(Part 2) Best products from r/Wrangler

I've seen people get ratchet straps with extra large hooks and cut up a pool noodle and put it over the hook to prevent any sort of marking being left on the hard top. I don't know how reliable that is.

FWIW I'm going to use the method in OP's picture the next time I hang it. I feel like it will be much easier, faster, and more reliable. Instead of hooking between each eye bolt and a corner of the hard top with 4x ratchet straps I'm going to use two ratchet straps and run the hooks of each strap under the hard top with the rear window up and hook either end to the corresponding eye bolt. The straps will run front to back relative to the hard top and I'll likely have the ratchetting end towards the front of the jeep to make access easy.

The struggle with my method is the game of ratcheting the hard top up evenly.. I have to ratchet 3x on each ratchet strap then move to the next... round and round I go until the hard top is off the jeep and as high as it can go. The method is still very fast. I have a 2 door JK and solo the entire process of taking off the doors, freedom tops and hard top takes me about 28 minutes on average. If I have help this drops to about 18 minutes depending on the helper's understanding of what is happening.

I have hangers for my doors. I put a 2x4 up horizontally along my garage wall screwed into studs with 4 inch decking screws.. then I mounted these hangers to the 2x4: https://www.amazon.com/PROABSTO-Storage-Hanger-Wrangler-Bracket/dp/B07F9MCJ7K/

I also have 2x shreet rock carriers that I use - one for each door. I really only need one now but before I set up the hangars I used to rest the doors each on a carrier to prevent any damage to the body/finish from my concrete garage floor. The technique with the sheetrock carrier is to lift the door with the carrier from the front with one hand while grabbing the outer door handle with the other hand. I put some thin foam insulation for car audio (like dynamat) on the hook portion of the sheetrock hangar so the door doesn't slide in it. The sheetrock carriers I have are here, although you could go cheaper - it was the only option available to me at my local hardware store: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-300-Visibility-Orange-Panel/dp/B00002X2EV

My freedom tops actually sit on top of the doors without retention although I'm going to thread some eye bolts into studs on either side of them and put a bungee cord as a safety retention. I've seen other people who use the same hard top storage method store the freedom tops on top of the hard top - I've never heard of an issue with them doing it that way. My first hard top suspension was an unwalled carport so wind was a factor and it would rock the hard top so I didn't want the chance of the freedom tops sliding off the hard top.. the habit I gained from that has stuck even now that I have a fully closed garage.

For camping, a small led light bar should be able to run during your waking-but-after-dark hours without needing an additional battery, assuming you occasionally start the car if it's an extended multi-night camping trip. However, a nice coleman lantern may be a better option given the cost of a dual battery setup.

If you are serious about dual batteries, I would strongly suggest an AGM type battery (oddysey pc1500 or similar, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread) and I personally prefer an automatic disconnect, over a hardwired or "manually switched" dual battery setup. I've had good success in the past with this one: https://amzn.com/B00LMGPHW2

Also, there are kits on the market now for jk/jku's that have the same smart isolator in them. genesis offroad has one. The kit is nice, but really, it's the isolator that does all the magis. they just sell you a nice mounting kit that is prewired for easy setup.

This particular smart isoloator also has a momentary switch option where.. if your cranking battery is low and can't start your vehicle, you can press a button and connect both batteries for 60 seconds, effectively jumpstarting yourself.

Manual selecter switches.. I've found I always forget to change the setting, and either.. never disconnect the two batteries when I should, or I forget to reconnect them for charging later meaning one battery is always really low. so I've personally given up on manual switches.

(Since this reads a lot like an ad now, let me just say.. I have no affiliation with cole hersee, other than having a great deal of success with that product I linked. I've run dual battery setups in several vehicles, and this is my personal preference. but like all opinions.. everyone has one, and none of them are "wrong" as long as it works for that person)

Surprised no one has answered this already.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-29-LX-40-Channel-Selectable/dp/B004RO3RBE

Loved mine, worked great and has lots of nice features.

That being said...

Perhaps I am reading too much into your post, but I think you might be overestimating the capabilities of a CB. I get the sense you aren't very experienced and you're going out into the wilderness alone/with a small group and therefore want emergency communications. If I am correct, CB isn't gonna cut it.

Your typical CB/Antenna setup is going to net you a mile, maybe two at best. And that's assuming flat/open terrain, exactly where you won't be going. In hills and woods you are probably looking closer to 1/2 mile. CB's are pretty much used for vehicle to vehicle communication when convoying down the trails when you almost always have line of sight.

You can mod a CB to increase its power, but keep in mind that these mods are technically illegal by the FCC. Even then you're probably talking 20-40 miles on flat/open terrain.

You could go for HAM instead, but you're gonna need to get licensed first and the setups are expensive and complicated. Even then you are severely limited by the terrain and weather.

And something to think about is that no matter what radio you go with, the person you're talking to needs to have a setup powerful enough to reach you, otherwise you aren't going to hear their replies.

The only thing that's going to accomplish what you want is a Sat Phone, but they are expensive.

Honestly, you're best bet is to learn how to recover your vehicle and keep a good first aid kit.

EDIT: That isn't to say you shouldn't get a CB or HAM. Definitely get a CB, I just would hate for you to run out into the woods thinking you're good to go with your new CB only to find out it doesn't quite work like you think it does.

Foot pegs will change your life.

I got some MOLLE seat covers that I enjoy, having pouches to keep things attached down with the doors off is key.

Shorty antenna. Same radio quality, only 5" long.

Bikini top is nice but personal preference really.

Flip open key is more comfortable in pocket.


Flip Key- http://www.amazon.com/Discount-Keyless-Replacement-Compatible-OHT692427AA/dp/B00LLLVW9A

Foot Pegs - http://www.amazon.com/Foot-Peg-set-Jeep-Wrangler/dp/B010TWOQGW

Shorty Antenna - http://www.amazon.com/AntennaX-Shorty-5-inch-Antenna-Wrangler/dp/B00DQJ8T00

MOLLE Tailgate - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5662301-Black-Tailgate-Wrangler/dp/B003CG9QFY

MOLLE Seat covers - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5661001-Black-Front-Cover/dp/B001CF3N9M

Bikini Top - http://www.amazon.com/Bestop-52584-35-Header-style-Wrangler-Unlimited/dp/B0032H6WR8

Finally, I had a welder friend make this for me and it's amazing. http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/cad/hammock2.jpg

I've had a TJ in both automatic and manual

For the manual, yes sometimes I feel I'm working the clutch life away on heavy trails. Especially in the rocks. And there's times an automatic would've served me so much better

For the automatic, wheeling was much easier, and a torque converter is magic for controlling the vehicle over rocks. But, and a huge but, it's boring. That TJ was my first and last vehicle with an automatic. Commuting was boring. Wheeling was less fun with it. I ultimately sold that TJ because of it

If you get a Rubicon, the gearing is very low in the transfer case and the axle gearing is lower, which helps a lot for slow offroading

One of the best mods for me, with my manual, was a hand throttle (you can piece together a kit for cheaper). In low gear, on slow wheeling, I use that and there's much less clutch usage.

Take from that what you will. Automatics truly are much better for slow offroading, but if you're a fan of manuals, the compromise of getting a manual is worth it, I think

Thanks!

Yeah, I got the Brandmotion one. I have the 430N head unit, so I got the package that has the camera that wires into the head unit and comes with the adjustable bracket and the thing that updates the firmware to make the backup camera work. Was pretty simple to install and get set up. I'd suggest getting one of those cheap trim removal kits - it makes the job way easier and you don't risk scratching your plastic trim with a screwdriver.

Something I use every day is the Rugged Ridge cell phone mount kit (https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13551-16-Multi-Mount-Phone/dp/B00ONDM07G) - works well for the phone (sideways) and I can mount my GoPro for trail rides at the same time.

Hey Sevnfold,

So the Kicker upgrade are two sets of these (known as 77Kick10):
https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Wrangler-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade/dp/B0091EPN94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486479358&sr=8-1&keywords=kicker+upgrade+jeep

And two of sets of these (77kick25ab):
https://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Kicker-Speaker-Upgrade-77KICK25AB/dp/B008I2UYPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486479517&sr=8-1&keywords=77kick25

The hardest part are the two front speakers under the dash.

I used this video from youtube to help me figure it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQt_gmPIl-w

The other 6 speakers are pretty much plug and play and shouldn't take longer than an hour or so to get them done.

I used polyfill to give it nice deep bass tone in all the spots.

The amp was:
https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-KTP-445U-4-channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003VVYL46

I didn't want to install that myself so paid a place to do it. Took them about 3 hours to get it done.

I didn't want to get anything that didn't look stock so this is why I went this way. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

GPC Image 10 Pack Compatible Ink... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKGHL6W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Sorry for the late reply, it’s a great bumper and really cheap. Came in perfect condition, all hardware was there, paint looked good. Took about an hour to take the stock off, 20-30 min to put the new one on

So as far as buying I want the J2.

http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/led-headlights-model-8700-evo-2-db/
Are the ones on Jw I saw and
JW Speaker LED Headlights, Model 8700 Evolution J2 Series with Black Bezel, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072866KS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L9PIBbJ6J4E2S
Are the ones I saw on Amazon. Like I said I need to replace them due to water leaking into my Factory lamp housing

I have this for my JL hard too and it’s absolutely amazing. Best part is that you can use it for storage as well. It uses an electric drill to raise and lower it.

Racor - Ceiling Storage Heavy Lift - Up to 250 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009I8AO6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ToQ3Cb5XV7RRF

I think KC, Hella, and Rampage are the most common ones. I've heard rampage ones are cheap so it'll be safer to go with the other brands

https://www.amazon.com/Hella-Halogen-Replacement-Headlight-Standard/dp/B000FKIURK


I bought these cibies which have great reviews on the Jeep fourms and amazon. You just have to buy the bulbs later

This stuff is amazing. I purchased my Jeep used and the flares and bumpers looked like the previous owner smeared sunscreen all over everything. This product dyes it back to black. Make sure to wipe it down after an hour or 2. It will come off on your clothes. I did not wipe it off after and ruined a pair of pants after trying to get out of the jeep. It's been 5 months and they still look new. I wish I took before photos.

https://www.amazon.com/Solution-Finish-Black-Plastic-Restorer/dp/B006NZRAFE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549331548&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=solution+finish&psc=1

So do you need remote start and power locks?

If you just want a remote start that works off your lock button on your key fob, I used this on my jk and it works off pressing the key fob 3 times.. It is plug and play so it's pretty easy if you watch the YouTube video

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NDZM52A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499139918&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=jeep+remote+start&dpPl=1&dpID=41LmsbTu6rL&ref=plSrch

I use this one from rugged ridge. You basically take out the existing dash tray and replace it with this one. Glasses go right below the phone and fit perfectly. I wear Oakley Holbrooks for reference.

Rugged Ridge 13551.16 Dash Multi-Mount Phone Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ONDM07G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ywl5AbETG78CH

Also, they come with everything needed to wire and use except for a mount. If it is a new Wrangler built after 07 I would get these

http://www.amazon.com/KC-7316-2007-2014-Wrangler-Windshield/dp/B00192QSVS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419017660&sr=8-2&keywords=jeep+jk+light+mount

They mount by the windshield and are really easy to install if you do it yourself. And I would recomend the spot lights. I bought the driving lights and then the spots like 2 weeks later.

I have a Galaxy S7. Bought this wireless charger when it was sale one day. Fits perfectly in the lower right corner of the windshield without obstructing view. Very secure. Would buy again.

Yeah my Jeep puddles up pretty good near the front which worries me and I will keep all that in mind. For reference purposes the subs and amp that I bought are these:

http://www.amazon.com/Package-Wrangler-Kicker-Subwoofer-Enclosure/dp/B00KJ0ZI4O

http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-R1100M-1100-Watt-Monoblock-Amplifier/dp/B004S4XNEO

EAG 07-17 Jeep Wrangler JK Stubby Front Bumper with OE Fog Light Housing (51-0357)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKGHL6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.tKBzb85YDJDP

That's it! And as far as winching goes I think I am going to place a 1/8" steel plate underneath the winch mount to make it a bit more stout.

Yes:
First swap your speakers out with something like these:
Kicker 77KICK10 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SUO5QS

• get 2 sets (front and back)
  Also swap the little speakers in the dash and rollbar with 77KICK25
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I2UYPI
  
• again get 2 sets.
  
  Then get you a decent amp. I prefer DD Audio D4.90 amp but any quality 4-channel amp at 75w per channel is fine. The D4.90 can take line-level inputs from your 130 head unit.

Welcome to AZ! https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Arizona-Backroads-4-Wheel-Drive-Trails/dp/1934838195/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

I had those ones off amazon as well. They where slightly warped so then I tightened the mounting bolts down it popped a weld. Very cheaply made. There are tons to choose from without the POD brackets. I added a set of brackets over my LED uprights and it works just fine.
http://www.amazon.com/KC-HiLiTES-7316-2007-2014-Windshield/dp/B00192QSVS/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462535961&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=kc+highlights+jeep+bracket

Hello! I am trying to get a portable jack just in case. I guess I figured something like this one would work?

https://www.amazon.com/TONDA-TON-Portable-Scissor-Jack/dp/B06Y65M2NS/ref=sr_1_7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1537407080&sr=1-7&keywords=car+jack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00NDZM52A/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=new. That's the one, tutorial online, really easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-11210-11-Black-Aluminum/dp/B00EDWF1BE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1505443693&sr=8-4&keywords=jk+hood+latch

I got mine 3 years ago, for like half this much, so amazon might be overpriced atm, but even at $100 they are worth every penny.

Get Hella light housing with 6k HID's, ran me about $140 for everything. Costless option with huge amount of lighting

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FC22JU0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKIURK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They look like the rugged ridge ones to me. The set on Amazon have the silver hardware.

As a general starting point I recommend this book: Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934838195/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1Ad2Cb53V8G9T

I have used this to great effect on all my GM plastics.

Solution Finish Black Plastic & Vinyl Plastic Trim Restorer - Car and Truck Polish - 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NZRAFE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ieRSBb21N90DM

I have this mount: https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13551-16-Multi-Mount-Phone/dp/B00ONDM07G/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1503673218&sr=1-1&keywords=rugged+ridge+phone

Paired with this wireless charger:
https://www.amazon.com/mophie-Charge-Force-Mount-Wireless/dp/B01GJ9IV2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503673233&sr=8-1&keywords=mophie+desk

The 17mm ball on the mount is the same the desktop charger uses, so I just took the wireless charger off the desk stand and attached it to the dash mount.

Get this: http://www.quadratec.com/products/97018_2430.htm

And this: https://www.amazon.com/Hella-Halogen-Replacement-Headlight-Standard/dp/B000FKIURK

And these: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-4X41-Clear-Fatboy-Bulb/dp/B007G4DK3W

Here is the mobile version of your link

I've had this one for a year and I have no complaints.