New Auxbeam switch panels; And... have you had your Jeep blessed?

[LJDC]

That's basically my use case: Controlling various camping lights from both the driver's seat and the rear cargo area (the roll bar). I definitely want to be able to use an iPhone app, but I don't want to have to rely on it.

It's strange to me that they all don't offer the possibility of adding another controller.

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

how do auxbeam products compare to the 4x4spod? ive had one for years in my jku but nothing in my tj yet. been looking at auxbeam but doesnt seem to have overcurrent protection or any of the higher end features of my spod.

why should one buy this over spod? im genuinely curious as i like to spend less if i can.

 

[jscherb]

Could you post a link of the review, I would be interested in reading it.
Thanks

I'd be interested in reading that review. I've been thinking of a dual battery setup and controlling pertinent accessories from the tailgate area would be necessary. This new, smaller switch panel would be ideal.

OK, here's a link: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/barn-door-for-jk-factory-hardtops.127687/post-3104431. It' not strictly a review, it's a 5-post series on using the Auxbeam dual switch panel in an overland vehicle that's equipped with dual batteries, a kitchen/fridge, solar and other campsite accessories. The subject of the series is my JKU, sorry it's not a TJ, but my LJ can be outfitted the with all the same overland gear that's shown on the JKU when the TJ is chosen for a particular expedition. My LJ also has the same electrical configuration as the JKU - dual batteries, solar, etc. The JKU:

Happy to answer any questions that might arise after reading the series.

@Chris, if it's inappropriate to post a link to another forum, please let me know and I'll delete the link and repost the entire 5-post series on this forum.

how do auxbeam products compare to the 4x4spod? ive had one for years in my jku but nothing in my tj yet. been looking at auxbeam but doesnt seem to have overcurrent protection or any of the higher end features of my spod.

why should one buy this over spod? im genuinely curious as i like to spend less if i can.

Overcurrent in the Auxbeam products is handled with fuses:

What other features does the sPOD have that you need that make it worth about 3x what an Auxbeam switch panel costs?

 

[Chris]

OK, here's a link: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/barn-door-for-jk-factory-hardtops.127687/post-3104431. It' not strictly a review, it's a 5-post series on using the Auxbeam dual switch panel in an overland vehicle that's equipped with dual batteries, a kitchen/fridge, solar and other campsite accessories. The subject of the series is my JKU, sorry it's not a TJ, but my LJ can be outfitted the with all the same overland gear that's shown on the JKU when the TJ is chosen for a particular expedition. My LJ also has the same electrical configuration as the JKU - dual batteries, solar, etc. The JKU:

View attachment 575509

Happy to answer any questions that might arise after reading the series.

@Chris, if it's inappropriate to post a link to another forum, please let me know and I'll delete the link and repost the entire 5-post series on this forum.



Overcurrent in the Auxbeam products is handled with fuses:

View attachment 575511

What other features does the sPOD have that you need that make it worth about 3x what an Auxbeam switch panel costs?

You're fine to post a link, no worries. Thanks for asking though!

 

[MikekiM]

Initial reaction without yet reading the writeup...

The sink table.. does that fold up against the driver side of the fridge?

The tailgate table.. been looking for one of them for a long, long time. That's the MORyde table table right? It's been out of stock for the TJ for ages. If I were able to get the netted version in hand to scope it out I might buy that and retro-fit the table... Alas.. it's all unobtainable.

The dual Auxbeam setup... That would have been a great setup for me. Looks like the two switch panels will control the same accessories but from different locations. If that is so, is the control board the same as I might have with the single 8 gang setup but with a splitter to send the 10' & 20' wires to the switch panels? That make refitting to my current setup a little easier. I've already replaced the controller and switch panel once.. not looking to do it again. I do like the Driving/Campsite switch setup.

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

OK, here's a link: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/barn-door-for-jk-factory-hardtops.127687/post-3104431. It' not strictly a review, it's a 5-post series on using the Auxbeam dual switch panel in an overland vehicle that's equipped with dual batteries, a kitchen/fridge, solar and other campsite accessories. The subject of the series is my JKU, sorry it's not a TJ, but my LJ can be outfitted the with all the same overland gear that's shown on the JKU when the TJ is chosen for a particular expedition. My LJ also has the same electrical configuration as the JKU - dual batteries, solar, etc. The JKU:

View attachment 575509

Happy to answer any questions that might arise after reading the series.

@Chris, if it's inappropriate to post a link to another forum, please let me know and I'll delete the link and repost the entire 5-post series on this forum.



Overcurrent in the Auxbeam products is handled with fuses:

View attachment 575511

What other features does the sPOD have that you need that make it worth about 3x what an Auxbeam switch panel costs?

the simplest is it wasnt available back when i got it and the spod is made in the usa...so in my eyes as a canadian a better built product. however im asking because i genuinely know nothing about the aux beam product and am curious about it.

 

[MikekiM]

@jscherb

to my question above about retro fitting a second switch panel, I am going to say no bueno. I see the control board you pictured above has a second set of pin connectors so I assume the control board needs to be replaced if I want to run a second switch panel. Bummer.

My experience has been that the switch panels are all slightly different dimensions which means it's unlikely I can pull out my current panel that is mounted in a custom switch panel and pop in the now RA80 X2. I believe what I have is the BA80.. auto-dim (which I hate), 8 gang without the app. Further, my experience has been that when changing control boards you can't reuse the switch panel.. so it's an all or nothing.

I have been browsing the Auxbeam website and I don't see the RA80 X2. Have they stopped offering it?

I have an email out to Auxbeam to clarify, but your feedback is welcomed.

 

[jscherb]

Initial reaction without yet reading the writeup...

The sink table.. does that fold up against the driver side of the fridge?

The tailgate table.. been looking for one of them for a long, long time. That's the MORyde table table right? It's been out of stock for the TJ for ages. If I were able to get the netted version in hand to scope it out I might buy that and retro-fit the table... Alas.. it's all unobtainable.

The dual Auxbeam setup... That would have been a great setup for me. Looks like the two switch panels will control the same accessories but from different locations. If that is so, is the control board the same as I might have with the single 8 gang setup but with a splitter to send the 10' & 20' wires to the switch panels? That make refitting to my current setup a little easier. I've already replaced the controller and switch panel once.. not looking to do it again. I do like the Driving/Campsite switch setup.

The sink is collapsible and can fit in the drawer that slides under the fridge; the table is hinged and swings into the drawer. Shown set up and stowed below:

MORryde discontinued the TJ version of the Storegate table/storage compartment a year or so ago due to lack of interest from the TJ market. It's still available for the JK/JL though and that one could be adapted to the TJ with a bit of trimming to clear the tailgate contacts cover.

to my question above about retro fitting a second switch panel, I am going to say no bueno. I see the control board you pictured above has a second set of pin connectors so I assume the control board needs to be replaced if I want to run a second switch panel. Bummer.

My experience has been that the switch panels are all slightly different dimensions which means it's unlikely I can pull out my current panel that is mounted in a custom switch panel and pop in the now RA80 X2. I believe what I have is the BA80.. auto-dim (which I hate), 8 gang without the app. Further, my experience has been that when changing control boards you can't reuse the switch panel.. so it's an all or nothing.

I have been browsing the Auxbeam website and I don't see the RA80 X2. Have they stopped offering it?

I have an email out to Auxbeam to clarify, but your feedback is welcomed.

I checked the Auxbeam web site and didn't see it there either, but it is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-RA80-X2-Momentary-Waterproof/dp/B0C3R25X2Q/?tag=wranglerorg-20, and at a pretty good Black Friday price.

If you check the Auxbeam Store on Amazon you'll find it there too: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Auxbeam/page/0ABB60D0-5628-40DA-BC1C-952C6B3388B0?tag=wranglerorg-20. The new slimline panels they just sent me have not made it to Amazon yet although they are on the Auxbeam web site: https://auxbeam.com/products/as-600...mentary-pulsed-mode-supportedone-sided-outlet

The next time I talk to Auxbeam I'll ask about the RA80 X2 not being on their web site.

 

[MikekiM]

The sink is collapsible and can fit in the drawer that slides under the fridge; the table is hinged and swings into the drawer. Shown set up and stowed below:

View attachment 575778

View attachment 575777

MORryde discontinued the TJ version of the Storegate table/storage compartment a year or so ago due to lack of interest from the TJ market. It's still available for the JK/JL though and that one could be adapted to the TJ with a bit of trimming to clear the tailgate contacts cover.



I checked the Auxbeam web site and didn't see it there either, but it is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-RA80-X2-Momentary-Waterproof/dp/B0C3R25X2Q/?tag=wranglerorg-20, and at a pretty good Black Friday price.

If you check the Auxbeam Store on Amazon you'll find it there too: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Auxbeam/page/0ABB60D0-5628-40DA-BC1C-952C6B3388B0?tag=wranglerorg-20. The new slimline panels they just sent me have not made it to Amazon yet although they are on the Auxbeam web site: https://auxbeam.com/products/as-600...mentary-pulsed-mode-supportedone-sided-outlet

The next time I talk to Auxbeam I'll ask about the RA80 X2 not being on their web site.

Thanks. All good stuff.

Heard back from Auxbeam Support…. I had asked a bunch of questions about the dual switch panel but all they responded with is that it has been discontinued.

I’ll check out Amazon