of the road. I have also driven down the interstate and seen a moose casually stepping over the concrete divider between the sides of the road. I have seen people hit horses. These aren't the average deer strikes that I am trying to protect against, and I do still drive in Montana for at least a few weeks every year.
I would say that my requirements driving in the Northwest are different than someone driving in the Southwest. I am not looking for maximum approach angles, or the ability to drive through the desert at high rates of speed. I am simply looking to protect my Jeep for the areas I drive through both on-road, and off, while at the same time fitting the aesthetics that I prefer.
I look at AEV similar to the Apple products (Apple tax). Many people will comment that Apple products have a much higher retail price than other companies electronics. At the same time though Apple also tends to have a higher resale value than other electronics companies so once you have made the initial investment future upgrades are less painful. For example I bought an AEV bumper in 2008, and I just sold it to upgrade to the newer AEV front bumper with a bit more tire clearance. Most companies 5-6 year old bumpers have little value (maybe $200-$300) however I ended up only losing a few hundred dollars compared to when I bought the bumper 6 years ago. This higher resale value means I can upgrade to the newer AEV style without it being as painful as if I had gone with another manufacturer the first time around.
I have also read the comments about weight, and to be honest the Jeep JK wasn't designed to carry a lot of weight. Based on the GVWR if I had a family of four and went shopping at the mall and Costco I could easilly be over the GVWR. For overland and expedition use I think that the best way to get around this on the JK would be to use a trailer. For some this may be impractical, or not the way they would want to use their Jeep, and that is fine. At the same time once you start to fit a kitchen (fridge and stove slider from Adventure Trailers,) there isn't a lot of room behind the seats for cargo.
Well I have to agree with the above. Towing capacities are generally fine for trailers; I wouldn't want to do much highway driving with any 2 door and a trailer though. But the weight is a problem when it comes to trying to take 4 people or add on too much. A lot of people don't recognise it and don't want to talk about it. Honestly if I was needing something to carry 4 for overland use the toyota 4 Runner is about the best I could see when I was looking, I think something like 1500lbs payload. Once you even everything out with fuel economy and equivalent driving range the 4 runner even beats a land cruiser...
Look at it this way. The CJ5, 7, YJ, TJ, and JK are really only good for expedition use with 2 passengers. As a result the remaining payload after passengers is higher... With a JKU even with only two passengers that leaves a lot of space. And to fill up all the space will most likely take you over the GVWR. Notice the Kaiser CJ5 has a much higher payload because the vehicle is lighter, lighter engine, less accessories, etc. What can you do to lighten yours? Skip out a bit on some of the really nice to have and not so much needed items. Think about it as in if you just say that at night you will drive slower than normal. Can save weight on bumpers and extra lights.
Mine is a CJ8 with 1200lbs payload capacity from stock. For example I have pulled a lot out of my vehicle and have decided against adding a lot. No big bumper with bull bars (eventually be an aluminium bumper...), minimal skids, sliders/nerf bars coming off, dash pad out, no centre console, no heater, no AC, sticking with the 258 engine - maybe eventually going to an aluminium block chevy v6... I don't carry a fridge, just plan meals that don't require it (you will be surprised how resilient fresh vegetables and fruits are from your local farmers market), dried foods, biltong, pepperoni, salami, hard cheese... All last surprisingly well. No fancy roof top tent or big camp chairs. No table. I use the tailgate as a table and chair, sleep under the stars or in a 4lb 2man backpacking tent, no air mattress just a light foam pad, stove is from my mountaineering days and runs off most any liquid fuel. Storage is duffles I can easily haul around re organise, etc...
Search this in google "exceeding gvwr insurance".
aristobrat
Observer
Nothing (on the first five pages of results) links to anyone who has had a personal experience regarding insurance and exceeding gvwr.
406to417
Explorer
We're finally at a point where Brutes are going down in price thanks to the Gladiator.You think a DOKA is going to depreciate 50% anytime soon?
I would still prefer a Brute but if you're rear ended in a Gladiator you can easily find a bed, not so much with a Brute.
Dan Grec
Expedition Leader
Not to mention it's the only aftermarket bumper that is fully crash tested to OEM standards, including all the air bag requirements.
THAT takes an insane amount of time and money, including destroying multiple brand new Jeeps.
When it comes to my life and that of my family, I have no interest in bolting a chunk of steel on the front in the critical crumple zone that someone just welded together and said "That'll do".
-Dan
AggieOE
Trying to escape the city
Aside from parts, this is why I try to really think through modifications and their impact on driving dynamics. Putting my wife and toddler in an obnoxiously lifted Jeep-induced rollover incident would be unbearable. I trust AEV parts - suspensions and bumpers. As Dan mentioned, the amount of engineering that goes into testing is well worth the cost to me. As an engineer, I understand the effort. As a parent, I appreciate it.
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