Rubi Recon

[ExpeditionBuilds]

And so it begins! Brand new Recon, brand new build thread...

Here's the new Recon the day I picked her up in Seattle at Dwayne Lane's...socially distanced, masked and Paul my salesman wearing an Expedition Builds cap! Awesome moment!!!

- 2020 Recon Granite Crystal Metallic -
- Damn near every factory option


I did a pretty complete build of my previous JKU.

Looking forward to building on the new JL platform.


-Steven

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[ExpeditionBuilds]

Ok, so here's an overview of the direction I'm thinking about taking on this build. A lot of what I'll be doing is based off of what I've learned on my previous JK build and how that Jeep evolved to fit my lifestyle.

That build was what I would call an expedition style rig, looking to hit all the best aspects of a Jeep's innate characteristics.
This rig needs to be able to:
- Cruise the interstate at 85mph all day long, with my wife being comfortable behind the wheel.
- Capably tackle class 5 and higher trails (we hit Moab every year).
- Carry/stow various loads of gear, camping equipment, kayaks, etc.
- Retain the excellent efficiency/driving characteristics of the stock Recon.
- All mods will be with be with an eye towards capability and light weight.

I'll keep this thread updated as the build progresses with pics and write-ups. For aspects that would be covered more in-depth via video, I'll be posting that material on my Expedition Builds YouTube channel. Be sure and check in over there, I will have a 'first impressions' story going up soon on the Recon.


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

All, to start things off, little things first. I plan on keeping my stock steel Rubicon bumper. I'll be adding a Warn winch at some point.

So, let's get that license plate out of the way and make room for the fairlead and such.

To do this I'll be using the Maximus-3 JL Stealth License Plate bracket.

I used this same set-up on my JK. I like that it locates the plate up high and out of the way. Max also includes two 'quick' release wingnuts to remove the plate for trail running.

Here's a pic of the bracket mounted to the bumper.

and what you would have if you remove the plate for off roading...

...and all finished up..

This mounts using the stock mounting holes, quick, clean and easy.


-Steven

 

[Themistocles]

I am interested to see how this progresses. Your goals are very close to mine for my JLURD. Good luck and I will keep my eye on your build.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

I am interested to see how this progresses. Your goals are very close to mine for my JLURD. Good luck and I will keep my eye on your build.

Thanks! I learned so much from my previous build that will help me define this build.

I'll be doing what I consider small, essential mods before we do lift and tires/wheels, steering, etc.. It's one of the true pleasures of owning a Jeep...making it your own.


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Having a flashlight within easy reach is a must. Next up, getting my flashlight right where I want it.

For this upgrade, I'll be using Quadratec's Flashlight Mount. Here's a look...

This mount snaps onto the seat rails and secures via clamp bolt.

-Steven

 

[jeme]

Having a flashlight within easy reach is a must. Next up, getting my flashlight right where I want it.

For this upgrade, I'll be using Quadratec's Flashlight Mount. Here's a look...

This mount snaps onto the seat rails and secures via clamp bolt.

-Steven

What model flashlight is that Maglite - 3 D Cell or 2 D Cell, do you know who has the best price on those?

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

What model flashlight is that Maglite - 3 D Cell or 2 D Cell, do you know who has the best price on those?

Here you go. This is one of their LED 3 D cells flashlights.

Love it! The color is not the easiest to find, but sure looks good with the Recon red accents.

-Steven

 

[jeme]

Here you go. This is one of their LED 3 D cells flashlights.

Love it! The color is not the easiest to find, but sure looks good with the Recon red accents.

-Steven

Looks incredible - thanks so much!

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Looks incredible - thanks so much!

Yeah no worries! Any luck on your Recon?


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Continuing with the smaller mods. Next was getting my fire extinguisher into Rubi.

For this, I'm using M.O.R.E.'s bracket that bolts directly to the roll bar, putting it within easy reach. Here's a look...

All finished up...

I like the design of this with it's quick and easy bungees that hold the extinguisher tightly in the mount...

-Steven

 

[DadJokes]

I don’t know why more don’t get the Element 50 extinguisher. More capacity, less volume and weight. It would fit in that flashlight holder you installed is my understanding.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Added a few more simple upgrades. Mopar Door Sill Guards...

-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

I don’t know why more don’t get the Element 50 extinguisher. More capacity, less volume and weight. It would fit in that flashlight holder you installed is my understanding.

This is a really great suggestion Daniel. I'll be looking into carrying one on Rubi. Thanks



-Steven

 

[jeme]

Yeah no worries! Any luck on your Recon?


-Steven

Still trying on my Recon, found one white fully loaded dealer sold it before I could get a deposit on it, found a second white one and same thing happened, they are selling very fast.

found a third white one that has everything I want except advanced safety. Can get that for 5.3% below invoice, finally found a gray one with everything for 4.2% below invoice. Going to buy that one today before it sells. Lol

I will let you know. Any thoughts on those prices?

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