Is my Jeep too heavy?

[dreadlocks]

If its air-tight its got more R value than canvas top.. insulating it wouldn't be too hard, couple pieces of foam and some velcro.. done

 

[shade]

If its air-tight its got more R value than canvas top.. insulating it wouldn't be too hard, couple pieces of foam and some velcro.. done

Since it appears to be built out of composite honeycomb sheet (they're vague on details), I think the AS design could simply be R'd up to the desired spec during the design phase. Adding a little thickness doesn't look like a big deal.

I haven't seen a DIY camper using that roof design, but it's similar to an Aliner pop-up trailer. If I was thinking about building a trailer to offload weight from my heavy Jeep (back on topic ), I'd give that design a hard look.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I looked into the Ford Raptor's GVWR and reviews. It's fancy baja suspension meant reduced payload ratings compared to a regular F150. Hmm...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

The difference is the springs. Deaver makes a set that solves that problem.

 

[MattJ]

I've used simple reflective emergency blankets to line the walls and roof of a canvas RTT in winter. Really helps, and they are on the packing list of standard gear for each trip anyway.

Five Ways to Heat a Tent Thread

 

[shade]

I just sleep in a down bag and don't worry about it.

 

[MattJ]

I just sleep in a down bag and don't worry about it.

Good solution - problem solved!

 

[shade]

Good solution - problem solved!

It's not for everyone. I can understand the desire for comfort, but I find that it's easy to go too far in an effort to gain it.

 

[dougrz]

I'm a 4wd'er starting to overland a bit more. I'm a bit astonished by the weight and gear more seasoned overlanders are carrying. Having come from backpacking and canyoneering before this phase of my life, my eye toward weight reduction and minimalism is pretty keen.

Just give me a book, a tablet for movies, and a stove and I'm good.

Then maybe just an RTT, chairs, table, awning, and fishing gear.

What was that about keeping weight down? The Jeep does all the work!

 

[MattJ]

I totally agree. Backpacking is the BEST training for overlanding! I do a lot of backpacking treks into the backcountry of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Trust me, when you've got to carry everything you pack over a 5,000 foot peak with trails that look like a landslide just happened, you pack LIGHT. My son and I use a tree tent that fits both of us, a simple $10 tarp for rain protection when cooking and eating, and a very lightweight water purification system. The heaviest thing we carry is a thick orange bear canister. The tree tents sleeps two people and allows us to avoid packing ground mats, foam pads and ground tarps. And it works great in the backcountry, where there is no flat ground or open space.

For cold weather training, I force myself to use the tree tent in the snow, which really requires some creative thinking when there is no ground beneath you to provide insulation. I've learned that testing skills, gear and packing techniques in extreme conditions are the best way to get better at the easy trips!

 

[calicamper]

With compact gear ranging from lounge chairs, cooking gear, refrigerators, 4x4 recovery gear. You can load one hell of allot of weight into a vehicle without feeling like its loaded full.

 

[billiebob]

Old guys like me. I don't need the kitchen sink but I love a full bed. So a full double mattress, and 3 sleepimg bags. 2 winter expedition bags plus 1, 3 season. I just pick how many layers the night calls for and often, winter included, I sleep with a door open. Which is why I love camping.

 

[MattJ]

Looks good! I also use a four-layer burrito system: thermal blanket wrapped around a reflective pad, 15F bag and a 25F+ thermal liner. Not to mention warm sleeping clothes and a good hat! I practice in my back yard a lot.

 

[MattJ]

A good summary:

 

[AbleGuy]

I just sleep in a down bag and don't worry about it.

Good ‘ol shade, a strong advocate for keeping it simple 365 days a year ☀?❄✨?

Sometimes, going old style for camping is still the simplest and best way (kinda like going commando is ?).
No worries about weight issues here either.

 

[Buddha.]

A new way to keep track or your weight?