I never even got to do a build thread on my 2022 Power Wagon. For those following along, I had knee replacement AUG 2021, but recovery was going slowly. We attempted to go camping with friends in Death Valley DEC 2022 but didn't last the first night because I couldn't get my knee comfortable. Last spring my knee finally started feeling pretty good but after a couple months it started to occasionally cramp on my and I'd need ice and hours of elevation to get it to relax. Doctors were baffled. As summer went on, the cramping was happening more often and became more severe, ultimately resulting in three ER visits. We attempted to camp at MRV and made it a night or two but Friday morning my knee cramped and sent us home. My wife wasn't able to close and load the camper without help from staff so we decided to downsize to something she could better manage and drive in the event I was incapacitated.
A few weeks ago I bought a well equipped 2021 Rubicon Gladiator that had the AEV 370 upgrade with a full suspension and 37s, and quite a few other cosmetic details. It came with the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper and 270 awning, 3 of 4 Goose Gear cabinets in the bed, snorkel, and a Dickinson fireplace. I added the Alu-Cab awning walls kit that included the two extra legs, although we only put walls 3 and 4 up for this spot. We spent a total of a week camping in the Kofa in southern AZ and at DRV. Prior to the trip I added the hood mount hi-lift bracket, GP Factor MaxTrax mount to the rear door, and a Rotopax fender mount on the driver's side, although no Rotopax yet as I couldn't find a 3 gallon in stock.
During the trip, I took notes on additional modifications we will make. These include the 4th GG cabinet for the rear and moving the fridge to a Goose Gear 40% seat delete. It was just a bit in the way in the bed. I also ordered the AEV HD springs. Although the standard springs performed better than I thought, on some technical stuff I was on the bump stops a bit too much. Rock Slide Engineering slider steps have been ordered as well. These were always in the plan for ease of entry. A Blue Ridge Overland Gear attic and 67Designs rail mount should be here in a few days to finish out the interior. An Alu-Cab shower awning and some load bars will finish out the exterior.
Looking forward to seeing how this build goes and the adventures it will take us on. I'll add a few more photos from that inaugural trip but it was great being able to camp again.
A few weeks ago I bought a well equipped 2021 Rubicon Gladiator that had the AEV 370 upgrade with a full suspension and 37s, and quite a few other cosmetic details. It came with the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper and 270 awning, 3 of 4 Goose Gear cabinets in the bed, snorkel, and a Dickinson fireplace. I added the Alu-Cab awning walls kit that included the two extra legs, although we only put walls 3 and 4 up for this spot. We spent a total of a week camping in the Kofa in southern AZ and at DRV. Prior to the trip I added the hood mount hi-lift bracket, GP Factor MaxTrax mount to the rear door, and a Rotopax fender mount on the driver's side, although no Rotopax yet as I couldn't find a 3 gallon in stock.
During the trip, I took notes on additional modifications we will make. These include the 4th GG cabinet for the rear and moving the fridge to a Goose Gear 40% seat delete. It was just a bit in the way in the bed. I also ordered the AEV HD springs. Although the standard springs performed better than I thought, on some technical stuff I was on the bump stops a bit too much. Rock Slide Engineering slider steps have been ordered as well. These were always in the plan for ease of entry. A Blue Ridge Overland Gear attic and 67Designs rail mount should be here in a few days to finish out the interior. An Alu-Cab shower awning and some load bars will finish out the exterior.
Looking forward to seeing how this build goes and the adventures it will take us on. I'll add a few more photos from that inaugural trip but it was great being able to camp again.
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