Cherokee->TJ->Cherokee??

[TJVach]

Hey folks,
I have been trying to figure out storage issues with my TJ for sometime now. I actually even have a recent post about storage for my roof rack lol. I use to have a '91 Cherokee and I loved it. Had a good amount of space, but still decently capable. I unfortunately had to get rid of it because of MAJOR issues with the tranny and engine. I now have a TJ and love the "feel" of it, let's face it it's just a fun vehicle. Now that I am getting into expedition style trips I am having major issues with storage and wanting to get things like an Engel, on board water, etc etc... Those of you that have made the switch was it difficult? Any suggestions?

BTW I already thought about the trailer and I don't have any room at all (don't own a home yet).

I apologize if this is a silly thread I am just trying to get as much input as possible about it, to make a good decision.

 

[Funrover]

If you can remove the rear seat I have seen some really cool storage racks/trucks in TJ's before!

 

[cshontz]

When I have one, I always want the other. Not that this is the most economical solution, but the answer is the JK Unlimited. I'm sticking with the XJ right now because of cost and practicality, but I will own an open-top Jeep again.

Another good option would be a non-Jeep, such as a Toyota FJ80, or maybe a 90's era Landy. The double-cab Tacoma is also a popular platform, as you well know. I'd say the XJ offers the most bang per buck, but definitely think outside the Jeep box.

In your TJ you can add drawers, an interior rack, a roof rack, and a Jamboree rack. Folks seem to make due, but its not easy. There wasn't enough room for my 35qt ARB/Engel with the back seat in. Still... you can't beat that open-air wheelin'.

 

[kodiak1232003]

Hey folks,
I have been trying to figure out storage issues with my TJ for sometime now. I actually even have a recent post about storage for my roof rack lol. I use to have a '91 Cherokee and I loved it. Had a good amount of space, but still decently capable. I unfortunately had to get rid of it because of MAJOR issues with the tranny and engine. I now have a TJ and love the "feel" of it, let's face it it's just a fun vehicle. Now that I am getting into expedition style trips I am having major issues with storage and wanting to get things like an Engel, on board water, etc etc... Those of you that have made the switch was it difficult? Any suggestions?

BTW I already thought about the trailer and I don't have any room at all (don't own a home yet).

I apologize if this is a silly thread I am just trying to get as much input as possible about it, to make a good decision.

nothing silly about asking for informed opinions. helps you minimize your mistakes...lol.

i would look to a brand that has a strong overland history. namely land rover.

your truck can be compared fairly closely to a defender in makeup and capacities.

some truths that simply ARE:

1. you can take 4 people well or 2 people and cargo well, not both.
2. even with the rear seat out and storage optimized, for long trips a roof rack will probably be needed.
3. used properly, the defender 90 and the jeep wrangler are some of the nimblest, rugged, capable 4x4's out of the box.

here's my idea's
1. external storage: roof rack(camp furniture/tools/ropes/gas/water), hood storage(jack/shovel), swing out storage(jerry can, tent/table/camp chairs)

2. internal storage:any one of tuffy's products with the rear seat out,

or
3. small rear trunk and bestops soft side-saddles for blankets/rainfly's with the seat in.

 

[TJVach]

nothing silly about asking for informed opinions. helps you minimize your mistakes...lol.

i would look to a brand that has a strong overland history. namely land rover.

your truck can be compared fairly closely to a defender in makeup and capacities.

some truths that simply ARE:

1. you can take 4 people well or 2 people and cargo well, not both.
2. even with the rear seat out and storage optimized, for long trips a roof rack will probably be needed.
3. used properly, the defender 90 and the jeep wrangler are some of the nimblest, rugged, capable 4x4's out of the box.

here's my idea's
1. external storage: roof rack(camp furniture/tools/ropes/gas/water), hood storage(jack/shovel), swing out storage(jerry can, tent/table/camp chairs)

2. internal storage:any one of tuffy's products with the rear seat out,

or
3. small rear trunk and bestops soft side-saddles for blankets/rainfly's with the seat in.

1. CHECK...I have a Garvin Roof Rack & was thinking about the shovel etc on the hood. Swing out is quite expensive so that might have to wait.

2. CHECK...Just got a Full Length Underseat Security Drawer from Tuffy (http://www.tuffyproducts.com/trunk/130.html). Still trying to figure out what to put in it. I wanted to keep tools in a separate container for those times when I need to fix something that is inaccessible with the TJ. I was thinking a Pelican 1550 case, but thought it might be too big and the whole socket storage has been an ongoing issue as well. I wanted something that could be stored with the rear seat in or out. I already passed on the typical metal tool box idea simply for the weight factor. A Pelican case is half the weight and just cooler .

3. I will have to take a look at the saddles. I never really liked them before, but things change. I also was thinking of the insta-trunk, but would have to look into it more.

I rarely carry passengers so I'm thinking that just taking the seat out is a good option, but being able to put it back in is definitely priority......(heck I rarely drive the Jeep in general besides trips and the like).

 

[IXNAYXJ]

Easy solution: Get two vehicles.

I drive an XJ on the trail because they're cheap and uber-capable. In the Pacific Northwest having a closed top is a major plus most months and makes snow runs a lot of fun. And you can sleep in it.

I also have a couple convertibles that fill the role of open top driving thrills. Just a thought, but I'd rather have a $3000 XJ and a $3000 Miata than a $6000 TJ...but that's just me.

-----Matt-----

 

[highlandercj-7]

If you have a rear reciever, hitch or bumper? You can get a Hitch Haul from Wal Mart and other stores for like 50-70.00, that's roughly a 2'x5' deck on the rear of you rig. Use it till you get to camp then remove it to wheel. Check out 4wd.com they have hundereds of solutions. There is a rack that mounts to the roll bar that makes a large 2 tier area in the back.

As for the XJ, Nothing beats the XJ for bang for your buck. They have the perfect wheel base, aftermarket support is unreal, and they are reasonably priced and dependable. My old 87 XJ is still kickin, I gave 3000 for it put 100k on it's still going. It's been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. My 2000 Ram and 2000 Grand AM GT gave me more headaches than the XJ lol.