Jeep Wrangler Habitat Official Release

[Dan Grec]

.......If one wants a wide open space, much like Dan suggests - weld up a new cage and cut the rear of the J180 shell, (and be sure and post photos.)

If you want UMV to zip the shell open, it's about an hour of shop time – just let us know at ordering.
Cheers,
John

John,

Thanks so much for the very, very detailed reply. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and input.

For all the reasons you suggest (especially no modifications to the Jeep, and easy swapping of tops) I think the habitat is perfect the way it's currently sold mass-produced.
I'm under no illusions that what I want is what the "average" person wants, so I'd never expect it to be a sale-able item. (I fell quite certain it wouldn't sell well, in fact)
Plus, I get a lot of satisfaction from making something just the way I want it

Thanks again,
-Dan

 

[(beans)]

Any user reviews yet?

Are there any early adopters out there that have put the habitat through its paces yet? And are there any close up pics of the areas where hinges penetrate the top?

I've recently seen one up close and was concerned by the silicone gobs around the torsion bar's hinges. It didn't give me a re-assuring sense of value, specifically for an item that costs 7k. However, I'm told that this particular one was an early prototype...

 

[kb7our]

Are there any early adopters out there that have put the habitat through its paces yet? And are there any close up pics of the areas where hinges penetrate the top?

I've recently seen one up close and was concerned by the silicone gobs around the torsion bar's hinges. It didn't give me a re-assuring sense of value, specifically for an item that costs 7k. However, I'm told that this particular one was an early prototype...

Not an early adopter perspective per se, but #1 and #2, the white original and red "UBERCON" plate shown within this thread, would seem to be great units for such an assessment of earliest units that have been put through their paces, including learnings and changes to date that have been adopted to current units leaving the factory. I'm fairly certain improvements are always being considered until the top reaches its intended POA. I wonder if either of the first units that have been in the field over a year have been unzipped to check internals for longevity assessments.

 

[(beans)]

Agreed, I'd really like to see how well rain, snow, and wind were managed...with the tent deployed, and with the top closed while traveling. For me specifically, I need to know for certain that the craftsmanship is on par with 7,000 American dollars.

Will this be my excuse to park at Arapahoe basin the night of a huge powder storm so I can get fresh tracks and first chair? Will my future wife give me the look when our mattress is musty from moisture getting in, or it creaks incessantly while out running the Utah traverse? It's tough to gauge so far.

All imagery seems to be in dry environments. However, I'm still excited about the prospect of getting a habitat some time in the near future, but I can't plunk down a deposit until there is "un-marketing filtered" and unbiased reports. Although I've found in this modified vehicle world, sometimes the reports are coming from owners who are too invested in their purchase to admit anything negative.

 

[kb7our]

I need to update my signature. Guess a few folks gave up on AT. I am #6 now and last I was told Mario is picking my top up in about one week. But, he said that is out of his control and in the hands of John. Don't really know what problems they had, but had to toss our several parts that didn't come out right. So 5 & 6 SHOULD be one week away from going to Prescott. Then they have to be painted, assymbled etc so another week or two.
So the early September date for you should still hold, maybe late August....

Hey DK, how is #6 progressing?

 

[DingusKahn]

I'll let you know next week. Mario is supposed to have it in Prescott early next week. My schedule won't let me get there until the very end of of August.
I did get my HEMI installed and i'm just about done with the heater install. I made a bracket to hold it on the driver side rear roll bar. I'm going to duct it up into the tent.

 

[Captain K-man]

I'm glad I reread you post. I was going to yell at you for using duct tape with your heater & new tent.... boy it's late here, 2am & my eyes are playing tricks on me.... good night......lol

 

[kb7our]

I'll let you know next week. Mario is supposed to have it in Prescott early next week. My schedule won't let me get there until the very end of of August.
I did get my HEMI installed and i'm just about done with the heater install. I made a bracket to hold it on the driver side rear roll bar. I'm going to duct it up into the tent.

Thanks DK and good luck after a very long wait. What heater did you end up getting - the mount sounds intriguing? With 4 more units to go before 11 I think I'll be lucky if mine gets mounted up in Oct but at least they are moving out the door. Mario, John, Cam, et al, it's been quite a ride from concept to production hasn't it? It must feel good to see daylight!

 

[DingusKahn]

I'm glad I reread you post. I was going to yell at you for using duct tape with your heater & new tent.... boy it's late here, 2am & my eyes are playing tricks on me.... good night......lol

Isn't there a requirement that true overland vehicles have at least 12 inches of duct tape applied somewhere? I do have a roll in the tool box...

 

[DingusKahn]

AHHHHhhhning?

Hey Mario,
Any progress on the awning for the Habitat? Are you designing the walls now to come out at the same time or will that come later?

 

[DingusKahn]

Thanks DK and good luck after a very long wait. What heater did you end up getting - the mount sounds intriguing?

I got the HS2000 Heat Source from AT. I will post some pics as soon as I get it plumbed. Hopefully later this week.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I'm glad I reread you post. I was going to yell at you for using duct tape with your heater & new tent.... boy it's late here, 2am & my eyes are playing tricks on me.... good night......lol

I read the same thing and cringed. Hemi, Habitat and duct tape heater...

 

[elcoyote]

DK: Picking yours up tomorrow and taking it to paint. The awning is still in process with NEMO, receiving some tweaks since the last blue colored prototype. There will be a provision for hanging walls that will be released later. We do not have a production date yet. We'll keep you posted on progress.

Beans: The first NEMO prototype tent was in use in the field for a year. It was designed gleaning knowledge from 10 years of experience with RTTs and Flippacs. It performed well in heavy downpours in Ouray and winds in Utah. The production unit is even better as it has been modified based on what we learned in the field. I cannot vouch for snow performance yet. We hope to get some testing in with the white stuff this winter should the weather cooperate. Eventually those clients who have spent time with their units and are forum participants will be giving their feedback. You'll be able to make an informed decision then.

Here are few pictures recently sent to us by an early adopter

 

[DingusKahn]

DK: Picking yours up tomorrow and taking it to paint.

Now THAT'S what I have been waiting for! I gotta get my heater finished this week so we can cut the hole for the air duct... AIR DUCT (no tape involved) in the new tent floor.

I will be camping two nights on the way home.

 

[keithro]

We hope to get some testing in with the white stuff this winter should the weather cooperate.

I guess I'll be one of the guinea pigs for testing in the white stuff this winter...there is no shortage here. Mario-My idea of having the weather cooperating is NO snow!