Cherokee (XJ) pop top

[SWbySWesty]

Has anyone ever done something like this? It seems like it's totally do-able if you add an internal roll cage for some roof support.

Please don't post the "Jeepagon" thread...seen it and I'm not looking for that. I'm thinking more about the Dormobile type camper where you could cut a hole in the rear section of the roof and then pop the top either straight up or at an angle which allows a thin foam mattress to be placed on the roof area.

The idea is that you could then stretch a tall person like me (6 foot) the length of the Jeep roof since you can't do it from the passenger seats - back.

Any thoughts? Basically take a dormobile top and put it on a Cherokee.

EDIT: I guess it would be more like a flip pac than a dormobile. Basically attach the flipping part to the roof, cut a hole in the rear cargo area roof where you climb up, and it would fold out to the front. This idea could work for ANY SUV!!!

 

[BIGdaddy]

martyn and I were talking about something like that a while back. not sure if anything ever came of it.

I'd say you'd likely be happier spending $1500-2000 on a maggiolina style tent, that is a buy it, install it, forgettaboutit type of experience.

XJ's are just too small, to bother, IMO.

Cheers, Garrett.

-Brian

 

[SWbySWesty]

I was just wondering out loud. I guess an RTT would make better sense b/c then if you get a new vehicle it's transferable, but still, it's another thing on your roof that you would take on/off if it's a DD rig. This idea would be built in and unstealable.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Don't get me wrong, I dig the idea. And I love my cherokee. I've seen that Jeepagon build, too, and had high hopes, but it just didn't deliver for me.

Seemingly unrelated, but check out the Honda Element E-campers from www.Ursaminorvehicles.com

They use a pop top that is accessed via the stock, standard rear sunroof and are full length, in their bed area, just like you're talking about.

cool.

 

[Purzell]

pop tops

I'm so with you on this. My buddy just bought a pristine Vanagon, and I hate him, because he's a mechanic and can tinker and work that thing until it's worth the $25K they're commanding, but that's not me. I want to sleep in my XJ too, but like you I think I figured out that the RTT is the best portable option. Although I have been toying with the idea of a fold- or slide-away extension for my cargo area and one of those tailgate tents. That would give me more length to sleep, I could use a rolled up foam pad, and be inside (kinda.)

Whatever, that doesn't help you with your question anyhow, just something I have been thinking about too.

 

[nightfoam]

There was some sort of exteded pop-top XJ in the Portland area. I used to see it in a parking lot in Clackamas occasionally. I don't have any pictures, I know I saw some though online at some point

 

[SWbySWesty]

That e-camper thing is exactly what I'm talking about, but man, the price tag on that it extraordinary. Sounds like this would be a tough build...especially finding the parts.

 

[Amauri]

I wanted to buld my own version of the e-camper for my ZJ, I was just going to do the same thing that was done with the Jeepagon but instead of cutting my roof off I was going to use my sunroof like the e-camper. But for now at least I decided that a nice hammock will do for sleeping purposes.

 

[SWbySWesty]

My only concern with cutting that way is losing structural support unless you add a roll cage. The Africana is nice, but if you're out in the desert, I'd think you'd want the vehicle more closed than open to have some AC and keep dust out. The Coyote RV guy does a camper on a chop top XJ like that, but I don't fit on the bed and it's pricey...sure would like to see the plans though! Might be neat to attempt a build or have it be removable/slide-in

 

[offroadcamperguy]

My only concern with cutting that way is losing structural support unless you add a roll cage. The Africana is nice, but if you're out in the desert, I'd think you'd want the vehicle more closed than open to have some AC and keep dust out. The Coyote RV guy does a camper on a chop top XJ like that, but I don't fit on the bed and it's pricey...sure would like to see the plans though! Might be neat to attempt a build or have it be removable/slide-in

Remember, anything is possable and adding a slideout bed, and having it removable can be doable. clapsmile

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

the wife rolled a xj...its all unibody and a slow speed roll all the way to the roof destroyed all the door pillars and she exited thru the rear hatch...none of the doors would open..

Id do the hatch/sunroof and rtt...

 

[SWbySWesty]

I've been looking at ursa minor and called them too. They don't sell the kit seperately. Looks like an old reused poptop with hole in the roof might work. I have a perfectly good ground tent; someone remind me why I'm entertaining cutting up a perfectly nice jeep.

 

[baca327]

I've been looking at urea minor and called them too. They don't sell the kit seperately. Looks like an old reused poptop with hole in the roof might work. I have a perfectly good ground tent; someone remind me why I'm entertaining cutting up a perfectly nice jeep.

Cause you can...

 

[offroadcamperguy]

XJ pop up camper, done!

Has anyone ever done something like this? It seems like it's totally do-able if you add an internal roll cage for some roof support.

Please don't post the "Jeepagon" thread...seen it and I'm not looking for that. I'm thinking more about the Dormobile type camper where you could cut a hole in the rear section of the roof and then pop the top either straight up or at an angle which allows a thin foam mattress to be placed on the roof area.

The idea is that you could then stretch a tall person like me (6 foot) the length of the Jeep roof since you can't do it from the passenger seats - back.

Any thoughts? Basically take a dormobile top and put it on a Cherokee.

EDIT: I guess it would be more like a flip pac than a dormobile. Basically attach the flipping part to the roof, cut a hole in the rear cargo area roof where you climb up, and it would fold out to the front. This idea could work for ANY SUV!!!

Ok... Here's your pop up camper built into the XJ. Mine has auto furnace, 3 burner stove, double sinks, water tank, 3 way refrigerator, and a nice bed for my wife and I over the top. Fully insulated for below zero comfort. Can't even feel it when you drive. www.phoenixcampers.com Thanks for taking a look, and keep on jeepin!!

 

[jh504]

Ok... Here's your pop up camper built into the XJ. Mine has auto furnace, 3 burner stove, double sinks, water tank, 3 way refrigerator, and a nice bed for my wife and I over the top. Fully insulated for below zero comfort. Can't even feel it when you drive. www.phoenixcampers.com Thanks for taking a look, and keep on jeepin!!

Thats awesome!