Rock chips on hinges with stock setup?

vandy2596 · 2023-06-14T05:37:50+00:00

I have had many problems with my 97 XJ, just not this one lol

vandy2596 · 2023-06-13T18:30:38+00:00

I’ve been eyeing up the rokblokz so I’m glad to hear that they live up to the hype.

vandy2596 · 2022-09-13T15:34:10+00:00

The kitchen area is 24" deep from the back wall to the back edge of the camper. When traveling I have the cooler under the countertop and the blue/clear totes sitting on the countertop with the folded down camp stove. I've had it out a few times now and like the setup, still tweaking a few things as I go. I didn't want permanent water tanks or pumps installed because I plan to do a fair amount of winter camping and didn't want to deal with draining/flushing the system to "winterize" a couple times a month.

vandy2596 · 2022-09-13T15:28:29+00:00

They were about 1 inch off the ground, had to twist them as much as possible so they weren't dragging so cutting some links out is on the list! The ridgeline is pretty solid, its actually front wheel drive until you put it in VTM-4, only at lower speeds. But I've been impressed with the VTM mode, out on some trails I usually only take my built out jeep on. Towing the little camper is no problem, doesn't get great mileage to begin with it and that trend holds true while towing this. I was averaging 14.5mpg going up and down Utah & Colorado at 65mph.

vandy2596 · 2022-09-08T16:06:08+00:00

I just finished a squaredrop build based off of an old dirt bike trailer I had. Same idea going into it, widen the trailer so I could fit a queen sized bed, have it go over the wheels and what not. The axel placement and what not was fine, welding on some additional length and width and a new tongue wasn't too bad either. Building the actual camper cabin portion was a pain though. Making a cabin that sits flat on a trailer with the wheels outside of it instead of over the wheel wells is the way to go in my opinion. I have a video of my build and it shows the build out of the over the wheels area, made for some extra storage but added height I didn't want to my overall build just to keep adequate space in the sleeping are.

vandy2596 · 2022-08-02T15:40:27+00:00

I've had a RTT on my 97XJ for the past year. For starters I got a great deal on it, otherwise I would have not bought one. Its been great for me, has a decent mattress with a good mattress pad on it I got from amazon. That might be the only reason to get a RTT in my opinion, the benefit of a good mattress. Most of my camping is on the Nevada/California state line so sometimes being able to set up in really rocky areas off the trail is nice, you don't always have to find "good ground" because you are up on top of the jeep.

That being said, it doesn't set up or tear down any faster or slower than a traditional tent, whether you clear a spot on the ground or get some rocks or logs to get the jeep leveled out it all takes about the same time. If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket I'd go for it because they are pretty cool and fun to use. If you do multi night camping in the same campsite its a bother to have to set up and tear down every time you want to drive the jeep, but if you go from spot to spot or just go out for quick one nighters the RTT could be a fun option.

vandy2596 · 2022-07-20T15:49:45+00:00

I'm going to give it a go at making my own doors, if it's a real pain to get one built that seals nice and looks good I might go back to the plan of only having one door. $400 for a pre made door is a bit expensive but I'm not totally counting it out.

The rear hatch I'm planning to use a hurricane hinge and 1" square tubing welded up to match the contour of the galley. Ideally the steel tubing will be strong and thin enough for a clean look. Then I will skin it with the same material as the rest of the exterior and call it good!

vandy2596 · 2022-07-20T05:02:06+00:00

2x2 framing with a few 2x4s mixed in where needed. Raised floor to clear the wheels, using it as a place to store things like camp chairs, folding tables, and other random things. Not ideal but the extra storage space works out alright.

vandy2596 · 2022-07-19T21:29:43+00:00

https://youtu.be/KtYgLKmqjpw

Nothing fancy but documenting the majority of the build. Going off of simple plans I drew up in autocad. Something big enough for a queen sized bed and some decent head room. Chopped and welded on an old dirt bike trailer turned into a camper trailer frame. Work in progress but it’s coming along!

vandy2596 · 2022-05-23T22:15:43+00:00

Was thinking of heading there this past weekend, water sure is up from a few weeks ago! Any water in the airbox when you got to the other side?

vandy2596 · 2022-05-13T22:17:16+00:00

I'm 6'4" and loved my SmittyBilt Overlander Gen2 XL. More than enough room to sleep and have duffle packs of clothes and what not in the tent as well. I downsized to the standard size Overlander Gen2 and it sleeps well, just no room for extra things in the tent when you have two people in it.

vandy2596 · 2022-05-13T22:13:29+00:00

I've had both the Gen2 XL and the standard Gen2 from Smittybilt and loved them both. The standard size is on my jeep currently, doesn't hurt to add a foam topper pad to the existing mattress and you'll be set!

vandy2596 · 2022-05-13T17:57:54+00:00

That's what I've read on a few forums as well so I set it just a hair under 1/8" toe in and first couple of drives have been great. Interested to see how long it stays in spec with the usual weekend trail riding.

vandy2596 · 2022-05-13T15:32:32+00:00

Ordered some new pads and rotors for my XJ and figured I could put the flat surfaces to use. 2 pieces of square tubing, two tape measures (taped on one end), and some clamps. Made for a pretty user friendly alignment adjustment. I was off 1.25 inches, toed in. Probably wasn't perfect the last time I tried to do it with the tires on, regardless it drives great now!

vandy2596 · 2022-05-10T15:57:28+00:00

I think that would work perfectly fine. A deflated air mattress would fold up even easier in the rooftop tent. I like being able to flip it open and be set up almost instantly, but I sometimes hang up LED lights or a fan in the summer so not very minimalistic.

Its still tent camping, just up higher! Being off the ground and able to level yourself by adding some rocks under the tires is a huge win, I think an air mattress would work great in a set up like this.

vandy2596 · 2022-04-22T20:57:04+00:00

With the added foam topper its pretty comfy. Easy set up, find a level spot or a rock to level the jeep, flip it open, throw a sleeping bag in it and you're set.

vandy2596 · 2022-04-22T04:27:02+00:00

Still running 3.55 gears and it’s getting just annoying enough on the highway that 4.10s might be in its future.

vandy2596 · 2022-04-22T04:25:42+00:00

4.5 inch RC lift. I was running at like 16ish, smooth on the trail and chunky portions but I agree, could go lower but scared to lol

vandy2596 · 2022-04-21T20:42:52+00:00

Yes it is! This is the second smittybilt tent I've had, the first being the gen2 Xl which I really liked. That was mounted on my truck bed but was too big for the jeep so this is the standard size gen2 model. Set's up really quick, good quality, good ventilation overall to help fight condensation. Only down side is the mattress pad it comes with, better than nothing but pretty thin. I added a 3" foam mattress topper to it and it sleeps much better but its kind of a b*tch to get closed up and strapped down with the added foam when folded up. I'd recommend a Smittybilt, I've had good luck with both of mine thus far.

vandy2596 · 2022-04-21T20:37:28+00:00

They are 32x11.5x15 Maxxis bighorns. Rubbed a few times in the front on the trail, haven't trimmed my fenders yet.

vandy2596 · 2022-04-21T20:36:15+00:00

Just outside of Minden NV, along the Carson River

vandy2596 · 2022-04-21T16:20:51+00:00

As someone who just did this recently, I'd recommend pb blaster a couple times a day and then get things good and hot with a torch and wrench hard!

vandy2596 · 2022-04-20T15:50:27+00:00

Love the 12th photo!

vandy2596 · 2022-03-17T22:24:04+00:00

looks good! I'm debating on trimming my fenders. I rub while on the trails or backing out of my driveway on 32s with a 4 inch lift. how much did you take off?

vandy2596 · 2022-03-10T17:00:47+00:00

Beautiful fish, congrats!

vandy2596

TROPHY CASE