Nice read. I'd love to do this as well, in my JKU (although its pretty and I'd have to get over the thought of it getting scratched :littlefriend: :safari-rig: ) Somewhere there is a trail map of the TAT going from NYC to TN. I hope to use the VA section as a trial run. Ill need a winch, to wheel alone. What often equipment did you find necessary ?
I would be interested in how someone found much public land to travel on from NYC to TN. It is probably a lot of beautiful country roads and nothing to miss out on (I would do it if for nothing other than seeing more of the country).
Equipment:
Water - we packed our water in 10L MSR Dromedary bags. Approx 1 gal per person per day. When you top off your gas, also top off your water (you never know when you will need it).
Carry the essential stuff to repair a tire and maybe a part or two if you know it is something that goes bad on your vehicle regularly. Pack a small tool kit, duct tape, baling wire, and zip ties. Carry spare gasoline. Read on
www.transamtrail.com for what to expect for distance between gas stations. I would always keep a 5 gal can full and have another one to fill on the longer stretches. Really maintain your vehicle before you go and keep a close eye on it as you travel.
A winch is a great tool for self recovery and clearing stuff off the trail. If you have a small chainsaw, maybe bring it, but definitely an axe and shovel.
Pack a useful and familiar first aid kit.
Bring a backpack that you can toss some basic shelter, food, and water in for a bail-out bag (who knows when you might have to hike 20-50 miles).
Bring communication (cell phone signal can be found if you search long enough for it, ham radio (if licensed), small handhelds might be nice in emergency situations, and of course a sat phone would be helpful, but not in my budget).
Don't bring stuff that you never use or are uncomfortable using. Pack like a backpacker (with a little fancier food) and you will be pretty happy.
Im also thinking of a RTT of some kind
I have loved my RTT for everything except really high wind.
On page 4 so far and very motivated, especially in the MS and surrounding parts since I live there. I have a 96 Cherokee as well, do you by any chance have a build page on yours. Thank you.
I don't have a writeup on the Jeep, however, here is a list and some great resources for getting you going.
ARB bull bar w/6000 lb Warn winch (it really is all the winch I have ever needed for this rig).
3" Heavy spring rate Rusty's lift kit.
31x10.50
Tom Woods SYE for the NP242 along with a TW double cardan drive shaft for the rear.
4.10 gears
Lock-Right locker in the front.
JKS disconnects
Rustys:
T-case skid
Engine skid
Front skid
Dif gaurds
Rock rails
custom4x4fabrication.com - rear bumper w/tire carrier
You can visit my website and see how we did it on our first trailer (for an idea of how to build a galley).
http://www.overlandtrailer.com/home/galley/ Basically, just make a plywood or steel frame (depending on your woodworking/welding skills) and then attach 100-150lb ball-bearing slides and build a shelf for whatever you want to slide out. I made it all out of 1x1x1/16" steel tubing for the back of the Jeep and welded it together. But you could make a similar system out of plywood walls and then attach slides to that. There are a lot more options to building and you will find them here on Expedition Portal in an abundance.
I formed and welded my own roof rack, also lots of build threads on this sort of thing here.
I have air suspension help in the back. The best write up that I have found on this is
http://gojeep.willyshotrod.com/HowtoAirbagSuspension.htm You really should check it out (along with a lot of the rest of the site).
Keep asking questions. I love talking about the trail and being ready to do it. Just remember, preparation is important, but can also be addicting. Make sure you start travelling at some point and you will learn how to prepare better.
