neohic Posted July 26, 2020 Share Posted July 26, 2020 I know this topic has been gone over in the past but I feel like we could start fresh with all the products and technologies available in the aftermarket right now. So? Who’s getting out there and enjoying their Comanche out in the wild and what’s your setup? Here’s a build I recently found that’s WAY over the top. I love it!... but it’s more than I’d ever build for myself. https://www.overlandkitted.com/four-wheel-drive/2020/2/16/this-diy-jeep-camper-is-a-must-see?format=amp Let’s talk gear, storage, fuel and water reserves, tents/toppers, along with whatever else you’re running or wanting. Don’t have your truck all decked out but have a shopping wish list? Cool! Post that up too. Here’s my rig to start: ... yup... it’s an ancient build thread and admittedly the Comansion has only been used once. Gear: • Wildernest topper • Twin size bed • Full length storage down each side of the bed • Fully carpeted interior • Kitchen “toolbox” with interior storage and counter space • 10(?) gallon water tank • Spare tire Right now it’s sitting in storage with my Eliminator and it’s full of parts. Years ago when I got the whole setup built and dialed in I had dreams of taking it to places like Colorado and exploring around with it in tow. Now I live in Colorado in a tiny house and all I can think about is how big and heavy it is come the day I actually have the time to go out camping again! I’d like to downsize. Probably a rooftop tent mounted on a rack would be ideal for me. I’d have the same storage space (for the most part) in my truck as this without hailing a trailer. Stay tuned come the day it no doubt ends up in the For Sale section again. Anyhow... what’s the rest of CC doing for their overland/camping rigs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 26, 2020 Share Posted July 26, 2020 I can totally appreciate the lightness of a single rig sans trailer. my only real issue with rooftop tents is the lack of a basecamp (kinda like an RV). I gotta set up and tear down every time I was to go exploring in the Jeep. This isn't a problem with some trips, but I'd need a whole separate tent for places like Moab (which isn't a deal killer since it's just a cheap tent). between this stupid year and the KJ still randomly acting a fool, the plan has been on the back burners. This is the overall look though. truck bed with a cap. One side of the bed will be a sleeping platform with foam, the other will be boxes of gear. still debating a roofrack on the topper (I want one, but don't really want to pop holes in my otherwise perfect cap). I'd like to camp with the tailgate down (it's super hard to open) so I'll need to fab up a door. I was thinking probably from an old tent so it'll have screen and a simple zipper. With no gas tank or exhaust here's a shocking amount of space under the bed and I'm not sure what to do with it all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted July 26, 2020 Author Share Posted July 26, 2020 46 minutes ago, Pete M said: I can totally appreciate the lightness of a single rig sans trailer. my only real issue with rooftop tents is the lack of a basecamp (kinda like an RV). I gotta set up and tear down every time I was to go exploring in the Jeep. What I’ve got in my head for an overland rig is pretty much camping where others would have a difficult time getting to. I’ve got a tent for longer stays/base camp but I’m leaning towards a RTT for the ease of getting away for a weekend trip. There’s plenty of trails around me within a couple hours drive that one could drive to after work on a Friday, set up camp, and hunker down for a quiet weekend alone. Excellent point though, Pete! Something else to consider with a trailer as a stand alone base camp is leveling jacks at the rear. What about water storage? Are you thinking of setting your trainer up as a permanent camping rig? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 26, 2020 Share Posted July 26, 2020 1 hour ago, neohic said: Are you thinking of setting your trainer up as a permanent camping rig? that's the problem. I can't leave it as a pure camping rig. I need to to be a utility trailer too, so whatever I build for inside the bed must be removable. But honestly that shouldn't be too difficult since it's far less ambitious than the Comansion and there's only me so the bed is smaller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted July 27, 2020 Author Share Posted July 27, 2020 1 hour ago, Pete M said: ... I can't leave it as a pure camping rig. ... Interchangeability! That’s what I’ve got in mind! I’d definitely consider a rack on the topper for both gear but also as an easy lifting location to get the topper off and on. Picture an engine hoist at the rear of the trailer lifting the topper as you drive forward. Getting the topper out of the way obviously makes for a better utility trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 27, 2020 Share Posted July 27, 2020 that's a good idea right now the topper is stored on one of my spare beds. it's a real pain to heft over to the trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertwinkiehobo Posted July 27, 2020 Share Posted July 27, 2020 6 hours ago, Pete M said: With no gas tank or exhaust here's a shocking amount of space under the bed and I'm not sure what to do with it all. Oh, I can think of a few things...water storage, battery tray, fold-out/drop-out gas gennie, I even wondered if an alternator could be coupled to the pinion yoke (assuming you didn't gut the diff or swap to a trailer axle) and use it to charge up the tray of batteries while you're on the move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 27, 2020 Share Posted July 27, 2020 not sure about the alternator idea (though it might be the best use of a dana 35 ever!), but water and a battery bank would be high on the list for an extended off-the-grid jaunt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 27, 2020 Share Posted July 27, 2020 Haven't thought about this stuff in a while, but I do have a ton of idea-pics from when my uncle was talking about wanting a hunting XJ. here are a few: it may not be obvious, but that solar panel slides underneath the rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted July 28, 2020 Author Share Posted July 28, 2020 ^ Interesting water tank. I would imagine using black ABS pipe would act as a water heater. Perhaps an “H” or a grid of black fittings could make for a decent amount of water to shower off after a day on the trail. Good ideas, folks. Keep them coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 28, 2020 Share Posted July 28, 2020 here's a step so you don't have to stand on the seat. and a couple neat storage ideas that drop down from the roof of the cap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 28, 2020 Share Posted July 28, 2020 and there's always this option: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted July 28, 2020 Share Posted July 28, 2020 (edited) 17 hours ago, Pete M said: That's interesting, I can't make out the manufacturer, Pete do you know? Edited July 28, 2020 by fiatslug87 EDIT: found it Cap-Pack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 28, 2020 Share Posted July 28, 2020 it was the first thing I did once I got home. Adding a 7 pin connector so I can have power for lights is on the to-do list. both of my potential tow rigs have a 7 pin so it's more or less a no-brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertwinkiehobo Posted July 30, 2020 Share Posted July 30, 2020 On 7/27/2020 at 10:02 AM, Pete M said: Izzat two 12-volt compressors in parallel? And what about the use of an air tank with them, rig it with a pressure switch? Or am I overthinking it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 30, 2020 Share Posted July 30, 2020 you can absolutely use a tank too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 30, 2020 Share Posted July 30, 2020 a few windows made into storage bays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted July 31, 2020 Author Share Posted July 31, 2020 On 7/27/2020 at 8:08 PM, neohic said: ... I would imagine using black ABS pipe would act as a water heater... Rare chance today that I was sitting in traffic. I look over at this JK next to me and sure enough... ... had one on the other side too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muncher Posted July 31, 2020 Share Posted July 31, 2020 I would def like to get a trailer or a bed rack to offroad in my mj someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted August 1, 2020 Author Share Posted August 1, 2020 On 7/30/2020 at 8:26 PM, Muncher said: I would def like to get a trailer or a bed rack to offroad in my mj someday. There’s a couple MJ specific racks on the market right now. Otherwise I’ve found that others are using racks intended for Tacomas. There’s always the tape measure approach too... just use what works or make your own. Lately I’ve been dreaming of finding another factory short bed sport bar and fitting it backwards at the rear of my Eliminator to hang a RTT between. Is that greedy? Having two factory sport bars mounted in the same truck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 "greedy" and "hoarding" are just words. Words that other people use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coheed Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 On 7/30/2020 at 1:13 PM, Pete M said: a few windows made into storage bays Nate aka Dirt Lifestyle did a really good video about these recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 On 7/30/2020 at 1:13 PM, Pete M said: a few windows made into storage bays Excuse me, do you have any Grey Poupon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted August 2, 2020 Author Share Posted August 2, 2020 Confirmed. I really like the idea of this. When I go out I like to keep things as simple as possible as far as power usage goes. I’ve never carried an air compressor but rather a small CO2 tank. The regulator I usually have on it tops out at 120# which is awesome for running air tools on the trail or a nailer around the house for a quick job. That same regulator could be set all the way down to 10-15# for running a shower. No power. No fuss. Noted for potential future build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 these fold-out shades are super popular (and expensive) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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