Home-made JK Unlimited Camper
- Thread starter The Swiss
- Start date
getlost4x4
Expedition Leader
the new design looks much better.
i just can't imagine driving the JK with that on there. they are so gutless i can't stand driving them. i've tried a rubicon and sahara addition both were horribly slow. i would have to have an automatic so my wife would drive it as well.
i just can't imagine driving the JK with that on there. they are so gutless i can't stand driving them. i've tried a rubicon and sahara addition both were horribly slow. i would have to have an automatic so my wife would drive it as well.
The Swiss
Expedition Leader
Interesting. I traded my Commander with the 4.7 V8 for my JK Rubi Unlimited and in my experience the JK did not / does not feel any slower than the Commander did, just fuel consumption is a lot better. That 4.7 V8 was a big disappointment IMHO. With the JK V6 I can live very well.
outinthewoods
Adventurer
Wow nice idea Matt. good luck on your project!!
Gutless JK?
My 2Dr manual with 37"s and a regear is more then fast enough. It has enough torque, and does what I need it to do.
People can always find something to complain about if they want to.
Gutless JK?
My 2Dr manual with 37"s and a regear is more then fast enough. It has enough torque, and does what I need it to do.
People can always find something to complain about if they want to.
getlost4x4
Expedition Leader
its funny, but i loved my 4.7 V8. of course i did rev it to 5000 rpm on occasion. the biggest disappointment was the computer kicking in and cutting off the power when you needed in snow and mud. i can't tell you how many times that got me stock. i usually got 17 mpg out of my commander. but i live in a rural area with lots of open road so that probably makes the biggest difference.
but anyway. my waggy with the 360, cam and 2 barrel carb is getting 17mpg on the highway when i use cruise control. i'm very happy with it as well.
do you have the 6 speed or the auto. i think that makes the biggest difference with the Rubicon. the auto in that thing sucks all the power away.
but anyway. my waggy with the 360, cam and 2 barrel carb is getting 17mpg on the highway when i use cruise control. i'm very happy with it as well.
do you have the 6 speed or the auto. i think that makes the biggest difference with the Rubicon. the auto in that thing sucks all the power away.
jeepdreamer
Expedition Leader
Hi Matt...
Good stuff. If I may offer an idea...
There is a guy on the CJ-8 site named Jscherb that does stuff with hard tops that is just awe inspiring and jawdropping. I would suggest you visit over there (not trying to "pimp the site" but I think you would have to register to send him a message there. Anyway..this guy builds wooden molds and casts his own prototype hard tops. He does this for his own interest and fun (?) but is just silly-smart and over skilled...Maybe if you can befriend him he can offer you some very wise advice. If you go there...follow along on some of his build threads for his "world cabs" or whatever. Even his wood work for the models and forms is almost furniture grade!!! Good luck!
Good stuff. If I may offer an idea...
There is a guy on the CJ-8 site named Jscherb that does stuff with hard tops that is just awe inspiring and jawdropping. I would suggest you visit over there (not trying to "pimp the site" but I think you would have to register to send him a message there. Anyway..this guy builds wooden molds and casts his own prototype hard tops. He does this for his own interest and fun (?) but is just silly-smart and over skilled...Maybe if you can befriend him he can offer you some very wise advice. If you go there...follow along on some of his build threads for his "world cabs" or whatever. Even his wood work for the models and forms is almost furniture grade!!! Good luck!
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Matt,
Very good of you to chime in! I would really love to read your build threads, if you would not mind linking them here, or posting it in here.
Love the idea, but I do wonder about the weight. Do you have any concerns about how heavy that thing is going to be? Ever thing about using something like Nida Core? Even using what you have already done to make yourself a fiberglass shell?
I really like the looks of the rig, and I think it will be very nice to take out when you complete it. Good luck!
Very good of you to chime in! I would really love to read your build threads, if you would not mind linking them here, or posting it in here.
Love the idea, but I do wonder about the weight. Do you have any concerns about how heavy that thing is going to be? Ever thing about using something like Nida Core? Even using what you have already done to make yourself a fiberglass shell?
I really like the looks of the rig, and I think it will be very nice to take out when you complete it. Good luck!
XXXpedition
Explorer
welcome matt!
i hope you will keep us posted on your ideas. i like'em.
sven
i hope you will keep us posted on your ideas. i like'em.
sven
Builders Input
Hi Guys,
The first large version was way beyond the balance/ weight capabilities of my jeep. I had built the shell on the vehicle, but then removed it for siding and roof application. When I put it back on and drove around the culdisac I though I was going to tip over. My vision was a roomy camper with all the amenities, no such luck on a jeep. I was simply dreaming.
I had found the California couple "Super Camper" who built an awesome camper on a Tacoma platform, the materials (Nidacore) are a little out of my price range right now. The idea of an aluminum frame with composite shell is ultimatly my goal, I first want the shape, and utility aspects worked out.
Progress pics will come soon.
Matt
Hi Guys,
The first large version was way beyond the balance/ weight capabilities of my jeep. I had built the shell on the vehicle, but then removed it for siding and roof application. When I put it back on and drove around the culdisac I though I was going to tip over. My vision was a roomy camper with all the amenities, no such luck on a jeep. I was simply dreaming.
I had found the California couple "Super Camper" who built an awesome camper on a Tacoma platform, the materials (Nidacore) are a little out of my price range right now. The idea of an aluminum frame with composite shell is ultimatly my goal, I first want the shape, and utility aspects worked out.
Progress pics will come soon.
Matt
jeepdreamer
Expedition Leader
Idea two...?
Ok, So since you have a general idea of layout and you have the carpentry skills down...what if you built a light weight version out of something like luan or even showerboard (the hard plastic stuff in 4x8 sheets) and then fiberglassed over it all? Granted, I have ZERO idea how fiberglass works, functions, and never have tried to use it...but...? Say you made a light weight carcass out of the thin stuff, used stuff like metal "hat" channel for strength, and the fiberglass on the outside for rigidity and that good old "camper shell" look!?!?:snorkel:
Ok, So since you have a general idea of layout and you have the carpentry skills down...what if you built a light weight version out of something like luan or even showerboard (the hard plastic stuff in 4x8 sheets) and then fiberglassed over it all? Granted, I have ZERO idea how fiberglass works, functions, and never have tried to use it...but...? Say you made a light weight carcass out of the thin stuff, used stuff like metal "hat" channel for strength, and the fiberglass on the outside for rigidity and that good old "camper shell" look!?!?:snorkel:
The Swiss
Expedition Leader
That's what I'm using on my trailer. Works pretty well and is easy to cut too.
Piet
Adventurer
I was looking into this concept as well. I am waiting to see the final JK Flippac from AT.
Reminds me of the Saab Toppola. Toppola is a brand of camper shell originally made for the Saab 99 combi coupé. By removing the hatch and putting on the Toppola a car could be converted to a campervan in about 15 to 30 minutes. It is also just as easy to lift the top off and reattach the hatch door and use the car without the Toppola. Even if the unit looks small it features full standing height (2.0 m) and a 170 by 200 cm bed. It could be fitted with a complete kitchen and even a heater for use during winter. The total weight addition is about 115 kg, so the unit is very light.
The Toppola was first made for the Saab 99, but later also Saab 900, Saab 900 (NG), Saab 9000, Saab 9-3 and Ford Sierra and Scorpio.
Reminds me of the Saab Toppola. Toppola is a brand of camper shell originally made for the Saab 99 combi coupé. By removing the hatch and putting on the Toppola a car could be converted to a campervan in about 15 to 30 minutes. It is also just as easy to lift the top off and reattach the hatch door and use the car without the Toppola. Even if the unit looks small it features full standing height (2.0 m) and a 170 by 200 cm bed. It could be fitted with a complete kitchen and even a heater for use during winter. The total weight addition is about 115 kg, so the unit is very light.
The Toppola was first made for the Saab 99, but later also Saab 900, Saab 900 (NG), Saab 9000, Saab 9-3 and Ford Sierra and Scorpio.
ex m38a1er
Adventurer
Why not use the same material your soft top is made of.
So like that you only have to make the upper part(roof becoming a floor)
from fiberglassed plywood and top the way Earthroamer is made...
That is what am i gonna do for my(yes)TJ as soon as i finish mt tent trailer:victory:
A short of like this white jeep(the guy Jeepdreamer is talking about)...
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/safari-cab-custom-hardtop-project-952157/index77.html
So like that you only have to make the upper part(roof becoming a floor)
from fiberglassed plywood and top the way Earthroamer is made...
That is what am i gonna do for my(yes)TJ as soon as i finish mt tent trailer:victory:
A short of like this white jeep(the guy Jeepdreamer is talking about)...
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/safari-cab-custom-hardtop-project-952157/index77.html
Last edited:
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