Thank you for the comments. I hope some of the next moves don't cause too much contention!
So the
in flight entertainment module had to go but that was a bit later; I had other things to deal with first.
As this started a restoration (hence the 3.9) and later evolved in to an overlanding vehicle, so much of what I'd done for the restoration was, well, a waste because of the direction I took. And, some of you have already figured out, I had trouble ahead as I added the next things, the roof top tent and shadow awn.
After lengthy research (and considering about 20 years of genuine backpack camping), and that this almost 60 year old body was less enthused about setting up tents (we almost chose the Oztent) and sleeping in sleeping bags, a rooftop tent won the decision. There are several good choices but for us, the Alu-Cab RTT and Shadow Awn won. First a Front Runner slimline rack was installed then the tent and awning.
I have to tell you, a bit over a year later with considerable use, we LOVE both of these products. Setting up and taking down is really as easy as advertised. The quality is first rate. And the sleeping experience is just another level. I'm a bit over 6' and my wife is 5'10". Plenty of room and the mattress is, well...awesome. This was a huge win. We knew the weight on top was going to be a concern and were assured by a suspension supplier that the weight could be dealt with if needed.
so for now, a few pictures of the vehicle at that point (I only have a few pictures at this stage; of the first camping trip to try out the set-up.)
![896.jpg 896.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/330/330149-9290a2239d132447ec08c5467125f966.jpg)
Notice the squat of the back tires (something a smarter person would have anticipated). And, while I too like the 3.9 and planned on that motor lasting as long as I will...more about that later.
(For clarity: the
in flight was added just after this first trip so the pictures and story are a tiny bit out of sequence)