Were All These Jeep Wrangler 392 Upgrades Worth It?

[@skeeterbug9875]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Oh wow, thank you so much for the support!

[@alanadlerb]

Brad, my rear locker sensor went out too and my dealer's solution was to reroute the wires to it, as they found the lift was causing the wire to pull on the sensor thus creating the fault. Once they rewired it the problem was fixed. Try doing that with yours too

[@TheStoryTillNow]

Super practical and organized build. I love it.

[@TrailRecon]

Appreciate buddy! Looking forward to getting out on the trail with you again soon!

[@gareman9417]

The suspension kit video is the reason why I'm upgrading my 4xe Rubicon to the AEV dual sport RT. Thank you Brad for the hard work in making that video much appreciated.

[@exhaustinglife]

I love watching the evolution of people's projects and understanding the thought processes behind each change. Lots of great memories and lessons learned. Good stuff as usual. I hope to see you on the trail again.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks brother! Looking forward to hitting the dirt with you again soon!

[@mikebiron7339]

Man, Brad. Every video you put out makes me want to go explore this great Country of ours even more. I'm like 80% ready on my XJ. I don't have 392 money so I'm making due. LOL Anyway, I'm like a spare tire carrier and a front bumper with winch away from my first trip. Gonna take my oldest son and start the memories. Good bad or ugly, I'm going and its because of you and Nate. I hope to see you out there!

[@jordi011170]

Thank You again for all you share with us. Hope to catch ya’ll on the trail some time.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!!!!! I hope to catch you at there as well!

[@bluethunder1703]

Hi brad, Me and my dad have a wrangler rubicon that we have been putting mods on for a while and it is cool how similar our Jeep is to yours, everything new that you showed is almost exactly what we would like to do to ours. Love your videos, and hope to see you on the trail one day!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and nothing like getting out on some father & son trips! Safe travels!

[@aljeeper3292]

Great video Brad and yes I've been patiently waiting too.... A couple of years ago a mate had the EVO 14" Coil-over Long Arm Suspension System to his JL and WoW what an incredible ride, on & off road!!! The thing I couldn't get over was how amazing it handled on road plus smoothed out any bumps, truely awesome off-road with huge flex plus yes it really smoothed out those washboard roads😁😜 Just a thought 👍🏻

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Love the updates and the upcoming changes. Can't wait to see what lift you go with. You should put the aux battery in the cubby under your goose gear in the back like Rob and I did for our wive's wranglers. Works great!!

[@bwofficial1776]

Always fun to watch your builds evolve. The bronze wheels look good with the red and the gullwing windows are always cool. That's awesome that you have trail challenges. Jeep needs to figure out the AWD transfer case and differentials. I'm surprised you didn't take that opportunity to see Dynatrac for some upgraded axles.

[@donmontalvo1]

Your Goose Gear full platform, Camp Kitchen, double-drawer, and tailgate table inspired me. So happy I went with the kit on my 2021 JLUR. I can't thank you enough!

[@fasterthanyou7605]

I bought my Patagonia mt 02 37’s a few month back fromyour site thanks for the discount! Also happy to report 12k miles later we are still loving these!

[@LivingTheDream-RocklanderUSA]

Your Jeep 392 looks great 👍. I love the rack and awning. Great job Brad. -Ryan

[@lakertang]

Enjoy these gear video as much as the adventure ones. Just to see what a pro Overlander considers essential and optional on a road trip gives a rookie like me perspective on what toys I really need and what are just cool to have but not really useful.

[@robert5712]

Thanks Brad for another video on organizing and upgrade planning. We have followed and I have worked at having a detailed Jeep for over-landing and have gotten it down this year. Removed the back seats and built a platform with hatch covers. also built a two drawer cabinet next to the domestic fridge.

[@J.Young808]

1:25 I like the integration of the amber chase lights in the rear glass hinges. I hope you go over them. 9:35 yay you covered them.

[@truedeadman]

Nice upgrades man. Sucks that the sensor went out on you again, but glad they are gonna replace the axle to fix it. That's the way it is with all the electronics in these rigs anymore.

[@frankbates7376]

I mounted both Ham and GMRS radios near the back (each side) with homemade ABS plastic brackets. The mics are held in place with magnets behind dash panels. External speakers mounted behind sound bar. I love this setup!

[@VnazT]

The video I’ve been waiting for. And I’m not even a jeep guy.

[@ThatGuyAlex69]

Could be lol

[@attnielthomas7856]

Become one. A (JL) Wrangler one. I did and you should to.

[@VnazT]

@@attnielthomas7856 I do have a 3 car garage and only 2 rovers…a 392 or a raptor are contenders... 😎

[@alexvech4121]

I have toyota buddies that are drooling over Rubicon jeeps, and one switched and loved it. But they still all love to hate jeeps just for fun.

[@attnielthomas7856]

@VnazT I am partial to Jeeps (Wranglers) as this is my tenth to be honest. I have built up and sold a few over the years. The thrill is in the build. Do your research on and include other brands as they all have or potentially have challenges that you may or may not want to put up with. Ultimately, Sir, the vehicle needs to meet your needs first everything else is secondary. Also, pricing and future trends as best we know. Best wishes on whichever you choose.

[@AndrewTurner251]

Awesome project, I really enjoyed this video. I used to run a rooftop tent but I have changed my setup. I no longer run the rooftop tent and use the rack for storage. That setup works better for me.

[@Donnut123]

Brad, I keep a Ryobi impact gun w/19mm deep well in the back of my Jeep at all times. Doesn't take much space and is a HUGE work saver. Also have the footing for stock jacks that extreme terrain sells. But I LOVE seeing other setups and how people customize their jeeps for THEM. I love the idea of shadow-boxes to keep things padded like I've seen other KZbinrs do.

[@SchoonerDarrow]

Hey Brad, just watched this video, as usual, fantastic! Just a note, and I’m sure u’ve seen or heard of them, but they do make cases for fly and casting rods that would mount on ur new rhino rack !!! One of them is out of Denver CO

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Shade is so nice. I'm looking at the 23Zero Perigrine 180. I love the blackout fabric underneath. Seems cooler under it than my old ARB straight awning.

[@Petey003]

Love the new updates! I’m on the Patagonia MT’s and couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve ttied so many tires at this point it’s hard to beat those tires. Weight is LOW, solid price, and if the MT-02 is as good as they say you can’t beat it. I also have the same Dometic Fridge, I think I got it in 2018 at the Expo East. Works perfect and not changing it anytime soon!

[@snwskie]

Hey Brad love the build on the 392. I have the EcoDiesel so I can understand your payload weight concerns. Main reason for my comment was you mentioned wanting HAM radio and GMRS both in one radio. I have both programmed into the Rugged Radios RDM-DB UHF/VHF radio. I’ve used it to talk to Midland radios and still run the popular HAM channels. I did have to program it myself to be able to do this but it’s not difficult. Let me know if you have any questions be glad to help.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Hey Brad, I have the same awning. It was a OEM on my off-road camper trailer. I will say you’re gonna want to stock spares of the plastic hinges and also you’re gonna want to stake down as per the instructions the poles every time or else you can break those hinges. Other than a slight learning curve on how to fold it back up and stow it back. In its case it seems to be a pretty functional and lightweight option.

[@TheBuntajames]

Get more spare hinge bits for that awning. It's great that it's a fuse. But I have changed a few. Every time it was losing control packing it up or a gust when swinging out. Only at the beach though

[@andysolorzano4126]

Always great watching a new video and for me, gaining knowledge of practical mods and upgrades. As I'm watching this new video, my wife is over my shoulder saying, "oh geeze, what are you buying now!" I tell her, "it's ALL necessary stuff!" LOL

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Its not all necessary to go have a great adventure, hope I don't get you in trouble with the wife!

[@hamidnia7242]

Thanks Brad! Awesome video and like your content. I’m running 67D on my gladiator and I had two problems with that: 1- the 3M adhesive gives up and even I notify 67D customer service, they hesitate to send me a replacement. 2- the holders rattling a lot. After I talked to 67D customer service, all they said was just open and close the holders hard and it fixes the issue, but o didn’t. They have issues with tolerance between the bore and the rods and lots of wiggle room. Overall I’m not happy with their design and customer service (seems they get snobby)

[@rhombus20]

These are my favorite type of videos that you produce. Thank you.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@wardperozuk2288]

Thanks for the update Brad! Always nice to hear what you are planning and thinking! Oh, and I see you have used your Costco paper plates as a rattle proofer !!😂

[@TYZR4ME]

Glad that you guys are back safely Brad, the 392 set up looks really good. I have waiting to see if we were going to install a rack on the Eco Diesel Rubicon, but having a hard time making up my mind!! Can't wait to see what else you do with the 392....

[@talktomn]

I had the rear axel of my 392 replaced under warranty for the same reason, after a single sensor failure. Crazy that that’s the solution but I haven’t had issues since. Good luck!

[@grisa12345]

Awesome build, love it. Not over the top, just very functional.

[@Mike-n-Murf]

Those tires and wheels look sharp! I was about to pull the trigger on those wheels, but in black. Love the air down feature.

[@luisandluisgabriel6778]

Hey Brad. Love you content. Wanted to share with you … on our 392 we went with the Fox 3.0 and it’s great. My thought to share with you is to add air bags to the suspension. I tow often. Used to tow a patriot X1 and now often towing a 6x12 U-Haul. It’s awesome to be able to level out the jeep with the bags and not that expensive. Hope this helps.

[@Doodledogs]

Great video and setup. For the fishing pole, look for those targeted for backpackers. It will be light and easily stored.

[@Venture2Roam]

I love it. Kate seeing your 392 at OX PNW is one of the reasons we would up ordering one. I like watching the slow build. I'm of the same mindset..but I'm putting waaaaaay less miles on mine lol.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank buddy! It's crazy how many miles we put on this year... has to be a record for me!

[@jameshenderson9228]

Your builds are always top-notch.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@brunnie]

Great walk-around and explanation of upgrades and changes. Shakespeare makes several good Trail rods that have nice cases. You might want to check them out. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@JohnBarrios-x7l]

Brad it's always great to see you!!!!! Hope all your mods go well. Love your program.

[@3jeepfan]

Hi Brad, I think you have some of the best content... Anyway, you didn't show it in this video, but I know you always have a first aid kit on board. As a retired Navy Corpsman maybe you could do a informative video on different first aid kits. Maybe what someone should carry, different levels of kits, & a brief explanation of the contents. And how often some contents should refreshed. Keep up the great work!

[@Onward4x4]

Oh my... yet another build!

[@romanmartinez3360]

Enjoyed the video. Great additions. I feel your pain on the rear locker sensor. My Jeep is a ‘21 4xe. The sensor has been replaced 3 times and it went out again. This time they replaced the rear axle as well. Unfortunately, it’s a newer upgraded axle and the sensor is not compatible! I’m working with customer service and hoping they’ll get it resolved. It might just be it needs the updated sensor. Your’s is a newer model so it may already have the updated sensor. Love to hear if it’s working out for you. Thanks Brad.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh man, so sorry to hear you have had challenges as well. Hopefully they get it sorted for your soon!

[@ernestheflin8996]

Brad, happy to watch you build up your Jeep with whatever you want to put on it. But if you’re asking what I want to see you put on your 392, I want to see you put on 74Weld portals.

[@jamesc2072]

Jim from Temecula! Love it bro! I have that same batwing and it’s necessary! Had the crew at Rhino Adventure Gear install my platform/backbone system. My 392 was only two months old and didn’t want to take any chances lol.

[@TrailRecon]

Hey Jim! Ya, the awning is going to get a lot of use and I'm thankful to have it.

[@RyanBennett_Gpd605]

Definitely use tie downs on the awning. I have their compact awning as well and the joints at the base snap easily under decent wind. They are easily replaced and pretty cheap but I've learned my lesson twice now to tie them down

[@overland_dadsfl]

For your ground tent Brad you should consider the Sleeper Keeper from American Adventure Lab. This way you could free some space inside having the tent up in the rack.👍👍👍

[@dougharlow6037]

Brad, I would love to see you use the Jeep 74Weld bolt-on 4 gear portals. Great video, good luck in your upgrades, sounds like fun. Thanks

[@TheBuffJeeper]

We need you to come back out and do the rubicon again and possibly Fordyce trail. I would love to see you on either trail again.

[@SakimikeRenehan]

The Artec aluminum skid plates are nice. I have a set installed on my Willys JLU. I love beating them up.

[@limester757]

Great video, love the new wheels . If you get a yaesu ftm300/500 (with a Mars mod) you will have 2m/440 plus the gmrs bands. Plus APRS so the family can track you when you're out alone on the trails. Faceplate can be mounted up on the dash and put body under seat. Something to think about.

[@DixieOverland]

Love the Nomad wheels addition. I wish they had them in bronze when we bought ours but you will love them. No complaints. Little hint in them, have a rag and a small Cresent wrench handy in case the valve gets very hard to break looks by hand.

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear I'm looking forward to putting them to good use and thanks for the tip!

[@DixieOverland]

@@TrailRecon Anytime!

[@offgridrecon]

Great build! I love love love my Clayton Offroad 2.5 overland plus lift. Such a quality kit. That would be my vote. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JeepTJ1999]

OMG 😱…I just noticed, I have those exact same wheels on my Gladiator. I love them. And the bronze with my red Gladiator looks awesome!!!

[@TrailRecon]

I love how they look together!

[@sonnicman]

Brad how is the LED light on the XPO Gear door powered. Is it an internal battery 🔋 or hardwired into the electrical system?

[@TrailRecon]

I will be running a dedicated 12v power bank to the rear that will power them and my rear window light, but for now I just have them plugged into the Goal Zero... more to come on this.

[@sonnicman]

@@TrailRecon Ok. Will be curious to see what you choose for a light controller…Switch Pod etc.

[@ricardoestrada9184]

Awesome video Brad as always! Would love to see you out in the shaver lake/ Dusy-Ershim area! 🤟🏽

[@J.Young808]

3:32 I like the Method rims look better than these new ones

[@Kevin01TJ]

Absolutely love it! Congrats on all your new toys. Finding stuff for my TJ is difficult haha

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! The TJ is a great Jeep!

[@Kevin01TJ]

@@TrailRecon TJs have always been my favorite.

[@merlinxyzzy]

Great video and most of it applies to my Rubicon JL. I also both 2M and GMRS, nice you agree. Also the Rhino Rack and happy you like it again. But 15-20% of the time my XM signal stops because of the rack. However the ant relocation to the front was easy. Mounted mine to the drivers Sun visor right latch bolt. XM works great now. Also love your KC fog lights.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! My sat radio does go in and out and I remember I did have to relocate it the last time I installed this rack, so I may do it again, but often time I'm listening to Spotify anyway.

[@merlinxyzzy]

When off grid XM works when no internet. Did Palo Duro last spring and great to have music. Love your Trailrecon serial number badges! I love stinking badges!

[@cipher951]

Brother, your rig is an inspiration. Interior mounted bag options you may want to consider is the SideStasher or the XG bag. Both are spendy but are possible solutions for your needs. Cheers!

[@DaLife888]

Brad, You can get the Oracle Cargo LED Light Module. It just replace the rear wiper unit cover.

[@J.Young808]

My friend who runs a fishing shop here in Honolulu has a 4 piece Major Craft rod in his car and just keeps a spinner reel as well. It has a nice compact zippered rigid case.

[@grunkalunka3449]

Why did you put multiple lights on the roof and not a lightbar?

[@HlDensity]

I take a Tenkara rod (Japanese flyrod) if I'm backpacking. It's small compact, light weight, and good for smaller brooks and rivers (if that is your use case). It lives in the back of my jeep if I'm headed anywhere. I have used both the brand name and the knock-offs, honestly, either are good. Might be worth checking out.

[@todddesormeaux428]

I’m sure you’ve seen them before but have you ever considered installing the steps that mount on your door hinges to access the roof top? They see pretty cool and they fold up out of the way when not in use.

[@overlandingsmith]

Awesome rig with great mods. Looks pretty clean. Can't wait to see it back on a trail. What was wrong with the km3s? The rims with the integrated deflation valves are super cool. Never seen that before.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Nothing wrong with the KM3's, just wanted to try something new since I was installing new wheels and then report back on my experience.

[@Anders0nic]

I like the modular design of that roof rack. I think it’s time to dig a little deeper. Thanks for all the content.

[@BilTheGalacticHero]

After having a number of different awnings I would never have one again that isn't self-supporting. Some much easier to setup for a quick stop (and take down). I also can't get over the lack of a rooftop tent, especially something like a clamshell. It makes camp setup and takedown so much easier and quicker and you don't have to store a tent and all your bedding inside the Jeep. Different strokes for different folks though!

[@CIAG4PNP]

One thing I learned as an 0311 in the FMF is always invintory your gear and delete what you dont need! Ounces equal pounds and take up needed storage space that could be used for more important things.

[@AllJProducts]

Brad, just wire the lockers direct to switches, use the Tazer Mini to turn off the lockers in the computer. Done deal, never have a problem again. Mine have been like this for 3 years and most of my customers have done the same. Easy long term fix. No more sensors and no more rear end replacements. Let me know if you have questions.

[@Original_SJB]

i have the compact batwing too, it's pretty awesome. the rhinorack platform is amazing too. the backbone is easy to install but it helps if you got a second set of hands to lift the platform once you got the backbone on... or getting it taken off.

[@TrailRecon]

The awning might be my new favorite upgrade! Agree, the rack and backbone were an easy 1 day install.

[@Original_SJB]

Trailrecon : if you got the lock set on the mounts for the platform, the chances are you don't have the same key for every one of them. the rhino re-key set is available.

[@markschneider962]

As always, your videos are so inspiring and fun to watch --- I do have a quick question although I'm sure you get millions -- short story is I replaced my front windshield with the gorilla glass, then shortly thereafter I replaced my windshield wipers with the MOPAR built in spray nozzles where the fluid is expelled from the blades themselves ... I think I may have seen them on a video of yours in fact -- anyhow - at 65 + mph , I now have this mind numbing unbearable whistling noice -- interestingly it goes away if I squirt some water on the windshield but it then comes back in short order. I thought it was the blades and tubing wisteling as the water drained from the tubing but after completely removing them and replacing it still whistles. any thoughts ? Thanks as always Brad ..hope to see you out there on the trails one of these days -

[@EjNappe]

She's turning out beautiful!

[@jayabq11]

Yes!!! I’ve been waiting for this video! What brackets are you using to mount KC lights to the Pioneer Rack?

[@blueduster74]

There’s a service bulletin that has techs contact Star on that sensor issue. They are the ones that make the decision to replace the axle.

[@scottcroberts]

Always good Intel Brad! I'm watching your research closely as I build out my own 22 392 in Firecracker Red! I'm assuming the dealership is covering the axle replacement? If not...why not make the move to an aftermarket upgraded axle?

[@MarcChavez915]

I use a Anytone AT-779UV, and you can open it up to use both GMRS and HAM bands with the right antenna you get the best of both worlds without having to run two radios.

[@MotorBoating1413]

Brad. What’s the actual weight that you’re currently at? Be kinda cool now that you’ve gone over what you’re carrying to see how much it all adds up to Love the videos and once again thanks for bringing us along

[@javiermarante5344]

Hey brad they sell replacement wiper motor covers that Alredy come with a light on them, I got one on my jl and I love it!

[@daviddyogi8279]

awesome video again Brad!!,..love the awning!!

[@Blue-P51]

Love your 392! I’m sure it’s a blast, I’ve never driven one. BUT, I noticed your gladiator shirt, and can’t hold back from asking if you’ll consider another one in your future?? I have a red gladiator.. my favorite jeep I’ve owned so far. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@TxJK18]

Rhinorack has a few new brackets that they just released in Australia. You will be able to mount the fishing pole with quick disconnect

[@PeterANewell]

Can't wait to see this build back at Merus for another adventure!

[@TrailRecon]

Can't wait to get it back out there!

[@MikeSTGL]

Would like to see a review of the ecoflow A/C when you use the tent . Maybe could expand in to the battery system you are thinking about ?

[@timothyvandegrift5920]

Can you give more details about the new wheels and how the built in deflators work? I'm still waiting to take you on a trip in the Roosevelt region of Arizona. Macgyver

[@darinminden5608]

You did a great job on the video. I also have a red 392. I love it.

[@PaulWare-z1o]

Pretty cool. I don’t have a Jeep yet, but getting into one soon. I’m very curious about how you provide power to everything, especially the frig, without draining your car battery.

[@lucysoutdoors]

On the Redarc the blue wire goes to the trailer brakes ,in oz we wire it to the female car plug on the tow bar which in turn the trailer plug, fits into it .hope this helps

[@bettertogetheroff-road]

We were going to say this too! Blue wire is very important as it goes to your trailer plug for the trailer brakes!

[@zeal2132]

Hey Brad have you looked into using privacy tones with your GMRS radio? Using CTCSS or DCS for transmit and receive will mute everyone that’s not in your party running the same tones.

[@TrailRecon]

I need to do a little more research, my understanding is that privacy tones only block out incoming, but everyone else can still hear you.

[@zeal2132]

@@TrailRecon this is correct. You won’t be able to have a truly private conversation with GMRS or HAM, but if your concern is a quiet channel for you and your group to talk on privacy codes can help.

[@vivekvanukuru3685]

I think putting a battery under the goose gear and having your 12v management interface on the other side of the popout window would be sweet. that way you can flip it up and manage your electronics outside of the vehicle while you're at camp.

[@charlesbondarenko4332]

Brad...use the privacy codes on the Midland GRMS radio. You will only hear the people using the same code.

[@Apple4life27]

If I could offer a suggestion for a rod with a case. I run both of these in my rig due to hitting a lot of Alpine lakes when I’m not fly fishing with the kids. They both come with case/ wrap to protect the rod. St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod MSRP $155-$175 Fenwick HMG 2-Tip Travel Spinning Rod MSRP $150

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome as always Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@TrailRecon]

You bet

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Brad, what a beautiful 392! If your asking for suggestions to enhance your rig. Your out for days and in remote locations, towing your X3 and that V8 gets thirsty. Have you considered the long range America 17 gallon gas tank? Thank you for sharing! 🚗

[@roaming-aus]

Just be careful with the awning when it comes to wind. When I had my Batwing I was packing up and after releasing the guy ropes a gust came up and caught the awning. The weak points worked and snapped and it was a 20 minute job to replace but I considered myself lucky that was all the damage. Always have a second person when setting up or packing whilst windy!!!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

I've got a couple of the spare brackets in in the drawer. I think it's better that those are a failure point vs. a poll. They are easy enough to swap out if one does break.

[@drerskine]

I love the aesthetics of the Rhino, but I’m also surprised more overlanders don’t choose a Gobi rack that has a higher dynamic weight rating and doesn’t require drilling the hardtop. It’s also a little cheaper (I think). I’m trying to decide on the two and I’m shocked at how much more frequently the Rhino is chosen. Am I missing something?

[@AustinH7]

It’s heavier, sticks out which can get caught on trees. And the rubber bump stops that attach to the paint on the Jeep and hardtop (on the models that have the bump stops) have been shown to wear down the paint and scuff it up.

[@Vysnia4]

it's not cheaper and it's A LOT more weight you're adding in all of the tubing. I had the Rhino and it looked so clean and is lightweight.

[@drerskine]

Thank you both for the replies. The weight difference makes sense, as does the chance of branches getting caught in it. You’re right about the pricing as well. I had made a mistake and picked the wrong pioneer platform that racked up the price 20% higher than the Gobi.

[@jamesdalton-n6m]

Hello. My 2023 Rubicon also came with no tow package. I believe the tow package came with heavy duty battery and alternator as well as the aux switches and hitch. Do you anticipate charging issues with the added electrical demand? Thanks.

[@phillipcraggs6202]

I think that XPO cover could open up more, the hinges will go more. It looks a little awkward when you have to bend down to see what's there or attach something new to it. Great vid as always.