Overland TJ's (Ideas, Pic's, etc for 97-06 Jeep TJ's)

[goldenbeagle]

I did a quick search and didn’t really find a section based directly towards Jeep TJ’s. So, being a firm believer that the TJ can make a great overland rig, I thought maybe a thread should be started. Here we can post pics of our 97-06 Tj’s, discuss storage ideas, share Tj specific mods, etc.

If this has been done before, then I apologize. If not, this thread I am sure will get some attention.

I will start it off with some pics of my 2006 Golden Eagle. Still in the building stages, but my “heep” gets me out and about where I want to go.

Right now I am going around in circles in regards to rear storage. I have a family of 5, so when the Jeep is not being used for my son and I's adventures into the back of beyond, I have got to be able to have the back seat in. Removable light rear storage is the current project taking place. I will post pics of the progress soon.

 

[KellyM]

Overland TJs

Hey Goldenbeagle - Thanks for starting this thread. I am in the process of dealing with rear storage in my 06 TJ as well. I want to be able to carry the things to make a multi-day day (not weeks) adventure comfortable for my wife and me. We used to backpack mostly, so we do not need a ton of stuff, although the lists seems to keep getting longer. We also have a '99 K2500 Suburban that we can use for longer trips and will be building that out once I get the Jeep where I want it.

For the Jeep I am also looking for the ability to swap out the drawer/storage system with the back seat, and have been talking with Martyn at Adventure Trailers about a TJ specific drawer along the lines of what they have done in a couple of LJs. I will let you know how that goes. Are you in the process of building something yourself? I have looked at the storage systems others have built for their YJs and TJs in the Drawer/Storage Thread, and there are alot of good ideas there as well.


I just installed a used Garvin roof rack (thanks Toolman) and am ordering jerry can holders for my Jeeperman swingaway. I can't decide whether to also put on a trail rack above the spare tire. I think I am going to see if I can live without it -- at least for a few trips.

I have been looking for inside water storage solutions as well. Any ideas? I have seen a few bladder systems that look intriguing, but I am worried about durability.

Thanks,

Kelly

 

[wardrow]

Are you wanting this to be a TJ ONLY thread or are LJ's welcome also?

 

[chadlanc]

I am in the process of dealing with rear storage in my 06 TJ as well.

Convert it to a Brute

 

[nwoods]

Right now I am going around in circles in regards to rear storage. I have a family of 5, so when the Jeep is not being used for my son and I's adventures into the back of beyond, I have got to be able to have the back seat in. Removable light rear storage is the current project taking place. I will post pics of the progress soon.

I faced the same problem, here is how I solved it:
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Modifications/Rear-Tie-Down-Platform/

 

[KellyM]

It's not my thread, but I say the more the better -- join in with your LJs, TJs, YJs, CJs

 

[broken1]

I have been looking for inside water storage solutions as well. Any ideas? I have seen a few bladder systems that look intriguing, but I am worried about durability.

Thanks,

Kelly

Camelback hanging off the bar works for me. Then again I use a 5¢ throttle lock when winching... Lol



Mike

 

[Hawkz]

I really like my Tuffy rear storage enclosure. You do have to remove the back seat for it to work, but it has been great so far. I think the TJ is a good size for 2 people with the rear setup for storage. It's just too small for more than 2 people IMO...

 

[OverlandChronicles]

Safari Straps was the best purchase I made for the TJ and the Ram-mount bar that I made was my favorite mod.

 

[goldenbeagle]

Glad to see this thread getting some attention. I agree...LJ's, YJ's, CJ's welcome.

I am gonna post up some pics of some rear storage I have been tossing around. I got to get organized...crap is everywhere right now on trips.

 

[goldenbeagle]

I faced the same problem, here is how I solved it:
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Modifications/Rear-Tie-Down-Platform/

This is good stuff right here. Thanks for posting. The idea is simple, but perfect.

 

[Bigjerm]

I am tuned in. Right now my 35" spare sits in the rear of the Jeep but once I get my tire carrier I would like a removable storage system for the LJ.


Sent from my iPhone because I am to lazy to sit at the computer

 

[goldenbeagle]

I am tuned in. Right now my 35" spare sits in the rear of the Jeep but once I get my tire carrier I would like a removable storage system for the LJ.


Sent from my iPhone because I am to lazy to sit at the computer

I once had the spare in the rear...that made things really tough. The tire carrier was a perfect change.

 

[JeepN95YJ]

I've got a 2001 TJ and a family of 4 plus the dog. Our WJ Grand works well for trips but I'd rather take the TJ.

Storage is always an issue. I have a trailer I'm working on to address the bulk of my storage issues. In reality I just can't carry the type of gear I want with the TJ without the trailer. I'm sure I could/would adjust my gear if I placed a high priority on traveling without the trailer.

I NEED to keep the rear seat. I think easy to address issues for the Jeep itself require a little creativity:

• I have a full roll cage and the net-based "attics" do great to keep jackets/blankets/pillows and other soft items up out of the way.
  
• I have a small aluminum box I want to mount under the hood above the valve cover for tools/parts. I haven't got the details worked out but will post up when solved. I don't have AC currently and the space beside the battery is perfect for carrying spare oil etc with a proper mount.
  
• Roof mounted racks are perfect for the TJ. I'm collecting material to build mine now. Using and awning/tent attached to the roof rack would also help with storage.
  
• One of my favorite thoughts on storage for tools/spares came to me when reading a thread on installing a subwoofer in the bottom of the rear seat. If people can fit two big 12 inch woofers in the bottom of the seat, I should be able to hollow the bottom of the seat and build a tray to fit underneath. I could fit all my tools and spares there and access them by folding the seat forward.
  
• Similarly storage is available beneath the front driver seat with the appropriate fabrication. Both my front seats are fold and tumble. This mechanism leaves very little space under the seat. I need to keep fold and tumble available on my passenger side for rear seat access. However, building a seat mount on the driverside similar to a YJ mount would open a ton of space. If I could modify it to have a flip up seat cushion (like the back seat of my WJ) I would have a large "box" under the seat.
  
• The space between the front seat and the door is perfect for storing camp chairs. You have to use smaller ones without arms, but it is worth it to be able to store them out of the way.
  
• Lastly, I use soft-sided duffle/gear bags strapped to the rear roll bars beside the seats. I keep them low enough the kids can see over but high enough that they can lean on them to sleep while traveling.

When it was just the wife and I we always camped and traveled out of my 1995 YJ without issue.

 

[Nigel Caffiene]

One Possible Internal Storage Solutions...

Hello chaps,

I use an Olympic Mountaineer Rack in the back of my TJ with the fold & tumble rear seat and seatbelts removed. Once, I installed this, (by the way, it is far easier with the top removed and a second pair of hands to assist) my storage capacity literally doubled. I can fit my 20l Jerry Cans upright underneath it and my fridge. I have also attached my fire extinguiser and mag light to this rack.

The only picture I have of the setup is this one unfortunately. Taken in the in the early morning as I was brewing coffee: