Building a Gladiator for adventure

[Flyin6]

And more battery box build-out:

[JR]

Didn't you have 2 batteries?

RA, that sucks. I still feel tipsy, balance is off.

[Flyin6]

Didn't you have 2 batteries?

RA, that sucks. I still feel tipsy, balance is off.

Should only need 1
Heater during the night time, and fridge which is already sitting in some low temps during the day.

[TexasRedNeck]

Sorry to hear about the RA.  There are several good meds nowadays.  Remicade is one.  Every 8 week infusion but works wonders.


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[Flyin6]

Sorry to hear about the RA.  There are several good meds nowadays.  Remicade is one.  Every 8 week infusion but works wonders.


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I am waiting to get in at the moment. Not sure if that's what I have but acting like that.
I started eating clean a month ago and am approaching 20 pounds lost and my blood chemistry is perfect. Exercising every day, even if it hurts. BP tonight was 118/66 and that's typical. I may be hurting, but I am getting much healthier!
Getting the Jeep more and more prepped every day. Have a date in Texas on the 20th with a bunch of old friends, so have to be ready for that and the mountain adventure right afterward

[JR]

I use one 100ah agm for a couple years on 200watt panel setup. I think it pushed it but never shut down. My cooler is smaller. Lithium works better and 2 are lighter than the one, but space?

Hope you feel better. I am working on myself some also after my latest wake up. I had lost 20+, more coming.

[Flyin6]

I use one 100ah agm for a couple years on 200watt panel setup. I think it pushed it but never shut down. My cooler is smaller. Lithium works better and 2 are lighter than the one, but space?

Hope you feel better. I am working on myself some also after my latest wake up. I had lost 20+, more coming.

Good for you!!!

[Flyin6]

Well, still working at a snail's pace, but working nonetheless.

Man, mobility is the key to everything...

I was able to route the wires to bring Lithium battery power into the rear of the cabin. Now that supplies power to the fridge.

[Flyin6]

Then I tried generation 1 of the tie-down straps and afterwards was completely under-impressed.

So I changed to a better option:

[Flyin6]

I am already using that thing to cool my water bottles!

Next, I finalized the Lithium battery location. I had to drill a couple of holes in the bed, into which, I inserted Nutserts fittings that are permanent.

I removed the factory tie down as it will not be reused.

[Flyin6]

The electrical system is now up and running and seems to be working as advertised.

I dropped another toolbox onto the top of the battery business that currently is filled with recovery gear. I am not sure if that is where I am going to keep it as it will be difficult to access when I need it.

[Flyin6]

I removed the Roto pack 2-gallon water can because I will be carrying 5-gal NATO water cans. In its place I tossed on a 3-gal gas tank, and a smaller 1-gal fuel can on the other side I will clearly mark, "Diesel." That will be extra fuel for the heater.

[Flyin6]

I needed a spot for awning poles and my fishing rod, so I suspended a 4" piece of PVC.

[Atkinsmatt]

Great progress. Much improved since I saw it.

[Flyin6]

Then with some flexibility created through morning walks, Tylenol, and a ton of painful stretching, I got after adding airbags to the rear springs.

Even though I am using the Clayton "Overland" springs, I am still seeing some settling.

[Flyin6]

The instructions tell you to stuff them into the spring through an opening in the coils. They must have had Hercules as the test fitter because there was no way I could make that happen.

[Flyin6]

I preheated them by laying them out in the sun on my son's ugly BMW and I flattened the air out of them, but after one miserably difficult failed attempt, I tossed the towel in and pulled both rear springs and mounted them easily.

[Flyin6]

I cycled the suspension some and it all seems to fit, although the air bags are not tall enough to touch at each end.

[Flyin6]

Take a look at the brake line that has been touching the sidewall of the tire! I placed too loose loops of zip-ties to hold that extended brake line away from the tire. Should fix it.

[Flyin6]

Great progress. Much improved since I saw it.

[JR]

Lots of good little upgrades. I am still not 100% either, that infection drained me!

Funny, I have been looking for coil air bag for the tahoe. Just for a little extra when needed.

[Flyin6]

Lots of good little upgrades. I am still not 100% either, that infection drained me!

Funny, I have been looking for coil air bag for the tahoe. Just for a little extra when needed.

Either Air Lift or Firestone. I like the supplied airlines for the Firestone bags best, hence my decision.

[JR]

Did the Firestone from summit. Had $100 credit from the 6BT adapter and firestone makes most big rig bags.

[Bigdave_185]

I found Amazon a cheap place to order Dog tags, I then ordered a few “Mixed” “diesel”, “clear” tags then used some small 1/8” wire and cable crimps to permanently attach to my gas cans for the atv, dirtbikes, mowers. It made for an easy way to identify what’s in what, kids can read what’s on each can and I don’t mix or cross cans when using them for three different machines all using different fuel


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[Flyin6]

 

Did the Firestone from summit. Had $100 credit from the 6BT adapter and firestone makes most big rig bags.

[Flyin6]

I found Amazon a cheap place to order Dog tags, I then ordered a few “Mixed” “diesel”, “clear” tags then used some small 1/8” wire and cable crimps to permanently attach to my gas cans for the atv, dirtbikes, mowers. It made for an easy way to identify what’s in what, kids can read what’s on each can and I don’t mix or cross cans when using them for three different machines all using different fuel


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Thats an interesting idea!
I was going to just buy a paint pen, but that little 1-gal is the only one I own now, so easy to distinguish. Having said that, labeling of some sort is in order.

[cj7ox]

I found Amazon a cheap place to order Dog tags, I then ordered a few “Mixed” “diesel”, “clear” tags then used some small 1/8” wire and cable crimps to permanently attach to my gas cans for the atv, dirtbikes, mowers. It made for an easy way to identify what’s in what, kids can read what’s on each can and I don’t mix or cross cans when using them for three different machines all using different fuel


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Thats an interesting idea!
I was going to just buy a paint pen, but that little 1-gal is the only one I own now, so easy to distinguish. Having said that, labeling of some sort is in order.

Paint it OD green, and be done. Easy! ;-)

[Flyin6]

Air bags are in and working as advertised. Firestone makes good stuff!

Air valves located either side of the license plate

[Flyin6]

I also installed the 3" aluminum C-channel that is the travel location for the 3-step ladder/stool.

Trying to set up the bed with specific spots for everything. Concept of the operation is:

1. Secured for travel
2. Easy visual check for inventory purposes
3. Quick setup/teardown

[Flyin6]

I found Amazon a cheap place to order Dog tags, I then ordered a few “Mixed” “diesel”, “clear” tags then used some small 1/8” wire and cable crimps to permanently attach to my gas cans for the atv, dirtbikes, mowers. It made for an easy way to identify what’s in what, kids can read what’s on each can and I don’t mix or cross cans when using them for three different machines all using different fuel


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Thats an interesting idea!
I was going to just buy a paint pen, but that little 1-gal is the only one I own now, so easy to distinguish. Having said that, labeling of some sort is in order.

Paint it OD green, and be done. Easy! ;-)

I like OD green
and
you know that!
Possible violation of good camper rules
Attempting to tempt/sway Big D
Be careful!
;-)

[JR]

Seperate air valves for a reason?

[Flyin6]

Seperate air valves for a reason?

Yes. I am going to do mission weight/ride height measurements using the original ride height measurements
Left side: Driver, two action packers, awning, 3 gal fuel, air pump, 2-5gal NATO water cans
Right side: Fuel tank, possible passenger, mission box action packer, battery box, sleeping gear
Evenly distributed: RTT, ladder, recovery gear bag, Fridge, heater

During the last off-road trip, I ended up with a right-side droop. No clue as to why, but it was 3/4" lower on the right side. The airbags are my attempt to level things despite load configuration or even spring deterioration which seems to be a common thing in the JT

[stlaser]

My f250 I setup with seperate valves and prefer this method when not running a compressor system. Shorter lines, less connections, KISS principle (especially on a truck that may, notice I said may see something more severe that the standard mulch bed). I ran mine into pinch weld in the wheel well as there was a hole already punched in not being used.

Looking good Don 

[Flyin6]

Here's the twin-cylinder air pump I selected. Its a bit heavy, but the old single-cyl HF unit takes forever to air anything up. This one is SO MUCH BETTER!

[Flyin6]

I tested it to see how long it would take to air up from a mild trail pressure of 20psi up to the 37 I run in the tire on the highway.

The old unit would take around 6-7 min, which is alot when considering you have to air up three more tires when you're done.

This thing did it in just under 1 min and 30 seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flyin6]

After testing the lug wrench, I discovered it was a bit too large, so I added a good wrench and called that done. I will not be lugging around a Hi-lift jack and rely, instead, on the stocker.

[Flyin6]

Next up, I added some new stuff to the recovery kit. I tossed the old tree strap and picked up a really hefty HF 4" x 8' strap. I still carry an anemic 2" tug strap, and also added a flex shackle. That leaves me with three shackles total, which gets the job done.

Those gloves have been in there since 2012!

[Flyin6]

Although I tossed that stuff into a hard case, I later returned it to the soft bag it came in.

Looking at the tool kit, I scrutinized everything> I had some parts for a Suburban in there and tools I had never used. The goal was to get all that lighter if I could while still being useable. I did manage to drop a few pounds. I then picked up another Menards hard box and made that the new toolbox. That mounts on top of the battery box and is held down by a newly installed strap system.

[Flyin6]

That is nice and compact.

[Flyin6]

Here is a view of the new tent diesel heater all assembled.

The plan is to create a mound that temporarily slides into the fishbone rack which holds the heater somewhere beneath the folded-out tent.

[Flyin6]

Today, I tossed the old camp stove and purchased a single-burner BlackStone unit. It attaches directly to the bottle and line I already have. I positioned it on the tailgate. but liked it much better on the folding table.

[Flyin6]

Next, I fabed up that mount for the heater and then adapted a dryer vent hose to supply the heated air up and through a window into the tent.

[JR]

Looks like your building a space ship.

Straps are nice as well as soft shackles, but look at a kinetic rope. I got mine from Tater.

[Flyin6]

Looks like your building a space ship.

Straps are nice as well as soft shackles, but look at a kinetic rope. I got mine from Tater.

Concur!

I like the one Tater sells

Here's my thinking: Those things are mostly for pulling out other people, not me, so, sure, I checked the block, but it's not as high a priority.

When I get into off-road western country, I plan to stop by some 4WD/outfitter shops along the way. Looking to possibly pick up a rope and a good set of deflators, and maybe an axe. Heck, there is a bunch of stuff that I have which is only marginal. Toilet facilities being one. I want to get out there amongst other adventurers and see what they are using. Most of the evenings in and around the San Juan mountains and Moab will be spent in the wild, possibly around others...

[JR]

To pull you out, maybe for others. Way less stress when pulling as you take the shock out of it. I still have my tree straps too. Got a similar setup for the Tahoe, one nice recovery bag.

Compressor I got was the Slime, dual like yours. Nice hard case. I had/have a couple of the HF singles, they are a chore but work.

[TexasRedNeck]

Looking squared away there, Chief.  I’m probably paranoid, but with any heater running on fossil fuel it might be a good idea to add a CO monitor in the tent in case there is a crack in the exchanger.


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[Atkinsmatt]

And fire extinguisher.

[stlaser]

Coming along nicely, I approve and agree with the last few comments / critiques. 

[Flyin6]

Looking squared away there, Chief.  I’m probably paranoid, but with any heater running on fossil fuel it might be a good idea to add a CO monitor in the tent in case there is a crack in the exchanger.


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Not a bad idea.
With this one, you keep two windows partially open. Even then it is said to sometimes be uncomfortably warm. The concept there is a good exchange of air and also the removal of normal moisture from breathing.
Dunno, just a test dummy at this point, but in about two weeks I will be much more knowledgeable about these things.

[Flyin6]

And fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher showing up today/tomorrow.

I am in a punchout process that I feel is somewhat logical. This morning we cleaned the truck from top to bottom and began loading it. The back seat will have the fridge, of course, and then all our sleeping gear in compression sacks. hose was "compressed this morning, save for one bag which I decided to launder.

BTW, I use Wiggys sleeping bags. He is the sole manufacturer of bags for ejection seats and Special operations folks. I actually have two well-used bags from those days. Great company

https://www.wiggys.com/sleeping-bags/

Also in the back will be a "cold wx clothing bag for overflow, the vehicle jack, air compressor, Winch handle/control, a dry goods food bag, and her pillow. Everything else is finding its way into the back.

I decided to bring the simple standard folding aluminum chairs with flip-up tables in lieu of the fancy stuff. Reason: It's lighter and stores well.

Continuing to fit out that space. Launch is zero dark early Wednesday morning. Destination is as far as I can get en route to GrapeVine Texas (Dallas).