Hydro Blue JTRD Build Thread

[Cascade253]

I've only used it for one night so far and I'd say it was nice but was not blown away. I came from using a Mr heater buddy that I'd just put in the bed on low and wow that puts out a lot of heat in comparison. The time I used it I didn't have my insulation kit put up in the tent which would definitely help some. I am also working on insulating the side doors of the SP topper which will be a soon to come update on this thread, have one down and another one to go. Interested to see how much of an effect it will have, but I could definitely tell I'm losing a lot of heat in the bed area.

As far as wiring, I have it connected to one of the 20amp channels on the auxbeam. The neat part of this is I can turn on power to the heater through the auxbeam app then start up the heater through the hcalory app from the cab as I'm getting near camp.

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[Cascade253]

Finished up adding insulation to the doors. I used 1/2" foam insulation with a R value of 3.2 from home depot. I put the silver side in as I'm trying to keep heat in and not out. One thing to note as a lesson learned and for anyone else who comes across this thread and wants to do the same, test fit the door before putting any carpeting on. On at least the SP Gladiator doors, the top rain channel surrounding the door opening does not allow foam to be placed on the upper angled part. Don't be like me and have to fight with getting the carpet unglued and the foam piece out.

I also picked up the awning wall kit for the 270. Just having the little ignik firecan under the awning generates alot of heat and is a nice place to hang out in when it's raining.

For a diesel heater update, I retract my previous statement. On just a setting of 2 out of 6 the heater is able to keep the camper a nice 60 degrees while out in the low 30's.Even without the full upper insulation kit from SP (normal is just the top and back w/o the sides) the heater is able to keep up using settings 3 and 4.

 

[Cascade253]

Pulled the trigger on the Metalcloak rocklander 2.5" kit. In talking with MC, the rocklander kit is designed for ~500-600 lbs of added weight in the bed, which I'm likely around. In looking at the kit contents they provide the 3.5" lift rear spring to make up for the weight instead of going with a stiffer spring like Clayton or AEV uses. Once I get some miles in I'll provide an update on how the ride is. I decided to pair the lift with the AEV/Bilstein XP8100 shocks. These are revalved by AEV for heavier rigs and are not adjustable which is fine with me since I trust they know what they're doing.

Overall I the stance and lift height is perfect for what I was looking for. Loaded up with all my typical camping gear I'm still just above level and unloaded there's about a 1" rake. The 35's don't look terrible either at this height.

 

[Fender9682]

Pulled the trigger on the Metalcloak rocklander 2.5" kit. In talking with MC, the rocklander kit is designed for ~500-600 lbs of added weight in the bed, which I'm likely around. In looking at the kit contents they provide the 3.5" lift rear spring to make up for the weight instead of going with a stiffer spring like Clayton or AEV uses. Once I get some miles in I'll provide an update on how the ride is. I decided to pair the lift with the AEV/Bilstein XP8100 shocks. These are revalved by AEV for heavier rigs and are not adjustable which is fine with me since I trust they know what they're doing.

Overall I the stance and lift height is perfect for what I was looking for. Loaded up with all my typical camping gear I'm still just above level and unloaded there's about a 1" rake. The 35's don't look terrible either at this height.

How's the ride with the xp8100? I was looking to get some to pair with a clayton 2.5 lift and hoping they aren't too stiff.

 

[SimonH]

I like your build and that its a Ecodiesel.

We build very similiar, but got an Alu-Cab ModCap, as super pacific or other "us-Stuff" is not really available here in Germany.

get it on, like the MetalCloak stuff!

 

[Cascade253]

I did this a few months ago, but wanted to get some more seat time before providing an update. I was not too happy with how soft feeling the MC springs were especially when loaded up for trips. After looking around I decided the high capacity AEV springs were what I was looking for and would pair well with the 8100's. Overall, I am extremely happy with this setup now. The suspension feels much more planted and stable, there was an increase in bump harshness when going over speed bumps, but offroad aired down it is great. I also netted a bit more lift from this setup and typically have about 1.5" of rake even when fully loaded.

Also, I picked up a new toy this year! KLX300 and a hydraulic hitch hauler. This setup took me across Oregon through the canyon lands and through the majority of the Idaho BDR, about 2k miles mostly on dirt.

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