I'm gutting a 98 XJ and removing the whole nose. Engine, trans , dash, front seat, etc.. Cutting the fender aprons off and adding a tongue to the front to tow behind my Xj for camping and such.

 

Its a neat idea, but even witbout the engine, trans, tcase and front end its still going to be a heavy trailer. I suggest regearing your tow rig for sure.

 

Well I've done all the math and am weighing everything as it comes out. When its done it should be around 2,200 lbs.

 

Thats before you load it with camping gear and tools... and reenforce the front half for towing.


AN RV heating and cooling unit on top, with a small queit generator mounted up front would be awesome... Definately look at the Rving community for ideas when it comes to this.


I always liked this idea.. good luck and keep us posted.

 

Will do. Probably not getting carried away with accessories. I like to rough it so likely I'll use a Coleman lantern for both heat and light. Though about doing some fabrication for a PTO to make the rear tired work when on the trail, instead of being dead weight. Many ideas just not definite on everything yet except for the audio and power converter. Trying to stick to a bare bone secure shelter rather than a luxury sleeper. Many pics to come, since its already stripped.

 

Awesome, dont give up.

 

would be and awesome idea to do. Lift it to match the tow rig and same paint, tires ect. You would always have spares then on a long trip haha

 

hmmm now that I have seen this I may pickup a local cherokee with front end damage

 

Sounds good, albeit slightly heavy. Curious to see where this goes.

 

Great pic!

But when I came up with this before, I figured that the tongue weight was going to be too much, and that in order for it to work, the rear axle would have to be moved forward.

 

Nice. I can see what DJKnightmare is talking about. Looks like some serious tongue weight. I see one hell of a bastard-pack, and some gears in your future.

 

Very much a concern.. Weight distribution hitch, Airbag leveling system and really good springs could help with that. I also recommend upgrading the Hitch, and mounting system to a higher rating as well.

Moving the axle foward would be ideal but way more work and trouble then it is worth if you ask me.

Lets see some progress pics.

 

OD did this with a grand Cherokee.

You'll need deep gears for sure.

 

I'm going to put the tongue supports inside the unirails and reinforce them from the outside and along the firewall. My rigs is only lifted 3 inches running 31's and already regeared to tow around 5000 lbs