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Comments
Mac mentioned the weight already... The M101 is listed as 775lbs unloaded and 15xx loaded, so maybe 800lbs of cargo max. Also you'll need to check into the hitch type. Many mil-surplus units have a pintle hitch which is non standard and will require you to have the appropriate mount (read more $) for the Jeep.
I dig the way they look, but unless you're packing the whole family and going out for an extended visit, consider some of the better roof racks and pack light! With the rear seat out, I can pack enough luggage and coolers for a week at the beach without any problem. I did buy a rear cargo rack that mounts in a 2" receiver hitch. Departure angle suffers, but I've seen some that are on an angled arm to get some rear clearance back. Mine is sturdy enough to hold a loaded fishing cooler (200lbs) without problem as long as your hitch is tied to the frame. Some rear swing out tire carriers also give you the ability to load a rear rack with a couple hundred lbs. of cargo.
My suggestion is to do a lot of looking around and try to narrow down your needs. Jeeps and lack of storage has been tackled in lots of different ways with some really creative solutions.
-twylie
Although that trailer only carries 1/4 of a ton, it's the total weight of the trailer plus load that matters.
You can only legally tow 2000lbs with your Wrangler in this country. (You can legally tow far more with exactly the same vehicle in other parts of the world, but that's a whole other can of worms!)
Consider the weight and volume of the camping gear you wish to carry. I'd guess that a small utility type trailer will fit your needs. Utility trailers are usually constructed with an angle iron framework.
Here in the south I can purchase a medium sized utility trailer with a 10'x 5' bed and a 3500lb axle for around $500. That would be much more than you need, so you might consider having one built with a smaller bed but using a heavy duty frame and axle. Make sure to specify 15" wheels with the same lug bolt spacing as the Jeep for obvious reasons. Cost would be about the same. Don't make the mistake of going for a small lightweight trailer though.
A front mounted receiver hitch makes maneuvering a trailer in a confined space much easier.
I think that's enough for the moment!
:--)
As you said, there are numerous solutions to the problem of packing extra gear.
Glen: I know that around here you can get a small utility trailer for just a few hundred dollars. Like MAC said I'm sure that you can find something cheaper that will fit your needs.
As for the TK, truck sounds about right. I know the state of MD has done dumber things, so that wouldn't surprise me.
Tony
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I know of a few good areas up on top of some mountains that overlook the Antelope Valley.
-Paul
-twylie
Just remember, leave no trace. I hate finding used shells and casings.
As an offroad lover/wannabe and a scoutmaster, I firmly believe in leaving the land in as good or better shape than you found it.
gman, drop me a line if you want some ideas on locations. I'm up in Tehachapi and there are some nice places up there too... much cooler.
-Paul
If you are interested, I can give you instructions on how to get one. It has been discussed in here, so you might find it using search. If you have trouble finding out how to get one, and if you are interested in getting one, then just post a message.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
EDIT:
OK, I searched on "factory build sheet," and I found the detailed instructions on how to get one in post #9741.
Now I just gotta order the new one.
-Paul
I just purchased a brand new 2004 Wrangler
SE 5 speed manual a few days ago, having traded in a 97 Wranger.
I have two questions.
First, I've had a very hard time shifting
into first gear from a stop. Is this normal
for a brand new jeep; is this common? I really
have to force it into gear, which I don't
like to do. Every other gear shifts fine. It
seems to work much better if I shift into second,
then first from a stop, but that doesn't seem
normal.
Also, my SE did not come with factory installed
fog-lights. How hard would it be to install
them now. I know they switched to activating
them from the headlight stick, but my headlight
stick doesn't pull out since the fog lights weren't installed factory. Anyone installed
fog lights on a 2004 Wranger?
Thanks in advance...Shawn
I think that the Angeles National Forest is more restrictive for target shooting, but I don't know that for a fact. There is another nice dirt road near Gorman (in Angeles National Forest) that is normally spectacular in the spring.
The pindle hitch can put up with more rough terrain than a regular ball hitch (as I remember from my past Army days). I also remember that military vehicles don't use the same voltage on their batteries (can't remember what they do use, though), so you would have to re-wire and probably change the lights on a military trailer, unless it was already done (the one on the posted link mentioned that it still needed re-wiring).
I don't think what you describe is normal at all. You should not have so much trouble shifting into first gear, assuming you have the clutch depressed all the way. I would make the dealer fix it under warranty.
Can't help ya with your fog light question, but I'm sure some others in here can and will.
Once again, welcome! Stick around and become a regular here.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I installed some IPF 968 foglamps (huge 7" lamps) in the stock location. If you have even a basic understanding of connecting wires and can run some around the engine bay through the firewall, you can do it easily. If you want I can shoot some pics of my installation (have to take em first) and show you how I did the installation. I have a 97 SE and did it in about an hour and a half (took my sweet time).
I can also point you to some good deals for those lights (or you could go with Jeep brand).
Installation for a 2004 I imagine would be virtually identical.
-Paul
The problem is likely to be related to the clockspring, either it's faulty or has developed a bad ground.
In case you're wondering, the clockspring allows the electrical components in the steering wheel to maintain a connection while the steering wheel is turned.
To replace it (it can't be repaired), the steering wheel needs to be removed, and therefore the airbag needs to be disconnected. This is more than entry level stuff, so you first need to get the solution independently verified.
If you want further explanation post again.
hswintek - what year is your Wrangler? The only reason I asked is that some '98 Wranglers had a problem where they would lose all dash gauges and the airbag light would go on. There's a very easy fix to it, but wouldn't apply if yours is newer than that.
Shawn: it shouldn't be that hard like Glen said. If you have a basic understanding of ground to ground, hot to hot wiring. I'm pretty sure that most after market switches are designed so that they fit in the extra spaces in the lower part of the dash (where the defroster and axle-lock would be). Should look pretty nice when you are finished.
Personally I use the fog lights and low beams at night and they give me the same amount of light as the high beams. That and when someone flashes their high beams at me I can flash back and let them know that I don't have mine on... not that I would do that often.
Glen: as for you having Ellie'Mae topless today, you can keep the weather. I love living here. I get the best of both worlds, usually a few good snows per year and 90 degree weather all summer. You can't beat it. Amy will have plenty of topless time in a few months.
Tony
tidester, host
tidester: I know that my e-mail is set to be viewable by all but it can't be seen. The same as Mtngal.
Tony
tidester, host
For anyone interested, check out my Turkey Bay OHV website. It's dedicated to the place where I do my wheelin' and also to a few different Jeep related subjects.
http://home.earthlink.net/~tsjay49/
On the links page, there is a link to Thelma Jane's page and one to Ross Allen's page.
Well, Peeps, I have now made it three weeks without smoking.
I don't feel any better. I don't seem to be sleeping any better and still hate to get out of bed each morning, just like always. I am losing my motivation! The only other time I ever made it this far, I was feeling MUCH better in the mornings, as if I had slept much better. I am not experiencing that this time.
I'm not saying that I will give up, but it is disappointing that I am not feeling better by now.
Thanks for all the help you guys have been in this!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The first noise is a "clicking sound" that seems to occur just about any time that I go over slightly bumpy pavement, speed bump etc. Almost like something metal is rubbing on another piece. It seems to be more prevalent the colder it is.
The second is more of a "clunk" that that occurs (again from somewhere under the drivers dash - toward the floor) when I go over a jarring bump (train tracks, cracked pavement).
My guess is that the 2 are related b/c each one occurs over bumps but the clunk sound happens over a harsher bump.
Any ideas before I take her in?
Thanks for the Info regarding my transmission
and the fog lights.
I'm taking the Jeep in tomorrow to have some
side steps installed. I'll have them look at
the transmission then.
Sounds like the fog lights are something I
could handle. I would be interested in a link
to get teh best prices.
For anyone interested, I live in Central
PA, and my new Jeep is an SE 5 speed with Customer Preferred Package 23N, Upgraded Tire/Wheel Package, Convenience group,
and floor mats.
I paid 1.5% over invoice plus $2000 rebate
from Chrysler plus 0% for 48 months.
The $2000 cash back and 0% financing are
what finally got me to trade in my '97.
Thanks Again...Shawn
Tom - it does get better, just hang in there. I know that my other half was able to hike better after 3 months without working at it or even noticing the difference (until we went to Zion). Smoking didn't change his sleeping much - that changed after the angioplasty.
Tony - I agree with you on what makes good weather. I just wish we had gotten more than a dusting on Monday. It is all gone now, but they are talking about more being possible this weekend. Maybe I'll be able to go snowshoeing Sunday (hope, hope).
redkey - I wish I were a mechanic, but I'm not. Probably the only thing that I could think of would be way off base so wait for one of the guys who really knows something chimes in. I was amazed I even remembered that Army vehicles use a different voltage system!
Shawn, I live in Central Pa too. I just bought side steps, door edge guards and slush mats for my Jeep (Blu-J, like the bird). I used Mopardirect.net. Good prices and great shipping (Free). If they don't have your fog lights, then try Jeepsareus.com. They definitely have them. I have seen them there. No free shipping though. The fog lights are the OEM ones and come complete with all wiring and switches and stuff. Looks like a nice kit. I just checked and Moardirect has the kit for $215.00. Seems pretty reasonable considering it is OEM.
Two things I will say though.
One, rubber and plastic become a lot less compliant in the cold, so you might want to be looking for mounts and bushings that aren't flexing as they should.
Two, make sure you take a ride with the tech at the dealership so you can point out the noise to his/her. This will prevent the frustration of hearing "Noise..... what noise!" when you go to collect your vehicle.
;--)
the jeep at Wisslers in Mount Joy.
I will definitely look at the Mopar
site.
Thanks!...Shawn
My other half, who is from Flin Flon, loved the constant weather here for a couple of years. Then he made the mistake of mentioning that he missed the changing seasons. Next thing he knew, we moved to the mountains. Now he complains because there are only 2 seasons - summer and winter - and what he really missed was fall! Guess there's no pleasing some people...
Another source of supply for mail order Jeep things, like fog lights, is Quadratec. Years ago, when I was in Germany, I used JC Whitney quite a bit, but not recently. They'd be worth checking out for prices, etc.
-Paul
Tony_cross1 at excite dot com.
I've got plenty of blank tapes and it shouldn't cost to much to mail.
Tony
We tend to have 3 seasons as well - Summer, a beautiful and all-too-brief fall, and then a hellishly long and cold winter. In my later years I am definitely thinking of moving somewhere with a warmer clime... interior or coastal BC would be fine, the best of both worlds I think!
Andrew
Had some GREAT weather here the past few days, almost spring like. \
ok WHOS ready for topless & doorless season?
CONGRATS Tom, Hang in there my friend, I know you can do it!!
Now when did I start posting on edmunds?
probably around dec 2000. WOW over 3 years.
I wanna say thank to all you guys for your prayers & thoughts for me. Things are getting better just gonna take time
Keep Jeepin
BamaTazz
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Do they still put "TJ" on the sides of Canadian Wranglers? I thought that it looked so nice and have always wanted to put them on my Noble Black Steed - just haven't done anything about it. We drove the Noble Black Steed up to northern B.C. a couple of years ago, and I was surprised to see them.
tidester, host
I liked it too, I have it on Tazz. I think it looks great. I also replaced the antenna with the european type. With everything going on, i havent been able to keep Tazz showroom clean.
Not really important now.
Keep Jeepin
Bama
Not really important now."
Bama, you MUST have been having some serious problems!
Sure glad things are going better for ya now.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I thought about putting a TJ logo right above where it has Wrangler on the side in front of the doors, but my daughter wants one of those stickers across the windshield, "It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand."
I want one on the rear bumper, that says, "If you can read this, help roll me back over."
-Paul
I just checked my profile. My email is now there (thanks all those hardworking folks at Edmunds).
Yay!
tidester, host
Bama: Glad things are getting better. Hope they stay that way.
Tom: Keep it up man. You might not feel the difference now but you will 5 years from now.
Tony
be in pain,
be incarcerated,
lay in a hospital bed,
worry over a serious problem,
be depressed (which you probably are),
have given up smoking (which definitely applies)!
Three weeks is a short time to:
enjoy a vacation (it goes too quickly),
watch a child grow (just flies by),
be in love................. I could go on but I expect you get the idea.
I assume that you've been smoking for years. How does three weeks relate to that length of time? Is it reasonable that after only three weeks your body and mind will be free of the effects that smoking will have had?
Our impression of time varies in relation to what we experience during the passing of that time. Because you're feeling bad in a variety of ways, time will be passing very slowly. However, like watching a pot waiting to boil on the stovetop, you know it will boil in the end, even though nothing seems to be happening at the moment. Likewise, if you hang in there, you will get through the initial blues (though I think 'grays' would describe it better!), just do it a day at a time.
Oh well, there's no doubt that I am better off by not smoking. So, gonna keep hangin' in there the best I can. Workin' on Day 23.
Thanks to all of you Jeep Buds for your support.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Bama, glad to hear that things are working themselves out! But Tazz not kept showroom clean?? Whatever happened to priorities?! ;-)
Tom, hang in there. You've made 23, challenge yourself to another 23 and see what it looks like then.
Andrew
Seriously though, times can be tough for all of us. Part of what makes us better is how we deal with the tough times, be they emotional, physical, financial, or whatever. Both of you have come a long way to overcome your issues. All of us here share a bond in our love of Jeeps. But we share the bond that we are human and experience the joys, and unfortunately the pains of life.
You two, keep at it. Keep working to reach your desired goals. You have a lot of friends here that care and are pulling for you in any way we can.
-Paul