Ursa Minor Pop-Top Jeep JK

[Brandon Libby]

Looks like a Prius with a pompadour.

Bwahahahaha ...ha! :iagree:

 

[dblosch]

Looks like a Prius with a pompadour.

I can totally see that Prius saying:

That's cool baby, you know how it is, rockin' and rollin' and what not.

:::Edit::: back on topic, the Ursa Minor setup is sweet! :victory:

 

[GS450]

I have one of these too. Its fully functional as discussed. I got a color matched top which gives the JK a real different look. The extra 6" has me feeling a little top heavy over the soft top in cross winds or passing on the freeway.I have the standard 225 16'. Do folks think a HD sway bar would help? I considered a wheel/tire upgrade but I need to keep the overall height down to fit into parking structures. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[brianjwilson]

Progressive sprigs and quality shocks. Heavy duty track bars wouldn't hurt either.

 

[vantexan]

Looks like a Prius with a pompadour.

I was thinking it looks lathered up with shaving cream.

 

[fullofdays]

What are the advantages of the J30 poptop setup over the habitat? Half the weight but half the space up top,right? Can it be deployed from inside ?

 

[TCM]

The primary advantage in my opinion is the ability to carry cargo on top of the J30, items such as bikes, kayaks and other medium weight loads. And unless you need the extra space of the Habitat why take on the weight penalty especially given its placement at the very top of the vehicle.

 

[Dan Grec]

What are the advantages of the J30 poptop setup over the habitat? Half the weight but half the space up top,right? Can it be deployed from inside ?

As well as the cargo on the roof as mentioned, I think it's accepted the J30 will handle severe weather better. I.e. strong cross winds and heavy rain as there is not as much area exposed to the wind, and the solid "roof" is still on top to stop most of the rain. On the habitat, it's all tent.

Personally, I'm still leaning towards the habitat for the massive amount of internal space it gives.

-Dan

 

[Healeyjet]

I ordered the Habitat just for the space and ease of entry / exit. With the J30 you have to climb up and be able to turn around in the tent and put the floor in before putting out the sleeping bag and climbing in to bed. With the Habitat you can leave the sleeping set up at the front of the tent and climb in and out without disrupting anything or anyone. I am a big guy and we tested the Habitat prior to purchase and found it fit our size and style perfectly. The J30 looks like it would be perfect for a single camper or smaller individual though.
Ward

 

[Ursa Minor]

What are the advantages of the J30 poptop setup over the habitat? Half the weight but half the space up top,right? Can it be deployed from inside ?

Trade-offs between the J30 and Habitat have already been mentioned here, but since Ursa Minor builds both of them, really there's no bad choice to be made I suggest evaluating the type of trip or adventures you want (and thus the gear /people /climate/duration) and it may be easier to identify which features are most important. Depending on your timeframe, we'll have both at the Overland Expo in May if you want to see them up close.

The J30 can be opened as well as closed from inside the Jeep, though you will need to reach out the front windows to release the front latches.

Cheers,
John

 

[brianjwilson]

It was hugely helpful for me to see both in person, see how they open and close, set up time, crawl around each and imagine how I'll use it.
I was 95% sure I wanted the habitat vs the J30 until I saw both. The space of the habitat is amazing but to me it was a lot more setup/breakdown, it's all tent which sucks in rain/snow/cold, getting the top to latch was tough, there were a lot of opening and gaps and such. Plus there is the obvious downside of not being able to use a roof rack.
I crawled into the j30 and it felt pretty comfortable, well sealed, it was only about the size of our small tent that we use but the vertical side walls vs the dome of our tent makes it much more tolerable. I could flip up a panel and stand up, access gear stored downstairs, etc. Setup and break down was easier and quicker, and there is plenty of room for solo trips and sufficient room for my wife and I. We really don't need/want to "hang out" inside anyway so I think it should work well for us.
And again we don't stay put much, we move around a lot and I didn't feel like I'd want to setup the habitat for a quick sleep. With the j30 I would leave sleeping bags upstairs all the time and could quickly pop it open and crawl in for a nap or whatever, and not be too concerned about packing it away during the rain since there isn't as much fabric to soak up water.

 

[fullofdays]

this is very helpful! Thanks for sharing the insight

 

[cobblecrazy]

just a couple updated photos. On the rear I've added a smittybilt rear bumper, garvin tray, and the water/gas can holders. On the front I've added a smittybilt X20 10K winch, and the Hella compact 4000 lights

 

[brianjwilson]

Looking good! Thanks again for letting me check it out a few months ago, I should have mine in April. Can't wait!

 

[will]

Hey Brian, I am getting my Habitat in April too. Maybe I'll see you down there?