TXCherokee

Curious what you all think? I am an avid camper and I thought about getting a pop up or building a teardrop, but I do not like the idea of having to pull around something. So I thought about getting an SUV tent (two kids that like to camp too) then converting my cargo area in the back into something, well, something a like a camper. I am thinking of building a box that will fold up when the rear seats are up and that will fold down when the rear seats are folded down. It will have a water tank, sink with pump and regulator, water heater, propane stove and 4 propane bottles, two for the water heater and two for the stove. Here is some drawings I did

projectmayhem

im interested to see this

nick_n_ii

I like the idea very much. Just not sure you can fit all that in the space you want.

But I do like the idea and would like to see it tried..

Bimmer_2002

Very Interesting....Will keep checking this thread.

ironhead64

This is a cool idea!! Your graphics are excellent! I just hope there would be no danger with sleeping near propane tanks. I guess you could take them out at bedtime?

4.3L XJ

Looks good to me. The one thing I would add is a tent that encloses the back while you are cooking. Cabelas used to have them, but apparently not now.

Destro

I was going to say the same thing- a tent for the back would complete this, or if you wanted to go all out add a fiberglass raised top to the back like some conversion van campers or a pup-up top like the VW vans have.

Sears has the best price I found on an SUV tent:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003c
~K

NewXJaddict

Cool idea. If you can do it, go for it. I always like to see people with the creativity to do something different with their Jeep.

big95xj

I dont think id be worried about at bedtime but drive time. I dont like the idea of driving around all the time with propane tanks on either side of the jeep. What if you get t boned real hard? I would think maybe make that part of it removable for every day driving. Other than that it looks like a great idea if you can get all you want into such a small area.

TXCherokee

The tent I am ordering is the Sportz one, it seems to have the best reviews and fits more snug plus it has a patio area... I am also going to create a pipe to put the exhaust fumes quite a bit further away. I am also thinking of making a A/C duct system so that the cold air can make it back to the Tent at night (Its hot in Central Texas).

http://www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,...NPR-83000-JEEP

TXCherokee

And now the search for components begins, Sink, faucet, Stove, Water Heater, Water pump, water pressure regulator etc. etc. etc. LOL I think it will work.

ironhead64

You can DOOOO it, TX!!!

OverlandZJ

How tall are you? Mattress length would be very short, most dont find enough room to sleep in the back of an XJ.

For a water pump check out http://www.shurflo.com/

I'd also be concerned about heat and interior plastics. You could have the sink and stove built in on a "slider" that comes out the hatch. Maybe with the sink/stove inline with stove furthest out. This would give you more drop for gravity draining of your grey water, add a longer hose to take it away from the vehicle or into a bucket to collect.

You can find RV stoves and sinks on ebay reasonable. IE.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ADTH-...Q5fAccessories

Consider a water tank that would run across the back behind the seat, this would help with balancing the weight side to side.

Ritter4.0

I like the idea too, but would feel MUCH more comfortable with the propane tanks on a roof rack or tire carrier. As long a they are outside the cabin.

4.3L XJ

That is another Area I would address. If you had seats out of a 2 door, they would go forward and you could extend the mattress area during sleep times about a foot I think.

I will have some nice beige ones available in the near future.