What did you do to your SMB today?

[Marco W]

My radio reception is poor (aftermarket stereo, works great otherwise) so I pulled the stereo head to check the antenna cable connection. I also unscrewed the factory exterior antenna mast to check the cable connection there. Everything was OK so i cleaned up the bit of rust on the mast threads and reinstalled with dielectric grease. Radio reception was modestly improved but not great. Next step is to check the stereo head ground to see if that is solid. If that doesn’t fix it, who knows.

No pics of this boring work so here is a pic of my dog in the van instead.

[BrianW]

What make of stereo? Some brands have better reception than others (e.g., Pioneer vs Sony).

[Marco W]

Alpine CDE-136BT

[Steve C]

What to do with a Ruenel cargo basket? I've been pleased with the versatility of my cargo basket overall, I've built a chainsaw specific box that allows two five gallon jerrys to ride alongside or just leave it open to haul an ice chest/storage boxes/firewood. The latest variation allows me to secure my Honda generator out of the elements and away from "interested" parties.

I started out with a semi-fluid plan and worked out the details as I progressed...

- The box is constructed out of 3/4" marine grade plywood (heavy but sturdy)
- Applied Raptor liner to the exterior to make it look metal and for protection
- Door hinges, latches, handles and interior hinged shelf are marine grade stainless steel
- Inside treated with exterior grade polyurethane
- Wrapped door opening with weather stripping
- Drilled partial thickness holes for the "legs" of the generator to sit in to reduce movement
- Added tie down points for straps for the generator and rotopax fuel container.
- Added hinged shelf above the generator for extra storage
- Still in the works - having an additional basket welded up to mount on top of the box for more storage.
- Mounted the box's door facing the rear of the van. With the Ruenel swing away basket there is a spot to add a padlock and no way to swing it out without cutting the lock off.

Overall, happy with the functionality, but if I was to do it over there are a few things I'd do a little differently. Thought this would be a little more budget friendly, but of course they never are - Total cost approximately $450

[Twoxentrix]

Now that's ingenious - access only when the box swings out. That's an added security feature I can certainly appreciate. Well done Steve!

[arctictraveller]

Winter is coming so a light bar on the roof seems appropriate (for off-road use only)

[Lilnuts2]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

Winter is coming so a light bar on the roof seems appropriate (for off-road use only)

When I added a light bar on the roof of my Jeep I was amazed at the light output and the increase in visibility, highly recommend this mod for off road night driving.