I started camping 30 years ago in a 280Z and RX7...then into a Subaru before I got my first 4wd. As you realize if campin is your thing you'll want to see more and more remote areas and get away from the rolling McMansions and their obnoxious generators.

As mentioned.. maintenance.

Get a set of good all-terrain tires and maybe a lunchbox locker, that will get you through most stuff you'll feel comfortable enough tackling alone. Then work on recovery items in the event you do end up a bit over your head in mud/snow etc.

Get entry level camping gear, 4 season tent, good sleeping bag and thermarest. Coleman gas grill and a few other items. Learn to use Forest Service camps.. most are free with just a required permit.

Don't get caught up in the Expeditionportal way of thinking that you need all the high end gear... and then don't have money for fuel and tolls to get the hell out there. Trust me on this..

Get out... see the sights.

Where in NJ? I'm just across the river in Pa. I could probably help you out with a few things.

 

I am not an avid camper. I want to get into it because I enjoy photography and I want to get out into the wilderness and take pictures so I figured camping would be a good companion to that. I live in Belvidere NJ right now but I am moving to Quakertown PA in a month or two.

Another thing I thought about today was maybe getting a hight output alternator and a good battery so that I have plenty of power to charge cell phones, camera batteries and stuff like that. Nothing too crazy though.

 

I did this...in a 1995 BMW 3, drove it around 10,000 miles last year from the end of September to the end of October. I even slept in it somehow...well tried to. I think I am not an expert so I won't speak on specific mods to do to the XJ but like others said just make sure all maintenance is up to date. Have a good mount for whatever GPS or Phone you use, if you use one. Have some tools, extra fluids, air compressor and flashlight.

 

Get a lil 400 w inverter. Like 49.00 at Home Depot, you can run it off of cig lighter to charge batteries, run a lap top, or clip it to a battery to run power tools, air, blender for margaritas...
Also, spare hoses. Coolant hoses, hp ps hoses... Etc

 

power tools with a 400w inverter? I think not...

 

OP. I would start small. As stated make sure all the maintenance is out of the way first. Full sized spare is always nice to have, a few spare parts and tools, serp belt, u joints, fluids etc. After a few trips you'll get a better idea of what you need.

 

Another thing I would like to get is a good set of fog lights for the front and replace my headlights for all that night driving I will be doing.

I would like to figure out a way or build something that would allow me to sleep in my Jeep while out on the road in the most comfortable way possible.

Also what kind of rig would this be called, expedition? Just curious so that I don't go around calling it a Travel rig and people think I am an idiot.

 

Ya, I run my drill and jigsaw just fine.

 

About sleeping in the Jeep, how tall are you? I'm 6'4" and it's somewhat uncomfortable, but not too bad if it's only for a night or two. If you're taller than 5'9" you'll have to sleep diagonally in the back. It's best to move the front seats forward as far as possible then lay the back seat down (I even took the bottom of the back seat out to get more room) and sleep with your feet by the front seats. If your feet hang over a little it's not gonna hurt, but if you turn around and your head hangs over the seats, you'll be sorry in the morning.

 

I'm 6'1 and I agree. I have been contemplating dropping the coin on the expedition tent that sets up on the roof. $1000

 

Yeah, I am only 5'10" so it's not too bad. When I am out on the road I would rather "rough" it without having to find a campsite or anything like that. Just a thought. I have so many ideas running through my head right now.

Here is a question for you guys, I love to read, would there be any books written on the topic of "Expedition" vehicles and what to do or what not to do? Any and all information I think will help me greatly.

 

Something else i've thought of trying is building a platform to extend out of the tailgait then buying mosquito netting and attaching that to the tailgait and extension to keep the bugs out. It wouldn't work well in the winter, but it would be great for summer. Down the road I could even do it with canvas so it closes up a little better.

 

Something that's not about the vehicle itself, but you could read up on the areas you'll be traveling in so you can get an idea of the terain and things to watch out for in the area. I'm not saying to get a survival guide for the area but knowing things like certain areas are known for rock slides, mud slides, or flash flooding, might be something you want to know about before picking your camping spot.

 

One of those tables with folding legs, cut down a little, get to sit flush, and the magnetic screen off of the infomercial!!

 

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. If it was an option for me this would be my build for both highway touring and moderate offroading.

- Rubicon Express 3.5" Super Ride Lift.
- 31 x 10.5 x 15 BF Goodrich A/T Due to manufacture's claimed MPG over KM2.
- Selectable Locker front/rear.
- Cascadia crank-up roof tent or similar. Smallest version for best MPG.
- Some armor. Basic slider and/or xfer case.