What Would You Build?

[k1n3k]

I picked up a 2004 TJ Rubicon. 4.0, 5 speed, soft top, and most importantly, 99% stock! Oh how nice it is to have an unmolested clean slate. Only mod is someone put new wheels and tires from a 2023ish wrangler on it. Rubbing is def a problem, so gotta fix it somehow.

So, my intention with this rig is pretty simple. I want to use it as my weekend warrior, long distance camper. I specifically went with a rubicon for this because of the gearing and the lockers. I like to crawl over technical stuff for control, and leave the lockers off until I get stuck and then use them to help recover (though will probably lock the rear on dirt to avoid breaking it). I end up in some pretty remote places where getting badly stuck alone or having a major breakage would be a substantial problem, potentially life threatening depending on the season. Its also worth noting that this isn't the primary offroad rig. I have a Samurai for that, this is the 'take the wife camping or go to work' vehicle.

SO! Here are the needs:
1. you've gotta take your wife and the dog. Your wife really likes the nice roof top tent you bought and slapped on the truck, but no longer have the truck, just the tent. she wants to use this with the Jeep. you are now required to take it. What roof rack would you buy, build, or what other solution?

2. You're carrying enough stuff to easily camp for a solid week. maybe two. you're going to be driving substantial distances every day, say 250-300 miles during that trip. lots of pavement, lots of dirt, and some extremely remote locations interspersed in that travel. How are you packing and securing your junk in the trunk?

3. When not camping, its your daily. it drives and rides really, really nice in stock form. also ground clearance isn't an issue, so lift is optional. A lift also makes your tent harder to get to if its on the jeep. Any suspension mods? Tires? Wheels? You've got a dedicated rock crawler already.

4. The budget is maybe $1000 a month. Saving for a few months to buy parts is totally doable, what order would you do stuff so you could keep enjoying the vehicle?

5. It would be nice to drag a lightweight motorcycle trailer on occasion to bring the good ol' DR650 along when going at it alone.

6. What are any other thoughts or ideas you have for the objective?


Here is the idea I came up with so far:

1. Mount the tent with a Garvin roof rack. I have a smittybuilt, it sucks.
https://garvinracks.com/products/1997-to-2006-tj-adventure-rack

2. A cheapo cargo rack in the back, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/u-Box-Interior-Management-Security-1997-2006/dp/B081Q4FM23?tag=wranglerorg-20
put the dog on top, the supplies underneath. abandon the rear seat.

3. On the fence here. Maybe some Metalcloak overlines and 32" tires on factory rims, maybe just 31's, maybe keep the newer model jeep wheels and tires with a 1" BL and metalcloaks, maybe real highlines. Probably tubular lower arms in the future for strength. Thoughts?

4. rack, wheels, then idk. use it and find out what it needs most.

5. Not sure here. With the gear and the tent, it might be at the max cargo capacity. It might not be as well so idk.

6. A winch. 100% a winch.

Thats as far as I've gotten. What do you peeps think?

 

[lBasket]

I picked up a 2004 TJ Rubicon. 4.0, 5 speed, soft top, and most importantly, 99% stock! Oh how nice it is to have an unmolested clean slate. Only mod is someone put new wheels and tires from a 2023ish wrangler on it. Rubbing is def a problem, so gotta fix it somehow.

So, my intention with this rig is pretty simple. I want to use it as my weekend warrior, long distance camper. I specifically went with a rubicon for this because of the gearing and the lockers. I like to crawl over technical stuff for control, and leave the lockers off until I get stuck and then use them to help recover (though will probably lock the rear on dirt to avoid breaking it). I end up in some pretty remote places where getting badly stuck alone or having a major breakage would be a substantial problem, potentially life threatening depending on the season. Its also worth noting that this isn't the primary offroad rig. I have a Samurai for that, this is the 'take the wife camping or go to work' vehicle.

SO! Here are the needs:
1. you've gotta take your wife and the dog. Your wife really likes the nice roof top tent you bought and slapped on the truck, but no longer have the truck, just the tent. she wants to use this with the Jeep. you are now required to take it. What roof rack would you buy, build, or what other solution?

Should've bought an LJ tbh

2. You're carrying enough stuff to easily camp for a solid week. maybe two. you're going to be driving substantial distances every day, say 250-300 miles during that trip. lots of pavement, lots of dirt, and some extremely remote locations interspersed in that travel. How are you packing and securing your junk in the trunk?

Same

3. When not camping, its your daily. it drives and rides really, really nice in stock form. also ground clearance isn't an issue, so lift is optional. A lift also makes your tent harder to get to if its on the jeep. Any suspension mods? Tires? Wheels? You've got a dedicated rock crawler already.

Leave it stock and get better ATs maybe?

4. The budget is maybe $1000 a month. Saving for a few months to buy parts is totally doable, what order would you do stuff so you could keep enjoying the vehicle?

5. It would be nice to drag a lightweight motorcycle trailer on occasion to bring the good ol' DR650 along when going at it alone.

Should've bought an LJ

6. What are any other thoughts or ideas you have for the objective?


Here is the idea I came up with so far:

1. Mount the tent with a Garvin roof rack. I have a smittybuilt, it sucks.
https://garvinracks.com/products/1997-to-2006-tj-adventure-rack

2. A cheapo cargo rack in the back, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/u-Box-Interior-Management-Security-1997-2006/dp/B081Q4FM23?tag=wranglerorg-20
put the dog on top, the supplies underneath. abandon the rear seat.

3. On the fence here. Maybe some Metalcloak overlines and 32" tires on factory rims, maybe just 31's, maybe keep the newer model jeep wheels and tires with a 1" BL and metalcloaks, maybe real highlines. Probably tubular lower arms in the future for strength. Thoughts?

4. rack, wheels, then idk. use it and find out what it needs most.

5. Not sure here. With the gear and the tent, it might be at the max cargo capacity. It might not be as well so idk.

6. A winch. 100% a winch.

Yes

Thats as far as I've gotten. What do you peeps think?

All your points point to the TJ being too small tbh

 

[macleanflood]

Body lift might get you tire clearance. Evaluate the wheel spacer situation.

For the tent...I'd buy or build a lightweight aluminum trailer. Tent up top. Kitchen on one side. Batteries. Propane. Storage.

You don't want to daily a tent. Or a roof rack.

Plus it makes it easier to claim a campsite. Disconnect and explore the area.

I'm planning on stealing my wife's rooftop tent and building something.

-Mac

 

[k1n3k]

All your points point to the TJ being too small

Coming from a Samurai, its large and spacious lol

For the tent...I'd buy or build a lightweight aluminum trailer.

-Mac

I've thought about that a lot. Its been a consideration for a while, but storing it when its not in use is what prevents that. the landlord lets us have 3 cars worth of parking. If I could figure out storage, it would be the best option. will probably do it in the future, but a rack is the only option for now.

 

[Tronner]

1. you've gotta take your wife and the dog. Your wife really likes the nice roof top tent you bought and slapped on the truck, but no longer have the truck, just the tent. she wants to use this with the Jeep. you are now required to take it. What roof rack would you buy, build, or what other solution?

Gobi or Garvin, Personally I like the Gobi

2. You're carrying enough stuff to easily camp for a solid week. maybe two. you're going to be driving substantial distances every day, say 250-300 miles during that trip. lots of pavement, lots of dirt, and some extremely remote locations interspersed in that travel. How are you packing and securing your junk in the trunk?

Totes, I guess you're going to want to get a fridge involved. organizing and finding the space for those kinds of ventures is up to you. What may work for one may not work for all.

3. When not camping, its your daily. it drives and rides really, really nice in stock form. also ground clearance isn't an issue, so lift is optional. A lift also makes your tent harder to get to if its on the jeep. Any suspension mods? Tires? Wheels? You've got a dedicated rock crawler already.

Go with some AT's, Keep the Rubicon wheels or find some JK 17in Rubi wheels. You are going to want a tire that will hold up for many miles. AT's and by extension MT's do not love being on Pavement exclusively. Personally I like the Wildpeak AT/3's, Many like the BFG KM3 and K03/2's

4. The budget is maybe $1000 a month. Saving for a few months to buy parts is totally doable, what order would you do stuff so you could keep enjoying the vehicle?

I am confused here, Are you saying that currently, your instantaneous budget is 1k? Or that over the next few months you will be able to sock away 1k a month to put to mods?

Either way, I think best option is leave it stock, upgrade the steering, fix and replace all the bushings (All the bushings). However if you desire a lift, go 2.5" or Go 3" SL with 1.25"Bl from Savvy or BMB.

#5 No comment

#6 No comment, it is your build, Build how you want it. If it were me I'd leave it completely stock, run the hell out of it and enjoy the lack of repairs and replacement you would have to do if you started doing extensive modifications.

 

[TheBoogieman]

An LJ wouldn't help you. Get some good tires and one of these. It has a special area for your dog or noisy wife/kids. 1300 lbs loaded.

 

[TJosh02]

Body lift might get you tire clearance. Evaluate the wheel spacer situation.

For the tent...I'd buy or build a lightweight aluminum trailer. Tent up top. Kitchen on one side. Batteries. Propane. Storage.

You don't want to daily a tent. Or a roof rack.

Plus it makes it easier to claim a campsite. Disconnect and explore the area.

I'm planning on stealing my wife's rooftop tent and building something.

-Mac

I'm with mac, build a light weight trailer. Get inspiration from Nate @ dirtlifestyle, or others here. You can park the trailer when daily driving and keep all the needed stuff in the trailer.

 

[BlueC]

After reviewing you "needs", I suggest selling the TJ and finding a different vehicle, like a 1/2 ton truck.

 

[Gilaguy23]

Buy this and tow the jeep is my opinion.

 

[k1n3k]

I am confused here, Are you saying that currently, your instantaneous budget is 1k? Or that over the next few months you will be able to sock away 1k a month to put to mods?

I can stash about $1k/mo to save up for parts. it varies a bit but thats generally my "play" money as long as the other bills are paid and savings goals are met.

An LJ wouldn't help you. Get some good tires and one of these. It has a special area for your dog or noisy wife/kids. 1300 lbs loaded.

A trailer would be great, but storing it becomes a problem..... we've got 3 vehicles already, and the landlord only gives us 3 spots. I'm already pushing it because I have a tractor, but he lets that one slide because I clear the driveway in the winter and that helps out the other tenants in the neighborhood. the RTT gets strapped to the ceiling of my buddies garage when not in use, the favors I owe him are expensive enough.

 

[k1n3k]

I think I figured out the way I wanna go. just some stock rubicon wheels, stock suspension, stock fenders, stock stock stock.
I'm looking at the Gobi rack and REALLY liking it. so just a stock rubicon with 265/70R16 MT tires, the gobi rack, and a soft top. I'll toss that cargo tray in it too more than likely. It was the trailrecon vid that won me over, that is a really good looking setup!

 

[YonderNorthwest]

You're not going to enjoy the driving experience with a full size rack and rooftop tent. I did the rack and bins on the roof for a couple of years. The rack likes to squeak and you feel the weight up there on and off road. Figure out a way to store a trailer or buy a pickup. A TJ with a RTT and weeks of supplies will be a dog.

On an unrelated note, I have a Garvin Expedition rack that I am trying to sell...

 

[macleanflood]

Buy this and tow the jeep is my opinion.
View attachment 633582

Nah you really need a murder home...

-Mac

 

[GoldenGorilla]

Buy this and tow the jeep is my opinion.
View attachment 633582

Just the right amount of crazy

I was thinking about this ($800K) beast.

https://www.storytelleroverland.com...source=adwords&utm_campaign=Performance+Max-3

 

[CMBD]

I picked up a 2004 TJ Rubicon. 4.0, 5 speed, soft top, and most importantly, 99% stock! Oh how nice it is to have an unmolested clean slate. Only mod is someone put new wheels and tires from a 2023ish wrangler on it. Rubbing is def a problem, so gotta fix it somehow.

So, my intention with this rig is pretty simple. I want to use it as my weekend warrior, long distance camper. I specifically went with a rubicon for this because of the gearing and the lockers. I like to crawl over technical stuff for control, and leave the lockers off until I get stuck and then use them to help recover (though will probably lock the rear on dirt to avoid breaking it). I end up in some pretty remote places where getting badly stuck alone or having a major breakage would be a substantial problem, potentially life threatening depending on the season. Its also worth noting that this isn't the primary offroad rig. I have a Samurai for that, this is the 'take the wife camping or go to work' vehicle.

SO! Here are the needs:
1. you've gotta take your wife and the dog. Your wife really likes the nice roof top tent you bought and slapped on the truck, but no longer have the truck, just the tent. she wants to use this with the Jeep. you are now required to take it. What roof rack would you buy, build, or what other solution?

2. You're carrying enough stuff to easily camp for a solid week. maybe two. you're going to be driving substantial distances every day, say 250-300 miles during that trip. lots of pavement, lots of dirt, and some extremely remote locations interspersed in that travel. How are you packing and securing your junk in the trunk?

3. When not camping, its your daily. it drives and rides really, really nice in stock form. also ground clearance isn't an issue, so lift is optional. A lift also makes your tent harder to get to if its on the jeep. Any suspension mods? Tires? Wheels? You've got a dedicated rock crawler already.

4. The budget is maybe $1000 a month. Saving for a few months to buy parts is totally doable, what order would you do stuff so you could keep enjoying the vehicle?

5. It would be nice to drag a lightweight motorcycle trailer on occasion to bring the good ol' DR650 along when going at it alone.

6. What are any other thoughts or ideas you have for the objective?


Here is the idea I came up with so far:

1. Mount the tent with a Garvin roof rack. I have a smittybuilt, it sucks.
https://garvinracks.com/products/1997-to-2006-tj-adventure-rack

2. A cheapo cargo rack in the back, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/u-Box-Interior-Management-Security-1997-2006/dp/B081Q4FM23?tag=wranglerorg-20
put the dog on top, the supplies underneath. abandon the rear seat.

3. On the fence here. Maybe some Metalcloak overlines and 32" tires on factory rims, maybe just 31's, maybe keep the newer model jeep wheels and tires with a 1" BL and metalcloaks, maybe real highlines. Probably tubular lower arms in the future for strength. Thoughts?

4. rack, wheels, then idk. use it and find out what it needs most.

5. Not sure here. With the gear and the tent, it might be at the max cargo capacity. It might not be as well so idk.

6. A winch. 100% a winch.

Thats as far as I've gotten. What do you peeps think?

Before you get too deep into this, just go camp for a weekend in the TJ with the wife, dog, and all your junk. You really dont know anything till you shove it all in the Jeep and go do it.

I can easily pack 1 week worth of stuff for two people. No way with a dog.

As to the title of the thread, a truck.

 

[k1n3k]

You're not going to enjoy the driving experience with a full size rack and rooftop tent. I did the rack and bins on the roof for a couple of years. The rack likes to squeak and you feel the weight up there on and off road. Figure out a way to store a trailer or buy a pickup. A TJ with a RTT and weeks of supplies will be a dog.

On an unrelated note, I have a Garvin Expedition rack that I am trying to sell...

I have the tent on my Sport at the moment so I've got some experience with it, but on a Smittybuilt rack. If I had a rack that wasn't ugly as hell, I wouldn't mind having it permanently mounted. I don't like the rack itself because of how it looks and the fitment. the tent and its weight I've gotten use to. doesn't bother me. The Rubicon is replacing the Sport, and I want to solidify the setup a bit more for the long term.

as for performance, its a wash. take the tent off and the gear out, then I just haul a rack. put that tent and gear on a trailer, now i haul a little more weight for the trailer, but its easier to remove and in a different spot. I can get under stuff easier, but turns and hillclimbs on the trail are harder. Regardless, its still faster than my Samurai or TW200. speed isn't a concern.

Before you get too deep into this, just go camp for a weekend in the TJ with the wife, dog, and all your junk. You really don't know anything till you shove it all in the Jeep and go do it.

Already have, I tossed a smittybuilt rack on my Sport and put my tent on that. we've done a couple trips without the dog, but to take her we need a spot for her. hence the cargo basket in the rear. the needed junk will fit under it nicely, i think. She's smallish, even if I use half the rack for gear as well she'll fit up there. the bedding stays in the tent, so really only need the room for some clothes and food, and the other random crap of course.

I've done the truck thing before, literally bought the truck to put a tent on, then the tent, built the rack, then swapped out those awful wheels and drove it for a few years. The Samurai I have is def too small for the 3 of us, but the TJ isn't bad at all.

 

[TheBoogieman]

 

[TJosh02]

Brutes these days are unaffordable, but it is a cool setup.

 

[lBasket]

Do you have one of them cat shaped dogs?

 

[glowell222]

I picked up a 2004 TJ Rubicon. 4.0, 5 speed, soft top, and most importantly, 99% stock! Oh how nice it is to have an unmolested clean slate. Only mod is someone put new wheels and tires from a 2023ish wrangler on it. Rubbing is def a problem, so gotta fix it somehow.

So, my intention with this rig is pretty simple. I want to use it as my weekend warrior, long distance camper. I specifically went with a rubicon for this because of the gearing and the lockers. I like to crawl over technical stuff for control, and leave the lockers off until I get stuck and then use them to help recover (though will probably lock the rear on dirt to avoid breaking it). I end up in some pretty remote places where getting badly stuck alone or having a major breakage would be a substantial problem, potentially life threatening depending on the season. Its also worth noting that this isn't the primary offroad rig. I have a Samurai for that, this is the 'take the wife camping or go to work' vehicle.

SO! Here are the needs:
1. you've gotta take your wife and the dog. Your wife really likes the nice roof top tent you bought and slapped on the truck, but no longer have the truck, just the tent. she wants to use this with the Jeep. you are now required to take it. What roof rack would you buy, build, or what other solution?

2. You're carrying enough stuff to easily camp for a solid week. maybe two. you're going to be driving substantial distances every day, say 250-300 miles during that trip. lots of pavement, lots of dirt, and some extremely remote locations interspersed in that travel. How are you packing and securing your junk in the trunk?

3. When not camping, its your daily. it drives and rides really, really nice in stock form. also ground clearance isn't an issue, so lift is optional. A lift also makes your tent harder to get to if its on the jeep. Any suspension mods? Tires? Wheels? You've got a dedicated rock crawler already.

4. The budget is maybe $1000 a month. Saving for a few months to buy parts is totally doable, what order would you do stuff so you could keep enjoying the vehicle?

5. It would be nice to drag a lightweight motorcycle trailer on occasion to bring the good ol' DR650 along when going at it alone.

6. What are any other thoughts or ideas you have for the objective?


Here is the idea I came up with so far:

1. Mount the tent with a Garvin roof rack. I have a smittybuilt, it sucks.
https://garvinracks.com/products/1997-to-2006-tj-adventure-rack

2. A cheapo cargo rack in the back, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/u-Box-Interior-Management-Security-1997-2006/dp/B081Q4FM23?tag=wranglerorg-20
put the dog on top, the supplies underneath. abandon the rear seat.

3. On the fence here. Maybe some Metalcloak overlines and 32" tires on factory rims, maybe just 31's, maybe keep the newer model jeep wheels and tires with a 1" BL and metalcloaks, maybe real highlines. Probably tubular lower arms in the future for strength. Thoughts?

4. rack, wheels, then idk. use it and find out what it needs most.

5. Not sure here. With the gear and the tent, it might be at the max cargo capacity. It might not be as well so idk.

6. A winch. 100% a winch.

Thats as far as I've gotten. What do you peeps think?

If it was me:

1. Mount the tent on a lightweight off-road trailer and skip the roof rack. Carry some of your gear in the trailer. This frees up a bit of the cabin and frees up the Jeep if you want to make a side jaunt.

2. Build something custom for your needs. You can maximize the space based on your requirements.

3. Stock height and 31s is about perfect for overlanding and daily driving. With the tent on a trailer, much easier to load/offload.

4. Wheels/tires; custom cargo solution; trailer for the tent.

5. Going it alone, ditch the tent/trailer, drag your bike, camp with a typical camping setup, or pull the passenger seat and build a platform for a cot and sleep in the cab. Use lightweight gear if you are worried about weight-stuff designed for hikers.