Samson

[Southbayglad]

This morning Samson had installed the BuiltRight Industries Utility Rail System, Bedside Front Rack System and their Red Bed Plug Cover.

Funny enough, during installation of the Red Bed Plug Cover, it started to rain.... So I pulled the tonneau cover over me and kept at it! I can just imagine what the neighbors thought if they saw me pull the tonneau cover over my head.

I also installed a Factor55 UltraHook Rope Guard for added protection for the synthetic rope on my Warn EVO VR-12S winch.

Did the mopar bumper have mounting holes for the lights or did you have to do some drilling?

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[TRI-JAB]

Did the mopar bumper have mounting holes for the lights or did you have to do some drilling?

The mounting holes were already there. Just had to remove the bolts. No drilling required (thankfully). Easy mount and wiring.

 

[Southbayglad]

The mounting holes were already there. Just had to remove the bolts. No drilling required (thankfully). Easy mount and wiring.

I don't think Ill be so lucky on the RR Arcus

 

[TRI-JAB]

I am a few weeks behind updating the Samson build. Since then I have mounted my Hilift Extreme jack on my @builtrightind rear molle panels in the bed on the Gladiator. I used the #builtrightindustries Riser Mounts with @quickfistclamps and was able to zip tie the Off-road Base to the Molle. Took it for a drive - no rattling! Ready for an off-road excursion. I still need to get the bedside molle rack system for some additional mounting points for recovery gear in the bed. In the meantime, I mounted the BuiltRight Industries Tech Pouch to the rear passenger seat and loaded it with four @gearamericabrand shackles and two snatch blocks. Will be a good load test of the Tech Pouch. I put both #GearAmerica tree savers and Recovery Tow Straps under the back seat. My goal is to have it all mounted on the molle in the bed under the tonneau

 

[TRI-JAB]

I swapped out the OEM soft rolling cover for an Rugged Ridge Rolling Hard Cover Tonneau today. I really like the OEM soft rolling cover a lot. The look and waterproofness has impressed me. After installing the Rugged Ridge Armis Rolling Hard Cover, I was not happy with the initial kit. Seems like Rugged Ridge is just trying to apply a standard product line to the JT without any customization. During my initial install the POS weatherstripping went all over the place - Plus the instructions really suck! Please employ someone with a freakin’ camera to take pics of each step. If you buy this Tonneau Immediately throw away the crappy weather stripping and buy d-seal weather stripping. Also, recognize the hard portion of the tonneau is tapered. It is 53+ inches near the cab and 52+ inches near the tailgate. It would have been nice if they mentioned that in w directions. Could have saved me a bunch of time figuring it out. My initial set up (trying to maintain equal distances) did not work. Would not let the end “lock” - then I measured a few spots on the tonneau to determine it was tapered.

This is a great idea with piss-poor implementation. There are so many things RR could have done to make this a true “JT” design. My guess is they are saving a buck by making similar parts to another truck bed out there and rushed to market with the cover. I’m curious is the part number I purchased is used for other trucks. Sad.

 

[eaglerugby04]

I swapped out the OEM soft rolling cover for an Rugged Ridge Rolling Hard Cover Tonneau today. I really like the OEM soft rolling cover a lot. The look and waterproofness has impressed me. After installing the Rugged Ridge Armis Rolling Hard Cover, I was not happy with the initial kit. Seems like RUgged Ridge is just trying to apply a standard product line to the JT without any customization. During my initial install the POS weatherstripping went all over the place. Plus the instructions suck! Please employ someone with a freakin camera to take pics of each step. Immediately throw away the crappy weather stripping and buy d-deal weather stripping. Also, recognize the hard portion of the tonneau is tapered. It is 53+ inches near the cab and 52+’inches near the tailgate. My initial eat up (trying to maintain equal distances) did not work. Would not let the end “lock”.

This is a great idea with piss-poor implementation. As an engineer, there are so many things RR could have done to make this a true “JT” design. My guess is they are saving a buck by making similar parts to another truck bed out there. Sad.

It must run in their product line to have crap directions. The Arcus bumper I got from them, one paper front and back for the entire install. Missing so many details and descriptions that would be helpful instead of me just having to "figure it out" using youtube. It also left out key steps on mine like running the fog light wiring. Just not in there at all, yet kind of important. I feel your pain dealing with them, they need to buy like one piece of Ikea furniture and it could improve their product line so much....

 

[TRI-JAB]

PPE is very important for all of us - especially eye protection. Forgot to mention I added some eye protection for Samson, in the form of Rugged Ridge Elite Headlight Guards. Luckily for me, the guards are functionally better and easier to install than the RR Hard Rolling Bed Cover (Tonneau). Happy with this purchase and like the look.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

How do the headlights look at night?

 

[TRI-JAB]

How do the headlights look at night?

There is no noticeable reduction (IMO). I was worried about that too, but I think the design with the LEDs works great. I figured if I didn't like it, I'd sell them with minimal loss, so I took the risk. Easy, quick install too.

 

[TRI-JAB]

With the help of @DMC1 - installed a Synergy Front Track Bar and Sector Shaft Brace on Saturday. I previously upgrade the steering stabilizer.

https://www.synergymfg.com/synergy-...-and-sector-shaft-brace.html?category_id=4980

Can't say I feel a major change in steering, but it felt a bit stiffer on the way home. That could be mental though..... justifying my purchases/installations. I will say it is a beefy brace and will definitely stop any flex.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Picked up a Soft Top from a fellow Forum Member today - still in the OEM box. Box did not fit in the bed with the gate up due to my Hi-Lift Jack mounted on the BuiltRight Rear Molle. So we tilted the gate and I strapped it down from a few eye bolts I mounted in the BuiltRight Trail Rail. Made it home just fine.

 

[TRI-JAB]

Got topless for the first time....

Stand-by for the SoftTop installation!

 

[TRI-JAB]

Installed an OEM Soft Top today:

Honestly, I like the look of my body matched hardtop more, but as soon as I drop the top - I forget all about it! Glad to have a soft top as an option for the summer. now what to do with the Bestop Sunrider in the garage still in the box....

 

[eaglerugby04]

Installed an OEM Soft Top today:

Honestly, I like the look of my body matched hardtop more, but as soon as I drop the top - I forget all about it! Glad to have a soft top as an option for the summer. now what to do with the Bestop Sunrider in the garage still in the box....

The soft top on this thing is amazing. Don't be suprised if you forget to put the hard top back on in the winter. My dad did that for 3 years in a row, lol.

 

[TRI-JAB]

The soft top on this thing is amazing. Don't be suprised if you forget to put the hard top back on in the winter. My dad did that for 3 years in a row, lol.

Like you said - the soft top is awesome! I am really enjoying the ease of dropping the top. I ordered the rear window bag yesterday.

now I need to figure out the best way to hang the hardtop from the ceiling in the garage.

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