GATORB8
Member
Hey Gents,
I'm a pretty big forum junkie, but have been in the learning mode here for a while. Wanted to share some build progress and hopefully tap into the hive mind for some recommendations.
We recently took the Jeep and the pups on a 5 week long cross country wheeling and camping trip (8k miles, 7 national parks, tons of wheeling), and, like many others, realized that a small camper would have saved tons of money in lodging and been generally more convenient. When we returned to NC and learning the cost premium and lead time for commercially built setups, I started diving into the idea of building an off-road square drop and began the build from scratch a few weeks ago.
Primary Tow Vehicle: 2021 JLUR 4xe, 3.5" Metalcloak Gamechanger, 37" BFG KO2
Basic build requirements: Queen Size Mattress, No drop in the hitch to impact tongue breakover (~22" bottom of hitch), match Jeep Tire/Wheel setup, easily towable with a goal of <2k lbs and similar height of ~78", hot water/heat, A/C at least on shore power (we are in the south), capability to get to challenging camp locations, 5x9 box, Rear galley
Locked in/purchased components:
5x8 frame (final foot of 5x9 box clearanced for departure) 2x2x.120 wall
Timbren Axle-less Suspension, Tonne/2200 lb long arm HD/Off Road, 3500 lb brakes and 5x5 lug pattern, 4" lift (this may be too much, but there is no 2" on the 2200 and zero is too low)
37x12.50R17 BFG KO2 (RWL) on Raceline Clutch 17x8.5 +18mm
Lock and Roll bolt on tongue to straight hitch
ARK XO500 Jockey Wheel
NOCO GENPRO10x1
Current progress:
Frame structure complete and beginning coating with etching primer and Raptor.
I'm a pretty big forum junkie, but have been in the learning mode here for a while. Wanted to share some build progress and hopefully tap into the hive mind for some recommendations.
We recently took the Jeep and the pups on a 5 week long cross country wheeling and camping trip (8k miles, 7 national parks, tons of wheeling), and, like many others, realized that a small camper would have saved tons of money in lodging and been generally more convenient. When we returned to NC and learning the cost premium and lead time for commercially built setups, I started diving into the idea of building an off-road square drop and began the build from scratch a few weeks ago.
Primary Tow Vehicle: 2021 JLUR 4xe, 3.5" Metalcloak Gamechanger, 37" BFG KO2
Basic build requirements: Queen Size Mattress, No drop in the hitch to impact tongue breakover (~22" bottom of hitch), match Jeep Tire/Wheel setup, easily towable with a goal of <2k lbs and similar height of ~78", hot water/heat, A/C at least on shore power (we are in the south), capability to get to challenging camp locations, 5x9 box, Rear galley
Locked in/purchased components:
5x8 frame (final foot of 5x9 box clearanced for departure) 2x2x.120 wall
Timbren Axle-less Suspension, Tonne/2200 lb long arm HD/Off Road, 3500 lb brakes and 5x5 lug pattern, 4" lift (this may be too much, but there is no 2" on the 2200 and zero is too low)
37x12.50R17 BFG KO2 (RWL) on Raceline Clutch 17x8.5 +18mm
Lock and Roll bolt on tongue to straight hitch
ARK XO500 Jockey Wheel
NOCO GENPRO10x1
Current progress:
Frame structure complete and beginning coating with etching primer and Raptor.