2024 Wrangler FE AEV JL370 Build
- Thread starter neoprufrok
- Start date
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #22
That's my IG! And my Gobi 392 with Venture Package. Picking up next week for the cross country drive!
Looks great - please keep us updated w/ plenty of pics…especially from the upcoming cross-county roadtrip!
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neoprufrok
Active member
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #25
Some more pictures of the build.
The Venture Package includes multiple things:
Those rear panels that bulge out to allow inner Molle panels.
Black out B Pillar
Painted interior to black
Snorkel (Didn't get due to V8)
Paint matched Wheels (Didn't get because I like this design better)
I was initially hesitant to do it because I wanted to use a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. But they told me it would work. And as the pictures below show - it does work and the backbone system fits inside even with the Molle panels and venture pods in place. Personally, I like the look - I actually was worried I wouldn't.
One nice touch - which goes to show you how AEV does things at the highest level - the Molle panels have a small plate that states the load the panels can hold: 22lbs. If AEV made a whole rear cargo rack system look Goose Gear or AAL - I think I would have gotten it all done by them knowing how much Dave and the team put into each product.
I am almost there to pick it up and drive back - so super excited.
The Venture Package includes multiple things:
Those rear panels that bulge out to allow inner Molle panels.
Black out B Pillar
Painted interior to black
Snorkel (Didn't get due to V8)
Paint matched Wheels (Didn't get because I like this design better)
I was initially hesitant to do it because I wanted to use a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform. But they told me it would work. And as the pictures below show - it does work and the backbone system fits inside even with the Molle panels and venture pods in place. Personally, I like the look - I actually was worried I wouldn't.
One nice touch - which goes to show you how AEV does things at the highest level - the Molle panels have a small plate that states the load the panels can hold: 22lbs. If AEV made a whole rear cargo rack system look Goose Gear or AAL - I think I would have gotten it all done by them knowing how much Dave and the team put into each product.
I am almost there to pick it up and drive back - so super excited.
Very nice looking rig @neoprufrok !
Brutus 392
Well-known member
Sweet , enjoy it.
- Jul 13, 2024
- 337
- 489
- Current Rides
- '24 392, '25 AMG GLE 53, '24 Sahara, '23 Harley CVO Road Glide, '23 Harley Heritage 132" hot rod
@neoprufrok Totally agree on AEV products and quality. I really hated selling my JL370, but just had too many vehicles and it was between that and my 392, that I wish I had gone to AEV for. Congrats on that great looking and super useful rig! It is as tasteful and beautiful as it will prove driveable.
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #29
There's going to be a lot of pics... I'm warning you.
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #31
So update with some pics from AEV.
Went to AEV and picked up my Jeep. I just happened to be at the company when everyone was back there for an annual meeting. So I got to meet all the great people including the CEO Dave Harriton. AEV is an amazing company. If you have a chance to go there and pick up your AEV Jeep and drive it back - highly recommend. Just a great group of people and they made me feel super special picking up my Jeep.
You can immediately tell how devoted they are to their product. And when you get to see the amount of engineering that goes into their products. One of the best parts was Dave taking me to the R&D department. Some of the cool stuff they are working on and more importantly, how much they obsess over each detail of the products - stuff that you will never see - is truly impressive.
Arrival - place is huge. Impressive facility.
My Jeep through the cafeteria window
I was floored seeing it in person. Always hard to understand what it looks like in pictures. When I see it in person - first, it's huge. Second it looks so impressive.
Has a lot of presence for sure
The Gobi paint is perfect for it
Better shot of the Venture Package out pouching. I somehow forgot to take good pictures of the interior. But I have video.
This is how much it sticks out... it's noticeable in the rear view. But its designed in a way that looks purposeful like it belongs.
How much it sticks out from the rear.
I love the stance. I also chose to go with black wheels - the package calls for painted wheels but I like black. I think it looks better.
Went to AEV and picked up my Jeep. I just happened to be at the company when everyone was back there for an annual meeting. So I got to meet all the great people including the CEO Dave Harriton. AEV is an amazing company. If you have a chance to go there and pick up your AEV Jeep and drive it back - highly recommend. Just a great group of people and they made me feel super special picking up my Jeep.
You can immediately tell how devoted they are to their product. And when you get to see the amount of engineering that goes into their products. One of the best parts was Dave taking me to the R&D department. Some of the cool stuff they are working on and more importantly, how much they obsess over each detail of the products - stuff that you will never see - is truly impressive.
Arrival - place is huge. Impressive facility.
My Jeep through the cafeteria window
I was floored seeing it in person. Always hard to understand what it looks like in pictures. When I see it in person - first, it's huge. Second it looks so impressive.
Has a lot of presence for sure
The Gobi paint is perfect for it
Better shot of the Venture Package out pouching. I somehow forgot to take good pictures of the interior. But I have video.
This is how much it sticks out... it's noticeable in the rear view. But its designed in a way that looks purposeful like it belongs.
How much it sticks out from the rear.
I love the stance. I also chose to go with black wheels - the package calls for painted wheels but I like black. I think it looks better.
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #32
I was planning on spending only 2 hours here... but Dave let me drive a Prospector XL - which is incredible. It's amazing how they made a 3500 HD drive so well. And then I just spent a ton of time admiring the shop and the other vehicles. Coolest thing was the Truckhouse they help build. The CF work you don't see on there was at the highest level. I know AEV gets some flack - but if you see the amount of work they put in... you'll understand why they are on the pricier side.
I spent 4 hours and was late on my drive back to Mpls so... didn't pull in until 1Am. more on that later.
Side profile is killer.
They let me pose in the front. Great final parting photo!
I spent 4 hours and was late on my drive back to Mpls so... didn't pull in until 1Am. more on that later.
Side profile is killer.
They let me pose in the front. Great final parting photo!
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #34
So I made it to Minnesota! Staying at my sister's house and I shipped a whole bunch of stuff to her house over the last month to get build out my Jeep more as I still have half the country to go. But first things first, now that I got there after immediately leaving AEV, I got to assess some of the freebies....
BTW the beast rides so well on the road. I read somewhere someone saying it's a rough ride with the HC springs and AEV system. I don't have that experience at all. I have the HC springs for my 392 and the 8100 shocks -it's just amazing. Very stable but very compliant. Bumps are not a problem and it doesn't oscillate - so it's just great. The engine is addicting and super useful when you need the power on the highway. The interior is great. I love the Connect and wireless CarPlay. Never disconnected me.
Negatives:
1) Serious whistling from the roof rack. There's an update soon. It was way worse going faster. So bad, I actually drove slow at speed limit at times to avoid it
2) Gas mileage... was ok. better than I thought but still keeps you thinking about gas. 15-16mpg. I got stuck in stop and go traffic for 2 hours in Chicago, so that may have hurt it a lot.
Those were it. I honestly love this Jeep. It's quickly become one of my favorite ever vehicles. For reference, I own a 911 S/T, Mclaren 675LT, JDM NSX and this is just as unique and capable and desirable to me as those cars when I think about which vehicle I want to take. That's saying something.
I arrived at my sister's house, her garage clearly won't accept the Jeep. Neighbors were a little startled at how big it is. it's really big.
I bought the recovery gear and bag from AEV. Comes with great work gloves and a whole bunch of needed recovery gear.
The Jeep tool kit that comes with the 2024 FE is pretty extensive. I was surprised. It has a lot. And I ended up using it quite a bit despite having a Milwaukee bunch of tools with me. I like how they give you a diagram of where to put the tools in the roll up bag. It's super organized which I love as an OCD person.
AEV sent me on my way with some swag. I love swag. I know it pales in comparison to what I paid for the AEV package, but it's still a nice touch. I love trucker hats so happy with the AEV trucker hat. Those yellow cups aren't normal solo cups. They are hard plastic solo cups. Which I love. I like the little pen and notebook - I am always wishing I had something to write stuff down on when I'm driving far.
The nice touch was the the Montana Knife Company Speedgoat knife. Perfect little knife to have on me. Loved it.
Sometimes buying a vehicle is an experience. And the AEV experience has been awesome. They have texted me asking if I'm okay on my drive back. They have recommend places to stop. Just an incredible group of people they have there.
BTW the beast rides so well on the road. I read somewhere someone saying it's a rough ride with the HC springs and AEV system. I don't have that experience at all. I have the HC springs for my 392 and the 8100 shocks -it's just amazing. Very stable but very compliant. Bumps are not a problem and it doesn't oscillate - so it's just great. The engine is addicting and super useful when you need the power on the highway. The interior is great. I love the Connect and wireless CarPlay. Never disconnected me.
Negatives:
1) Serious whistling from the roof rack. There's an update soon. It was way worse going faster. So bad, I actually drove slow at speed limit at times to avoid it
2) Gas mileage... was ok. better than I thought but still keeps you thinking about gas. 15-16mpg. I got stuck in stop and go traffic for 2 hours in Chicago, so that may have hurt it a lot.
Those were it. I honestly love this Jeep. It's quickly become one of my favorite ever vehicles. For reference, I own a 911 S/T, Mclaren 675LT, JDM NSX and this is just as unique and capable and desirable to me as those cars when I think about which vehicle I want to take. That's saying something.
I arrived at my sister's house, her garage clearly won't accept the Jeep. Neighbors were a little startled at how big it is. it's really big.
I bought the recovery gear and bag from AEV. Comes with great work gloves and a whole bunch of needed recovery gear.
The Jeep tool kit that comes with the 2024 FE is pretty extensive. I was surprised. It has a lot. And I ended up using it quite a bit despite having a Milwaukee bunch of tools with me. I like how they give you a diagram of where to put the tools in the roll up bag. It's super organized which I love as an OCD person.
AEV sent me on my way with some swag. I love swag. I know it pales in comparison to what I paid for the AEV package, but it's still a nice touch. I love trucker hats so happy with the AEV trucker hat. Those yellow cups aren't normal solo cups. They are hard plastic solo cups. Which I love. I like the little pen and notebook - I am always wishing I had something to write stuff down on when I'm driving far.
The nice touch was the the Montana Knife Company Speedgoat knife. Perfect little knife to have on me. Loved it.
Sometimes buying a vehicle is an experience. And the AEV experience has been awesome. They have texted me asking if I'm okay on my drive back. They have recommend places to stop. Just an incredible group of people they have there.
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #35
So I did some stuff which I'm not going to share all the mods here (security stuff), but one of the first things was this Epic Adventures Wizard Battery Terminal Expansion. I figured I would be adding more stuff onto the Jeep electrically, so would be good to increase the number of terminations so I can have some flexibility. The kit came incredibly well packaged. And easy to install.
Sorry for the blurry pic, but I took the ground off first, taped up one end so it wasn't floating free and sparking on stuff.
The expansion terminals are really well made and look super nice. Made of 6100 aluminum and tin coated for the appearance, it is high quality stuff. They also include a bunch of hex bolts so you can add terminals into the empty holes when needed. Love it.
Here it is installed.
Closeup of frame mounted ground.
Closeup of battery mounted ground terminal.
Closeup of positive battery terminal.
I also installed the 67 Designs Series 55 bar with a bunch of mounts. Now I made a mistake and bought the 2023 and older one, which doesn't fit the 2024 one. Why? The 2024 JLs have a center speaker. So they moved the bar forward, and it's a really nice piece. I love it. So if someone needs a Series 55 bar for mounting, I have one available. Hit me up!
Sorry for the blurry pic, but I took the ground off first, taped up one end so it wasn't floating free and sparking on stuff.
The expansion terminals are really well made and look super nice. Made of 6100 aluminum and tin coated for the appearance, it is high quality stuff. They also include a bunch of hex bolts so you can add terminals into the empty holes when needed. Love it.
Here it is installed.
Closeup of frame mounted ground.
Closeup of battery mounted ground terminal.
Closeup of positive battery terminal.
I also installed the 67 Designs Series 55 bar with a bunch of mounts. Now I made a mistake and bought the 2023 and older one, which doesn't fit the 2024 one. Why? The 2024 JLs have a center speaker. So they moved the bar forward, and it's a really nice piece. I love it. So if someone needs a Series 55 bar for mounting, I have one available. Hit me up!
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #36
Last upgrade I'll talk about and the one that took me the longest. I'm going to make YouTube of some of this stuff, and I'll try to link it.
Anyways, I have gone back and forth between a dual battery system and having a portable power station. There are many pros of a DBS - basically, easy to fix and replace components. Much more modular to upgrade one component. More sophisticated management with things like Redarc Redvision, etc. Negatives? Fixed in your Jeep to a certain extent. Cannot be used in a different vehicle easily. And cannot be used in the house.
Portable Power Station (PPS)? Pros are I can use it in any vehicle in the future. It can easily be used for power back during outages (which happens at my house almost yearly multiple times a year). I can take it out and not have it in the Jeep when I'm just driving to work and back to lighten the load so to speak. I can also add an expansion battery. Negatives? Not easily upgradable from a component standpoint. Limited DC outputs. And charging in a car, is normally slow.
But then the Bluetti Charger One changes all that. It lets me charge the portable battery at 500W and that's about 2 Hours for smaller power stations. That's amazing. So I decided to go with the PPS for now and I chose a Pecron. The Pecron E1000LFP is a great little PPS. There are three big features. First is the DC options. It has 3 of them and a 20A 12V with XT60 connection. This is the one I'm interested in. I plan to build a bus bar/fuse block and a board with Anderson plugs to run off of the power station from the XT60.
So the install. It was involved mainly only because of routing the wires. The 392 has not much room in the engine bay and there is one real access point on the firewall - the plug that covers a hole where the clutch connection used to be. But that's like wedged between large wire looms and the brake master cylinder. But using extension needle nose pliers, I got to it and removed it. I then routed the wires from he back to front, pulling trim from the floor which wasn't easy either because the massive power seat gets in the way in the front. When I finished it laid out nicely.
I had the fuse off all the time. Connected the inputs and outputs to the Bluetti Charger One. Connected to the Pecron with MC4 to XT60 into the DC output. Turned the engine on. Turned the fuse on... and it worked first time!
At this point, I connected the app and increased the voltage charge to 45, which then let the Pecron charge at 500W! And the Pecron said as much.
Connected and ready to go.
Turned on and working! Charging at 500W!
Mounted the Bluetti temporarily to the Molle panel from the inside of the AEV. And ratchet strapped the Pecron down for the drive to Denver. Will sit somewhere else, as there's more stuff happening soon!
Anyways, I have gone back and forth between a dual battery system and having a portable power station. There are many pros of a DBS - basically, easy to fix and replace components. Much more modular to upgrade one component. More sophisticated management with things like Redarc Redvision, etc. Negatives? Fixed in your Jeep to a certain extent. Cannot be used in a different vehicle easily. And cannot be used in the house.
Portable Power Station (PPS)? Pros are I can use it in any vehicle in the future. It can easily be used for power back during outages (which happens at my house almost yearly multiple times a year). I can take it out and not have it in the Jeep when I'm just driving to work and back to lighten the load so to speak. I can also add an expansion battery. Negatives? Not easily upgradable from a component standpoint. Limited DC outputs. And charging in a car, is normally slow.
But then the Bluetti Charger One changes all that. It lets me charge the portable battery at 500W and that's about 2 Hours for smaller power stations. That's amazing. So I decided to go with the PPS for now and I chose a Pecron. The Pecron E1000LFP is a great little PPS. There are three big features. First is the DC options. It has 3 of them and a 20A 12V with XT60 connection. This is the one I'm interested in. I plan to build a bus bar/fuse block and a board with Anderson plugs to run off of the power station from the XT60.
So the install. It was involved mainly only because of routing the wires. The 392 has not much room in the engine bay and there is one real access point on the firewall - the plug that covers a hole where the clutch connection used to be. But that's like wedged between large wire looms and the brake master cylinder. But using extension needle nose pliers, I got to it and removed it. I then routed the wires from he back to front, pulling trim from the floor which wasn't easy either because the massive power seat gets in the way in the front. When I finished it laid out nicely.
I had the fuse off all the time. Connected the inputs and outputs to the Bluetti Charger One. Connected to the Pecron with MC4 to XT60 into the DC output. Turned the engine on. Turned the fuse on... and it worked first time!
At this point, I connected the app and increased the voltage charge to 45, which then let the Pecron charge at 500W! And the Pecron said as much.
Connected and ready to go.
Turned on and working! Charging at 500W!
Mounted the Bluetti temporarily to the Molle panel from the inside of the AEV. And ratchet strapped the Pecron down for the drive to Denver. Will sit somewhere else, as there's more stuff happening soon!
Brutus 392
Well-known member
Very nice 392 , enjoy your trip.
neoprufrok
Active member
- Thread starter
- #38
neoprufrok
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