Outdoor Adventure USA

Net Preview for June 6, 2024
Vehicle Modifications to Enhance Outdoor Adventures

Gearing Up Your Ride for the Great Outdoors: Essential Vehicle Mods for Adventure

Ready to transform your car, truck, or SUV from a daily driver into a weekend warrior? Join us for a deep dive into the world of vehicle modifications for outdoor enthusiasts! We'll explore essential mods that can take your adventures further, smoother, and more comfortably, whether you're seeking:

• Off-road Domination: Conquer rough terrain with suspension upgrades, beefier tires, and strategic protection for your undercarriage.
• Camping Comfort: Discover rooftop tents, awnings, and storage solutions that turn your vehicle into a mobile base camp.
• Illuminating the Unknown: Upgrade your headlights and add auxiliary lighting to ensure a clear view on nighttime adventures.
• Prepared for Anything: We'll discuss recovery gear, winches, and tools to get you out of any sticky situation.

Get ready to hit the road less traveled with confidence!

Roadmap for Tonight's Net
Tonight's net is a participatory net. The net will be at its best if multiple people key up and talk about what they've done to their vehicles to optimize their outdoor adventures.

Below is an example outline for discussing vehicle modifications during tonight's net meeting. The net format is fairly unstructured, so feel free to discuss your modifications in the order you prefer.

Example Discussion Outline

• Outdoor Activities to be Accommodated. What are your preferred outdoor activities that are supported by use of a vehicle?
• Vehicle Selected. What make, model, and year vehicle are you using for your outdoor activities? Why did you select that particular vehicle?
• Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Differentials, Axles, Etc.)
• Cooling System (Radiator, Water Pump, Fan, Transmission Cooler, Etc.)
• Electrical System (Main Battery, Supplemental Battery, Alternator, Wiring, Lighting, Etc.)
• Suspension System (Springs, Control Arms, Shocks, Sway Bar, Wheels, Tires, Etc.)
• Exterior (Bumpers, Racks, Storage, Body Protection, Compressed Air, Welder, Etc.)
• Recovery (Winch, Recovery Points, Jacks, Etc.)
• Interior (Cage, Seats, Seatbelts, Storage, Etc.)
• Technology (Amateur Radios, Other Comm Radios, Audio, GPS, Navigation, Etc.)
• Miscellaneous (Anything else?)

TOP VEHICLE MODIFICAIONS / ADDITIONS TO ENHANCE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

In a descending order of importance, here are my top 10 essential SAFETY items to add to your vehicle:

1. Ham Radio and operator manuals

2. First Aid Kit(s) updated regularly


3. Fire extinguishers maintained properly

4. Tire Repair Kit


5. Flashlights With Extra Batteries

6.Spare Key (entry and ignition)


7. Emergency food and water

8. Vehicle Escape tools - (seat belt cutter and window breaker)

The belt cutter is a no-brainer - a sharp knife. The vehicle window breaker is specialized and the wrong tool can cost a life. Depending on the type of glass in your vehicle, a spring loaded breaker can work best, see: https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles ... cape-Tools.

9. Jumper Cables or Jump Starters.

10. Duct tape and Rescue Tape. Remember..........if duct tape isn't working, you are not using enough.

Regular Duct Tape


Gaffer Tape. Does what duct tape can do without leaving a mess and destroying whatever it is stuck to. See: https://www.gafferpower.com/products/ga ... -30-yardga


Rescue Tape


POST SCRIPT

For the mature 4 wheelers out there, there is an 11th item that is essential and mandatory, especially if you need to consult any sort of reading
material*: Your reading glasses, and lots of 'em.

(*Such as Ham radio manuals, vehicle instruction manuals, accessory instructions, recipes, etc.)


VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

Vehicle modification usually turns out to be an ongoing process, largely fueled by trips where the need for new equipment is discovered. This usually means that many years have been invested into vehicle modifications before it's time for a replacement. When a favorite outdoor adventure vehicle is retired, aside from the regret from having to dispose of an "old friend", the toughest part of buying a new vehicle is the job of transferring all the stuff from the old one into the new one. Often, what took years to complete, now with a new vehicle, it becomes a daunting task to swap your stuff to the new one.

For me, the task becomes one of identifying the bare bones modifications that will allow me to get back on the road for new trips. What follows here will be those mods.

ROOF RACKS

The truth that we all come to realize, is that longer term trips (of a week or more) require that we bring along more gear. The reason for this is largely due to the nature of the areas we enjoy - the more remote the better. Since there are no facilities of any kind in these areas, we must bring everything that we will need to survive, such as tables. chairs, cooking equipment, water, fuel, tents, navigation equipment, computers, refrigeration, lighting, showers, and of course, all the food and drinks that will be needed for a week or more. It all adds up, and having a place to carry part of it becomes essential. This is where roof racks come into play.

On a side note, it bears mentioning that your vehicle roof top is one of the largest optional storage places that can supplement the storage capacity of todays smaller vehicles. But, only for those who do not use a root top tent (or an RTT in the current hip vernacular.) More on the net.

Almost all vehicles that can be used for our outdoor adventures are capable of accepting a roof rack, and that means that there are an almost unlimited number of options available, ranging from premade racks to custom made racks. And, while it may sound like an expensive option, a custom rack, built to your specifications and specifically suited to your vehicle, may turn out to be about the same cost as an off-the-shelf-rack, especially given the rising popularity and cost of premade racks.

Here are some examples of members roof racks. Each picture bears a title at the bottom, indicating the vehicle.

Here is how I've modified my vehicle to enhance Outdoor Adventures

• Outdoor Activities to be Accommodated. What are your preferred outdoor activities that are supported by use of a vehicle?
  The Outdoor Adventures that I enjoy and that are supported by a modified vehicle include exploring mountain and desert backroads, and camping in undeveloped areas. The modifications for those uses also support other Outdoor Adventures such as fishing and hunting.
• Vehicle Selected. What make, model, and year vehicle are you using for your outdoor activities? Why did you select that particular vehicle?
  My vehicle of choice is a 2002 Jeep Wrangle TJ, Sahara, Soft Top, inline 6 cylinder engine, and 3 speed automatic transmission. I chose the Jeep TJ because Jeeps are designed for offroad use, the vehicle is small enough to get into many less-traveled places, and because the after-market industry produces scads of equipment to fine tune the Jeep TJ to personal preference.
  
  Here is a look at my Jeep over time and some of the modifications I have made:
  

  

  Jeep Stock Modified Flexing.jpg (1.14 MiB) Viewed 4481 times

• Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Differentials, Axles, Etc.)
  +Engine and transmission are stock OEM.
  +Transfer case has a Slip Yoke Eliminator for driveshaft angle optimization.
  +Driveshafts have been length-optimized for maximum flex.
  +Differentials now include Eaton E-lockers and 4:10 gears.
  +Axles are Chrome-moly steel with a higher spline count.
• Cooling System (Radiator, Water Pump, Fan, Transmission Cooler, Etc.)
  +None of these systems have been modified to date. I'm considering going to a flex fan or electric fan and a higher performance radiator.
• Electrical System (Main Battery, Supplemental Battery, Alternator, Wiring, Lighting, Etc.)
  +Battery changed to an Optima Yellow Top to better power a winch.
  +Supplemental Battery may be added to power a 12V cooler, pending evaluation of the extra weight.
  +Alternator is OEM. I'm considering a high output alternator.
  +Wiring is mostly OEM with add-ons for radio gear and the winch.
  +Lighting is mostly OEM. Interior lights swapped out to LED. Fog lights removed and may be replaced with high output LED combination beams.
• Suspension System (Springs, Control Arms, Shocks, Sway Bar, Wheels, Tires, Etc.)
  +Springs and Control Arms were replaced with a Rubicon Express long-arm suspension providing a roughly 4" lift.
  +Shocks were replaced with Bilstein shocks specified for lifted Jeep TJs.
  +Sway Bar Disconnect added. It is manual.
  +Wheels replaced with wider, 15X8 rims.
  +Tires replaced with BFG 33X15 Mud Terrains
  
  Here is another look at the Jeep TJ showing exterior and interior modifications:
  

  

  Jeep Storage Safety Reovery.jpg (1.33 MiB) Viewed 4481 times

• Exterior (Bumpers, Racks, Storage, Body Protection, Compressed Air, Welder, Etc.)
  +Front Bumper is now a Smittybilt enhanced clearance bumper that accommodates a winch. A father's day gift from my son who also installed the bumper.
  +Rear Bumper is now a Rock Hard 4X4 bumper with an integrated spare tire swing mount.
  +Exterior Storage includes a cooler rack and gas can racks attached to the Rock Hard 4X4 rear bumper.
  +Exterior Storage includes side-mounted gas can holders.
• Recovery (Winch, Recovery Points, Jacks, Etc.)
  +Winch is a Warn 8000 with steel rope. A father's day gift from my son who also installed the winch!
  +Recovery Points include shackle hoops at all four corners of the vehicle in addition to the OEM recovery hook at the rear left,
• Interior (Cage, Seats, Seatbelts, Storage, Etc.)
  +Cage, a full Rock Hard 4X4 Cage that is affixed directly to the Jeeps frame.
  +Seats and Seat Belts are OEM.
  +Rear Bench Seat removed.
  +Interior Storage includes a load platform in the rear that provides for two layers of gear storage and numerous gear tie-down opportunities. I was fortunate to win this thing at Big Bear Fest. It really enhances interior storage. It required the removal of the rear seat, and it would be complicated and time-consuming to remove it to temporarily reinstall the rear seat and rear seat belts.
• Technology (Amateur Radios, Other Comm Radios, Audio, GPS, Navigation, Etc.)
  +Amateur Radio includes a 2M/440CM 50 Watt radio. The radio is supported by a fold-down radio at the rear of the Jeep.
  +Other Comm Radios include a Cobra 40 Channel CB with an antenna mounted at the rear of the Jeep. A GMRS radio and antenna are being considered.
  +Audio. OEM AM/FM radio.
  +GPS. The 2M/440 amateur radio includes GPS. A handheld Garmin GPS is also used most of the time.
  +Navigation. A handheld Garmin GPS is used for navigation, and occasionally a cell phone is used for navigation backup.
• Miscellaneous (Anything else?)
  +Something was undoubtedly left out.
  
  +Jeep TJ Upsides:
  +++This Jeep has never failed to take me where I really wanted to go.
  +++Jeep drivers are pretty friendly. The Jeep Wave.
  +++It's a Jeep.
  
  +Jeep TJ Downsides:
  +++Soft Top presents some security challenges.
  +++Limited room for gear storage.
  +++Not fuel efficient. 13 MPG is the norm for both on and offroad driving.
  +++Fuel Capacity is scarce, ~19.6 Gallons with the optional larger tank.
  +++Short wheelbase leads to rough rides on PCC roadways.
  +++Noisy on the road with the Soft top on.
  +++Dana 44 axles would be nice to have.

INTERIOR VEHICLE STORAGE

It's not uncommon for us to travel for hundreds of miles on rough, unmaintained, and sometimes teeth jarring dirt trails to get to our various destinations. It's not just a convenience to have all of our gear safely secured in place, but a mandatory safety issue as well. Like so many of the other modifications we make, this is one that is usually the product of the creativity of the vehicle owner, based on their needs and available space. Yes, there are some premade storage options, but this is one area which screams out for custom made stuff. Here are some examples.


Tacoma



Sequoia



Zarges Storage



Toyota Storage



Hummer Storage



Tools for Securing



GAS CAN STORAGE


When you know you will be traveling 500 miles without a stop for gas, you need to carry enough to make it to the first gas stop in the nearest town. Securing the cans is a must, and in cans that won't leak. Here, too, your ingenuity will determine how to manage this storage. While a secure mount is mandatory, there is another absolute rule that should be followed -NEVER carry fuel in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. With these two inviolate rules, here are some examples of fuel storage.

Please check in Randy, KF6KOC and Becky KF6RGR

thanks!

Check in please, KC6JGZ, Russ

Please check me in tonight.

Check in Ed, KM6UWI please.

Please check in David AK6DH.

CRPA, joined by the Second Amendment Law Center and Operation Blazing Sword-Pink Pistols, has filed an amicus brief in Nguyen v. Bonta, a case challenging California’s limit of one gun purchase per 30 days. As our brief points out, this law makes it so that someone newly into sports shooting may not purchase a shotgun for hunting and skeet shooting if he also is purchasing a handgun for self-defense. Such a limitation has no precedent in the Founding Era nor the Reconstruction Era, and even today, only a small handful of states have similar laws. The district court was right to strike it down.

• https://crpa.org/news/blogs/crpa-files- ... month-law/

CRPA is receiving many questions about the new 11% firearm and ammunition excise tax that takes effect on July 1, 2024. CRPA and our strategic partners are well aware of this new tax and are working to put together a plan to challenge it in court. We recognize that this new tax, which will be collected from consumers through firearm and ammunition retailers, represents a substantial financial burden on law-abiding gun owners.

• One legal procedural obstacle that we want to avoid spending time and money litigating is legal “standing” to challenge the tax. Under the law, generally, a tax can only be challenged after it is paid, and no one will be paying the tax until July 1. We are already working with retailers to put together a group of volunteer plaintiffs that unquestionably have legal standing to challenge the tax

• https://crpa.org/news/blogs/crpa-statem ... ion-sales/

In the latest episode of CRPA TV, host Kevin Small welcomes CRPA Legislative Director Rick Travis for a postmortem on four bills that have been defeated in Sacramento. SB 1038, SB 1160, and SB 1472 have all been officially killed, while AB 262 was amended to remove youth shooting sports, representing another big with for 2A advocates. SB 1160 was particularly odious, threatening to impact EVERY gun owner and EVERY gun in the state. But now we won’t have to worry about those bills, at least in this session.

• SB 1038: Reporting of stolen firearms

• SB 1160: Annual Firearm Registration

• SB 1472: More restrictions concerning who can purchase/possess a firearm

• AB 262: Restrictions/regulations at "camps" to include youth ranges

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlwqRLm1NY0

On a national note... a stinging rebuke of New York’s “blacklisting campaign” against the NRA, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled for the NRA in its case against former New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo. The decision remands the NRA’s case to the lower court – reviving the NRA’s claims that Vullo, at the behest of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, violated the NRA’s First Amendment rights when she urged banks and insurers to cut ties with the NRA in 2018.

• https://www.nraila.org/articles/2024053 ... -regulator