Expedition TrailBlazer Project

[JamesDowning]

Looks like a clean install. Should also help alot with the temps...

Is the fan temperature switched?

I did not put it on a thermostat. I have a gauge that I monitor rather frequently that shows the actual trans and coolant temps. If things start heating up too much I'll just flip the switch.

I'd be worried about it getting pelted with gravel. If a coil tube takes a direct hit from say the sharp edge of a 3/4" rock, It could puncture the tube What about installing a sturdy tight fitting mesh screen? Or even a solid piece of sheet metal designed as a sort of air scoop to collect the air from the front bumper area and thus avoid the stones as well as mud-cake?

Great add-on though, especially for anyone towing or climbing a lot of hills. Hope it works well for you!

Thanks for the comments. As for the rock, I really don't think I have anything to worry about. The only way a rock could land a direct shot on the cooler is if the wheel is at full left lock. That's about a 20' diameter turn I'd be doing. I can't imagine shooting many rocks off the tire at that low of a speed. But you're right, another concern. However I really think the location is relatively safe, compared to the other option, which would have been under the vehicle.

 

[drbandkgb]

This is an amazing build.. I love that you have had zero support for this and you built it all! I have seen many rigs but this is one of the 10 ten EVER!

WOW!

 

[JamesDowning]

I was out finalizing the trip preparations on the tent. Hit it with some extra water proofer and packed all the bedding in, testing the lighting. I had the awning setup, too. Didn't rustle at all in the 10mph gusts we had. Not that that's saying much.

 

[rxm6]

Didn't rustle at all in the 10mph gusts we had. Not that that's saying much.

Yeah it is. You made it and it looks store-bought. If I made a tent, a blow dryer would probably take it down.

By the way, this is an amazing build and you've peppered my mind with thoughts for my own build. Keep up the good work.

 

[srodocker]

wow what a great build! read the entire thread. amazing craftmanship!

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Had not seen your tranny cooler install before. Well Done. Did you find yourself using it much on the big trip?

 

[JamesDowning]

I definitely had to use it. Needed mainly during long higher speed climbs. During those climbs, both trans and engine temps shoot up. The cooler brings temps down a good 20 degrees at least. I tested a hill without the cooler fan on, and trans temps shot up to 240 before I engaged the fan. On a similar hill with the fan on, the temps didn't go above 220.

Also, due to the additional wind resistance of the tent, the trans tends to unlock the TC lock a good bit, and therefore generates a good bit of heat. The cooler allows the trans temps to stay around 210-220 in places like Kansas (long steady climb at high speeds).

 

[JamesDowning]

Just a couple follow up pictures of the kitchen setup:

 

[Blain]

Looking good! Can you post some more pictures of the rear swing arm on the rear bumper? really like the set up you have

 

[JamesDowning]

What are you looking for details on, in particular?

 

[Blain]

Showing how the white table is attached, or if it folds down? Really like the idea, and it looks like the grill is on it's own stand?

 

[JamesDowning]

Here's a link to the post where the details are:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ition-TrailBlazer-Project?p=862540#post862540

It is not a permanent item. Since we use it to cut directly on, I didn't want it to be stored outside the vehicle in the dust. Also, the way it's set up currently, the Hi-lift is to tight to the tailgate... no room to store a table.

It is a strong setup, here's a recent picture with my entire storage chest sitting on it:

You're right, the grill itself is on a folding stand. This allows us to have some flexibility, and also means the stove doesn't take up valuable table space.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

[NC_IslandRunner]

That pic looks familiar?:sombrero:

 

[Blain]

Awesome man, thanks for the link! When I finally get around to doing the bumper, I'm definitely going to use this somehow.

 

[JamesDowning]

I have wanted to follow up this thread with a video of me setting up the homemade roof top tent.

A few weekends ago I finally set up the tripod and was able to time myself. Right at 4 minutes... half of that time was taking off the cover... anyways, here it is:


Here's a link to some more pictures of that trip: http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ashington-NF-Group-Trip-During-the-Nor-easter