Dragoneggs Build Thread

[dragoneggs]

Latest mod… and just in time for the ‘Canadian Rubicon’ trail so they call it, in BC Canada that a few of us are doing in a couple days.

Epic CROW… Cargo Rack for Organizing Whatever. Me… Binoculars, LED Head Lamp, Bear Spray, Rechargeable LED OLight Flashlight, Leatherman tool, USB A and C charging ports, and a red map light for less bug attraction. And… room to spare for a couple other small utensils.

Yeah it’s bright at night!

Big fan… gotta plug them here… no affiliation but wish I was. Bought and paid for by me.

https://epic-4wd.com/en-us/collecti...row-molle-system-overhead-rack-for-jeep-jl-jt

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[dragoneggs]

Well the Rubicon was kind enough to give me a reason to upgrade my OEM plastic bumper. Was able to source a slightly used LOD Destroyer stubby bumper with tire carrier and many other accessories. It‘s been a bit of a process to get it all how I want it but getting close.

Bumper and tire carrier installed…

Backup sensors and Backoff lighting installed…

Wired to my Grab handle switch…

Squadron Pros bright even in the daylight…

Next, need to rig up a custom license plate light and mount the 3rd brake light and rear camera.

 

[Tncdrew]

Well, thank goodness it's not an offroad minivan 4dr! Those are ridiculous!!
Nice Jeep you have there

 

[Steveo]

Squadron Pros bright even in the daylight…

Next, need to rig up a custom license plate light and mount the 3rd brake light and rear camera.

I'm not froading behind you ever again.

 

[failsafe306]

Well the Rubicon was kind enough to give me a reason to upgrade my OEM plastic bumper.

Please elaborate. I need a good excuse to upgrade my rear plastic bumper as well but so far I haven’t had any issues with it.

 

[gek]

Please elaborate. I need a good excuse to upgrade my rear plastic bumper as well but so far I haven’t had any issues with it.

The secret is to hit it. For me is was to come down a drop and break some of the clips holding it in place.

 

[dragoneggs]

Please elaborate. I need a good excuse to upgrade my rear plastic bumper as well but so far I haven’t had any issues with it.

Two hits… one backing down a too steep of shelf and the other backing into a boulder. Rear cam covered by my Trasharoo.

 

[dragoneggs]

Relocated my rear dash cam using Vector Offroad E dock rail that mounts between the overhead speakers. Since I have my traction boards in a bag slid up above the roll cage I needed to lower the camera. I was able to use my 67 Designs phone holder to grab it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Finished up with the relocation of the 3rd brake light and rear cam. Mounts to rear of the basket above the spare. Since the tire carrier can swing independent of the tailgate, rerouting of the wiring was necessary.

Raising the cam did not really affect the view from the dash, in fact I realized several benefits of getting the cam and brake light up off the spare…

1. Camera view now not blocked significantly due to not mounted on the negative offset wheel

2. Can mount a Trasharoo on spare and not block cam

3. 3rd brake light is now rear of the spare instead of behind it where it would be partially blocked by the basket

Continuing with ‘blackout’ theme (removing Red from the exterior) I replaced the OEM 3rd brake light with Oracle light.

 

[dragoneggs]

Mounted my GMRS external speaker to my overhead rail. It previously has been laying loose on the floor. Often, it was covered up with coat or other stuffables making it hard to hear… especially with the top off. I can now keep the volume nice and low.

Still need to route the wiring down along the B pillar to my radio located under the driver’s seat but don’t think it is long enough. Hoping I can find and extension cord if needed..

 

[dragoneggs]

These aftermarket rock rails exposed the pinch seam and were bugging me until I 3D designed and printed some covers…

 

[dragoneggs]

Been driving around with a Delta 2Max power station and Ecoflow Glacier fridge and alternator/charger that puts out 800w and can reverse charge your Jeep battery if needed.

Works great but I wanted charging ability w/o Jeep running. Problem solved.

Installed an Ecoflow 175W solar panel to the hardtop.

Here is a dry fit, the panel fits beautifully on my 2dr. No interference with the freedom panels.

Had to come up with a way to level it on the uneven and curved roof.

Used Click Bond studs, 3D printed some soft bushings in a couple thicknesses, for leveling and vibration dampening.

Was concerned about road noise/whistling but a road test proved no increased noise and didn't no significant mpg loss. So, win win!

Was thinking I was going to have to design some kind of complex fairing to mount to the front edge and conform to the roof. Looks like not needed.

Nice low profile, 1.25in gap in the center and 2in on the sides.

 

[dragoneggs]

Still have some cable management to deal with and will use CB mounts for that. The cables fit comfortably sandwiched under the rear glass. And yes, xmas lights still on the garage. Might as well keep them up.

 

[Krondor]

Still have some cable management to deal with and will use CB mounts for that. The cables fit comfortably sandwiched under the rear glass. And yes, xmas lights still on the garage. Might as well keep them up.

Well yeah, only 9 months before you would be back to hanging them up again!

Why not stuff a 400+ Watt panel up there? I've been watching the flexible panels and some hood "decal" panels but none put out that much. Not even enough to keep the battery charged. But first I need a fridge.

 

[dragoneggs]

Why not stuff a 400+ Watt panel up there? I've been watching the flexible panels and some hood "decal" panels but none put out that much. Not even enough to keep the battery charged. But first I need a fridge.

I couldn’t find a 400W panel that would fit and not block my freedom panels. I think/hope the 175W will do enough charging to keep my fridge on 24/7 regardless if I drive it or not, but I think it will be lacking during cloudy periods which is about 8mo around here unless the Jeep is moving every day or two. Time will tell.

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