Mules
Well-known member
Thanks, it has a drop down bed inside, 8ft walk around height and open to the cab. The build link is below with lots of progress pictures. It was a year in the making and it's not done yet!
Jeep XJ Pop Top Camper Build
- Thread starter CraftsmanCollaborative
- Start date
Dan Grec
Expedition Leader
Absolutely incredible, thanks! I can't believe I missed your build thread, and I actually just read every single page (instead of doing work that I should be doing). Thanks for the inspiration!!
-Dan
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
I am always amazed by his build... as well as this XJ build. Been following so many builds over the years. Need to get mine done some day! lol
And yeah, get back at it @Dan Grec! heh
XJlimitedx99
Active member
This XJ is a dream build. I've always had the vision of being able to run hard trails with a rig that is setup to camp out of. This fits that very well. Awesome work, would love to see more.
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Thanks! In the process of rolling out the always mentioned video footage & a new site layout - but that's been a backburner project.
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Pulled over on a parts run to check out this camper / roof top tent setup today.
Branded Bad A** Tents (The forum sensors this
)
Looks like a three piece plastic molded exterior, with an aluminum core frame.
Really dig the look and concept of the structure. Seals directly to the roof, but looking them up online it has a mountable platform beneath, which the camper hinges would seemingly mount to. The 4runner roof was intact so this is setup as a roof top instead of a poptop camper. Different than the same old boxy RTT's you see everywhere.
Branded Bad A** Tents (The forum sensors this
)Looks like a three piece plastic molded exterior, with an aluminum core frame.
Really dig the look and concept of the structure. Seals directly to the roof, but looking them up online it has a mountable platform beneath, which the camper hinges would seemingly mount to. The 4runner roof was intact so this is setup as a roof top instead of a poptop camper. Different than the same old boxy RTT's you see everywhere.
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Rebranding under a new Page/Blog: The Grove Collaborative
Started things off with a few camper posts & setting up a new home for more in-depth content than the forums.
Site: thegrovecollaborative.com
Instagram: @craftsmancollaborative
Started things off with a few camper posts & setting up a new home for more in-depth content than the forums.
Site: thegrovecollaborative.com
Instagram: @craftsmancollaborative
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
How To Replace The Cabin Air Filter in A Cherokee XJ: Build One From Scratch
Installed this little DIY quickie back while insulating and soundproofing the firewall and overhauling the HVAC box.
Fun Fact: The Cherokee never came with a cabin filter. Built this setup to seal out a rainwater leak from the cowl, but went for a 2-in-1 with the filter.
More details on the new write-up site:
https://thegrovecollaborative.com/jeep-cherokee-xj-cabin-air-filter-diy-install/
Installed this little DIY quickie back while insulating and soundproofing the firewall and overhauling the HVAC box.
Fun Fact: The Cherokee never came with a cabin filter. Built this setup to seal out a rainwater leak from the cowl, but went for a 2-in-1 with the filter.
More details on the new write-up site:
https://thegrovecollaborative.com/jeep-cherokee-xj-cabin-air-filter-diy-install/
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
New Build Series Episode is Live!
Putting in some editing hours to catch up on content.
? Check it out & subscribe to be the first to see the coming episodes ?
Putting in some editing hours to catch up on content.
? Check it out & subscribe to be the first to see the coming episodes ?
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Builder Series Ep. 2 Is Live!
Covering the custom shaping stage of the Homemade Camper Jeep Cherokee.
Subscribe for the Fiberglass Mold Making Episodes Coming Next ?
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XJlimitedx99
Active member
Sorry to continue bumping these older threads, but I'm down a rabbit hole. Gears are turning about making a Jeepagon 4.0...
Few questions about the top:
-How do the hinges work? I see there is a spring-loaded mechanism to assist. Is it easy? Is it a fluid motion where you push up on the back and the whole thing rotates up easily, or do you have to work it a bit to ensure each side lifts equally and the front end raises how it is supposed to? Also interested to hear what closing it is like. I see you have a handle mounted on this inside, presumably for closing.
-Does the top lock or latch shut? Is there a mechanism of sorts that holds downward pressure to keep it sealed against the roof?
-Any idea on weight of the top, including the canvas and hinges?
-What is the interior height from floor of the Jeep to peak of the top when opened?
-How is the canvas attached to the body?
-What does the canvas do when the top is shut? I can see it bunched up in one of your pictures. Does it fold/tuck/hide away in a way that is not intrusive?
-Is there a good source of Westfalia information you could recommend? First I've ever considered looking into them, so don't really know where to start.
Sorry for the 20 questions, I'm just dreaming about what could be.
Few questions about the top:
-How do the hinges work? I see there is a spring-loaded mechanism to assist. Is it easy? Is it a fluid motion where you push up on the back and the whole thing rotates up easily, or do you have to work it a bit to ensure each side lifts equally and the front end raises how it is supposed to? Also interested to hear what closing it is like. I see you have a handle mounted on this inside, presumably for closing.
-Does the top lock or latch shut? Is there a mechanism of sorts that holds downward pressure to keep it sealed against the roof?
-Any idea on weight of the top, including the canvas and hinges?
-What is the interior height from floor of the Jeep to peak of the top when opened?
-How is the canvas attached to the body?
-What does the canvas do when the top is shut? I can see it bunched up in one of your pictures. Does it fold/tuck/hide away in a way that is not intrusive?
-Is there a good source of Westfalia information you could recommend? First I've ever considered looking into them, so don't really know where to start.
Sorry for the 20 questions, I'm just dreaming about what could be.
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CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Not a problem at all - the build is still alive and well and so is this thread.
The hinges are similar in style to a westfalia top.
(The rear pushbar is a repurposed westfalia part with bobbed springs/length. The front scissor hinges are a DIY beefed up version but work just the same as the westfalia).
The whole assembly has a bit of a spring assist to it - so it's not awful but takes a moderate push upwards.
With the parts rebuilt and refurbished it opens quite evenly/fluidly.
Currently the top is snugged down with a set of straps to my bumper recovery points - but a latch will be used one day (because it's the little things that never get finished).
The top is under ~100 lbs if I had to guess but haven't weighed it fully. I was able to lift it myself while working on it.
Canvas is attached with aluminum flat bar that sandwiches the canvas to the body and bolts down every few inches. Again - similar to the westfalia method but a bit modernized.
Canvas bunches a bit when closed - but walking around with a quick tuck in isn't a big deal. Sportsmobile uses a bungee style on some of their tops IIRC to pull the canvas in - but. haven't bothered to rig this up yet.
Westfalia info is hit and miss - but checking one out in person or some general videos is always a plus. Gowesty has some good stuff (products/content) around the westfalia platform.
Dream on 🧰👊
(Also - doing more content on youtube and instagram these days if you haven't tuned in. May answer more questions as well)
https://www.youtube.com/@craftsmancollaborative
https://www.instagram.com/craftsmancollaborative/
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Starting up on the rear suspension.
In the typical side project fashion this gets an hour or a few a week - but looking to crunch out fitment and install soon.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/heGdYox_zcI
King 2.5" 12" Shocks W/ Adjustable Reservoirs
Punched through the XJ floorpan and mounts on the leafspring plate below.
Few other concepts in mind as well.
In the typical side project fashion this gets an hour or a few a week - but looking to crunch out fitment and install soon.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/heGdYox_zcI
King 2.5" 12" Shocks W/ Adjustable Reservoirs
Punched through the XJ floorpan and mounts on the leafspring plate below.
Few other concepts in mind as well.
CraftsmanCollaborative
Active member
Dropped a timelapse style start-to-finish on the design / moldmaking / install of the XJ Camper Top as well: