Sleeping in the XJ

[Hill Bill E.]

I'm not a fan of hammocks, and i'm to big to sleep in the back seat:elkgrin:

Just curious if anyone has removed the rear seat (and/or passenger seat) in thier XJ, and built a sleeping platform?

I'm heading to CO with another guy from my club this fall, around Labor Day.

The trails/areas we plan to run don't make it feasible to bring my AT w/RTT with, so I'm thinking of building a platform in the XJ that I can throw a sleeping mat on.

Something like a drawer in the back, and covered storage where the rear seat would normally be.

Just wondering if anyone has done this, or has any ideas on doing it.

Thanks! HB

 

[BigDaveZJ]

What trails are you planning on running where you can't take the trailer with you? Most of the trails in CO that you wouldn't want to drag a trailer through are in and outs where you could leave the trailer at the trailhead.

 

[Amauri]

Just throw the RTT on the XJ!

 

[jeepdreamer]

Depends...(not the diapers)

Kinda depends on how tall you are? I'm 6' and slept in mine a couple times but not usually out of choice. Got Chased into it by a bear at the Grand Canyon and then had a tree fall on my tent another time!:Wow1: I would think if you pulled the seat all together and built a platform it would be a little more comfortable. But I would vote on putting the RTT on the XJ and sleeping in it! Less work, more comfortable too..?

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Just throw the RTT on the XJ!

Thinking about it.

Pros: Less trees on the trail in CO than here, less chance of riuning the RTT.

Easy set up/break down.

Cons: Wind resistance, cuts down the milage (stock gears w/33's)

Need to build a new rack, have to carry spare, shovel and Hi-Lift inside. (or modify current Thule rack:Wow1

Hoping to find a way to sleep inside. If I do, I'll post a build thread.:ylsmoke:

 

[SWbySWesty]

Depending on your height, it is possible. If you will not have a passenger, removing the passenger seat has been done and is a nice stretched out option, but if you take out the rear seat and can fit, that's easier. Keep us posted!

 

[XJINTX]

I removed the rear seat completey from my 2dr. Built a platform from just flat carpeted plywood. Over the rear seat area I built two pullup hinged covers. That space is now for storage. I'm 6ft and sleep comfortably with wife or my Lab. When not sleeping it just gives me good storage space.

In a 2dr the front seats fold forward... don't remember if the 4drs do? It does add head and leg room.

 

[Awesome Wagon]

Kinda depends on how tall you are? I'm 6' and slept in mine a couple times but not usually out of choice. Got Chased into it by a bear at the Grand Canyon and then had a tree fall on my tent another time!:Wow1: I would think if you pulled the seat all together and built a platform it would be a little more comfortable. But I would vote on putting the RTT on the XJ and sleeping in it! Less work, more comfortable too..?

LOL
Just so you know a Bear can easily smash your Jeep's window and rip the door from it's hinges.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

LOL
Just so you know a Bear can easily smash your Jeep's window and rip the door from it's hinges.

Depending on how big + angry and/or motivated he/she is! lol


On my 4-door '98 I've got my whole back seat removed right now from having to cut a hole in the floor to access a bolt for the rear springs.
I was going to re-install it, but I'm planning an overnight 'wheeling trip with a buddy for the Labour day weekend as well, and sleeping in the back of the XJ is going to be a lot easier for me than pitching a tent, and then having to take it down again in the morning.
I'm going to test out how far I can push the Pass. seat forward, and lay down in the back to see if it will be comfortable for me or not. I probably won't build anything too sophisticated, just use a piece of plywood with supports in the foot well area of the back seat. I will probably just throw an old mat or something down on top of that so my inflatable sleeping pad won't get scuffed up.

Along this line of thinking, I want to get some insect nesh for at least 2 opposing windows to get a halfway decent breeze coming through the Jeep.

Once I actually start this project, I think I'll start my own thread so as not to hijack anyone else's sort of like what I'm doing right now...

 

[Hill Bill E.]

In a 2dr the front seats fold forward... don't remember if the 4drs do? It does add head and leg room.

My stock ones didn't, and I now have suspension buckets with a fixed back.

Along this line of thinking, I want to get some insect nesh for at least 2 opposing windows to get a halfway decent breeze coming through the Jeep.

Once I actually start this project, I think I'll start my own thread so as not to hijack anyone else's sort of like what I'm doing right now...

No worries on the hijack!:coffeedrink:

A cheap and easy fix for screens, is to find some of those magnetic strips, and some chunks of screen.

Longest strips I found so far are about 6" long, so I use a bunch around the window. They hold the screen in place pretty good!

 

[Awesome Wagon]

this whole cargo space issue is a big factor in the reason that I sold my 98 XJ. I bought a 07 Dodge Power Wagon and could not be happier. I have a custom, modular storage system in the bed that is also a couch and a bed...

Using this set up as a model, you could use a few pieces of plywood cut to fit in the XJ and glue some thick foam and carpet to it and it would be pretty comfy.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

this whole cargo space issue is a big factor in the reason that I sold my 98 XJ. I bought a 07 Dodge Power Wagon and could not be happier.

Granted, I would prefer to have a fullsize p/u with 4 doors and seating for 6, but that 07 PW would cost me over 20 grand, and the 88 XJ would be about 2 grand...
It's not really an appropriate comparison, especially when we're in the Jeep section of the forum. lol


As for mosquito netting, I haven't looked too closely at the inside of the pillars in the Jeep, but what do you guys think about sticking velcro on the inside all the way around, and then cutting out screening with the edges of the opposing side of velcro?
The immediate downside to that plan is you ALWAYS have a rough velcro strip all the way around your window. It might be annoying when you try to lean an elbow on the window sill...

The magentic strips would probably be a better option, and with smaller pieces would roll up or fold up small.
It would be nice to keep the screens on the inside of the vehicle to make them removable without having to go outside though...

 

[SWbySWesty]

The overland JK has a screen for the windows. I don't recall how it works, but you should search the thread for it.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

The overland JK has a screen for the windows. I don't recall how it works, but you should search the thread for it.

I was searching in this forum, but couldn't find it.
Can you post a link?

 

[SWbySWesty]

I don't have the link; however, it might have actually been the "Project XXX" or his previous rig that had it. I'd PM him about it to ask? Sorry I'm not more helpful, I'm positive I've seen someone do it and it was very nicely done.