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chorky

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Final weight of my camper's bottom shell, top shell, tent, and upper bed is 210lbs.

Keep in mind this camper replaces the original hard top and back glass, so the net gain is only about 150 lbs. I believe net gain for the Alucab is 460lb.
aside from the cost, it was thr weight of the alucab that turned me away. As it is almost all of us are more than a few hundred pounds over gvwfor a weekend camp trip. I cant imagine how insurance would feel about the alu cab weight
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Free2roam

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250 lbs on mine plus the OVS 270LT awning. About 320 or so total. OVRLND Camper
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs IMG_20230126_135853788_HDR
 

TexasOverlander

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Finally did my testing on a few items:
I had two Immersion Heating Elements that I bought last year and never used. Received my YQ-105 Hot Plate to test also.

Will write up the test of these three items for heating water in this post, then the cooking test of my Roadpro Saucepan (12v) and my new Dash Mini Griddle (110v) in my next post.

Tested these to determine time needed and used my Jackery 1500 to verify wattage draw.

Results:
Lewis N. Clark 120/240V Immersion Heater: 11oz of room temp water in a Stanley steel french press pot. Wattage draw from 107w to 114w. 165° in 9 minutes. 12 minutes till started bubblingat 180°. 20 minutes to 200° and light movement. Still no boil at 35 minutes and 5% drain on th Jackery from 99% to 94%. Conclusion: useful for warming water if have plenty of time. Will leave at home.

BeWinner 12v Immersion Heater. 8 oz room temp water in a glass mug, partially covered. Wattage draw from 110w to 115 w. 165° in 10 minutes. 180° and bubbles at 12 min. 200° in 19 minutes. At 25 minutes, still no boil. Jackery drain from 94% to 91%. Conclusion:: Same as above item, except more useful 12v for camping. Will carry it in camp kitchen.

YQ-105 Hot Plate: 110v. 4" round heating surface. 8oz room temp water in Stanley steel french press. Set dial to max heat at #5. Wattage draw from 477w to 480w. 180° with bubbles at 7 minutes. Boiling at just past 7 1/2 minutes. Power drain from 91% to 86%. Also tested at power level # 3, and wattage drain was 479w to 480w. Conclusion: Although small, this heats quickly and can be used with small pot or pan. Be sure to plug in outside for 15 to 30 minutes to burn off chemical residue that has strong odor. Is fine indoors after that. Also, be very careful when using unit as sides have no protection and get very hot. Will be using this regularly on my trips with a small skillet and pot.

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230130_151957 2 Heat Elements


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230130_092328 110v 113 W 30 min simmer




Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230130_080239 Hotplate 487 W


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230130_142658 12v Heat Element 113 watt
 
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TexasOverlander

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Test of Roadpro Saucepan 12v and Dash Mini Griddle 110v.

Roadpro Saucepan: 12v. . Wattage draw 115w. Have used this to warm canned soups, frozen chilli and spaghetti in past. Works well, just takes a while. Tried cooking to test result. 1 strip of bacon took 41 minutes to get done and 50 min to where I liked it. One egg took 6 1/2 minutes.
Conclusion: Good to use inside camper. Stable with 4 short legs. I will continue to use for soups, stews and chilli. For camp, will take precooked bacon to warm (rather than raw to cook,) along with english muffin to warm. Then cook eggs, and put all items in for last minute to reheat while eggs finish.

Dash Mini Griddle: 110v. Wattage draw 287w. Bacon cooked in 10 1/2 minutes. Very small. Only can cook one egg, or 1 strip of bacon (cut in thirds) at a time. Both top and bottom plates heat. Would be useful for warming bagels, muffins, cheese toast, sandwiches etc. Can cook small items.
Conclusion: Since so small, and I have the YQ-105 HotPlate to use, I will be leaving this at home.

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230131_144507 Dash Bacon 10 min


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230131_145259 Roadpro Egg 6plus min


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20230131_142857 Roadpro Bacon 50min
 
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Test of Roadpro Saucepan 12v and Dash Mini Griddle 110v.

Roadpro Saucepan: 12v. . Wattage draw 115w. Have used this to warm canned soups, frozen chilli and spaghetti in past. Works well, just takes a while. Tried cooking to test result. 1 strip of bacon took 41 minutes to get done and 50 min to where I liked it. One egg took 6 1/2 minutes.
Conclusion: Good to use inside camper. Stable with 4 short legs. I will continue to use for soups, stews and chilli. For camp, will take precooked bacon to warm (rather than raw to cook,) along with english muffin to warm. Then cook eggs, and put all items in for last minute to reheat while eggs finish.

Dash Mini Griddle: 110v. Wattage draw 287w. Bacon cooked in 10 1/2 minutes. Very small. Only can cook one egg, or 1 strip of bacon (cut in thirds) at a time. Both top and bottom plates heat. Would be useful for warming bagels, muffins, cheese toast, sandwiches etc. Can cook small items.
Conclusion: Since so small, and I have the YQ-105 HotPlate to use, I will be leaving this at home.

20230131_144507 Dash Bacon 10 min.jpg


20230131_145259 Roadpro Egg 6plus min.webp


20230131_142857 Roadpro Bacon 50min.jpg
I love these electric cooking comparisons. I tend to be a very light traveller, and the smaller/lighter the better. I'm mostly camping a couple nights, by myself, or with one other person, and the ability to cook inside without lugging the propane around is nice for these weekend adventures. Just jump in my truck and go. When the situation is right, there's nothing better than a camp fire or for a big group, my cowboy wok!
 

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TexasOverlander

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I love these electric cooking comparisons. I tend to be a very light traveller, and the smaller/lighter the better. I'm mostly camping a couple nights, by myself, or with one other person, and the ability to cook inside without lugging the propane around is nice for these weekend adventures. Just jump in my truck and go. When the situation is right, there's nothing better than a camp fire or for a big group, my cowboy wok!
Agree 100%. I like to keep gear compact and easy to move, as I sleep on platform in bed with my tent extension. Like to travel with everything protected inside canopy. Nice to leave gear inside if raining, or under tailgate if weather permits. I am trying to consolidate gear boxes/bags for different types of trips and different seasons, where I only need to grab the three or so appropriate boxes/bags and head out !

Since mine is a daily driver, want to park in garage, but have 82" height limitation. Wish I could find a 5' canopy with a hinged top that would allow standing in bed area, even if had to stoop. Looked at topper lift, but just not sold on it. If you ever see any ideas, please let me know.

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Camper Side P


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Camper Inside
 

rharr

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Test of Roadpro Saucepan 12v and Dash Mini Griddle 110v.

Roadpro Saucepan: 12v. . Wattage draw 115w. Have used this to warm canned soups, frozen chilli and spaghetti in past. Works well, just takes a while. Tried cooking to test result. 1 strip of bacon took 41 minutes to get done and 50 min to where I liked it. One egg took 6 1/2 minutes.
Conclusion: Good to use inside camper. Stable with 4 short legs. I will continue to use for soups, stews and chilli. For camp, will take precooked bacon to warm (rather than raw to cook,) along with english muffin to warm. Then cook eggs, and put all items in for last minute to reheat while eggs finish.

Dash Mini Griddle: 110v. Wattage draw 287w. Bacon cooked in 10 1/2 minutes. Very small. Only can cook one egg, or 1 strip of bacon (cut in thirds) at a time. Both top and bottom plates heat. Would be useful for warming bagels, muffins, cheese toast, sandwiches etc. Can cook small items.
Conclusion: Since so small, and I have the YQ-105 HotPlate to use, I will be leaving this at home.

20230131_144507 Dash Bacon 10 min.jpg


20230131_145259 Roadpro Egg 6plus min.jpg


20230131_142857 Roadpro Bacon 50min.jpg
Doesn't anyone use a jet boil and camp stove anymore? :LOL:

Electric to heat is not a very efficient use of limited electric power.
 

RubiNewbCB

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Agree 100%. I like to keep gear compact and easy to move, as I sleep on platform in bed with my tent extension. Like to travel with everything protected inside canopy. Nice to leave gear inside if raining, or under tailgate if weather permits. I am trying to consolidate gear boxes/bags for different types of trips and different seasons, where I only need to grab the three or so appropriate boxes/bags and head out !

Since mine is a daily driver, want to park in garage, but have 82" height limitation. Wish I could find a 5' canopy with a hinged top that would allow standing in bed area, even if had to stoop. Looked at topper lift, but just not sold on it. If you ever see any ideas, please let me know.

Camper Side P.jpg


Camper Inside.jpg
Who made the tent?
 

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Doesn't anyone use a jet boil and camp stove anymore? :LOL:

Electric to heat is not a very efficient use of limited electric power.
Good point. But for people with solar it’s easily replenished.
I got some batteries to power electrical stuff at camp like blankets or kids stuff, so if I can heat a couple things off that without having to pack a jetboil or Coleman stove, then that will save some space.
But you’re right it’ll be slower and use plenty of electricity.
 

mx5red

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Finally did my testing on a few items:
I had two Immersion Heating Elements that I bought last year and never used. Received my YQ-105 Hot Plate to test also.

Will write up the test of these three items for heating water in this post, then the cooking test of my Roadpro Saucepan (12v) and my new Dash Mini Griddle (110v) in my next post.

Tested these to determine time needed and used my Jackery 1500 to verify wattage draw.

Results:
Lewis N. Clark 120/240V Immersion Heater: 11oz of room temp water in a Stanley steel french press pot. Wattage draw from 107w to 114w. 165° in 9 minutes. 12 minutes till started bubblingat 180°. 20 minutes to 200° and light movement. Still no boil at 35 minutes and 5% drain on th Jackery from 99% to 94%. Conclusion: useful for warming water if have plenty of time. Will leave at home.

BeWinner 12v Immersion Heater. 8 oz room temp water in a glass mug, partially covered. Wattage draw from 110w to 115 w. 165° in 10 minutes. 180° and bubbles at 12 min. 200° in 19 minutes. At 25 minutes, still no boil. Jackery drain from 94% to 91%. Conclusion:: Same as above item, except more useful 12v for camping. Will carry it in camp kitchen.

YQ-105 Hot Plate: 110v. 4" round heating surface. 8oz room temp water in Stanley steel french press. Set dial to max heat at #5. Wattage draw from 477w to 480w. 180° with bubbles at 7 minutes. Boiling at just past 7 1/2 minutes. Power drain from 91% to 86%. Also tested at power level # 3, and wattage drain was 479w to 480w. Conclusion: Although small, this heats quickly and can be used with small pot or pan. Be sure to plug in outside for 15 to 30 minutes to burn off chemical residue that has strong odor. Is fine indoors after that. Also, be very careful when using unit as sides have no protection and get very hot. Will be using this regularly on my trips with a small skillet and pot.

20230130_151957 2 Heat Elements.jpg


20230130_092328 110v 113 W 30 min simmer.jpg




20230130_080239 Hotplate 487 W.jpg


20230130_142658 12v Heat Element 113 watt.jpg
Great work!
FYI your container will make a pretty big difference in heating times.
Coming from home brewing where you try to boil 8gallons or whatever, the difference between an open aluminum pot vs an insulated container/top is immense!
I’d try using them in an insulated mug and cover the top best you can, even just foil.
 

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TexasOverlander

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Who made the tent?
Could not find one that fit what I wanted, so I used some of my old camp gear and modified to fit my cargoslide when extended. Gives me options up to about an 8' long inside area.
I modified an old tent I(Cabela's I-Pod unit) by removing small end, then taped open edges and seams to make it fit. Used 3 poles from a Cabela's Cot Tree and made mounts on slide to stand them in when it is extended. My canopy is the RLD stainless steel unit, so I form a seal of the tent edges with magnets. Easy set-up and works for my purposes.
Since the below photos, I bought longer gas struts for the rear hatch to stand it at a higher angle> Then modified tent to go over the hatch to add higher inside clearance for a 32"x42" area. I can now sit inside in a low camp chair to be out of wind and weather (I do a lot of trips to mountains and desert areas.) I also insulated roof and part of sides and end with Reflectix.
I have removed the bed platform and just started working on version 3.1 to raise sleeping area and improve cargo storage. But, I will not be able to work on it again for several weeks. Hope to finish it in March for my trip to NM and AZ in April.
If I ever build a "perfect" mock-up with easy materials, I may have a duplicate professionally built from aluminum? We will see, as I had several versions in my JKUR over 5 years before trading it in for the Mojave. First formed tent from old sheets and was planning on having a tent made from my pattern, but then realized I could modify this heavy duty tent from the pattern, and it works when I want to close off the back.

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20210811_103148


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20210706_Glad Bed 2


Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 20210811_103356
 
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TexasOverlander

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Good point. But for people with solar it’s easily replenished.
I got some batteries to power electrical stuff at camp like blankets or kids stuff, so if I can heat a couple things off that without having to pack a jetboil or Coleman stove, then that will save some space.
But you’re right it’ll be slower and use plenty of electricity.
Agree. I have solar panels I can use if needed, but so far my set-up with the Jackery does everything unless do not drive each day. It was the 2nd best camp accessory I purchased. First was Dometic powered fridge ( and freezer later.)
I have a Dometic 35L ( for freezer) and a Dometic 18L ( for fridge) mounted in back seat area. My Jackery is in floor behind passenger seat. I have Fridge plugged into Jackery. Freezer is plugged into both Jackery and a 12v run from Aux switches. Jackery is plugged into the vehicle's inverter.
When driving, Jackery charges while it runs Fridge. I run Feezer off 12V Aux switch. When I set up camp, I switch Freezer from Aux Switch to the Jackery. I normally run the 12v oven or 12v saucepan from the Jeep battery. Normally just use one, but could split one to Jeep and one to Jackery.
Jackery is usually fully charged when I set up camp.
Running Fridge and Freezer, plus a couple cups of coffee in an old single cup drip brewer,, and intermittent use of a 12v fan in sleeping area if needed, leaves me with over 40% power when I crank up to head out the next day and let it recharge again. If it is really cold weather, I switch off fridge and freezer overnight and let them maintain internal temps. I can then run a 375w heater from my Jackery for a short time before bed and in morning before I get up to knock the chill off.
 
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TexasOverlander

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Doesn't anyone use a jet boil and camp stove anymore? :LOL:

Electric to heat is not a very efficient use of limited electric power.
I do have a butane stove I use occasionally. Especially if we have a campsite we return to each afternoon. Love it, but does not make me happy in strong winds, or if I am freexing cold and could be cooking inside with electric!
 

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Agree 100%. I like to keep gear compact and easy to move, as I sleep on platform in bed with my tent extension. Like to travel with everything protected inside canopy. Nice to leave gear inside if raining, or under tailgate if weather permits. I am trying to consolidate gear boxes/bags for different types of trips and different seasons, where I only need to grab the three or so appropriate boxes/bags and head out !

Since mine is a daily driver, want to park in garage, but have 82" height limitation. Wish I could find a 5' canopy with a hinged top that would allow standing in bed area, even if had to stoop. Looked at topper lift, but just not sold on it. If you ever see any ideas, please let me know.

Camper Side P.jpg


Camper Inside.jpg
Nice looking setup. I've thought about the canopy and then a ground tent that attaches to the back.
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs IMG_0759~2
something like this, but to a canopy. We already have the truck tent and it's ok, but I'd like something a bit more secure.


Not that it helps, but I've seen online a canopy that the top flips over 180 degrees to open into a tent. It would be 10 feet when open. Don't remember the make, if I come acrossed it again, I'll post.
 
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