Now offered on Bring a Trailer, this 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is a heavily modified overlanding build that combines American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) hardware with an extensively re-engineered American Safari JXL conversion by Red River Rigs of Amarillo, Texas. Originally upgraded with AEV’s JK250 package under previous ownership, the Wrangler was subsequently transformed into a much larger expedition platform under its current owner.
The Jeep is finished in Hydro Blue Pearl and retains a removable hardtop, removable doors, a heat-reduction hood, stamped-steel front bumper, integrated winch mount, rock rails, IPF auxiliary lighting, and a ram-air snorkel. The most significant structural modification is the 15.2-inch body extension performed by Red River Rigs. The extended section was finished in body-color paint and protected underneath with Line-X coating. A lengthened roof incorporates an integrated pop-up tent, while the rear of the vehicle received a replacement window, extended lighting wiring, and a custom rear bumper.
The bespoke rear bumper incorporates additional storage, auxiliary lighting, an access ladder, frame extensions, and a swing-out spare-tire carrier. Supporting the increased dimensions and expedition equipment are 17-inch Mammoth Boulder wheels fitted with 315/70 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. The suspension uses an AEV 3.5-inch lift, supplemented by Old Man Emu rear springs rated for 600-pound loads. A removed set of AEV Pintler wheels is included with the sale.
Inside, the cabin combines Rubicon functionality with extensive camping provisions. Heated front bucket seats and the rear bench are trimmed in black leather, with AEV branding embroidered into the headrests. Equipment includes a Uconnect touchscreen, Alpine audio, backup camera, cruise control, power windows, and automatic climate control. AEV-branded instrumentation provides a 100-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,400-rpm redline, and auxiliary fuel-level and coolant-temperature gauges.
Red River Rigs extensively reworked the rear cabin with vinyl wall coverings and headliner material, extended carpeting, fiberglass storage benches with Bultex cushions, underfloor and compartment storage, and hanging storage panels. A cooking and washing station incorporates a molded sink, while a removable dining table and roll-out bunk system enhance its usefulness as a mobile campsite. The electrical system centers on a Renogy lithium-iron-phosphate battery, 30-amp DC-to-DC charger with MPPT solar control, 1,000-watt inverter, and monitoring hardware. A 175-watt roof-mounted solar panel provides renewable charging capacity, complemented by a 40-liter Camco 12-volt refrigerator and MaxxAir ventilation fan.
Power comes from a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 installed as part of the AEV conversion and equipped with an AEV water-pump kit. The engine drives through a five-speed automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case, sending power to the rear or all four wheels. Factory Tru-Lok locking differentials are retained at both axles, while AEV added differential covers, an upgraded front driveshaft, and 4.56:1 gearing. The result is a highly specialized Wrangler engineered for extended off-grid travel, combining serious four-wheel-drive capability with the equipment and living amenities expected from a dedicated expedition vehicle.
2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited AEV JK250 5.7L American Safari JXL Conversion For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer