This is my second new thread. I wanna see what you all have done to turn your XJ into an expedition/camping rig. I'm particularly interested in keeping it ready to crawl, mud, and wheel as good as it always could but be ready for anything expedition/camping wise such as roof-top tents, cooking gear, e.t.c. Thanks.

 

I haven't done it yet, but plans are:

Inverter with enough power for 6 outlets.
small bed in back (4D with no rear seats)
small shelving unit behind driver seat
chest in rear (where seats used to be) floorboard
hot plate
dual batteries
small compressor
small portable welder

The goal is to have a 100% self-sustaining vehicle that has everything (minus parts of course) for any necessary repairs and to be comfortable enough to live out of.

That is what I want to have done by the time I get out of the military next fall, then I will begin an epic traverse the US. Plan to hit up all 48 contiguous states and alaska (will start in AK as it is where I am from).

Will be camping/hiking/hunting/4x4ing/chasing raves for 6-12 months across the country assuming she behaves for that long and keeps running lol

 

I'm jealous of those plans! Sounds the the time if your life! Do I wish I could do something like that!!!!

 

X2

 

On pirate they have a whole section on expedition vehicles. They also have a picture thread and I've seen some xj's in there before.

 

I hurculined the inside of my xj but i'm not woried about the noise on the inside





I got a surco roof rack for it



and some offroad lights

and I also added lots of dirt and a few dents

The projects not done I plan on a 5.5 iro long arm lif 33x10.5 km2's sliders winch and bumper and other stuff I will think of later

 

Sounds like my dream. I want to add some SCUBA tanks to fill tires. Basically the mission statement for this build is keeping her as trail competent as possible as well as 100% self sufficient and expedition ready (but not purely expedition I also want room for my gun for hunting, snowboard, and other gear, e.t.c.)

 

You can get better things to fill tires than a SCUBA tank

 

Suggestions? I saw somebody running with tanks once and I like the idea just cause it's simple, doesn't require installation and you can put them anywhere.

 

i think they are nitrogen tanks. they use them on extreme 4x4 all the time

 

I was in San Diego earlier this year and went to the auto museum and saw this car there. Its not an xj or even a truck, but it is the ultimate self sustaining smaller vehicle. Thought it might give some inspiration. Check it out - http://www.sdautomuseum.info/?secc=2

 

Because you can't do this with a compressor...?

X2

1. Use a tool to remove your valve stem.
2. Create a seal around hole with lips.
3. Blow really hard.
4. Put valve stem back in very quickly or you'll be blowing it up again.

 

lol yeah no. Yeah compressor's are great for those with money for one that will work and last. I can get a used SCUBA tank for 30 bucks back home.

 

If you're in the military, you have money once every two weeks lol. A decent craftsman compressor can be purchased brand new for less than $500 can last 20+ years depending on how you treat it... That a pretty solid investment in your vehicle if you're looking for the capability to air up on the road.

Also, the compressor can be used for many many many other things and when its pressure gets low you just flip the switch and it refills itself.

It's a good buy IMO.

 

Very true. I'm a college student/E2 reservist. Not amazing in the pay department but I guess I'll start saving.