JKU 10LB Propane Solution Leveraging AEV Corner Guards - Sneak Peak

[kb7our]

After looking at various threads and considering a lot of options for mounting a 10LB propane tank outside the Jeep, including the possibility of using the AEV shovel holder built into their rear tire carrier as an anchor point with a bar inserted to secure a propane mount (then wedge against spare tire), I decided to have one fabbed up utilizing the existing AEV left rear guard as a strong anchor point for a 1/8" steel plate bracket that mounts to it using existing and a few new holes and that mounts up to an aluminum tank bracket I acquired from AT. Here are a few rough pictures as a hint of what things look like minus powder coating and black hardware I'll eventually switch to. Probably will have both the mount and bracket powdered to match the AEV finish. The mount is sturdy such that if you pull on the mounted tank the Jeep moves NOT the mount. Also I can keep the tank there when using the slide out stove and Propex heater (mounted underneath the JK in an expanded trunk space). I also wanted to avoid putting more weight on the right side of the Jeep - there's already plenty there that a 1" coil spacer nearly accounts for. Mount also had to accomodate a future Habitat hard top - it's fairly easy to remove to get the top on if it won't fit over the mount during install. I just had this fabbed up today. Hard to tell but the tail light is completely in the clear and unblocked. Some more pics to follow in a few weeks when I get everything coated and also I'll take a few without the propane.

 

[JDaPP]

Would love all the details. Any concern about the bottle over the brake light and police interaction?

 

[kb7our]

Would love all the details. Any concern about the bottle over the brake light and police interaction?

Should be no issues as the tail light is completely visible.

 

[JPK]

I hae been trying to come up with a good mounting option outside of the Jeep too. Your solution looks great.

I'm guessing that a rear window of a hard top would clear the tank and rack?

Thanks, and congrats on a well thought out solution.

JPK

 

[jrueppel]

This is really cool solution. Definitely would like to see more pics once you've got it all put together. Any ball park on total cost and if your fabricator would put a couple more together?

 

[JPK]

This is really cool solution. Definitely would like to see more pics once you've got it all put together. Any ball park on total cost and if your fabricator would put a couple more together?

Yea, I'd commit to one.

 

[kb7our]

I hae been trying to come up with a good mounting option outside of the Jeep too. Your solution looks great.

I'm guessing that a rear window of a hard top would clear the tank and rack?

Thanks, and congrats on a well thought out solution.

JPK

I must give credit to Ian at RPM on University in Tempe, AZ. I talked to him about what I wanted and we examined the quarter panel and shovel mount locations. The AEV corner guard pretty much sealed the deal since that's already 1/8" plate and adds much to the sturdiness of the mount. The corner also makes hose feed to my stove and under the JK to the heater a simple task. I asked him to come up wtih something that flows with the AEV components I have on the JK, which are many. I was clear how picky I am about quality work. Three of the existing rivnut holes are used plus 3 more drilled out the same size - I need to get 3 replacement black bolts from AEV to match everything up. Off to the powder coaters in a week or two for a match to the AEV texture. I do have their spray paint but I don't think I'm going to rattle can this one. Since the fab is an original it was a bit pricey (think AEV corner guard price) but maybe Ian could duplicate for less - no idea about this. Keep in mind I provided my own holder (from AT). I am 90+ % certain with the spacing it has that it will work with the hard top as that was the mission, but since I don't have mine yet (AT Habitat) I think things are going to work just fine. I'll be 100% sure in a few months. Absolute worst case some very small spacers can extend the mount away from the body just a tad, but I don't think that's going to be needed. I'll post some close up spacing shots and a distant shot eventually since the current images kind of make the mount look huge from the distorted image, which it really isn't - I think it's an ideal fit for the JK and once made all purdy will look "AEV" like as an accessory. You guys with hard tops please take a look at close up pics I'll post eventually to see if you agree the mount will fit just fine with it. I'm a very happy camper and let me tell you I'm real picky about my stuff!

 

[kb7our]

Added some additional pics

Here are a few more...

 

[JPK]

Looks even better with the wider persective. I'm as positive as possible without actually trying it that the rear glass will clear.

I have a bunch of AEV stuff on my Jeep too, including corner gaurds. I just installed the AEV Hi-Lift/Pull Pal mount (sans Pull Pal) and I also have an AT tank rack on the way. The thought crossed my mind that I could mount the tank rack to the Hi-Lift and give that a try. The mount is very secure, pushing and pulling on the Hi-Lift rocks the whole Jeep. Might try that, at least until you give yours a try and report back!

JPK

 

[Martyn]

Elegant solution.

 

[kb7our]

Looks even better with the wider persective. I'm as positive as possible without actually trying it that the rear glass will clear.

I have a bunch of AEV stuff on my Jeep too, including corner gaurds. I just installed the AEV Hi-Lift/Pull Pal mount (sans Pull Pal) and I also have an AT tank rack on the way. The thought crossed my mind that I could mount the tank rack to the Hi-Lift and give that a try. The mount is very secure, pushing and pulling on the Hi-Lift rocks the whole Jeep. Might try that, at least until you give yours a try and report back!

JPK

JPK, this was another option I considered - borrowing from AEV's Hi-Lift mount in some way and mounting the tank there. I mounted my Hi-Lift inside across the top rear roll bar to keep it completely out of the way yet inside the Jeep (Jeepswag's mount is so simple yet perfect and under rated in my opinion). Then I decided I did not want any additional weight on the right side as you know there is plenty enough with the carrier, bumper, etc. on that right side and then when you open the gate. Plus I would have to extend the propane hose to get it over to the stove which for me is mounted on the left side. Good luck with what you have in mind (I even considered using the foot step of the AEV fuel caddy as a platform to help secure a tank on top which I think is another possibility to consider for such a long mount. Please share what you end up with!

 

[DingusKahn]

Nice job. It looks good and functional. Now if we just had our Habitats....

 

[JPK]

JPK, this was another option I considered - borrowing from AEV's Hi-Lift mount in some way and mounting the tank there. I mounted my Hi-Lift inside across the top rear roll bar to keep it completely out of the way yet inside the Jeep (Jeepswag's mount is so simple yet perfect and under rated in my opinion). Then I decided I did not want any additional weight on the right side as you know there is plenty enough with the carrier, bumper, etc. on that right side and then when you open the gate. Plus I would have to extend the propane hose to get it over to the stove which for me is mounted on the left side. Good luck with what you have in mind (I even considered using the foot step of the AEV fuel caddy as a partical platform to help secure a tank on top which I think is another possibility to consider for such a long mount. Please share what you end up with!

Will do when I give some options I've been thinking about a try. That'll be when I return from Easter Jeep Safari.

FYI, there ia a rack system that secrures to the spare tire with an HD ratchet strap that I think would make for a couple of options, and maybe an option for a (non-RotoPax) water tank too. The shelf rack is intended for eight gallons worth of RotoPax, which, including the tanks, would be about 75lbs. Also, maybe the side plates might work? Nothing as neat and clean as your mount, or elegant as Martyn put it, but maybe a couple of options. Here's a link: http://www.rockslideengineering.com...ntent&view=section&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=18

I'm not too worried about weight on the AEV carrier, especially since I don't have the AEV auxilliary fuel tank. (I do have an 18gal auxilliary tanks from Long Ranger that is installed on the opposite side of the rear DS across from the oem gas tank.) I'm thinking that for a temporary mount for those times I want the tank with me I can secure the AT bracket to the Hi-Lift with a couple of stanless bolts, fender washers and wing or nyloc nuts. Using the Hi-Lift would require removing the tank, but my Hi-Lift sees infrequent use - though when you need a Hi-Lift, you really need it! Might need a longer propane hose since my fridge and stove need to be mounted on the driver's side as well, but that isn't a big hurdle.

I carried my Hi-Lift at the rear of the top roll bar until I got the AEV bracket for it. It is a good place to store it, but when I'm done with the rear cargo area it would be hard to get to from the tailgate, and would probably only be removable from the rear seat. I'm going to end up with two levels of shelf in the rear, one pretty high.

FWIW, I have been thinking about an AEV tank, but for water, and modified with a spigot installed in the bottom passenger side. I need to figure out how and where to install a spigot and inspection/clean out port before I commit.

JPK

 

[kb7our]

Here's a new pic with the bracket removed to show the 3 additional matching bolts and how things look nearly back to normal. I should have the two parts back from the powder coaters next week. I'll post pics showing both parts and final install.

 

[kb7our]

Parts are all purdied up to match the AEV corner as close as possible...