Digital Nomad Build

[RetiredGeek]

New JL owner but I have owned and built three TJs so I am not new to Jeeps. I wasn't really in the market but came across a 2021 Rubicon 4xe with 43K miles for $32k that was too good to pass up. The Jeep is immaculate, has leather trimmed interior and PPF all around. The power of the turbo and the instant torque of the electric motor really makes this thing scoot!

In any case, I'm setting myself up to be a digital nomad and hit some of the more awesome sites in the US so I will need to build it out a bit more before I hit the trails later in April.

What's I've Installed So Far

1. Design Engineering headliner
2. Mopar 2" Lift Kit with Fox Shocks
3. 35" KO2s

Today I decided to take on some small tasks. I mocked up the sleeping platform and installed the J&L Oil catch can. Catch can was simple and took only 20 minutes. You can hardly even tell its there!

Later this weekend I plan on upgrading to a Yeti XD™ Drag Link and Tie Rod Assembly since mine are shot. I'll also install an oversized spare adapter and a Smittybilt X20 winch.

Lastly, I'll begin building out the sleeping platform with 3/4" plywood and hope to have that finished up by next weekend.

Still waiting to receive my BougeRV refrigerator and the ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Pro 700 160W Solar Panel. Those will probably go in next weekend.

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[eljefe]

Ciao RetiredGeek!

Love the concept and the work put in so far. Curious of your thoughts / ideas for connectivity - cellular, VSAT, etc. - and your potential plans for install on the Jeep if that’s the way you’re headed.

Keep up the great work and looking forward to watching the progress!

 

[RetiredGeek]

Ciao RetiredGeek!

Love the concept and the work put in so far. Curious of your thoughts / ideas for connectivity - cellular, VSAT, etc. - and your potential plans for install on the Jeep if that’s the way you’re headed.

Keep up the great work and looking forward to watching the progress!

Hey there - Currently planning on doing a Star link Mini but haven't done anything yet to figure this out. I'll keep you posted as I progress.

 

[RetiredGeek]

Got a few more things done. Winch, Yeti HD tie rod assembly and track bar installed. Also set up the awning to test it out. Headed up to Carolina to do shakedown.

 

[RetiredGeek]

Added the Asfir skidplate. Fantastic quality and easy install. Highly recommend to get this to protect your oil pan if you are going off-roading!

 

[RetiredGeek]

Finished the platform build. Had some old plywood laying around so just pieced it together quickly. It actually turned out pretty good. Originally made it too tall so I had to cut it down 1.5 inches.

 

[RetiredGeek]

Finally got a chance to do a shakedown at Hugenot Park and Hanna Park. A couple of observations:

1. Starlink worked great and had a low power draw (relatively speaking).
2. Solar panels made 115 kwh during sunny day versus my peak draw which was about 85kwh with a laptop, second monitor, refrigerator, starlkink mini, and fan.
3. Sleeping with my head towards the front seat was uncomfortable - head towards the tailgate allowed me to stretch out better.
4. The awning held up well in high wind and a thunderstorm with rain.
5. Very glad I purchased screens for the door windows for airflow while sleeping.
6. BougeRV refrigerator was spectacular. Very low power draw which had no adverse affect on the Jeep 12v.
7. Ecoflow River 2 Pro was more than sufficient for my needs.

Got a few minor tweaks to do to dial in the comfort a bit more and optimize the drawer system but other than that I am good to go. Heading out for the Badlands on June 14th and expecting to get back around July 5th.

 

[bthomp]

Finally got a chance to do a shakedown at Hugenot Park and Hanna Park. A couple of observations:

1. Starlink worked great and had a low power draw (relatively speaking).
2. Solar panels made 115 kwh during sunny day versus my peak draw which was about 85kwh with a laptop, second monitor, refrigerator, starlkink mini, and fan.
3. Sleeping with my head towards the front seat was uncomfortable - head towards the tailgate allowed me to stretch out better.
4. The awning held up well in high wind and a thunderstorm with rain.
5. Very glad I purchased screens for the door windows for airflow while sleeping.
6. BougeRV refrigerator was spectacular. Very low power draw which had no adverse affect on the Jeep 12v.
7. Ecoflow River 2 Pro was more than sufficient for my needs.

Got a few minor tweaks to do to dial in the comfort a bit more and optimize the drawer system but other than that I am good to go. Heading out for the Badlands on June 14th and expecting to get back around July 5th.

This is GREAT data - thank you for sharing. I love the setup, off-grid but online. Very slick. I need to gear up so that I can do this.

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