Setting up a Wrangler Unlimited for expedition??

[TheGillz]

Here is my mod wish list:

Starting with '08 JK Unlimited X, has front new generation Dana 30/rear Dana 44 which I hear are quite a bit sturdier than the last version in the TJ for instance.

MOPAR® Door Sill Kit in Black Plastic

Omix-Ada (Rugged Ridge) Side Step and Armor for 07-08 Wrangler

Omix-Ada Xtream Heavy Duty Rear Bumper System for 07-08 JK

Omix-Ada Tire Carrier Mount for XHD Rear Bumper System
Omix-Ada Xtreme Heavy Duty Front Winch Bumper System for 07-08 Jeep JK
Omix-Ada Tube Mount Bumper for XHD Bumper System
Omix-Ada Standard End for XHD Bumper System

WARN 9.5ti Thermometric Self-Recovery Winch

Old Man Emu Jeep JK Wrangler 2in Lift Kit

Warrior Products Safari Rear Tube Doors for 07-08 Jeep® Wrangler

Wet Okole Seat Covers for Jeep Vehicles

Wild Boar Products Roof Rack for JK Unlimited

Warrior Products Rear corner guards in black diamond plate

BFG 33/10.5/17 M/T's

Expo Trailer w/ RTT

 

[durango_60]

For the use you are describing I would keep it very simple. I would purchase an X model with the rear locker and swaybar disconnect, put on an OME lift with 255/85 16's(mostly to help the breakover angle), mount a winch, mate it with an Adventure Trailer and call it good.

On the other hand if expense isn't really an issue I'd order an AEV equipped Rubicon.

 

[robert j. yates]

Whether its lifted or not....get rid of the factory shocks and go aftermarket for more performance, durability and the ability to tune for ride preference.

Focus on recovery gear (winch or straps), recovery points and skidplating vulnerable areas.

Focus on fuel requirements and range and plan accordingly for additional fuel if needed.

Assess storage needs and modify accordingly, ie exterior racks vs. interior boxes.

Above all....keep it simple....modified Jeeps are a PITA. BTDT LOL.

 

[Weave]

I would go in the direction that durango_60 stated. Spec it with the good factory options, the Rubicon would be great but an X or Sahara with the rear locker and front sway bar disco options would suffice, and keep the lift and tires simple with OME's 2.5" (if a lift is needed). Then equip it with the necessary recovery gear(electric winch, tow hooks) and storage options. The trailer is a great idea.

From the description of the vehicle needs, I really think a stock Rubicon could fill the bill with the addition of an electric winch and storage/trailer add ons. One question I would ask, is the 4:1 ratio of the Rubicon transfer case really needed? If not, you could go with the 2.72:1 case in the X/Sahara with the factory rear locker and front electric disco. If they need the front locker and/or durability of the Rubicon's front Dana 44 axle, you could always swap it in - Mopar is marketing the Rubicon factory axle (Dana 44 w/ electric locker) at a very good price. I personally think most people don't need the 4:1 transfer case of the Rubicon unless they are planning on a lot of low speed rock crawling, etc.

 

[The Swiss]

Dear TeriAnn,

I love your Dormobil. When I lived in Europe, I had over the years 3 Land Rovers (a SeriesII 109 Ambulance, a 90 TD and a Defender 110), most of my friends either had Series III 109 or Land Cruisers Troopies. Now that I live in the US, I got converted to Jeeps.

As you know from your Dormobil, the European approach to Expedition Vehicles - leave out the Mogs and other big animals that make it on this site on a regular basis - is quite different. Less geared towards extreme off-roading with big lifts, long travel suspensions and fat tires and more towards - well - expedition traveling. Obviously you have a customer to satisfy, but I would say, don't ask too many question and take more the Dormobil-approach to the JK. A JK Unlimited Dormobil would just be a killer...

Just my .02 centimes...

 

[TeriAnn]

I'm getting some great real life input from you folks with the kind of stuff that you only know from taking these rigs out camping with a family.

I just want to say thanks and keep it coming if you can think of anything else.

 

[reconbyfire]

Electronics:
I would install a cb, a handheld GPS w/vehicle mount, and frs(handheld radios). I can only presume that they will go hiking so the hand held and frs would be a nice touch. My wife and I have been in locations where the cellphone wouldn't work;yet, the frs did.

Off-road lighting...baja bar.

You may also want to produce a questioniere for the client. List basic add-ons like the aforementioned and see what they 'really' want from you. Unless, they have already stated needs beyond just the vehicle.

Many folks want to buy and drive and there are those that like to do it themselves. The extra add-ons can make a difference for your pocket and the satisfaction of your client

 

[slooowr6]

I'll throw in my 2cents.
It might be good to ask your client how important is to have a shelter from the elements on his/her family trip. Your Land Rover can provide a shelter for rain, windy and cold. A dry place to stay if weather changes. Jeep with a AT trailer will be great if shelter is not a priority, it'll work. I've found many time sitting in the camper reading a book while it's raining outside very relaxing.

 

[robert j. yates]

I'll throw in my 2cents.
It might be good to ask your client how important is to have a shelter from the elements on his/her family trip. Your Land Rover can provide a shelter for rain, windy and cold. A dry place to stay if weather changes. Jeep with a AT trailer will be great if shelter is not a priority, it'll work. I've found many time sitting in the camper reading a book while it's raining outside very relaxing.

Stock Wranglers are not the best vehicles for towing. BTDT and I simply won't recommend it anymore. If a trailer or more space is really needed, best off looking at another vehicle. Yes an Unlimited has alot of room but it still has an underpowered 6 cylinder motor.

IMO...because of that underpowered 6, towing adds complexity to the build equation. Axle gears and tire choice will be even more critical so power and torque are not wasted and if it were me, I'd look into a supercharger or else make sure I was using a light weight trailer With the supercharger, you then have additional fuel use and at that point, where do you stop with the mods?

Because I have been there with modified Jeeps, I like the keep it simple approach to building expedition Jeeps. They are great vehicles and I love mine but its really not well suited to certain things. Tent camping for 2 with it is great....other things begin to push its envelope.

 

[TheGillz]

Two things:

What is BTDT?

And two is 202hp, 237ft lbs of torque really underpowered for towing a max 2000lb trailer? Many guys on this board are towing AT's without problems.

 

[TexasTJ]

I have flat towed my Tj behind my 2 door 07 with 4.10 gears. It pulled just fine. (stoping was a little harder:yikes: )

 

[robert j. yates]

Two things:

What is BTDT?

And two is 202hp, 237ft lbs of torque really underpowered for towing a max 2000lb trailer? Many guys on this board are towing AT's without problems.

Been There Done That

I didn't say it couldn't be done because I'm doing it hence the BTDT....what I said was that a Wrangler is not the best tow vehicle IMO. 2 different things.

Besides...those specs you are quoting are engine dyno specs....not what you get at the rear wheels. Again...2 different things.

 

[durango_60]

FWIW, I tow a heavily loaded M101 with my JK Unlimited and I have not found it to be a hinderance.

 

[grahamfitter]

Dear TeriAnn,

I love your Dormobil. When I lived in Europe, I had over the years 3 Land Rovers (a SeriesII 109 Ambulance, a 90 TD and a Defender 110), most of my friends either had Series III 109 or Land Cruisers Troopies. Now that I live in the US, I got converted to Jeeps.

As you know from your Dormobil, the European approach to Expedition Vehicles - leave out the Mogs and other big animals that make it on this site on a regular basis - is quite different. Less geared towards extreme off-roading with big lifts, long travel suspensions and fat tires and more towards - well - expedition traveling. Obviously you have a customer to satisfy, but I would say, don't ask too many question and take more the Dormobil-approach to the JK. A JK Unlimited Dormobil would just be a killer...

Just my .02 centimes...

If AEV ever produces their JK camper top I'll be first in line - popup top with built-in industrial strength roof rack.

More from my bottomless tuppence jar:

As far as regular setup goes, for me the mechanical stuff is less important than the day-to-day livability and for four people with toys, comfy camping gear, food and a big cooler take up way too much space! Moving camp every day or even making lunch can become a chore if everything has to be shoehorned into the vehicle in the right order. Especially if its raining.

I usually put a Thule rocket box on the roof that fits a lot of the bulky but lightweight stuff like lawn chairs and leaves half the rack free for kayaks. It doesn't affect gas mileage any more than the rack does but the starting point is a hefty body or frame mounted rack which is heavy and mine at least also has quite a bit of wind noise from the front struts.

In the back of my TJ (space for 2 people only!) I have a 3/4" plywood shelf across the top of the tub which is just high enough to slide a large Coleman extreme cooler underneath and that's where the picnic table, stove, cooking stuff, water, etc goes. There's plenty of space above for lighter personal gear and boxes of food. I put a rock climbing bolt anchor at each mounting point to tie the lighter stuff down but so far I've never used them. I'm sure something similar would work fine in the back of a four door unlimited.

If fuel range is an issue I know you can get huge fuel tanks for LJs which are extraordinarily expensive but so much more convenient than gas cans which you have to attach to something solid, expensive and obvious. I wonder if you can get them for JKs?

The TJ is also wide enough to stash a 48" hilift jack behind the drivers seats where its out of the weather and reasonably accessible but might get in the way of the rear passengers if they have legs. I lash it to the bottom of the roll cage but I'm going to try quick fist clamps instead this year.

The trailer idea is great but if you don't go that route one thing you might like to consider - and if anybody has a good idea how I'm all ears - is mounting a standard 10 lb bulk propane tank outside the vehicle where its safer in the heat. A larger tank is way more useful than the disposable green cannisters but I've never found a suitable place for it outside so it always ends up strapped to the roll cage inside. I use a tee fitting that can run the stove and cheapo portable gas grill at the same time.

Question: Are these folks happy setting up a ground tent every day or is another sleeping solution required?

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Z O O R O P A]

i know we all love gear but consider this

what could a Rubicon not due with this little equipment

full roof rack, addition of 2 more tires on the roof rack, extra gas cans, sat phone, winch/bar, a few lights, which would all cost about 7K$ US or 20 Euros ( i kid i kid~!)

that will get you over the Rubicon trail and any place else cheap and comfortable

or you could just customize the JK with a plethora of stuff

i second the larger gas tank which can be easily fabricated and cheap

everything else has a purpose but is about preference to the owner - and what kind of expedition they are going on in what type of climate etc etc