Kmrtnsn
Explorer
Looks good! I'm running the same rear setup and a Warn winch bumper up front.
What did you do to your Expo Jeep today?
- Thread starter bldeagle10
- Start date
Looks good! I'm running the same rear setup and a Warn winch bumper up front.
Kmrtnsn
Explorer
Today I kept working on my power management system. My 4th breaker came in (80a) and a 180a relay arrived (for ARB Twin Compressor). While the Twin compressor draws upwards of 60a I didn't give it its own breaker. I tied it into an existing breaker for circuit protection, I'll just have to avoid running too many other accessories while I air up my tires... won't be a problem.
I also finished wiring up my Voltmeter and tested my KC under hood lights. The blue switch activates the lights and the voltmeter. Lights are mounted, but forgot photo. I'll add it later.
Then after dinner I sat down mounted my switches in a Rugged Ridge A-pillar switch pod and a Daystar lower dash switch pod. I did modify the Rugged Ridge A-pillar switch pod to accept a 5th switch. I'll also be mounting a LED power override button so the LEDs can be disabled at night if they become too bright along with a few resisters to dim them down further than my dash dimmer. I love the blue but it can bring on the headaches if too bright.
The wiring
The results when hooked up to a 9v battery. Notice only 4 of the switches on the A-pillar are illuminated, the top switch is a master power switch. The 4 switches light up, but are powerless unless the top switch is thrown.
Master safety switch thrown, accessories all off:
Master safety switch thrown, accessories all on:
Master safety switch *OFF*, only lights on lower dash panel still on, even though all accessory switches remain in the on position.
Amazing work! I wish I had your knowledge and experience with automotive electrical. In that department I'm pretty much just a neanderthal, making grunting noises when the magic fire of electricity illuminates something after a switch is thrown. Installing my S-Pod was simple enough and wiring stuff to it but now I'm out of switch positions.
I just picked up the Rugged Ridge replacement A-pillars too. I'm planning to wire the driver's side with a winch controller and winch power switch. For the passenger side I have purchased some small 3" LED cube lights that I want to set up as perimeter floods, two to the rear on a switch, and the left and right pairs on independent switches. Because the lights are all roof mounted on a removable top I was planning on mounting my "lighting bus" in the back corner of the top and running the switch wiring to the A-pillar. What I need to find is a Automotive Accessory Electrical Wiring for Complete Idiot book or something.
Anyway, nice clean job on your project. It's inspirational to say the least.
Thank you. I've learned all that I know from reading threads online and looking up components and other builds. Not hard, especially because I enjoy learning about this stuff.
I decided to make a video last night to demo how everything works.
[video]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fV_5DAyqXFQ[/video]
http://youtu.be/fV_5DAyqXFQ
As soon as my second bussmann relay block arrives I'll install this in the Jeep.
Last edited:
BCobe
Adventurer
What videos were you watching because this is awesome!
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Looking great! I like your switch setup.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Replaced my leaking stock steering stabilizer. Jeep has 35 inch tires and 21000 miles. I went with the Teraflex one.....I have done some research and no sense spending a lot of money. New one works great and easy install.
Sent from my Roof Top Tent
Nice! That is a great unit for the money.
SulVento
Wanderer
Where did you buy them from??!!
rubicon91
Explorer
Retrofit off road is selling them. Jscherb on here designed them. They are nice and make a world of difference. I will find the thread on wrangler forum and send it to you. There is a waiting list that you will need to add your name to. 2nd run I think is a few weeks out still and is a lot more. I think he did 10 or so sets in 1st run. I'll pm you later on with info if you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
VagabondExpedition
Adventurer
From a few days ago...
Went for a drive in "winter wonderland"...
Shot a few animals... like this wild mare and her young colt.
Stopped to setup camp
It's cold (-17C or about 1F) and windy so I'm sporting the Tepui Tents "Weatherhood" to trap some extra heat and block the wind.
Made some early dinner - hot chocolate and corn chowder.
Snownado... not your usual winter storm.
Cloudy nights so I didn't do any night sky photos like I originally planned:
I definitely need to get out and do some more winter exploring this season, but this trip out wasn't as "fun" as I thought - my Dunlop Fierce Attitudes used to be good in the snow - but maybe with them now being two seasons old, they've lost their abilities despite lots of tread. I actually slid into ditches twice on this trip. Sure it was slick, but I've always had more grab than I was getting this past weekend.
Any good tire recommendations for "all season"? I'm running 35"s. Been strongly considering BFG KO2's - looks like they have lot's of siping for a bit of extra grip on icy surfaces.
more photos on my facebook page here
Went for a drive in "winter wonderland"...
Shot a few animals... like this wild mare and her young colt.
Stopped to setup camp
It's cold (-17C or about 1F) and windy so I'm sporting the Tepui Tents "Weatherhood" to trap some extra heat and block the wind.
Made some early dinner - hot chocolate and corn chowder.
Snownado... not your usual winter storm.
Cloudy nights so I didn't do any night sky photos like I originally planned:
I definitely need to get out and do some more winter exploring this season, but this trip out wasn't as "fun" as I thought - my Dunlop Fierce Attitudes used to be good in the snow - but maybe with them now being two seasons old, they've lost their abilities despite lots of tread. I actually slid into ditches twice on this trip. Sure it was slick, but I've always had more grab than I was getting this past weekend.
Any good tire recommendations for "all season"? I'm running 35"s. Been strongly considering BFG KO2's - looks like they have lot's of siping for a bit of extra grip on icy surfaces.
more photos on my facebook page here
comptiger5000
Adventurer
Duratracs are generally well liked for winter use when a true winter tire isn't an option.
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
From a few days ago...
Stopped to setup camp
It's cold (-17C or about 1F) and windy so I'm sporting the Tepui Tents "Weatherhood" to trap some extra heat and block the wind.
I definitely need to get out and do some more winter exploring this season, but this trip out wasn't as "fun" as I thought - my Dunlop Fierce Attitudes used to be good in the snow - but maybe with them now being two seasons old, they've lost their abilities despite lots of tread. I actually slid into ditches twice on this trip. Sure it was slick, but I've always had more grab than I was getting this past weekend.
Any good tire recommendations for "all season"? I'm running 35"s. Been strongly considering BFG KO2's - looks like they have lot's of siping for a bit of extra grip on icy surfaces.
more photos on my facebook page here
My dad just picked up a set of the K02 BFG's and they are a very nice tire. I have the originals on my trailer, and they are nice, but the new ones look and seem far superior. Excellent siping, great side biters now and they have the mountain snowflake designation too. Duratracks are also supposed to be an excellent winter tire.
I don't think you could go wrong either way?
Great shots.
Recently purchased 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7l which spent two weeks sitting at a local shop and they couldn't find the cause of the drain on battery. Used a multimeter and found the draw on the power window circuit. Figured check the drivers door and found the screw from the handle assembly right through the mirror wire. Fortunately none of the wires were broken only insulation cut on them. Some electrical tape and I was back in business and my mirror worked properly.
Mike
www.fringeelementflyfishing.blogspot.com
DallasJKU
Adventurer
I love my KO2's, but not sure how they do in snow. I may to get a chance to try them since I live in Dallas and it doesn't snow every year. I had Duratrac's on multiple vehicles, but wanted 37's and decided to try them out. They are almost silent on the road and handle awesome in the rain.
Added a few odds and ends to the new patriot. Installed our Sirius receiver. That is 100% required electronics in our vehicles. Also laced up a set of 215/65/17 Cooper ST studded winter tires on steelies. Again, required equipement for our winters. On the JK side of things, Ordering a round of teraflex gear, with a few JKS pieces thrown in. Also, a new set of Monroe Reflex monotubes are waiting at the local NAPA for me. I have 120k on this set so it's time to renew those as well. After xmas, more goodies coming for both our expo jeeps.