Made the Leap - 2012 AEV Built JK Unlimited Rubicon

[hollaback55]

that sounds like a great start. any idea on when they will be available after the SEMA showing? I'm most likely going to wait to see whats available and then make a decision. I've narrowed the racks down to either Gobi Stealth with no snorkel or the AEV without the side rails. That way I can still fit a snorkel and be good to go. Wish list for the Rhino/AEV rack would be

1. support for hannibal awning mount
2. direct attachment for snowboard/ski racks


I took some pics of the exhaust modifications AEV does to their jeeps in case anyone was wondering how they handle the driveshaft/exhaust packaging issue with the 3.5 lift. the exhaust mod doesn't affect clearance at all as it is even with the front cross member. it is vulnerable however to rocks and ledges so I'm looking into a skid plate system that will protect the entire area.

 

[thetanningman]

hollaback55, Did you see the FRONT RUNNER SLIMLINE II HALF RACK / EXTREME /JEEP WRANGLER JK - 5 DOOR, part #KRJW015T, that mounts through the top and to the roll bar? It looks to be about the same size maybe a bit smaller than the AEV rack. BTW my friend Dave is still kicking himself for not buying your LJ.

 

[fullofdays]

i heard spring but not sure if that Aussie spring or yank spring

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[hollaback55]

thanks for the info, i'm gonna check the frontrunner setup tonight. I really like the frontrunner stuff just hate the way the front looks with their attachments to the windshield.

he definitely missed out on a great jeep. if you had the cajones to put it to the floor it would just fly. I went past a trooper one time at 110 and he looked astonished, think he even spilled his coffee. I was off the next exit so not sure. best thing about her was the factory like ride and systems integration. You never felt like it was a put together vehicle, everything worked as it should, it drove like it should, and never once let me down or left me stranded. That jeep had literally 60K worth of mods done (not including labor) and was worth every penny.

With all that said, I'd still take my new 2012 AEV JKUR every time. It fits the growing family perfectly and has many more creature comforts that I use every single day.

 

[hollaback55]

So after initial fitment of the seat covers I cinched them down again 2 weeks ago. I've put roughly 1,000 miles on the jeep then and took some more photos to show what the fitment looks like after some use.

Couple quick notes

1. The covers are great if you have dogs, they really protect well and clean up easily
2. They are not abrasive to clothing or touch
3. The rear seat back covers fit a bit loose. They do not flap around at all but it is hard to cinch on them the way the velcro attachments are designed
4. The front seat back covers start to mold into the seat seams at the edges (pictures will show this
5. Seat heaters not affected. Heat output felt is the same

 

[will]

I think for roughly the same price you can get the Trek Armor seat covers. They appear to be of higher quality and better fitment, and add the ability of storing items on the side and back. I don't like the Trek Armor logo being so prominent though. Nothing a sharpie can't cover up.

 

[hollaback55]

Trek armor makes some great covers as well. I like the zippered pockets feature and the molle webbing. Pricing is about the same so that's a wash. For me, I prefer the cordura material. Having an exact fit like a neoprene cover wasn't the top concern for me. Durability, classic design, and availability were at the top of my list. The one cover I wish was available are the escape gear ones; they however are back ordered and cost a bit more I believe.

 

[hollaback55]

TNT Sliders Ordered

TNT sliders ordered. Should be here in a 2 weeks. Cant wait to put these bad boys on. Sold the stock sliders to a local gentleman and got these from Northridge with free shipping so they weren't too much of a hit on the wallet.

Also scored a used AEV fuel caddy in black. Should be here in a few days.

 

[stuggin]

Have you checked out the MBRP rack? It fits to the hardtop only so removal is a breeze, and you'll still be able to run a snorkel. I don't know if they have an official lbs rating for it but it's strong enough to fit seven grown men on top when stationary. Probably what I'm going with for my RTT.

I looked at the Gobi, the OUT4x4, the AEV and the Frontrunner as well, but ultimately the MBRP is the best combination of capability and value.

 

[hollaback55]

I did look at the MRBP rack but I'd rather have mine bolted directly to the roll bar.

I've spoken with Steve at frontrunner and got some good info on the half slimline rack for the JK. I can make it up to 66" long, they normally come in a 54"length. that will add 2 slats to the traditional 7 slat layout and give me a total of 9. At this length I would have 14" of overhang from the front roll bar mount to the front edge of the rack. He said that this shouldn't be an issue but to make sure I dont load super heavy items on this 14" section. AEV's rack is 79" long and their mounting leg is limited by the freedom panels so they would have close to 25" of overhand from the front mounting bracket to the front edge of the rack I believe. Could be wrong but would somebody with an AEV rack measure and check to verify? I'm just checking with Steve that the frontrunner will accept an EEZI AWN awning mount so I can go with the upcoming Manta awning.

I also think I'm going to go with their interior rack setup to split my rear cargo storage into 2 sections. This allows me to mount my Frontrunner water tank on the upper level along with some soft bags and my wolf boxes and fridge on the lower level without having to re-arrange every time I need something out of the jeep.

 

[fullofdays]

ill measure my aev/rhino rack tonight.

I like the frontrunner setup in the rear as a lowfi storage solution. remember that you want the water as low to the axles as possible....


Your needs will change once your Moby1 is in the picture and the frontrunner storage allows for this easier than a custom drawer setup out back..

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[fullofdays]

its 23.5 inches from the front mounting bolt on the roll bar to the front of the roof rack on the AEV/RHINO PIONEER rack.

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[hollaback55]

was there any mention in the instructions to not load this front section that overhangs the mounting bolt from AEV?

I wouldn't plan to put water cans or gas cans up there just a kayak so the additional length would help in that matter.

 

[fullofdays]

large items is what the rack was designed for.



the AEV RHINO rack is made to accept fitments for a kayak and lashing points.

http://aev-conversions.com/isheets/Roof Rack AEV30209AA.pdf

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[Portal_Old]

Amazing Jeep