New Teraflex Alpha
05-09-2017, 11:40 PM
#1
JK Newbie
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Murrieta, CA
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New Teraflex Alpha
So, as some of you may know, Teraflex recently redesigned the accessory mount for the HD tire carrier. I owned the previous version of the mount, but went back to shopping after it got smashed up. Upon checking out the Teraflex website, I noticed the previous version was discontinued and replaced with the new "Alpha" version. I contacted TF about the mount and it was backordered during the redesign. I finally got the mount on 05/01/17, and got to installing it.
Initial impressions:
The mount came packaged in standard TF box, lightly wrapped.
While you would expect this to be enough for a large piece of metal, little chips in the paint suggested the product could benefit from a little more protection.
Nevertheless, the construction is great, the welds are clean, and the product seems to be just about bulletproof.
Now, for installation.
The instructions are clear and detailed. The installation process is quick, simple, and requires only a basic set of wrenches and a torque wrench for that extra peace of mind. All hardware is included and come neatly packaged. You can read the instructions yourself in the photo below.
The product installed onto the JK's HD tire carrier in a matter of minutes. A little loctite was added for Murphy's Law. Mount came with a chrome Teraflex emblem attached from the factory. Kind of wish it didn't have one, but maybe you're into that sort of thing.
Once the mount was installed, I adjusted the bracket to the the jack height. The mount allows for pretty much any hi-lift jack to be mounted by deleting the floor plate from the previous version. Living in the Inland Empire of Southern California, I opted to replaced the provided bolts with locking lug nuts to prevent theft of the jack. The jack mounted without issue and was impressively sturdy. I mean this thing is rock solid.
Now, a rotopax mount can also be purchased separately, which I decided to spring the extra $40 for. Which the alpha mount was rock solid, the rotopax mount was less than stellar. Installation is accomplished in a minute flat by installed bolts through the jack handle. Pretty straight forward install. However, the mount bent and cracked by the pressure of common hand tools.
Again, this was a result of tightening with a simple wrench by hand. This was not by power tool. I am by no means the Incredible Hulk, so there's no reason for the metal plate to smash like this. Even still, the mount secured the gas container very well and with the rotopax locking handle I purchased, the container won't fall victim to anyone's "five finger discount."
Closing thoughts:
The Teraflex Alpha Hi-Lift jack mount is a rock solid mount. It secures the jack VERY well, maintains a clean look, allows for the tailgate to open completely without hitting the light or body, and is a wonderful addition to the HD Tire Carrier. The jack does not rattle at all against the mount and no vibrations can be heard even when I put the soft top down. I would definitely recommend this mount. Concerning the rotopax mount, it's nice to lug an extra gallon or two of gas with you for those short trips where you're not looking to overland with 20 gallons but still want a little extra peace of mind that you're not going to get stranded if you underguess the length of your trip. However, quality on the rotopax could definitely benefit from a do-over by Teraflex. If there's anything you want to know about the mount, feel free to ask. Hope this write up helps anyone looking at this mount.
Jeep-on!
Initial impressions:
The mount came packaged in standard TF box, lightly wrapped.
While you would expect this to be enough for a large piece of metal, little chips in the paint suggested the product could benefit from a little more protection.
Nevertheless, the construction is great, the welds are clean, and the product seems to be just about bulletproof.
Now, for installation.
The instructions are clear and detailed. The installation process is quick, simple, and requires only a basic set of wrenches and a torque wrench for that extra peace of mind. All hardware is included and come neatly packaged. You can read the instructions yourself in the photo below.
The product installed onto the JK's HD tire carrier in a matter of minutes. A little loctite was added for Murphy's Law. Mount came with a chrome Teraflex emblem attached from the factory. Kind of wish it didn't have one, but maybe you're into that sort of thing.
Once the mount was installed, I adjusted the bracket to the the jack height. The mount allows for pretty much any hi-lift jack to be mounted by deleting the floor plate from the previous version. Living in the Inland Empire of Southern California, I opted to replaced the provided bolts with locking lug nuts to prevent theft of the jack. The jack mounted without issue and was impressively sturdy. I mean this thing is rock solid.
Now, a rotopax mount can also be purchased separately, which I decided to spring the extra $40 for. Which the alpha mount was rock solid, the rotopax mount was less than stellar. Installation is accomplished in a minute flat by installed bolts through the jack handle. Pretty straight forward install. However, the mount bent and cracked by the pressure of common hand tools.
Again, this was a result of tightening with a simple wrench by hand. This was not by power tool. I am by no means the Incredible Hulk, so there's no reason for the metal plate to smash like this. Even still, the mount secured the gas container very well and with the rotopax locking handle I purchased, the container won't fall victim to anyone's "five finger discount."
Closing thoughts:
The Teraflex Alpha Hi-Lift jack mount is a rock solid mount. It secures the jack VERY well, maintains a clean look, allows for the tailgate to open completely without hitting the light or body, and is a wonderful addition to the HD Tire Carrier. The jack does not rattle at all against the mount and no vibrations can be heard even when I put the soft top down. I would definitely recommend this mount. Concerning the rotopax mount, it's nice to lug an extra gallon or two of gas with you for those short trips where you're not looking to overland with 20 gallons but still want a little extra peace of mind that you're not going to get stranded if you underguess the length of your trip. However, quality on the rotopax could definitely benefit from a do-over by Teraflex. If there's anything you want to know about the mount, feel free to ask. Hope this write up helps anyone looking at this mount.
Jeep-on!
05-10-2017, 06:51 AM
#3
JK Freak
Great writeup!! Did you call up TF and tell them what happened with the rotopax mount? I'm sure they would replace it without any issue. I wish the rotopax mount didn't sit so high up. I've been looking around for other options for rotopax and the TF tire carrier.
05-11-2017, 06:12 PM
#4
JK Newbie
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Murrieta, CA
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I haven't called TF yet, but I probably will when I get a free moment. I agree about the height of the rotopax. Problem is that if you place it any lower, you won't be able to get the can off the left side due to tire clearance. Any lower on the right side, you'll end up smashing the tail light. So on either side, that's the lowest I could get it. I really wish they offered a lower mounting solution for the can on the left side of the tire by the handle. That would be great! The can isn't really noticeable in the mirror though as it hides behind the headrest of the rear seat. So that's a plus.