Newb greeting

[BadPunkin]

Hi everyone,
New to the forum and expedition. Decided last week to build a expo trailer for our growing family (Me, Wife, 2 dogs and our first child is due in Oct).

I have a 2010 JKU-R with the following mods:

RR XHD Bumper
1" PA BL
(5) - 7" HIDX Lights
E-Disco and Evap Skid
Rockcrawler Oil pan from Benchmark
Airaid CAI
Poweraid TBS
Piaa Extreme White Headlights
Safari Nets
Extended Breathers
Lockpick V3, Back-up Camera and Ipod cable
ACE Rock Rails
Yakima risers and bars (on my hard top)
Cobra CB w/ 4' Firestik

Mods In Progress:

AEV 4.5" Lift (in my living room waiting for 37" Toyo Open Country MTs to arrive)
WP customized rear tube doors

Future Mods:

Dual Battery
Snorkel
Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier


When I started my build I wasn't sure what I wanted my JK to be and probably missed some thing for building and expo rig. Water under the bridge now and hopefully with some help can get my project on the right track.

To accommodate the growing family I am looking to build a full expo trailer based on a M101A3 trailer (currently bidding and winning one on GL). I will probably start a trailer build thread when/if/hopefully the trailer is in my possession. My goal is to have the trailer ready for a northern trip in 2013.

Thanks in advance for everything!!

BP

 

[bldeagle10]

very nice! welcome to the forum

 

[BEVAN]

Any reason for the dual batt ? (I know I'm opening up a hornets nest with this one)

 

[cjlewis]

Welcome BP! Nice looking Jeep. Watch that you don't completely block the front grill. You'll find the JK has cooling problems (auto tranny). I had to add a transmission cooler to keep the temps reasonable.

Any reason for the dual batt ? (I know I'm opening up a hornets nest with this one)

Buzzzz....Because two is better than one. :sombrero:
Seriously though if you're in the middle of know where having a second battery is a good thing. Also it allows you to split accessories from running the engine. It also can provide additional power for long/difficult winch pulls.

 

[BadPunkin]

Thanks Guys

Watch that you don't completely block the front grill. You'll find the JK has cooling problems (auto tranny).

I considered the air restriction before I installed the lights, because I do have plans for a winch later and decided to give it a try. I watch my temps and it's a 6 speed, no problems yet (fingers crossed). If it becomes a problem the lights will get moved and other changes will be made.

Any reason for the dual batt ? (I know I'm opening up a hornets nest with this one)

I am starting a expo trailer build based off a M101A platform and want to be able to run a few very small items when parked. I looked at putting a battery bank in the trailer and am not convinced it is a better option. Plus, when I am done with the JK build I am looking at (5) 7" HIDs, (2) 4" HIDs, a winch, rock lights and potentially a compressor. I wouldn't ever run them all at the same time intentionally, but getting a flat while pulling the trailer at night after winching out could happen.............I suppose I should prepare for the zombie invasion next too :Wow1:

 

[BEVAN]

Gotcha, I was just curious because I'm researching a portable power setup now. I considered the dual batt setup but just went with a higher output alternator and a Die Hard Platinum Battery (with a Hand throttle). I am able to run my Winch, 7 Lights (plus headlights), Aux Fan etc.

This thread Has allot of good info :
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27568

 

[BadPunkin]

I considered the dual batt setup but just went with a higher output alternator and a Die Hard Platinum Battery (with a Hand throttle). I am able to run my Winch, 7 Lights (plus headlights), Aux Fan etc.

This thread Has allot of good info :
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27568

That's a cool little unit for additional power. For me I think the dual battery is going to be the right choice. Benchmark designs makes a very neat JK dual battery system that puts everything under the hood in one neat, isolated package. Once installed everything is in one place and straight forward.

If I went with a unit like the one in the post I would wire it up on an smart isolator to protect my primary battery. If I'm going to do that I can just use the Benchmark and run a wire back to the trailer plug for the accessories.

I would also wonder about the load on the external battery under heavy winching conditions, like pulling a JK Unlimited on 37s with a 3000# trailer hooked up. I don't know enough about the loads to understand it all, but don't want to be 100 miles from nowhere with a dead battery for any reason. Probably me just being overly worried, but like the Boy Scouts say "Be prepared".

I have 2 years before our big trip and will definitely do more research and get educated more on what will be best. Thanks for looking out, that's why I joined this forum. I hope to fill a few of the gaps. Just enough to be dangerous.

BP

 

[wardrow]

You will be quite pleased with a dual battery setup. You Speak as though you normally do a lot of winching or are planning on a lot of winching. Anyways, For the weight and size of your set up have you considered a Hydraulic winch I just opened a can of worms :lurk:

 

[BadPunkin]

You will be quite pleased with a dual battery setup. You Speak as though you normally do a lot of winching or are planning on a lot of winching. Anyways, For the weight and size of your set up have you considered a Hydraulic winch I just opened a can of worms :lurk:

Educate me. Why?

 

[BadPunkin]

M101A3 trailer search continues

Lost the trailer auction in OT. Just not willing to pay $1000 for a trailer sight unseen and have to wait 60 days after paying to go pick it up 6.5 hours away. If anyone has a M101A3 for sale in good condition around the Ohio area let me know, otherwise back to GL in a week or so for another round of bidding.

I guess patience is virtue I need to work on.

 

[BadPunkin]

Bid and won a trailer today. More accurately 2 trailers. Both are 1995 M101A3s at Fort Meade. Now for the red tape, paperwork waiting game.

I also got my AEV 4.5" lift installed, but am waiting on my new tires. I will post some pics when the tires arrive.