Main Line Overland JK Build Thread
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Main Line Overland
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BenHedrick
Adventurer
Are you running solar panels in your Gobi?
Main Line Overland
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Yep :bike_rider: I run a pair of Goal Zero Boulder 30's that are linked together and then power a Goal Zero Power Pack, I also can run them to the batteries to keep them on charge when I am parked for multiple days in the bush haha! We sell Goal Zero products and do installs for customers.
BenHedrick
Adventurer
Very cool. I am looking at running a similar setup on my next JK build. Thanks!
Main Line Overland
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That was along Negro Hollow Road, not far off of RT45. It had rained the night before which allowed the water hole to get a little more full.
Main Line Overland
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Here is the entry from earlier in my build thread. Coming up on 2 years later, the panels are still functioning properly, stainless hardware and brushed aluminum look good as new. I power both a power pack and I have a Goal Zero kit to connect the panels to my dual batteries for charging while parked for long periods on trips.
Along with the offroad parts we carry, we also carry a number of camping related brands, including Nemo Equipment, and Goal Zero solar solutions. Not long ago we posted that we had gotten some Goal Zero Gear in, and we finished installing it on our Jeep JK last night again in preparation for our trip west. We wanted to have equipment to power our computers, phones, camera equipment and other gizmos while we were in the backcountry without putting too much stress on our vehicle batteries, which will already be powering on-board fridges and other accessories throughout the trip. Solar was the best solution, and Goal Zero had just the products we were looking for.
With the open Gobi Roof Rack space in front of our Eezi-Awn Rooftop tent, we were able to mount 2 Goal Zero Boulder 30 Solar panels which are linked together and will recharge our Goal Zero Extreme 350 portable solar power storage unit.
We used all stainless steel hardware, and 1" angle aluminum to mount the panels. Here are a few shots of the solar panels mounted to the rack.
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How do you connect them to the batteries?
Main Line Overland
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Again Goal Zero makes a kit you can buy that links their solar panels to your car battery.
great thread and jeep!
i started building up an all white 2012 JKUR a couple of years ago as well after falling in love with the JK overland rig. its essentially complete other than adding some skids and eventually a roofrack.
currently i am running AEV pintlers with the 35" BFG KM2's but have been debating over the past 2 years about switching to the steel mopar winter wheels and painting them white as well. i have been nervous about the added weight as well as the need to run spacers especially since this is my daily driver and one day a week it makes a 200 mile roundtrip. if i switch the wheels, i plan to switch to BFG TAKO's as well.
that being said, how have your wheels held up? any handling issues? would you do it again? also, did you need a spacer for the spare tire on the AEV carrier? thanks in advance!
i started building up an all white 2012 JKUR a couple of years ago as well after falling in love with the JK overland rig. its essentially complete other than adding some skids and eventually a roofrack.
currently i am running AEV pintlers with the 35" BFG KM2's but have been debating over the past 2 years about switching to the steel mopar winter wheels and painting them white as well. i have been nervous about the added weight as well as the need to run spacers especially since this is my daily driver and one day a week it makes a 200 mile roundtrip. if i switch the wheels, i plan to switch to BFG TAKO's as well.
that being said, how have your wheels held up? any handling issues? would you do it again? also, did you need a spacer for the spare tire on the AEV carrier? thanks in advance!
Main Line Overland
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The Mopar Winter wheels have performed well for our JK. They are a cheap durable option. I have personally witnessed a number of aluminum wheels bend or even break (an AEV Pinterler actually) while off-road, compromising the retention of air pressure. That is not to say a steel wheel is the perfect option, keeping in mind that weight is an issue, but they have not failed us off-road, and inspire a little more confidence knowing a few hammer blows can solve a bent rim on a remote trail.
I have had not issues with the wheels spacers, but do re-torque whenever the wheels are off the vehicle. I do run a spacer on the tire carrier. And yes, I would run them again in a heartbeat.
I have had not issues with the wheels spacers, but do re-torque whenever the wheels are off the vehicle. I do run a spacer on the tire carrier. And yes, I would run them again in a heartbeat.
thanks for the info! i think i am going to order wheels, spacers, tires, and lugs. i plan to go with the spidertrax 1.5" spacers which only come in pairs. now i've got to round up a single cheap spacer for the spare.
thanks again! i'll post some pics when its all done.