Jeep 4xe Power Box Experience In Joshua Tree National Park

[MaximusW]

I recently returned from camping in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). All of the designated campground sites in JTNP are without electric, water or sewer. This was the perfect time to see how my Jeep's Power Box would perform. TLD; it worked great!

I would put my 4xe into "Battery Charge" mode while out exploring the park which would top off the Jeep's 17kWh battery. When I returned to my trailer, I would plug the trailer into my Jeep's Power Box. Not only did it power the entire trailer, but it would charge my trailer's 4kWh battery pack. This allowed me to unplug the trailer from the Power Box in the evening.

There was one thing that seemed strange to me. When using the Power Box the Jeep would turn on the driving lights (headlights only). When it started getting dark I had another camper come by to let me know that my Jeep's headlights were on! In hindsight, maybe it was because I was running the Power Box in Hybrid mode...? I also noticed that I needed to turn off the climate control and the screen. Seems like the Jeep should be smart enough to do this. Please let me know if it's user error.

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[Bulletbill]

Can’t help with the power-box question other than to ask if you left the select mode for your headlamps in auto.

In a completely unrelated question, who makes your trailer? That’s a tight little setup!

 

[MaximusW]

Can’t help with the power-box question other than to ask if you left the select mode for your headlamps in auto.

In a completely unrelated question, who makes your trailer? That’s a tight little setup!

No, I tried turning the headlights off, but it didn’t work.

The trailer is built by a company called AntiShanty. It’s been an awesome pairing for the Jeep 4xe. Couldn’t be happier with it and post-sales support from AntiShanty.

Individuals interested in purchasing an AntiShanty can use the code “TinyHut24” for $500 off the best price.
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[C.Sco]

In a completely unrelated question, who makes your trailer? That’s a tight little setup!

I second this question!

 

[wingdog]

These guys maybe: https://antishanty.com/

 

[MaximusW]

These guys maybe: https://antishanty.com/

Correct

 

[DewHawk]

No, I tried turning the headlights off, but it didn’t work.

Are we talking about the actual low beams here or the halo/DRL’s?

 

[MaximusW]

Are we talking about the actual low beams here or the halo/DRL’s?

Good clarifying question, halos.

 

[DewHawk]

Good clarifying question, halos.

So that’s a function of the programming for the lights. Even with the light switch set to off, if the ignition is switched on the Halos will still illuminate. The power draw of those halos is very low (maybe 5w or so), that’s why they stay on even with the switch to full left.

 

[MaximusW]

So that’s a function of the programming for the lights. Even with the light switch set to off, if the ignition is switched on the Halos will still illuminate. The power draw of those halos is very low (maybe 5w or so), that’s why they stay on even with the switch to full left.

Appreciate the information. Thanks.

I'm less concerned about the power draw and more about it drawing attention to the vehicle. As I mentioned, the individual camping next to me thought that I had accidentally left the lights on.

 

[DewHawk]

Appreciate the information. Thanks.

I'm less concerned about the power draw and more about it drawing attention to the vehicle. As I mentioned, the individual camping next to me thought that I had accidentally left the lights on.

If you have a tazer, there’s a function in the lighting submenu that’s titled Halo En which allows you to enable and disable the halos. It should cut the exterior lighting completely in this kind of situation. Would be easier than using something like JScan to change the programming. Only other thing I can recommend is carrying some blackout covers to place over the headlights ?‍

 

[MaximusW]

If you have a tazer, there’s a function in the lighting submenu that’s titled Halo En which allows you to enable and disable the halos. It should cut the exterior lighting completely in this kind of situation. Would be easier than using something like JScan to change the programming. Only other thing I can recommend is carrying some blackout covers to place over the headlights ?‍

Both viable options, thank you!

 

[Dryver]

Hmm, now you've got me thinking I need to trade in. My 2021 4xe isn't PowerBox friendly. I'd hate to give up the Nacho color, but Bikini's pretty nice too. My wife would kill me though...

 

[TealOxAdv]

I recently returned from camping in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). All of the designated campground sites in JTNP are without electric, water or sewer. This was the perfect time to see how my Jeep's Power Box would perform. TLD; it worked great!

I would put my 4xe into "Battery Charge" mode while out exploring the park which would top off the Jeep's 17kWh battery. When I returned to my trailer, I would plug the trailer into my Jeep's Power Box. Not only did it power the entire trailer, but it would charge my trailer's 4kWh battery pack. This allowed me to unplug the trailer from the Power Box in the evening.

There was one thing that seemed strange to me. When using the Power Box the Jeep would turn on the driving lights (headlights only). When it started getting dark I had another camper come by to let me know that my Jeep's headlights were on! In hindsight, maybe it was because I was running the Power Box in Hybrid mode...? I also noticed that I needed to turn off the climate control and the screen. Seems like the Jeep should be smart enough to do this. Please let me know if it's user error.

Pulling the park brake handle will disable the DRL/halos on the regular ICE wranglers.

 

[MaximusW]

Pulling the park brake handle will disable the DRL/halos on the regular ICE wranglers.

Good to know, thanks. I’m almost certain that I had the parking brake engaged. I’ll have to check on that.

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