Made the Leap - 2012 AEV Built JK Unlimited Rubicon
- Thread starter hollaback55
- Start date
hollaback55
Explorer
yeah the hemi was really nice, just expensive
Rubicon08: the extinguisher I'm using is the 2.5 model. it fits great and holds enough to take care of most situations.
Rubicon08: the extinguisher I'm using is the 2.5 model. it fits great and holds enough to take care of most situations.
hollaback55
Explorer
AEV Cordura Seat Covers Install & Review
Having dogs in my previous jeep caused quite a bit of wear and tear on the seats, and interior surfaces. Bull Terriers tend to be quite ferocious chewers when they are puppies and like to test and taste interior car parts
Suffice to say I needed some interior protection when I picked up my new 2012 AEV JKUR. I knew I wanted seat covers but I also knew that most on the market would not fit my needs: Durable, Good looking, tough, stain and water resistant, and quality fit and finish. The choice IMO was quite simple; Escape Gear Seat covers or AEV cordura seat covers. I went with AEV mainly because they were available now and could be ordered in black to match my interior. I actually liked the Escape Gear seat covers more but I needed something now and wasn't sure they would be ready for a few months.
Positives:
1. Great Fit and finish. They appear baggy in pictures but when you actually install them they contour perfectly to the seats and hold their position quite well. I have not adjusted these since the initial install so the pics below are just from initial fitment. Will take new pics after adjustment this weekend.
2. Soft to touch. Ok so not super soft but much softer than I thought they would be. I regularly wear slacks and jackets to work and they aren't abrasive at all.
3. Easy to install. Not much needed here
4. Doesn't retain pet hair, can brush it right off or vacuum it out no problem
5. Factory seat heaters work exactly as before. no loss of heat due to cover being on
Negatives:
1. I hated the way they attach. The velcro straps are way too long and there are too many straps to connect. These seat covers have 2 front to back, 2 on each side just for the bottom. This causes a "where do I attach this velcro strap" dilemma because there is only so much space that all of these straps are vying for. This could have been better thought out in my opinion. They do say to cut the velcro down but then you lose the leverage advantage of pulling on a long strap to get it tight.
2. Did I mention I hated the velcro attachments
Other than the velcro situation theses covers have been great so far. I didn't take too many pictures as its pretty self explanatory but they look great, feel great, and should do a great job of protecting my seats. I only wish they made a center rest pad protection piece as my dogs love to step on this and perch themselves up whenever they get a chance. Plus It would be a cool spot to stick a big buffalo.
Having dogs in my previous jeep caused quite a bit of wear and tear on the seats, and interior surfaces. Bull Terriers tend to be quite ferocious chewers when they are puppies and like to test and taste interior car parts
Suffice to say I needed some interior protection when I picked up my new 2012 AEV JKUR. I knew I wanted seat covers but I also knew that most on the market would not fit my needs: Durable, Good looking, tough, stain and water resistant, and quality fit and finish. The choice IMO was quite simple; Escape Gear Seat covers or AEV cordura seat covers. I went with AEV mainly because they were available now and could be ordered in black to match my interior. I actually liked the Escape Gear seat covers more but I needed something now and wasn't sure they would be ready for a few months.
Positives:
1. Great Fit and finish. They appear baggy in pictures but when you actually install them they contour perfectly to the seats and hold their position quite well. I have not adjusted these since the initial install so the pics below are just from initial fitment. Will take new pics after adjustment this weekend.
2. Soft to touch. Ok so not super soft but much softer than I thought they would be. I regularly wear slacks and jackets to work and they aren't abrasive at all.
3. Easy to install. Not much needed here
4. Doesn't retain pet hair, can brush it right off or vacuum it out no problem
5. Factory seat heaters work exactly as before. no loss of heat due to cover being on
Negatives:
1. I hated the way they attach. The velcro straps are way too long and there are too many straps to connect. These seat covers have 2 front to back, 2 on each side just for the bottom. This causes a "where do I attach this velcro strap" dilemma because there is only so much space that all of these straps are vying for. This could have been better thought out in my opinion. They do say to cut the velcro down but then you lose the leverage advantage of pulling on a long strap to get it tight.
2. Did I mention I hated the velcro attachments
Other than the velcro situation theses covers have been great so far. I didn't take too many pictures as its pretty self explanatory but they look great, feel great, and should do a great job of protecting my seats. I only wish they made a center rest pad protection piece as my dogs love to step on this and perch themselves up whenever they get a chance. Plus It would be a cool spot to stick a big buffalo.
Attachments
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hollaback55
Explorer
fitment issues
regarding the fitment of the covers:
I still need to re adjust them from the first install which I'll get to this weekend most likely. That will take care of some of the play you see on the side of the seat bottom I'm sure. I should have mentioned that in the previous post. The pictures are quite deceiving and can give a distorted sense of fitment. They really do fit quite well.
As for a durable cover that can withstand use and abuse and my bull terriers I think they are fantastic. For my particular needs there were only 2 options I could find and sadly the escape covers are still unavailable.
I'll post some pics after they have been re adjusted this weekend. then you'll have some before and after comparisons to make a judgement on.
regarding the fitment of the covers:
I still need to re adjust them from the first install which I'll get to this weekend most likely. That will take care of some of the play you see on the side of the seat bottom I'm sure. I should have mentioned that in the previous post. The pictures are quite deceiving and can give a distorted sense of fitment. They really do fit quite well.
As for a durable cover that can withstand use and abuse and my bull terriers I think they are fantastic. For my particular needs there were only 2 options I could find and sadly the escape covers are still unavailable.
I'll post some pics after they have been re adjusted this weekend. then you'll have some before and after comparisons to make a judgement on.
I love mine, until it snows. The won't melt the snow off the lens if the snow is somewhat wet and accumulates on the front of a rig while driving.
TreeTopFlyer
Adventurer
Yah, the drake mounts do rattle. I fixed mine with a two small pieces of electrical tape. The tolerances aren't tight enough. Had you looked at Trek Armor covers? Anyways, love the Tan. Just couldn't find one last year when I was ready to buy.
Kiddmen57
Supporting Sponsor
I never thought of that, that's a good point. Here in the desert it rare to get snow, but being that this is EXPO most of us will likely find ourselves in the white stuff on occasion. That is why I ordered heated front seats
hollaback55
Explorer
that is the one downside to the LED truck lites. I haven't had a chance to see how they do in snow yet, suppose to get some white stuff the next few days. I'll post up pics if/when it comes.
Trek armor covers were nice and had some great features. I especially like the molle attachment for the rear seat option. I went the AEV route due to preference and the cordura fabric. Plus, although AEV does not claim this, these covers can be used with side air bags. the stitching in the side seams is not as strong to allow for the airbag to deploy. Again this is not something they advertise as a feature but in talking with Dave H. they make them this way but don't advertise for liability reasons.
And yes Sahara Tan is an awesome color. I'm waiting to see how the new dune looks but have yet to see one in person.
Trek armor covers were nice and had some great features. I especially like the molle attachment for the rear seat option. I went the AEV route due to preference and the cordura fabric. Plus, although AEV does not claim this, these covers can be used with side air bags. the stitching in the side seams is not as strong to allow for the airbag to deploy. Again this is not something they advertise as a feature but in talking with Dave H. they make them this way but don't advertise for liability reasons.
And yes Sahara Tan is an awesome color. I'm waiting to see how the new dune looks but have yet to see one in person.
marshal
Burrito Enthusiast
They suck I hate mine specifically for that reason alone. As soon as I can afford to I'm doing an HID/projector conversion
hollaback55
Explorer
Yeah that has been the common complaint with these. We'll see how they do once the snow hits.
Cant wait to see the hid/projector setup. That's going to be an awesome setup. Post up pics as soon as you make the switch.
Cant wait to see the hid/projector setup. That's going to be an awesome setup. Post up pics as soon as you make the switch.
hollaback55
Explorer
no not yet, planning on doing some jeep mods saturday and sunday.
1. oil change
2. tighten covers, show fit after being broken in for a week or so
3. install HotHeads Headliner Kit, its been sitting in my office for a week :ylsmoke:
4. install rear seat covers, finally arrived after being back ordered
5. install black water tank cap (dont know why AEV ever sold white originally)
still waiting on my Baja Designs squadrons to come back. Sent them in for new lenses and rubber gaskets. This is why IMO it is so important to deal with reputable companies. These lights are awesome, throw amazing light and can take a beating. Some water got behind 1 of the lenses, no questions asked just send it in for warranty repairs. Love their products and their customer service. Top notch
1. oil change
2. tighten covers, show fit after being broken in for a week or so
3. install HotHeads Headliner Kit, its been sitting in my office for a week :ylsmoke:
4. install rear seat covers, finally arrived after being back ordered
5. install black water tank cap (dont know why AEV ever sold white originally)
still waiting on my Baja Designs squadrons to come back. Sent them in for new lenses and rubber gaskets. This is why IMO it is so important to deal with reputable companies. These lights are awesome, throw amazing light and can take a beating. Some water got behind 1 of the lenses, no questions asked just send it in for warranty repairs. Love their products and their customer service. Top notch