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  1. Overland Expo: Alu-Cab Gen 3R Rooftop Tent Review

    The Alu-Cab 3-R Expedition Rooftop Tent: A Comprehensive Review For outdoor adventurers and overlanders seeking a high-quality rooftop tent that balances durability...

  2. Bump Stops Explained: Protect Your Offroad Suspension & Improve Ride Quality

    Bump stops are an essential component of a vehicle’s suspension system, designed to protect suspension components and the vehicle frame by limiting the suspension...

  3. The Ultimate Guide to Offroad Bumpers: Features, Types, and Top Brands

    Offroad bumpers are key parts of an offroad build designed to enhance offroad performance, improve safety, and offer a more rugged look. They are built...

  4. 2020 Toyota Tacoma

    year | make | model 2020 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed TRD Off Road Premium sales rep Jason Specht order no. N/A build notes "We...

  5. 2024 Ford F-450

    year | make | model 2024 Ford F-450 Lariat FX4 order no. 0536130 build notes "Our team just wrapped up a major transformation on this 2024...

  6. OK4WD Rendezvous at Devils Backbone Brewery

    OK4WD Rendezvous at Devils Backbone Brewery Earlier this month, our crew was buttoning up the details on our annual trip to Arrington, Virginia, to attend...

  7. The Ultimate Camping Shower Guide: Top Portable Options for Staying Fresh Outdoors

    After a long day of hiking, fishing, and campfire cooking, the last thing you want is to crawl into your sleeping bag feeling sticky and...

  8. Effortless Kayak Loading: How the Yakima Showdown Transformed My Solo Adventures

    Load Assist Racks Loading my kayak on my Subaru Crosstrek often felt like a workout in itself, turning an exciting day on the water into...

  9. Essential Guide to Off-Road Shocks: Improve Safety, Stability, and Comfort

    Replacing worn shocks or struts is essential for the safe and comfortable operation of any vehicle. Worn components can lead to decreased stability and longer...

  10. Why GMRS Radios Outshine FRS Radios for Overlanding

    Why GMRS Radios Outshine FRS Radios for Overlanding When it comes to overlanding, effective communication is crucial. Whether you’re navigating remote trails or coordinating...

  11. Understanding Vehicle Solar and Auxiliary Power Systems

    One of the most common inquiries we receive revolves around setting up an auxiliary power systems for vehicles. Many ask, "How can I run a...

  12. Initial Thoughts on Our New Ineos Grenadier

    If you love the old school look of the Defender you will be happy to know that the Ineos Grenadier has taken the off-road...

  13. Zinc: Protecting Bridges, Ships, and Offroad Vehicles From Corrosion

    Welcome to the OK4WD blog, where adventure meets expertise in the world of offroad and overland. Today, we're embarking on a journey to explore...

  14. Ineos Grenadier Overland Build (Phase 1)

    After taking delivery of our Ineos Grenadier this past December our crew wasted no time getting it ready for an overland adventure. Enjoy following along...

  15. Mastering Off-Road Driving: Essential Tips for Airing Down Tires

    Mastering Off-Road Driving: A Comprehensive Guide to Offroad Tire Pressure Management In a typical vehicle, the part of the tire making contact with the...

  16. 2023 Jeep Wrangler JLU

    Jeep JLU Rock Crawler Our Pro's in the shop striped a brand new 2023 JLU Rubicon of its axels and suspension and converted it...

  17. 2020 Toyota Tacoma

    OK4WD is a Proud Sponsor of Mountain State OverlandMountain State Overland is a YouTube series and vehicle-based guide service based in West Virginia. Since...

  18. 2013 Jeep Wrangler JKU

    Venture4WD's Chris Schontz is constantly traversing North America's diverse terrains in his customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. His passion for vehicle-supported adventures...

  19. The Difference Between Wheel Offset and Backspacing

    The Wheel DealThe Difference Between Wheel Offset and Backspacing As professional tire and wheel installers, one of the most popular questions that we deal with...

  20. Subaru Overlanders Guide - Essential Tips for Outfitting Your Subaru for Off-Road Adventures

    Subaru Overlanders Guide - Essential Tips for Outfitting Your Subaru for Off-Road AdventuresIn the last few years we have seen Subaru's on the trail...

  21. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado with 4″ SkyJacker Lift Kit

    This 2008 Chevy Colorado was brought to us by Muller Chevrolet for a 4” lift and some bigger wheels and tires.  We chose a 4...

  22. 2003 Land Rover Discovery 2

    This 2003 Land Rover Discovery 2 adventure build is ready to rock, leaving our shop outfitted to chase the adventure. To start the build, we...

  23. 2000 Jeep Wrangler AEV Brute Conversion

    Are you a fan of the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8? We’re pleased to report that it lives on, in the form of a Wrangler...

  24. 2022 RAM 2500

    2022 Ram 2500 Alu-Cabin Overland BuildCheck out our latest Build Bio, where we take a stock Ram 2500 and convert it into a fully...

  25. 2022 GMC 3500 HD Overland Build Ready for Adventure

    2022 GMC 3500 Overland Build BioOur team wrapped up a complete Overland Overhaul on this brand-new GMC 3500 HD, converting it from a typical...

2013 Jeep Wrangler JKU

2013 Jeep Wrangler JKU

Alex Zappile
4 minute read

Venture4WD's Chris Schontz is constantly traversing North America's diverse terrains in his customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. His passion for vehicle-supported adventures, exploring stunning backcountry destinations, and nomadic lifestyle is captured in his weekly YouTube videos.

His journey is facilitated by his trusty 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, a powerhouse right from the factory. Its larger wheelbase accommodates extra storage, perfect for his equipment. The most noteworthy modification is the Ursa Minor J30 Camper, a replacement hard top that adds versatility to his off-road explorations.

Chris Schontz has equipped his Venture4WD Jeep with a Sunflare 105W Flexible Solar Panel, attached to the Ursa Minor J30's exterior. A Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/15 Charge Controller manages the power. He has detailed the benefits of this solar panel in a dedicated video.

The Jeep also boasts a Genesis Dual Battery Kit with two Optima Yellow Tops, complete with a Main and Auxiliary battery. In a thorough explanation, Shane from Genesis Off-Road discusses this kit and dual battery system in a video. Additionally, a Blue Sea ST Blade 12 Fuse Block is installed.

For added protection, a Kargo Master Safari Windshield Hoop is featured around the windshield, along with integrated handles for easy accessibility. The Safari Hinge Steps facilitate easy access to the roof-rack.

In the realm of suspension, Chris' Jeep is equipped with an AEV 3.5" Suspension System, using Bilstein 5100's. Accommodating the weight of the Ursa Minor J30 and cargo, Old Man Emu Front Trim Packers and Teraflex 1" Rear Coil Spacers have been installed. Furthermore, a Teraflex 9550 Steering Stabilizer and a JKS Adjustable Track Bar ensure stability.

For optimal traction, 315/70R17C BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2's have been fitted. These require Teraflex 1.25" Wheel Spacers for adequate clearance. Accompanying this, a Teraflex HD Hinge Spare Tire Carrier and GP-Factor HD Hinge Accessory Mount are installed.

Chris has considered fuel economy with the addition of a Long Range America Auxiliary Gas Tank, alleviating fuel concerns during remote travels. He shares insights about the tank in a video.

To enhance safety during solitary travel, a Come-Up Winch Seal Gen2 9.5si has been mounted on a WARN Winch Mounting Plate.

Camping amenities include an ARB 2200 Awning with a deluxe room, enhancing protection against the elements. Night travel is secured with Truck-Lite LED Headlights and Baja Designs Squadron Pro Fog Lights, replacing the default Wrangler JK headlights.

Inside, the Vector Off-Road JKE-Dock aids in navigation, supporting Chris's iPad and Garmin inReach Explorer GPS. To manage storage, Goose Gear Platform Kit and 3/4 Seat Delete are used, along with Blue Ridge Overland Gear's storage bags and XG Cargo Gama Storage Bags.

Preservation of food and beverages is ensured with an ARB MT35 12V Freezer/Fridge, mounted with the Engel Transit Slide-Lock. Meals are prepared on an EZOverland Tailgate Table, while Husky Liner Classic Style Floor Mats keep the interior clean.

Though Venture4WD focuses less on the vehicle and more on the journey, the gear is integral to the experience. Venture4WD and Chris Schontz have shared a comprehensive list of vehicle modifications and products used for Chris's adventures.

BUILD SHEET


SUSPENSION

WHEELS AND TIRES

LIGHTING

ELECTRICAL

NAVIGATION

  • Vector Off-Road JKE-Dock
  • 67 Designs Phone/GPS Mount
  • Garmin inReach Explorer GPS
  • iPad Mini 4 with GaiaGPS

FUEL

  • Long Range America Auxiliary Fuel Tank

RECOVERY GEAR

CARGO MANAGEMENT

  • Goose Gear Platform Kit with 3/4 Seat Delete
  • Blue Ridge Overland Gear Storage Bags
  • XG Cargo Gama Storage Bags

CAMP AND KITCHEN

  • Ursa Minor J30 Camper
  • ARB MT35 12V Fridge/Freezer (Discontinued)
  • Engle Transit Slide-Lock
  • ARB 2200 Awning (Discontinued)
  • ARB 2200 Deluxe Awning Room (Discontinued)
  • Coleman 2 Burner Stove
  • EZOverland Tailgate Table
  • Wal-Mart Camp Chair
  • Mountain Summit Gear HD Roll-Top Table

OTHER

  • ARB CKMTA12 Twin Air Compressor
  • Kargo Master Safari Windshield Hoop
  • Kargo Master Safari Hinge Steps
  • HuskyLiners Classic Style Floor Mats
  • Bihlerflex Perfect Bungee (assorted)
  • Cleanwaste Portable Toilet

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