Trout Safari Overland Expedition Build

[Trout Safari]

2 Month update: We have had a chance to use our Gladiator for a couple months after the initial modifications and it is time to do a bit of tweaking and some changes and additions. I will try to post some updates and reviews over the next few weeks as we prepare to get things the way we want them.
First we cannot be happier with the Jeep itself. Absolutely love the diesel and everything about the Jeep has been a pleasure to operate. We have done a bit of off-road, travel and some towing and camping.
The first thing we are going to change is the Rack we installed over the Cab. It was from DV8. I like the look and the mounting brackets are strong. Unfortunately it just makes to much rattle noise especially off road. The cross bars are thin and really cannot support much weight. We installed a box in the rack and it just bounces and actually bends the cross bars enough to tap the roof, which sounds like a hammer up top from inside.
The new rack we are going to try is made by upTop overland. When it comes in we will post some pics after the install.

Coming up is changes and upgrades to, tires, suspension, brakes, internet service, steering and a few other things. Hopefully we can get everything done and have some time to test it all out before Virginia in the beginning of October for Overland East.

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[Mac]

Looking forward to the updates!! I am sure it will all be top shelf stuff ?

 

[Trout Safari]

What’s wrong with the tires?

Nothing wrong with the tires, I love them! But the suspension still Bottoms out a bit and we have more sag than I like with the trailer on, so we decided to install stiffer springs and raise up the Jeep another 2+ inches. So with the addl lift I decided to go with 37's to fill the wheel well a bit more. Ordered the exact same tire.

 

[Trout Safari]

Looking forward to the updates!! I am sure it will all be top shelf stuff ?

Thanks Mac, just a few tweaks..

 

[MikeyK]

The rod tubes complete the build ??

 

[Trout Safari]

The rod tubes complete the build ??

I agree Michael, most important thing on the Jeep. I also have to say I am very happy with the Blacksheep tailgate insert. It worked out as planned and is a great storage place for a bunch of fly boxes and fishing gear. That was certainly a great mod.

 

[MikeyK]

I agree Michael, most important thing on the Jeep. I also have to say I am very happy with the Blacksheep tailgate insert. It worked out as planned and is a great storage place for a bunch of fly boxes and fishing gear. That was certainly a great mod.

Great idea! Always need more room for fly gear! ?

 

[Trout Safari]

Installed the new Uptop complete front cab rack system today. I am pretty impressed with the overall quality of this rack. We removed the DV8 rack just because it was not a very sturdy design, the cross members are weak, it rattled and really was not built for carrying anything. This Uptop system has solid no flex crossbars, great powder coating and color matched sides. This is a great quality made rack! I still need to mount some side lights, handles and a few other things, but I am really impressed with Uptop so far.

 

[Gatorized]

I see you have the conservation/ state park plate on the JT- I’m surprised you could get a trailer plate with the same letters. Well done though!

 

[Trout Safari]

I see you have the conservation/ state park plate on the JT- I’m surprised you could get a trailer plate with the same letters. Well done though!

We Just assumed they would not allow us also, so we asked. I had never thought about getting initial plates on a trailer before this one.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Mad River Synergy Kayak? If so, I have the same.

Its a great boat, tracks well and I've caught decent sized rockfish.... errr stripers on the Chesapeake Bay and tons of fish off Assateague from it. Best fishing yak I've ever used. Shame its out of production. I wish I'd bought a second when I had the chance.

 

[Trout Safari]

Mad River Synergy Kayak? If so, I have the same.

Its a great boat, tracks well and I've caught decent sized rockfish.... errr stripers on the Chesapeake Bay and tons of fish off Assateague from it. Best fishing yak I've ever used. Shame its out of production. I wish I'd bought a second when I had the chance.

It is actually a Wilderness Systems Commander but I remember the Synergy.

 

[troopertrek]

I can also attest to the great build quality and customer service @uptopoverland. I have the alpha full roof rack along with the truss bed rack for soft top. The design allows for easy installation of numerous bajadesigns (or other) lights on the rack, for both scene lights and light bars. It makes for pretty much limitless customization. Highly recommend.

 

[Trout Safari]

Lots of changes, upgrades and tweaks starting this week. Re-gearing to 4:56 and changing the coil springs on the suspension to a much stiffer coil. we are also going to adjust the lift up another 1-2 "

 

[Trout Safari]

Perfect time for EVO fender liners.

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