Need ideas

Kinja'd!!! "Just Jeepin'" (macintux)
07/27/2018 at 08:15 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 22

I’m looking for a few things to make my Jeep experience a happier one.

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First, a dash cam. Specifically, I want a DVR console to mount behind my dash (security, waterproofing—remember, the Jeep is naked most of the time ) with two (or more) cameras I can wire up to it. I’d prefer the cameras use some standard connection so I could buy higher quality ones if I prefer, but I think that’s a pipe dream.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , but I’m a bit worried by the fact the company doesn’t seem to have any other products. Would be nice to buy from someone I’m sure has a sustainable business for support. Anyway, alternative suggestions welcome.

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Related: a cellular/ GPS-based security system. I may try to build this myself, but my skills are limited. LoJack is pretty close, and maybe that’s what I should get, but the nearest dealer is 150 miles away, and I’m not sold on the concept (GPS coordinates I can track seem better than a radio signal that, when it’s cut off or out of range , no longer does me any good ).

I want something I can tuck somewhere inconspicuous with the following features:

Will start texting me the moment it loses external power with location information.

Ideally has a web interface so I can reach out to it at any time to see its status and location.

Has a battery backup that will give me time to track its location.

I like the LoJack fob-based alerting if it moves without the fob present.

I’m sure I had a few other ideas on that, but I’m drawing a blank.

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Finally, I’d like recommendations for an unarmored riding suit !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Looking for something to keep me warm in colder weather and rain, but judging by one of the reviews it takes a long time to get in and out of. When I pull up to a fast food place in the rain, the last thing I want to do is stand in the rain getting drenched while I slowly get out of it; the second-last thing I want to do is stand inside and slowly do a strip-tease for other customers.

Kinja'd!!!

(Plus I’d love something that’s Solar Yellow-esque. [ This is Solar Yellow.] < The little one, not the big one.>])


DISCUSSION (22)


Kinja'd!!! Sovande > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 08:25

Kinja'd!!!0

Have you looked into the Spot trackers? I don’t know much about them, but they might be an option. Has an app with alerts, etc. Another thing you may look into is what boaters use - likely to be rugged and waterproof, etc.

What's the armored suit for? The jeep? Does it not have a roof and heat? 


Kinja'd!!! BJ > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 08:42

Kinja'd!!!0

I have thought of building my own version of a lojack as well. An arduino-based 3G cellular module and a SIM card with data plan would give you a lot of flexibility.

You could have automated reporting and even text to the device for special commands. If you’re clever, add a connection to a relay that interrupts the ignition and you can remote kill a stolen car.

Add a web app that captures and stores the data, allows you map/follow, and you have a commercial product.

Now if only I wasn't so lazy...


Kinja'd!!! TysMagic > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 08:59

Kinja'd!!!1

Would a bikini top be better than the riding suit?

When we had a jeep, the top was never up and we had half doors so no windows in either. If it rained, we kept driving or if really needed put on a coat. We had a bikini top on once when it rained, surprisingly effective.

I’m useless on the other two pieces here. I use a mirror mounted dash cam, but it’s incredibly easy to steal if the top is down. 


Kinja'd!!! Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 08:59

Kinja'd!!!0

I’ve looked into a DIY car tracker a couple times. As of last check, the best bet seems to be using an old phone. They’re cheap (or already paid for if you have one) have 1-3 days of battery life, and can be set up for this purpose pretty easy.


Kinja'd!!! 450X_FTW > TysMagic
07/27/2018 at 09:54

Kinja'd!!!1

2nd the bikini top. WAY easier than fighting with the soft top (at least on a YJ it is) 


Kinja'd!!! TysMagic > 450X_FTW
07/27/2018 at 10:15

Kinja'd!!!1

That’s what we had, thing was a hassle 


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > TysMagic
07/27/2018 at 10:45

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I discussed that in a comment on my earlier piece on driving in the rain. To add to that comment, I’d still like something that helps in colder weather as well as rainy weather.


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > BJ
07/27/2018 at 10:46

Kinja'd!!!0

Now if only I wasn’t so lazy...

My life in a nutshell.


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
07/27/2018 at 10:46

Kinja'd!!!0

That’s an interesting idea, thanks.


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > Sovande
07/27/2018 at 10:48

Kinja'd!!!0

Thanks, I do recall encountering the Spot previously, will have to take another look.

I don’t need armor per se, but I do like to ride in a naked Jeep in the rain:

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-jeep-experience-part-3-rain-dance-1827789577


Kinja'd!!! 450X_FTW > TysMagic
07/27/2018 at 11:37

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I never imagined my fingers would be bleeding from a soft top. YJ proved me wrong. 


Kinja'd!!! WiscoProud > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 12:08

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I’m confused. Are you intending to wear the unarmored suit in the jeep? If its cold or raining, why don’t you just put the top and doors back on?


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > WiscoProud
07/27/2018 at 13:03

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What fun would that be?

( See here for a fuller answer )


Kinja'd!!! TysMagic > 450X_FTW
07/27/2018 at 14:36

Kinja'd!!!1

It’s in the name, it should be soffffttttttt.

My audi ruined its paint with the soft top. Fluid filled h ydraulics should not move convertible top pieces.


Kinja'd!!! TysMagic > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 14:39

Kinja'd!!!0

Fair enough, didn’t read that earlier one.

So could it be a quick rain jumper and a second cold weather jumper?


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > TysMagic
07/27/2018 at 15:57

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I have warm -weather rain gear more or less handled, although I keep hoping to find a quality poncho. At REI I can spend $400 on a quality rain jacket, but only $40 on a poncho.

What I mainly need is a rain/cold weather suit. If it comes with layers such that I can use it in warm weather for rainy days, all the better.


Kinja'd!!! TysMagic > Just Jeepin'
07/27/2018 at 16:43

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It’s been a long time since I was in one, but sounds like it’s time to hit up an ATV dealership and try on some riding suits. 


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > TysMagic
07/27/2018 at 16:57

Kinja'd!!!0

There’s an interesting thought. Thanks. 


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > Sovande
07/30/2018 at 10:44

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Took another look at Spot, I think I’ll buy one this week. Thanks for the suggestion, looks very promising.


Kinja'd!!! Sovande > Just Jeepin'
07/30/2018 at 11:09

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Oh good! I hope it works out. A friend of mine used it for his boat and was happy with it. 


Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > Sovande
07/30/2018 at 11:14

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The only gripe I have with it, and it’s more of a beef with physics than with Spot, is that they encourage you not to place it beneath metal.

I have an idea , but that definitely makes it tougher, at least until my body rusts away and I replace it with fiberglass but that’s hopefully another couple of decades away.


Kinja'd!!! Mercedes Streeter > Just Jeepin'
08/06/2018 at 16:41

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Now that I have enough two wheeled vehicles to say I have a “beater” bike (my “Imperator Slowiosa” 150cc scooter), I’m fully committed to dailying a bike/scooter whenever possible.

This means I’m prepping for winter. Since my “winter bike” will be a scooter, I won’t have to worry about shifting. This means any old pair of decent boots ought to work for keeping my feet warm/dry. I’ll wear my full face dual sport helmet to protect my head from the chills, and I have a giant coat that I’ve worn through some of the worst conditions. Of course, I can’t say I’ve done anything like this before, so I’ll end up learning as I go.