Ernie’s Gunsmithing

An Interview with Coty Byers

Can you tell us a little about yourself, and how long you have been a Jeeper?

My name is Coty Byers and I am the president of Blackwater Jeepers. I am the father of two smart, beautiful daughters, and I have an addiction to Jeeps. Actually, it’s equally a Jeep addiction as it is an addiction of being around great people. Ironically, I first got into Jeeps because I wanted to get lost in the woods with a couple good friends; many years later, I ended up with way more great friends and less getting lost in the woods.

Either way, I’ve been into different truck and car scenes in my lifetime, but never have I seen such a tight knit community as the one the Jeepers have. I’m sure the only one that compares is the Harley community, in my opinion. I’ve seen the Harley community do some amazing things all over the country and have nothing but respect for these guys. I see the Jeep community going along the same way. There are people in every community in need of a little help up from whatever situation has befallen on them. When you have an audience like both communities do, it’s our responsibility to use that in any positive way we can.

Of course, none of us bought a Jeep or a bike because we wanted to do charity work. What happens, though, is you see a way to have fun while doing something positive for your community. Jeepers in the Tampa Bay area cover a gauntlet of charities and fundraisers; they do really great work. When I decided to start Blackwater Jeepers, I did not want a big group or to do charities. I was looking for a small group of friends to go on trail rides with and simply have fun. We wanted to keep it simple and help individuals in our community, but quietly. We knew we wouldn’t have a big presence and would be unable to cash flow a large charity event or fundraiser, nor did we want to.

Helping individual families have a Christmas became how we were able to help each year. We still do it today and it’s an operation completely funded by members. Last year, we did receive a large and unexpected donation from someone outside the group who found out we had extra families that needed help. If this man and his family did not volunteer, we may not have been able to help those families — this is an example of the amazing people we get to meet every day. Blackwater Jeepers was an idea I came up with when we were trying to decide which group to join. After taking our time hanging out with each group — there were not as many at that time — finding which would be a good fit and events a reasonable distance away, I got to see things in each event and group I liked and some I wasn’t a fan of. Everyone wants to belong to something; I think many people search for a purpose until they stumble on something that just clicks.

This led to the idea of a principled and moral group with one simple goal: to have fun. No BS, no one should feel unwelcome, no one gets judged on a banner or their Jeep, no real rules other than just be a good person. Basic, old-school ways and traditional values mixed with a little new-age thinking, you could say. Trust will be earned but is expected. When you learn to trust your people, you build a loyalty to each other. After that you realize you have more trust and loyalty to these people who were once strangers than you do your own family, so they become your family. These are the people you get up at midnight for because they broke down and cannot get home and you know they would do the same for you. That breeds respect because like any family, you may not like everyone, but you will be respectful to them.

We have a low tolerance for disrespect in this group, and luckily we don’t see it often. But this also had an unexpected surprise: It developed a sense of pride and honor among the members to be part of a bigger picture. Each one flew a banner that cost a few dollars, but was worth a lot more than the vinyl it was printed on. Each member has a say and the members run this group. The entire leadership and its members put in work every day to run this group in the direction the members have asked and communicated to us that they want this ship to sail. We all feel honored to be able to do this and be apart of the entire Jeep community as a whole and contributing while doing what we love. Sounds crazy, I know. But to me, that’s the secret meaning behind “It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.” Truth is, I hated when I heard people use the word “family.” I thought, “I don’t know these people, much less call them family.” Before we started Blackwater Jeepers, I never understood. Over the years these people come to know more about you than your blood family. Plus, you can’t choose your blood family, but we do get to choose our Jeep families. So, if you own a Jeep and don’t understand what it’s like to have a Jeep family like I once did, you are probably not in the right group.

As a veteran Jeeper, what advice would you give to someone new to the activity?

Some advice I would give to a new Jeeper is simple. Rule No. 1: Never wheel alone. Rule No. 2: Take your time joining a group.

Since you bought a Jeep, you’re obviously looking for adventure. So, find a few friends, or better yet, find a few groups in your area. Even if you never join, you will for sure find some friends to wheel with. Plus, trails are usually better with friends. Again, take your time before joining a group. As I said above, you will find one that fits you and feels right. If not, start your own. It’s not easy, but if your head is in it for the right reasons and you look after your people and your community, you will find people who want to join — but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Can you tell us a Jeeping lesson you had to learn the hard way?

A lesson I’ve learned the hard way is not every hole will be as deep as it was the last time you came through. Trails can change as the weather changes. Don’t assume, take safety equipment on the trails, do not wheel alone, and understand how to use all of your recovery equipment. I’ve been on recovery missions that lasted eight hours, so pack a snack.

We once had a vehicle stranded deep in the woods with water halfway up the doors. It weighed about 6,500 pounds on dry land, so between the mud and water, our Jeep was not much help. We used pulleys to fraction the weight. That helped a lot, but there was a hidden rut. At about this time there was a girl that started getting dizzy because her sugar level had dropped. So we were now using pulleys and a high lift jack to get this rig out. Long story short, we used every bit of recovery gear we had and still could have used more. Also, apparently, snacks. The girl was fine, by the way.

Please tell me a little about your group, the purpose, and the benefits to your members.

Blackwater Jeepers was originally started in 2013, but we decided to join an international charter in 2014. We became the very first United States chapter for this group. The purpose was to help join the national and international Jeepers together and allow everyone to work together on goals to help each chapter contribute to their hometown community — at least, that was the plan.

Unfortunately, sometimes the leadership in many cases grows an ego that forgets the original goal and loses focus. As too many do, they put money over people and members lose every time. We wanted to support our local vendors and sponsors, but they wanted everything purchased through them. One thing about the Jeep community is that it’s huge and small at the same time. What I mean is, though we are everywhere, it doesn’t take long to be called out if you’re not doing things for the right reasons. Most of us want to look out for Jeepers — not someone’s bank account.

How long has your group been around, and who were the charter members?

We originally started with about eight charter members. Unfortunately, life happens and, over time, we have lost six of the original eight members. Other than a couple, we have never lost a member we wanted to keep. When it’s time, it’s time, and like any group, there are people who get egos, want to profit, or take advantage of a member. These types of people are not a good fit in this group.

The ones that currently run the core of this group have been here from the beginning and have kept this ship on course through some turbulent times. These people include Al Feliz, Carolyn Albritton, Belinda Vazquez and, of course, Billi Gibson. Carolyn recently stepped down, but the rest remain.

Al Feliz has recently been made vice president and has been here for this group and its members day in and day out. Al is one of the biggest reasons this group has come this far. We all work as a team, regardless of how tough each situation is. Al and I have argued tooth and nail about things, but every single time we realized in the end we wanted to hit the same goals, we just have two different ways to get there. I told him at the very beginning that I didn’t promote him to just agree with me; I promoted him because he doesn’t agree with me on certain things and that helps this group and its members. Al is passionate about our community, so he never gives up.

Finding solutions to problems when you have complete trust, loyalty and respect for each other means you won’t give up just because you can’t agree, allowing you to find an even better answer to the problem every time and never have a member quit because they disagreed. With that and the entire leadership team — from the ones that welcome people to our public page every single day to the treasurer that keeps our finances straight, the event coordinators that keep our calendar organized and our trail bosses that make every group ride safe and a learning experience — no one person runs this group.

I have the honor of being called the “captain,” but this group runs like a well-oiled machine. It takes a team and the members are like our clients. If they are not happy, then we are not doing our job. In addition, years ago, I set up a private chat with all the local groups in and around our area and invited the president and vice president from each group to join in. This allowed all of us to better communicate issues before they became a problem. Plus, it helped us support each other’s events and learn to work together for all of our members. It has helped us find and pinpoint any specific person in our community that continues to be an issue and remove him or her from all groups if they continue to stir up trouble. I know this has really helped our group understand issues that are simply miscommunicated before it becomes a major issue.

How many members do you currently have, and how does one become a member?

We have never published how many members we currently have. The reason is that we’ve never wanted to be a numbers club. I will say, we originally never wanted to get bigger than 30 or 40 members, but we passed that long ago. It’s not about numbers here; it’s about the people. We have never lost a person we have wanted to keep. We’ve had to tighten down a few times over the years to slow people from joining.

Currently, we require new probation members to be sponsored by a current member, attend at least two events, and attend at least two trail rides. The entire purpose is that you cannot learn enough about a group nor can these members learn enough about you by only meeting a couple times. You have to check us out, just as we need to know we can trust you around our family and kids. We are a wheeling Jeep family, so of course we want to see you on the trails — not just a parking lot. Our members range in age, but they are all mature enough to respect their fellow members and their club.

Do you have group trail rides, and if so, how many times per year?

We currently average about three or four trail rides per month. Depending on months with a lot of other events going on, we typically do night rides or cookouts. Because many of these rides will include a trained trail boss, they are open to everyone and beginner Jeepers and probation members are encouraged to join.

Our trail bosses assist in recovery while on the trails and help teach new Jeepers proper techniques when winching as well as how to tread lightly to help keep these areas clean and open for the future. Our kids learn in the process, so we hope to continue this further in the future. We also try and remind members on our members-only page — along with our public pages — to practice safety on the trail, stay on trail, respect property, and try to hold safety-recovery classes on occasion to give Jeepers hands-on training.

What other type of activities do you have for your members?

Our group makes excuses to hang out together. We have fun doing anything from wrench parties at someone’s house to shooting at an outdoor range a member has access to. Cookouts are our favorite, but we also meet for dinners, attend events and fairs together, go fishing, and do pretty much anything we can find that gives us a reason to meet up.

Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

All in all, I would like to say thank you to Jeepin’ Central Florida for what you are doing. It’s been a really fun and cool experience so far working with you all and meeting your families. Seeing that you are also Jeepers goes a long way. As I said, we joined an international chapter to communicate and see the news of other groups around the country and even other countries. I look forward to seeing this magazine grow in hopes this can be our way to see what other communities are doing.

There are so many great things happening that we hear very little about unless it’s on social media. Having one outlet to see the Jeepers up north pulling out stranded motorists during snowstorms, Jeepers coming together during floods to get elderly their medicine or get doctors and nurses to the hospital, seeing Jeepers help find and recover missing people in the forests — this is what grows public trust and strengthens this community.

I also want to thank all the members of Blackwater Jeepers for pulling together all these years and stepping up every single time they’ve been asked. For everything you have done over the years for people who needed a helping hand and for not publishing it for attention. You’ve done these things because it was right and you did it knowing no one would ever know, and these individuals could never repay you. That shows your character and I’m honored to work everyday with each of you. You have all made this group what it is today, no matter how long you have been here.

Jeepers to the Rescue

Throughout Central Florida, off-road Jeepers are assisting in state and county search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. The groups they form are leading the way in utilizing civilian volunteer four-wheel-drive support. By getting more Jeep enthusiasts trained to participate in these critical missions, local law enforcement agencies can cover terrain that would be inaccessible to patrol vehicles.

These crews are not just making themselves and their vehicles available for backcountry SAR missions such as lost hikers, plane crashes and disaster relief. The social media-savvy Jeeper community has also helped in the search for missing people, reaching out to their online groups with alerts and photos and increasing the chances of someone recognizing the subject on the street.

To learn more about how the groups operate and how more Jeepers can get involved, Jeepin’ Central Florida caught up with Joseph Ruiz, founder and commander of Tampa-based Florida Wilderness Search & Rescue – Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Corp. Arthur Madden, who serves in the Community Relations Unit and as Jeep Unit coordinator for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in New Port Richey.

Ruiz and his 44-member team are helping to spearhead the statewide effort to include Jeepers in SAR missions. He says the off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles and their owners have become a valuable asset to the public. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Jeep Unit includes 37 members, all of whom donate their time and equipment when an SAR call comes in.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Jeep Unit following a mission in Volucia County assisting the Sheriff’s office and Daytona Beach Police Department.

“We have a great, true appreciation for our volunteers,” Madden says of the program.

As they expand their forces, local law enforcement agencies are able to offset the demand that comes with protecting and serving the public. These fairly new units have already proven to be instrumental to SAR and missing-person efforts. Having the ability to reach areas they’ve had trouble getting to in the past, Jeepers and their skills are becoming an indispensable asset for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders.

Join the family

By the time Ruiz bought his first Jeep in 2013, he already had extensive SAR experience. When the Army veteran was stationed in Korea in the early 1970s, he took a water-rescue course offered by the American Red Cross. When Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades in 1972, Ruiz was home on leave.

“I volunteered to assist in the recovery of the cadavers,” he says. “That’s where I quickly got over being grossed out by bloody things.”

Equipped with a Wrangler and retired from a second career in the private sector, Ruiz linked up with the Tampa Jeep Krewe (TJK) and created the TJK-CERT-SAR unit. His volunteers have been vetted and certified by the Tampa Fire & Police Training Center and Greater Tampa CERT. In Pasco County, Sheriff Chris Nocco recognized the importance of expanding their force to include a unit comprised of off-road-ready Jeeper volunteers. Nocco tasked Madden with creating the Jeep Unit. Madden researched units and agencies nationwide, from the Tampa Bay area as far as California, and tapped them for information. TJK-CERT-SAR was among the most enthusiastic responders. “Hands down, without my volunteers, we wouldn’t exist, and I would have fallen short of my sheriff’s request,” Madden says.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s Jeep Unit includes a team of 37 skilled volunteers. The unit is commanded by Corp. Arthur Madden and trained to assist the agency in search-and-rescue, missing-person and disaster-relief missions.

Owing to the demands of the work, the requirements to get involved with an SAR group are strict. Effective and successful missions require a high degree of organization and thoroughness.

“We depend on each other. The training is nonnegotiable,” Ruiz says, noting the group needs to be able to trust and rely on each other to be properly prepared. Furthermore, he adds, having these certifications under your belt makes you a valuable asset to your family, friends and community.

The following are training requirements for Florida Wilderness Search & Rescue – CERT:

  • Attend the Federal Emergency Mandate Agency (FEMA)’s 24-hour CERT course.
  • Complete the advanced CERT medical training, repelling and advanced trauma training offered by Tampa Fire Rescue.
  • Learn how to operate and conduct yourself properly when participating in an emergency scene through the National Incident Management System (NIMS) program. You will also be trained in lifesaving and transportation of victims.
  • Submit to a background check.
Florida Wilderness SAR-CERT take part in a map-reading skills training.

Some of the training is done on a group basis as a social event, and the group also holds events for fun, relaxation and team-building. For the Pasco Jeep Unit’s full letter of expectation, visit pascosheriff.com/jeep-unit.

Ruiz says he appreciates the fact that many Florida Wilderness members have invested in vehicle modifications and upgrades necessary for the work. Members also purchase their own uniforms and protective gear, including helmets and gloves. To attain National Association for Search and Rescue (NASR) certification, you will also need medical supplies and a three-day backpack. Initial upfront costs include the uniform, patch and a decal for your vehicle. On the plus side, everything is a charitable contribution, and most of these costs are tax-exempt; Florida Wilderness is a registered 501(c)(3).

Welcomed With Open Arms

Ruiz and Madden say their teams are very well-rounded. Their volunteers include active and retired military and law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, nurses and mechanics. Both men say they are always looking for quality individuals and groups to bring into their organizations.

Nuts and Bolts

Joseph Ruiz and Corp. Arthur Madden lead teams of
volunteer Jeep owners who are trained and certified to assist in search-and-rescue missions.

Florida Wilderness Search & Rescue – CERT / Tampa / floridawilderness.org

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Jeep Unit / New Port Richey / pascosheriff.com/jeep-unit

Ruiz’s group recently dropped the word “Jeep” from its name to make it clear that all four-wheel drive vehicles are welcome. Expanding the types of four-wheel drive vehicles presents the group with more options. For instance, a four-wheel-drive flatbed truck can move equipment to a scene while Wranglers are navigating through the trees, finding and leading the path for larger vehicles.

When disaster strikes, Ruiz says, the Jeep crews are there to be directed, and they serve at the pleasure of the agencies in charge – whether it’s FEMA, the FAA or local law enforcement. Ruiz’s group sets up their tent and tells the ruling agency, “Hey, we’re here.” A typical mission will include two to three people in a vehicle with multiple vehicles mobilized to cover more ground and transport resources. A single Jeep team could include a driver, a scout and a forensics expert – all properly trained, all trusted to have each other’s back.

The camaraderie and appreciation that has been developed between these groups and the agencies they serve is the real success story. Both team leaders say they are extremely grateful to every volunteer for their dedication and investment – and they agree there is something about the off-road community in particular that breeds compassion and the desire to help. Madden believes tapping into the strongly rooted Jeep family is helping the community at large stay connected, stay educated, and spread the eagerness and willingness to assist.

“Jeepers are likeminded, goodhearted people,” Madden says.

Inside Ferman Auto Group

Jeep buyers are highly educated, and they tend to know exactly what they want when they visit a dealership. So says William “Bill” Small, general manager of Ferman Auto Group, one of the largest automotive groups in Florida. Small loves the brand just as much as his customers do, and he is proud of the work his dealership does to serve them.

“I don’t drive a Jeep every day, but in my business, I am fortunate to have access to them, and I am a very big enthusiast,” Small says.

That kind of attitude is one of the reasons Ferman Auto Group is one of the top places to buy, sell and service Jeeps of all types. Small and his managers and staff believe their business isn’t about “selling” anyone anything. Rather, they take the approach that it is their role to serve their customers – to be there when they need them, to answer questions, and to make sure they always get exactly what they need, when they need it.

“The age of the internet and information is already at their fingertips,” explains Small. “We try to be a servant. I have people call me for jobs. They’ll say they’re interested in a job but don’t think of themselves as a salesperson. I ask, ‘How do you feel about people? Do you care enough to be a servant to them?'”

A History of Service

The Ferman Auto Group was founded in 1895. Today, the group has 13 locations, with Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-RAM dealerships in Tampa and New Port Richey. And the group has evolved right alongside the Jeep brand. Small notes that, for most of its existence, the Wrangler was a utilitarian, two-door, off-roader, not designed for or welcoming to families. But when the four-door Unlimited model came out, the lineup became accessible to a much wider range of people. “They made the vehicles remain rugged, and at the same time, their appeal has grown to include other segments of the market,” says Small.

The Wrangler Unlimited, along with the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Compass SUVs, is bringing more families into the Jeep fold, Small says, which dovetails with Ferman’s corporate culture. “I try to treat everyone who works with me like family. I think we’re going to whatever we can to do what’s right. We like to err in the direction of generosity.”

And it isn’t just the employees who are family. He notes that “Anything a guest needs, we’re going to do everything we can, within reason.” And that, Small says, is what really sets Ferman Auto Group apart, and what ultimately has led to their success: They care.

But Ferman Auto Group doesn’t just talk the talk. They also walk the walk. “We don’t use addendums. There is no additional markup,” Small stresses. The price they list for each vehicle is the price the consumer is going to pay, with no attempts to obfuscate the true price. “One thing drives me crazy about industry, and that’s advertising that’s not truthful.”

That philosophy extends beyond new-vehicle sales. Used-car buyers and service customers get the same treatment. Small notes that one of Ferman’s pre-owned lots include about a dozen Wranglers, and they tend to go fast. (“If I could get twice as many, I’d sell them all.”) The technicians that Ferman Auto Group employs are all factory-certified, but even here, that’s not what Small focuses on when talking about his dealership group. Instead, he notes that the store recognizes that everyone in the equation is human, and their goal is to make sure that everyone walks away happy.

“It’s the same thing in service. In one of our Jeep stores, we have probably 175 to 200 employees. Someone’s going to make a mistake. We try not to make mistakes. But if we do, we’ll fix it. We know how to say we’re sorry.”

Convenience is another aspect of service as well. While some dealerships still struggle with how to marry the online and offline components of the service department, Ferman Auto Group has forged ahead. They are one of the few offering the ability to make online appointments, for example, as they constantly look for new and better ways to serve their customers’ needs.

Nuts and Bolts

Ferman Auto Group operates 13 Central Florida dealerships, including Jeep stores in Tampa and New Port Richey.

• Ferman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Tampa
2431 State Road 54 33559
Sales: (877) 292-6296
Service: (888) 893-5247
fermancjdtampa.com

• Ferman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of New Port Richey
4023 US-19 34652
Sales: (877) 300-6346
Service: (888) 737-6571
fermancjdnewportrichey.com

Giving Back

Another reason to give Ferman Auto Group your business? The service doesn’t stop at their doors.

The company is heavily involved in a variety of community outreach projects, looking to get involved and help in their communities as much as they can. “I am heavily involved in support of law enforcement, especially the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office,” says Small. “They are heroes who deserve our support. The Jeep community also supports law enforcement, so it’s a great fit.”

Just one example is an annual Jeepin 4 Justice that Ferman helped sponsor in partnership with Pasco County Sheriff Charities. The third annual event will be held November 10-12.

“There are some great people that seem to me to be more like one big family in the many Jeep clubs that are in the area,” says Small. “They do a tremendous amount of work in the community. For example, I am very proud of the Pasco Sheriff’s Volunteer Search and Rescue that has a huge amount of participation, and does great work in Pasco County.”

As far as Small is concerned, Ferman Auto Group is the total package. They are an automotive company that realizes the people have to come first, and they embody that philosophy in everything they do. Their employees are family, their customers are valued, and the vehicles and service they provide have to be the best. It doesn’t matter whether someone walks on the lot with a Jeep to trade in or sell – and whether they are longtime enthusiasts or recent converts to the brand – Small says Ferman Auto Group will ensure they get exactly what they need and want, every time.

Ocala Topless Jeep Day to benefit Marion County Search & Rescue

On Saturday, August 19, 2017 there will be the second annual Jeep Topless Show at Burynzz, 1 Aspen Road, Ocala, Florida from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. THe cost is $10.00 pre-admission and $15.00 the day of event. There will be vendors, live DJ, food trucks, raffles, games and various prizes. All proceeds will go to benefit the all volunteer Marion County Search and Rescue Team.

Starting at 4:00 pm will be the Jeep Topless After Party at the Moji Grill, 4496 SE 100th Place, Belleview, just a short 10 minute ride away. There will be prizes and give aways along with great food and drinks. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Marion County Search and Rescue Team.

Come out and show your support to these volunteers that give their ime to train and respond when someone is lost not only in Marion County but other counties as well.

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Are Two Batteries Better Than One?

JCF sat down with IT engineer and Jeeper Shane Smith to learn how dual-battery systems work and whether they are the right fit for your Jeep.

What are the benefits of going with a dual battery system?

There are several benefits to having dual batteries, especially for off-roaders. The single stock lead acid battery is not well-suited to handle all the extra accessories that we like to add to our vehicles. Having two deep-cycle batteries will allow you to run all those accessories longer without being recharged.

A winch is the most common addition to a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but a winch can pull a tremendous amount of current during a hard pull. It’s very easy for a winch to kill a single battery, even with the engine running. With dual batteries, that winch load is spread across both batteries, so that you won’t end up with a dead battery while winching. Also, all batteries eventually die, so when that inevitably happens, you will have a backup battery to get you home.

Can you give us a brief description of how your system works?

Our system designates one battery for cranking, and the other battery for the accessories. When the cranking battery is fully charged, the smart isolator links the 2 batteries together so that the accessory battery can be charged up. Everything will run from both batteries, giving you extended run time when the engine is off.

Once the batteries drain down to 12.7v, the smart isolator separates the batteries to protect the cranking battery from being drained by your aftermarket accessories that are connected to our power and ground bus bars. The factory fuse box is hard wired to the cranking battery, so it is still possible for the radio, headlights, or 12v outlets to drain the cranking battery.

If you are unable to start the engine, simply press the built-in boost button one time to temporarily link the batteries together like jumper cables. This lets you use the power in the second battery to help start the engine.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Jeep owners and entrepreneurs Shane and Amy Smith.
I studied electronics and computer programming in college, with a BA in information technology from Mississippi State University. I spent 20 years as an IT systems engineer, working in large datacenters. Back in 2010 I was laid off from my tech job, and decided to start a 4×4 shop while looking for work. I spent several years working a day job in IT while working from 5 p.m. to midnight or later building custom Jeeps.

I needed a nice dual-battery system for a custom search-and-rescue Jeep for a first responder in Florida and could not find anything to fit the needs. There were a couple basic battery trays on the market, but we had to get an isolator, a spool of wire and a bag of ring terminals and figure out how to hook it all up. That project got a custom dual battery system to run the three winches and 28 switches that controlled everything.

I knew there had to be a market for a completely integrated system that would not require any wiring, so I took what I learned from that project, tweaked it to be easier to manufacture, and put it into production. The response from the market was great, so I switched gears and got out of doing custom fabrication to focus on the manufacturing side. A year later I launched the G Screen monitoring system as an optional add-on for the battery kit, and we’ve added several more products since then.

Where are your dual battery systems made?

All our kits are made right here in Mississippi. It was very important to me to find high-quality components that were made in the USA. We strongly believe in supporting USA manufacturers.

What type of batteries does your system use?

Any brand of battery will work, but it must be a Group 34 size. That’s the largest size that we could shoehorn under the hood. We prefer Odyssey batteries because they have the most cold-cranking amps and reserve capacity, as well as the best reputation on the market.

What other accessories would you recommend with your dual battery systems?

It’s a bit silly that Jeep didn’t put a voltmeter on the dash, so we came up with the G Screen to give the user as much info as possible in a small package. It’s a 1-inch LCD screen that shows the voltage of each battery. It also tells if the batteries are connected or isolated, and it serves as an in-cab boost button. Our optional digital air pressure sensor kit turns the G Screen into an air pressure gauge for monitoring an on-board air system.

We also make very heavy-duty quick-connect cables for accessing the battery power from outside the vehicle. These cables use industry-standard Anderson Powerpole connectors which are great for guys who want to charge a battery on a trailer from the vehicle’s alternator. Our quick-connect jumper cables have a mating connector so you can plug jumper cables in at the front or rear bumper. These are popular with service vehicles or guys who want the convenience of using jumper cables without opening the hood.

What Jeep models is your system compatible with?

Our Jeep JK kit fits all model-years from 2007 to present. We also have a kit for the Polaris RZR 900/1000, which is also very popular. For other vehicles, we offer a couple universal kits that the customer can mount into other trucks or SUVs.

What other products does your dual battery system work with?

Our dual-battery system gives you a convenient place to connect accessories that need direct battery power. The sPOD is a great compliment to our kit. By connecting an sPOD to our power and ground bus bars, all the extra circuits that you connect to the sPOD will run from both batteries while they are connected together, and then run only from the accessory battery when they are isolated. This way the accessories on the sPOD will not drain the cranking battery.

How does your customer service work?

We are a small, family-owned and -operated company. When you call, you get me, Shane, the owner, on the phone to answer your questions.

Do you have anything new coming out in the near future?

By the time you read this, we should be launching our new dual-battery kit for the Toyota Tacoma. Over the next year, I’ll be designing more vehicle-specific kits to bring the same great features from our Jeep kits to other vehicles. I’ll be starting with Toyota vehicles and then I’ll do a kit for other trucks and side-by-sides.