Americas 2011 expedition - Need help/advice/opinion

[Vizoo]

A chip may not be a good idea if you have to put higher octane fuel in. It's not always available and just adds to the cost.

I don't get it, the chip does not require a higher octane fuel, on the contrary, it allows you to change the parameters of the ECU depending on the octane you are actually using... Am I wrong?

I would think you could ditch the generator and just add a second battery (which you should do anyway) and inverter.

I will have the second battery and the inverter, but don't plan to connect it to the car system, the generator will be used at night to suply the fridge, some light and specially to recharge the second battery, the phones, laptop, cameras, bicycle and I am considering build a micro 110v air conditioner. The generator is also a toy I've always wanted

 

[Vizoo]

Im going to have to cast my vote for the MBRP rack. It is modular so you can set it up for anything you want. Right now I have a tent and an awning mounted. It can be half length or full length, and they say it supports up to 1,000lbs.

I like the design of the MBRP, it is one of my favorites, tie with Gobi, mmm maybe Gobi is a nose ahead.

What is the size of your tent?

It supports 1k lbs? That is overkill. 600lbs (static) is more then enough, if it really can take all that load then it is probably heavier then it could.

 

[Vizoo]

My vote is AutoHome; I use a Maggiolina for close to 10 years now and just love their quality

This is the biggest they have and I would prefer a larger one.

I vote OME, always had good experience with their stuff.

I've heard always good things about it, but would you just go for a harder spring coil or also a lifted kit?

I saw the Smittybilt SRC bumper on a JK the other day and it really looked good. I have to say it's probably my favorite.

I like it too, and it doesn't look heavy, I don't know about their quality, any comments?

I like your bumper design, but I personally would go with just one spare tire and using the other side to carry your fuel.

I am starting to think like you... too bad because having those double tires would be the collest think on the rig :Wow1:

 

[Vizoo]

look into the AEV/Nth Degree "Frequency-Tuned" progressive springs.

Noted, thanks!

Sounds like an amazing adventure. I always loved back country road trips with my dad.

Why don't you join us in part of the way?

 

[yubert]

Regarding the "air jack", you might also want to consider the Titan Air Jack. See links below.

http://www.airjackusa.com/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10029912-1.html


Another option is a combination "bottle jack/jack stand" as shown in the links below.

http://www.alltradetools.com/catalo...-3-ton-all-in-one-bottle-jack-jack-stand.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhjVX6HogN0"]YouTube - Powerbuilt 3 Ton All-in-One Bottle Jack Jackstand[/ame]

 

[Vizoo]

Regarding the "air jack", you might also want to consider the Titan Air Jack.
Another option is a combination "bottle jack/jack stand" as shown in the links below.

Price is very attractive, have you info about the quality/durability? Have you or others readers here had any experience with it?

 

[Eric S.]

I don't get it, the chip does not require a higher octane fuel, on the contrary, it allows you to change the parameters of the ECU depending on the octane you are actually using... Am I wrong?

Some chips you can adjust others are just set to give more power and are non-adjustable. Just thought I would mention it in case it didn't cross your mind.

 

[leaffreux]

You may consider:
Wavebox 12v Microwave
Buy at most T/A truck stops.
Mine comes in real handy
:smiley_drive:

 

[Vizoo]

Some chips you can adjust others are just set to give more power and are non-adjustable. Just thought I would mention it in case it didn't cross your mind.

Thanks, all the ones I've been considering are programable.

 

[Vizoo]

You may consider:
Wavebox 12v Microwave
Buy at most T/A truck stops.
Mine comes in real handy
:smiley_drive:

Nice tip, I was looking for something like it. What does "T/A" means?

 

[leaffreux]

T/A means Trans America Truck Stops
:smiley_drive:

 

[XXXpedition]

kaymar has bumpers with dual spare tires for different brands - not sure if they do for the jk, but might be worth checking into...

 

[UK4X4]

Your listing many things to buy, shipping to Brazil won't be cheap !

When I lived in venezuela there was a business in every town that fabbed up racks bumpers and tire carriers, basicly bring in your dwg and they'd make it.

So here's my input

front bumber choose a design, have it made locally 300usd saved on shipping

Rear bumber choose a design, have it made locally 300usd saved on shipping

Water tank idea - nice but too much weight in the rear, get two tanks made locally to fit in the rear footwells, or just make a rack for two jerry cans.

Weight is best kept centered and low in the vehicle.

RTT depending on what direction you head in there are 3 manufacturers of RTT's in venezuela, save on shipping and go there first !

Lights hellas are fine

winch pully get the ARB safety and function

Single spare tire, get a pump and repair kit, there are rodaside shacks all over latin america for tire repairs.......even fixed one of mine with a bullet hole in it !

Fridge, shipping again will kill you- money no object, I lust over Nat luna's 52 ltr weekender, a waeco compressor fridge will work, but won't be as trendy !

Suspension, get a small lift with spring rates to match your expected load
2-3 " will be sufficient to help in clearance and not too high to induce rolling.
OME is a good well trusted company

leave the generator at home, uprate your alternator if required - seperate your starting battery at night - connect both while driving, charge all electrics during the day while driving.

use LED lamps they are way more economical and don't attract insects ! a big plus

Rack you need a flat part to fit the RTT, multiple mounting points required !

again you could have made locally.

mines made out of galvanised electrical conduit........made in my garage.

Weight kills vehicles off road, the lighter you are the less stress on everything.

 

[Vizoo]

kaymar has bumpers with dual spare tires for different brands - not sure if they do for the jk, but might be worth checking into...

I did, not to the JK...

 

[Vizoo]

Your listing many things to buy, shipping to Brazil won't be cheap !

Not shipping to Brazil, I've bought the JK in Texas and had it towed to Miami, will fly there next week to get it from the dealer. Miami will be the starting point. If you want to check the route, the link for the expedition main page is here.

> basicly bring in your dwg and they'd make it.

Sorry, I don't get it... Take the JK to Venezuela to do the bumpers?

> Water tank idea - nice but too much weight in the rear, get two tanks made locally to fit in the rear footwells,

But that would increase even more the weight, I will add the weight of the tank to the equation...

> RTT depending on what direction you head in there are 3 manufacturers of RTT's in venezuela, save on shipping and go there first !

Man, the car is in Miami...

> winch pully get the ARB safety and function

Yes, vast majority said the same.

> a waeco compressor fridge will work, but won't be as trendy !

I think I will go with the CD-30.

Suspension, (...) OME is a good well trusted company

Agreed, but now reconsidering the trailer and avoiding all that suspension trouble.

> leave the generator at home

No, that is a toy that I always wanted. And I still think that it will be much simpler (and redundant) if I keep the second battery separated and recharge at night with the generator (there are also the batteries from the bikes) then to upgrade the alternator (and have to get rid of the "old" one), isolate the second battery, connect while driving, isolate etc.

> use LED lamps they are way more economical and don't attract insects ! a big plus

Yes, inside the tent and the car. But I decided is to much money to put LED as driving lights...

> Weight kills vehicles off road, the lighter you are the less stress on everything.

Indeed, next week I will see if I can find a shop to do a custom one in aluminum.

Thanks for the inputs!