![]() 07/27/2018 at 08:15 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
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
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. 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.
(Plus I’d love something that’s Solar Yellow-esque. [ This is Solar Yellow.] < The little one, not the big one.>])
![]() 07/27/2018 at 08:25 |
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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?
![]() 07/27/2018 at 08:42 |
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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...
![]() 07/27/2018 at 08:59 |
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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.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 08:59 |
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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.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 09:54 |
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2nd the bikini top. WAY easier than fighting with the soft top (at least on a YJ it is)
![]() 07/27/2018 at 10:15 |
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That’s what we had, thing was a hassle
![]() 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.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 10:46 |
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Now if only I wasn’t so lazy...
My life in a nutshell.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 10:46 |
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That’s an interesting idea, thanks.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 10:48 |
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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
![]() 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.
![]() 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?
![]() 07/27/2018 at 13:03 |
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What fun would that be?
( See here for a fuller answer )
![]() 07/27/2018 at 14:36 |
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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.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 14:39 |
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Fair enough, didn’t read that earlier one.
So could it be a quick rain jumper and a second cold weather jumper?
![]() 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.
![]() 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.
![]() 07/27/2018 at 16:57 |
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There’s an interesting thought. Thanks.
![]() 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.
![]() 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.
![]() 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.
![]() 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.