Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

Looks like Redarc is finally in the portable power supply game. The nice bit about this is the 500amp vehicle recharging rate. Most trucks with tow packages have 400 amp alternators so this is a great package. This sure makes a dual battery system easy.

https://www.redarcelectronics.com/au/goblock

Sponsored

 

[Mules]

I was just thinking about one of the best hacks on my build.

If you own a pickup, you probably love a tailgate as much as I do. It's a work, kitchen, and dining table as well as a bench seat. Hell, Land Rover, Land Cruiser (some) and Wrangler owners have to add a fold down table since they don't have tailgates.

Only problem is, I completely hate kneeling on my tailgate to get in the bed or to jump up and sit on it.

If you own a pickup, you should consider getting a tailgate pad and/or carpet the tailgate. It is so nice to have this DIY tailgate pad.

It also helps when I need to crawl under the truck! My knees are getting old.

 

[Mules]

If you already have a patio umbrella, this is a lot cheaper than buying an overlanding awning.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Umbrel...797-9685-e5da92d5b451&pd_rd_i=B073CZ62LM&th=1

 

[Jaxmax]

Mike, it is a cheaper solution but my shins would be beat to hell using it!
I bought a ARB1250 awning from Northridge on a black Friday sale for $170 4' wide by 8', perfect for over the tailgate going out eight feet, not heavy and won't take up space inside. I'm going to make a quick disconnect bracket using carriage head bolts and keyhole slots with stainless push pins to lock it in. Got my solar panel system done finally and awning is next.........Jack

 

[Mules]

Mike, it is a cheaper solution but my shins would be beat to hell using it!
I bought a ARB1250 awning from Northridge on a black Friday sale for $170 4' wide by 8', perfect for over the tailgate going out eight feet, not heavy and won't take up space inside. I'm going to make a quick disconnect bracket using carriage head bolts and keyhole slots with stainless push pins to lock it in. Got my solar panel system done finally and awning is next.........Jack

Pictures please, Jack. I’m curious about your solar.

 

[Jaxmax]

Zamp Solar 100watt panel through a 10amp controller. Panel is mounted on my RSI cap, I used an extra set of low profile mounts to avoid any flexing, turned out very solid. Picture was taken at my house in the woods on a mildly cloudy day . Highest I saw was
5.3 amps which is what the panel output is!
I have Genesis dual battery under the hood feeding a Voswitch system.I use my Jeep for surf fishing and turkey hunting, have a ARB Elements fridge which really is my draw have an air compressor, putting in red and white lights, kitchen slide is getting close now, which will have a sink and water pump. Chorky helped me with my design and size , most times I can be plugged in at our permanent camper by the beach so the AGM battery works for me. Zamp is pretty cool USA made entire system panel mounting feet connecting cable and controller weighed 15 pounds, they have blems and that’s what I went with the obison panel is only .69” high and ten pounds , most panel are much heavier and 1.5” high.
Fridge eliminated my need for a cooler rack with heavy cooler, just reach through side window for bait and food. I figure the new smaller rod rack ,no cooler hanging on front might have offset the about 30 pounds of the 90 lbs. of fridge and bracket , plus no ice is huge ……Jack

 

[Jaxmax]

Old cooler rack and new rod rack, only put the Jersey plate on when hitting Jersey or NC plate at the outer banks, figure it will block some air to radiator.

My old rack is running the beach’s in Jersey on a black High Altitude Glady.

 

[Mules]

Zamp Solar 100watt panel through a 10amp controller. Panel is mounted on my RSI cap, I used an extra set of low profile mounts to avoid any flexing, turned out very solid. Picture was taken at my house in the woods on a mildly cloudy day . Highest I saw was
5.3 amps which is what the panel output is!
I have Genesis dual battery under the hood feeding a Voswitch system.I use my Jeep for surf fishing and turkey hunting, have a ARB Elements fridge which really is my draw have an air compressor, putting in red and white lights, kitchen slide is getting close now, which will have a sink and water pump. Chorky helped me with my design and size , most times I can be plugged in at our permanent camper by the beach so the AGM battery works for me. Zamp is pretty cool USA made entire system panel mounting feet connecting cable and controller weighed 15 pounds, they have blems and that’s what I went with the obison panel is only .69” high and ten pounds , most panel are much heavier and 1.5” high.
Fridge eliminated my need for a cooler rack with heavy cooler, just reach through side window for bait and food. I figure the new smaller rod rack ,no cooler hanging on front might have offset the about 30 pounds of the 90 lbs. of fridge and bracket , plus no ice is huge ……Jack

Awesome rig Jack!! I didn't know they made boats for the beach

Can't wait to see the kitchen setup.

 

[Mules]

This looks like a nice cheap addition for stepping into the Gladiator bed. $70!

 

[Mules]

All the rain in the Midwest has started up the mushroom season. Here's some Coral mushrooms I found on my property yesterday. I made Coral mushroom & Venison last night.

 

[Mules]

Zamp Solar 100watt panel through a 10amp controller. Panel is mounted on my RSI cap, I used an extra set of low profile mounts to avoid any flexing, turned out very solid. Picture was taken at my house in the woods on a mildly cloudy day . Highest I saw was
5.3 amps which is what the panel output is!
I have Genesis dual battery under the hood feeding a Voswitch system.I use my Jeep for surf fishing and turkey hunting, have a ARB Elements fridge which really is my draw have an air compressor, putting in red and white lights, kitchen slide is getting close now, which will have a sink and water pump. Chorky helped me with my design and size , most times I can be plugged in at our permanent camper by the beach so the AGM battery works for me. Zamp is pretty cool USA made entire system panel mounting feet connecting cable and controller weighed 15 pounds, they have blems and that’s what I went with the obison panel is only .69” high and ten pounds , most panel are much heavier and 1.5” high.
Fridge eliminated my need for a cooler rack with heavy cooler, just reach through side window for bait and food. I figure the new smaller rod rack ,no cooler hanging on front might have offset the about 30 pounds of the 90 lbs. of fridge and bracket , plus no ice is huge ……Jack

Nice looking solar setup Jack! Why did you go with a solid solar panel instead of a cheaper flexible panel?

 

[Jaxmax]

The blem panel is $250 , solid frame with air space under it. There are posts about flexible panels failing as the heat build up under it can be a lot. No worrying about finish on cap over time if water gets under it. No worry about glue sticking or failing.
But I have no problem with others going with the flexible glue on ones, and in your case you could put it on the front edge of your cap and bend it over, but I am sure we think somewhat a like and why have it slightly vertical and able to be hit by debris or tree branches, when it can be invisible on top of your camper. You could put either style up on top and even get perhaps 300 watts of solar, then you could power that off road two person hot tub trailer you are thinking about !
All good my friend always read your posts!….Jack

 

[chorky]

I also have the Zamp panels. This time last year I purchased a 100w portable, with regulator, solar kit as an experiment and not being sold on a permanent mount option. I can say after a summer of testing I was blown away by the performance. I picked up a second 'blemished' 100w panel on a crazy sale for something like $150, and hard mounted both of them for 200w of solar now. I chose Zamp for several reasons. I did not want a 'stick on' panel due to concerns and failures of heat buildup. They have no way to dissipate heat well with no airflow under them. The Zamp panels and components are all hand made in the US in Oregon - for which I will happily pay more money for a US made product. More expensive, sure, but better performance. Zamp is well known in the RV industry and they were one of the first ones to really get the solar market going for camping set-ups many years ago. The only downfall I can see with them is they probably would be damaged in a real bad hail storm, but then so would everything else... They also have a lifetime warranty. I doubt any of the amazon panels will offer that.

 

[Mules]

The blem panel is $250 , solid frame with air space under it. There are posts about flexible panels failing as the heat build up under it can be a lot. No worrying about finish on cap over time if water gets under it. No worry about glue sticking or failing.
But I have no problem with others going with the flexible glue on ones, and in your case you could put it on the front edge of your cap and bend it over, but I am sure we think somewhat a like and why have it slightly vertical and able to be hit by debris or tree branches, when it can be invisible on top of your camper. You could put either style up on top and even get perhaps 300 watts of solar, then you could power that off road two person hot tub trailer you are thinking about !
All good my friend always read your posts!….Jack

Your $250 deal sounds right up my alley. I was worried about glueing on the flexible solar panel or burning the paint. The flexible ones are cheaper, but I'm not sure they will last as long as yours. I really like how thin and sleek your panel is, and that it has the air gap underneath.

 

[Mules]

I also have the Zamp panels. This time last year I purchased a 100w portable, with regulator, solar kit as an experiment and not being sold on a permanent mount option. I can say after a summer of testing I was blown away by the performance. I picked up a second 'blemished' 100w panel on a crazy sale for something like $150, and hard mounted both of them for 200w of solar now. I chose Zamp for several reasons. I did not want a 'stick on' panel due to concerns and failures of heat buildup. They have no way to dissipate heat well with no airflow under them. The Zamp panels and components are all hand made in the US in Oregon - for which I will happily pay more money for a US made product. More expensive, sure, but better performance. Zamp is well known in the RV industry and they were one of the first ones to really get the solar market going for camping set-ups many years ago. The only downfall I can see with them is they probably would be damaged in a real bad hail storm, but then so would everything else... They also have a lifetime warranty. I doubt any of the amazon panels will offer that.

Sounds like a winner! I'll have to do a bit more research as it looks like their input voltage might not work with my Pecron. Looks like a great product though.

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