Cargo Area Modification
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
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2 liter 8 cylinder
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?
I just hope there would be no danger with sleeping near propane tanks. I guess you could take them out at bedtime?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
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.
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
Sears has the best price I found on an SUV tent:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003c
~K
Last edited by Destro; Dec 11, 2009 at 04:15 PM.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Holts Summit Missouri
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
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
http://www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,...NPR-83000-JEEP
CF Veteran


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
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.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
I will have some nice beige ones available in the near future.


