Sleeping in the XJ

[Hill Bill E.]

This is what I need!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32757

I took the XJ for a wheeling trip last weekend, and while I didn't sleep in it, I did check out the size for me to fit.

While the link above uses the pass seat full forward, mine hits the CB mounted on the hump.

But, the driver seat is electric, and moves waaayyyy forward, enough so that I can stretch out fully:coffeedrink:

I picked up a 3" futon mattress, that fit's the back good, so I just need to build a platform similar to the link above, making sure I can remove the front portion, so the rear seat is available when needed.


For the screens, using the mag strips works great. If they are glued to/sewn into the screen, you can just 'reach through' and pull the screen off from inside:snorkel:

But in all actuality, I'd only need them off when hitting the trail, in which case, I'd be exiting the back, and getting into the driver seat anyway, and could grab them.


I'm also going to rig the rear hatch, so it can be opened from inside.

Climbing in/out through the back door of the XJ is a bit much for me:elkgrin:

 

[Maximus Ram]

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...

AB, check e-bay for military cot netting...I got some cheep..going to make a "screen" setup for the hatch area when its open...

 

[Explorer 1]

Sleeping in a XJ

Doing most trips by myself I usually sleep just fine in the XJ. I have permanenty removed the back seat so I have a level surface. Being 6'4" i push the passenger seat all the way forward and fill the former foothold of the passanger seat with some of my recovery equipment. With the level surface I have an extra long sleeping pad.

I usually turn the frig. way down so it doesn't run much during the night, but have found in time, that even it's steady hum doesn't bother me much.

I usually sleep with the rear lid open but if I get into bad weather or bug country I either close the lid or attach some mosquito netting that has magnetic strips sewn inside.

Most of my gear is carried in water tight containers so I don't mind if they get wet.

Thanks
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[JMichaelsJeep]

I really like the ideas everyone!

I don't remember if it was on www.lostjeeps.com or on www.jeepforum.com, but there were A LOT of build threads dedicated to this topic.

I know of two specific relevent ideas, one of which was cool but I wouldn't do, the other would be a nice addition to this build/ idea.

1). Someone modified their XJ to add a Westfalia top so it hinged up and they created a netting area to sleep in that was sort of hammock, sort of suspended mattress, kind of cool, but I'd never do it.

2). I saw a bunch of threads with links to materials to add a slip cover type thing that was custom made that slipped over the top of the doors that had mosquito netting where the windows were, you rolled down the windows and you had a tent like window keeping the bugs out and it was tight with the door shut. (This might have been with a KJ Liberty, but the idea was solid!)

There were a bunch of other threads about people that modded their interior to make it work for sleeping inside.

The other suggestion is to modify or purchase a vehicle top tent like the ones from ARB and such (I don't remember who else makes them but they are all over this site).

Just a couple thoughts!

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Looks good Fred! I like the platform idea, to secure gear/tools/spare parts, but it will really cut down the headroom.

I too will romove the entire back seat for trips. I bought the XJ for family trips (my CJ is a 2 seater now) but my wife isn't into it much, so it's usually just me, or me and my son JP (8YO) So removing the rear seat isn't a big deal, I just won't make it permanent.



JMichaelsJeep, both cool ideas, but I also wouldn't do #1:Wow1:

Besides, I'll have my full size spare and Hi-Lift on the roof rack.

Idea #2 is good! A 'sleeve' or 'sock' over the window, with weight at the bottom to keep the screen close, would work great!

Usually I'm out in the fall, and the bugs aren't out, but if we get a warm day, they come out, and I want fresh air!:coffeedrink:

 

[Desert Dan]

Looking Good

You can velcro the screens on the inside or use magnetic screens on the outside like Skeeter Beater.

Head room is important but you have to unload the truck each night. That can sometimes be easier /better than a tent.

I did a similar set up in my H3 for sleeping. I removed the rear seat and built a shelf platform etc.