Cherokee camping hacks/mods thread
#17
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#19
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Arizona
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Same here! I have used it for camping a hundred or more times in the last seven years but about the only "camping" mod I've made is to install a 1,500 watt pure sine wave inverter which is handy for running my buddy's CPAP and my coffee maker. Planning on a roof rack to which I will add a 6" x 6' sealed ABS tube that will function as a solar water heater. Mine will just be gravity fed but the guy I got the idea from ran a line from his ARB compressor to the tank to pressurize it.
#20
CF Veteran
I wanted to do a platform for a long time, and designed a few things. Then I balked and went a different direction. I went with low profile bins in the back, 3 of them (recovery, parts, tools). My cubby bag is used for personal care (sunscreens, bug sprays, etc). I use black cargo blankets over the bins to create a false flat surface, so that from the outside of the vehicle there is no indication that I have that gear on board (about $2k worth). The bins are nice because I can remove them easily, or adjust them during the winter when I sleep in the XJ for camping.
But the platform bug is scratching at me once again. However, there are a few things I see on the forums I want to avoid. First, is the use of full size lumber (2x4,2x6,etc). I've done the math and it is crazy how much space that lumber eats up as part of the design. Many cubic feet. Not to mention the additional weight it brings. So I am still scheming and planning. Also I must retain the use of the back seat, due to kids. So I have to design something where a top layer slides forward over the folded-down rear seat when I am camping. Haven't quite nailed that idea yet. Also, when you want to go with much thinner/smaller/stronger finished hardwoods to reduce weight and space used up by the lumber, the cost skyrockets. One small finished piece of hardwood can be $20, where that would buy something like 6 2x3s.
But the platform bug is scratching at me once again. However, there are a few things I see on the forums I want to avoid. First, is the use of full size lumber (2x4,2x6,etc). I've done the math and it is crazy how much space that lumber eats up as part of the design. Many cubic feet. Not to mention the additional weight it brings. So I am still scheming and planning. Also I must retain the use of the back seat, due to kids. So I have to design something where a top layer slides forward over the folded-down rear seat when I am camping. Haven't quite nailed that idea yet. Also, when you want to go with much thinner/smaller/stronger finished hardwoods to reduce weight and space used up by the lumber, the cost skyrockets. One small finished piece of hardwood can be $20, where that would buy something like 6 2x3s.
#21
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 534
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I-6
I wanted to do a platform for a long time, and designed a few things. Then I balked and went a different direction. I went with low profile bins in the back, 3 of them (recovery, parts, tools). My cubby bag is used for personal care (sunscreens, bug sprays, etc). I use black cargo blankets over the bins to create a false flat surface, so that from the outside of the vehicle there is no indication that I have that gear on board (about $2k worth). The bins are nice because I can remove them easily, or adjust them during the winter when I sleep in the XJ for camping.
But the platform bug is scratching at me once again. However, there are a few things I see on the forums I want to avoid. First, is the use of full size lumber (2x4,2x6,etc). I've done the math and it is crazy how much space that lumber eats up as part of the design. Many cubic feet. Not to mention the additional weight it brings. So I am still scheming and planning. Also I must retain the use of the back seat, due to kids. So I have to design something where a top layer slides forward over the folded-down rear seat when I am camping. Haven't quite nailed that idea yet. Also, when you want to go with much thinner/smaller/stronger finished hardwoods to reduce weight and space used up by the lumber, the cost skyrockets. One small finished piece of hardwood can be $20, where that would buy something like 6 2x3s.
But the platform bug is scratching at me once again. However, there are a few things I see on the forums I want to avoid. First, is the use of full size lumber (2x4,2x6,etc). I've done the math and it is crazy how much space that lumber eats up as part of the design. Many cubic feet. Not to mention the additional weight it brings. So I am still scheming and planning. Also I must retain the use of the back seat, due to kids. So I have to design something where a top layer slides forward over the folded-down rear seat when I am camping. Haven't quite nailed that idea yet. Also, when you want to go with much thinner/smaller/stronger finished hardwoods to reduce weight and space used up by the lumber, the cost skyrockets. One small finished piece of hardwood can be $20, where that would buy something like 6 2x3s.
Last edited by CRLAMBERTJR; 09-23-2018 at 10:29 AM.
#24
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The Coleman fits nicely in the rear storage slot with room to spare for a kitchen bin on the same side. Plan now is to remove the rear seat back and drop my tool bag and heavier items in the under seat area and keep kitchen and non perishables items out back.
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