Recent content by kga1978

I would just use the FourWheel camper battery you already have since the Mini only draws ~25 watts when on. If you do want an external source, a portable station like the Jackery Explorer 500 should allow you to run for almost 24 hours before deplated.

One thing to consider - do you really need 2.5 Gallons? I have a setup with a 1.3 Gallon tank (thermomate Mini), 2000W inverter and 200Ah 12v system - it works great. I also use induction cooking, yet I have plenty of power for a shower at the end of the day - it heats up in 10 mins and then the...

Oh, man, this is awesome! I haven't subscribed to Caltopo for a few years, but that's clearly the ticket - just upgraded to Pro and used the 'superlayer' KML file to import all the MVUM data into Google Earth. Perfect - thanks man! Tried importing via the USFS data and while that sorta worked...

I have started using Google Earth a fair bit because of the ultra-high resolution (3D) terrain maps. I'm really missing the MVUM/trail layers I use in Gaia and OnX and I was wondering if there's a way to get these layers into Google Earth? E.g., are there GPX files for MVUM maps or is there...

I came from a Jeep with a RTT and creature comforts built out in the back and I spent the last 9 months going through the same decision process - van or truck camper. I was heavily leaning towards the truck camper for quite a while because it's more modular and significantly better off-road...

The Grand Cherokee is a fine platform for overlanding and unless you're planning on rock crawling, the Quadratrac I should be sufficient - I assume, significantly better than a Pathfinder. Further, you can get skid plates for a GC (and rocksliders? I'm not sure about the L), all of which make a...

Thanks everybody for all the insights - based on the feedback and to answer my own question, it does sound like I want a van ;). I'm new to all of this, so hadn't actually looked too closely into weight - other than, "hey, it's below the towing capacity of the hemi, so (y), right?". Guess not -...

I recently posted about our intention to get a 4x4 144 Sprinter that we're planning on building out over the next year or so. We're currently using our 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (with a roof top tent + other goodies) for all sorts of off-road camping adventures, but we thought that the...

Thanks folks - all of this is really helpful and it looks like I might want to keep most of the options I considered deleting. Went to a dealer today to check out a few different options and it's clear e.g., the electric door could come in handy. This video was pretty good too - although, as one...

Hi folks, We're in the market for a 2022 MB Sprinter that we'll be modifying over the next year for overlanding - we're in the SouthWest, so this thing will be going on offroad trails and rough roads, as well as log a lot of highway miles. Any advice on features to get / not get? We'll be...

Yeah, I created the hatches so they sit completely flush and secure - I used a router to do it and it was easy enough, as long as you router exactly the correct height.

Hah! As to your question - no, didn't need to do anything. Just unplugged the seats and that's it.

Have you considered sleeping inside the car? My wife and I did that for many years before recently moving to a RTT - I'm 6ft. You'd need to extend the seatbacks a little, but you can easily do that with a simple platform e.g., behind the passenger seat you can remove.

Very nicely done @nwoods!

Still have three of these.