cargo area

[98dango]

I put this together for our PA Ridgerunner Rendezvous meet last month. Think of it as a prototype. A couple hours of work and some scrap lumber just so I didn't have to sleep on the ground in the middle of a PA winter.

Using left over lumber from my workshop, I built it high enough to be able to slide four of the smaller Action Packers under it. Two from the back, two from the front. There is a bulkhead in the center to add stiffening, but only extends half the depth of the sides. This allows me to slide longer objects like hiking sticks and chairs underneath.

In the front are two foldable panels that are flipped out to turn the shelf into a sleeping platform. To support the sleeping extensions there are wing panels on each side that flip out from the interior sides for the sleep panels to rest on. I can put a twin sized sleep roll and sleep two comfrotably. In my LJ this arrangement, with the seats slid all the way forward, gives me 65" on the drivers side and 74" on the passengers side.

Like I said this was test project just to see if my idea would work. I need 3/4 paino hinges instead of the 1/2" ones I had in the shop that day so that the sleep panels will lay flatter. Also tie down rings to the top for cinching down top gear. The sides of the platform rest within the seat mount rails and are secured with turnbuckles to the seat mount. As you can see the sleep panels are high enough to clear the console so it isn't poking into the bedroll. Its light enough for me to put in and out myself. Now I need to get to building the finished version.

Thats a pretty good set up verry much what I'm after nice flat area for the dog's. Sucure storage underneath.

 

[troy]

did you say you have a little one in addition to the dogs? If so, you could duplicate this by splitting your current seat. I thought about doing this when I had a wrangler and leaving only one side in all the time. the rest could be a flat shelf.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-seats/rampage/split-fold-tumble.htm

 

[1speed]

a few questions. What is the red thing mounted between the speaker pods? and is that a fold up toilet? How is it? I'm contemplating one for myself.

The red unit between the speaker pods is a Husky 750 watt inverter from Home Depot.
Yes, on the left is a PETT toilet. It is great, my wife is a little on the germophobic side and doesn't like to use any public toilets. If you don't overuse the bags there is virtually no smell. There are some reviews on this site somewhere.

 

[86cj]

Nice work, it's good to see all the ways to live out of a Jeep. I have lived out of a SWB and LWB Jeep for weeks at a time on the road. The compromises are many, but the memories are forever................


http://http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19589

 

[jeepmedic46]

I have a Kj and space is limited. It is good to see how other people manage to make room for stuff. Unfortunately I have twin 4 yr olds who are still in car seats so I can't lay down my seats. I currently have a shelf system. Not sure how to post pics.

 

[smbisig]

Here is what my dad built for his YJ. when off road, our dog would wear a harness that was attached to one of the eyelets on the box. this way, if the jeep rolled, our dog would remain in the vehicle and not get thrown out.


http://www.pnwadventures.com/vehicles/homemade-jeep-storage-system/

 

[Desert Dan]

Some sort of a shelf with padding and carpet works good for dogs.



What about the front seat area? You can put stuff on the floor and have a larger area in the front and use the back for gear?

 

[goodtimes]

I have a TJ, and with 150lbs between two dogs it really necesitated a trailer, and a top rack. I'm contemplating a low shelf and drawer set up that would allow me to still strap in the dogs. I would still need the trailer for anything over a night. I don't know how and when, as funds are skimpy.

Mayne

A trailer makes it easier....but not required.

*Inside* my TJ, I have room for two adults, Waeco CDF-40 fridge, PETT toilet, Shower enclosure, two burner stove, tools, spare hardware (bag of nuts/bolts/cotter pins/hose clamps/etc), two action packers with "camp junk" (pots, pans, plates, utinsels, non-refridgerated food, etc), 5 gallon water container, two folding camp chairs, folding table, three bags of clothes (one for me, two for her), recovery gear, spare fluids, small tarp (6 x 8'), a hi-lift jack, a few smaller misc. supplies, and of course 3 dogs, ranging from 40 to 70 pounds.

Prior to having a roof top tent, I also had a ground tent, two sleeping bags and one pillow (hers -- I use a jacket as a pillow) stuffed in there. Now, the tent and bedding lives up top.

I don't think I can fit much more inside....and the dogs aren't exactly living in the lap of luxury when we are on the road....but it all fits. Barely.

 

[logos]

Brian, I'd like to see a picture of how you packed your Jeep with the three dogs.

I have a hyperactive black lab and am looking for ideas for my CJ-7.

 

[schizm99]

my thoughts

On my YJ I was gonna build a flat shelf and pop out side rails. Dogs are pretty stable riders but sometimes they need help. The carpet is a definate must as if they tear one nail the ride is miserable for them. As for hooking the dog to an eyelet. Please be sure the eyelet does not stick out. I have seen dogs rip their sides open on them and it isn't pretty!