Expedition Modded Jeeps - Let's see 'em!!
#5111
JK Jedi Master
Teaser video for our recently completed Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) off-road trip is now online. This 2-1/2 minute video provides a quick summary of our six day, 612 mile, mostly off-road trip from Hood River, OR to Nightwatch Crossing on the Canadian border. Full length videos will be released in the coming weeks as I get them done ...
https://youtu.be/JC9zkyXvaik
https://youtu.be/JC9zkyXvaik
#5112
As someone who has been tent camping for 50+ years and is currently looking for a overland capable trailer, the action camper presents real options. I might add that I am on my forth Jeep which is a 2015 JKU Rubicon. Without having the opportunity to see one in person, my "photo" impressions are as follows: (1) It looks very unstable, with the CoG moving aft and up, which is not good for driving off road, even on mild off camber trails. (2) I would think significant mods to the JK's suspension and cooling system would be required to accommodate the campers additional weight, shift in CoG and enormous sail area. (3) If it is being marketed as an Overland camper, you might want to consider the prototype "Africa" model JK that is now touring the country as the "JK of choice" for your camper. The "Africa" has a stiffer 2.5" lift and 35" tires which would make getting over the "whoop-de-doos" on the trail a little easier than the stock unmodified Rubicon you are now using. The "Africa's" interior is also about 6" longer in the rear and the top is solid and not removable, which might provide a stiffer platform. (4) The hit in gas mileage must be significant so you are going to have to add a second gas tank or provide a way to carry a four additional Jerry cans. (5) You now carry 8 gallons of water - not nearly enough. The general rule is one gallon of water per person, per day minimum. If you and your wife are going on a week long overland trip, that's not nearly enough. (6) If you are using standard solar panels, 4 to be exact, you are going to add significant weight above the CoG, which is already too high. How are you going to compensate for that weight shift? (7) Paint that sucker white ! Camping in the desert in a black camper is not safe. (8) Lastly, the installation of your camper on a JK is not at the skill level of a backyard mechanic and 90% of JK owners. Installation of your unit on a customer's JK must be an option you offer. Also, I question the safety of having the propane bottle in the cabin. You might want to consider moving it outside of the unit, maybe in the rear. Well, you wanted comments, there's mine. DF
#5113
..... The automobile clubs (like AAA) of Germany, Austria and Switzerland tested same vehicles in white, silver, red and black because everybody believes what you believe. The final temperature is always the same! The Tuareg's black clothing initiated the idea this test.....
Black absorbs sun heat (Infra Red radiation) much more than bright colors, like white or silver, which absorb much less and reflect much more of the sun radiation, light and heat alike.
I once had a chance to check it with similar Jeeps in the desert. they arrived together and parked for about 3 hrs. The black one got much hotter inside than the white one.
Do you have a link for those AAA tests ?
Either they, or the one who reported it, are very wrong.
They could have found a relatively small temperature difference only if the test was done on a cold winter day -- when it doesn't matter.
#5114
Sorry that I have no link. It's many years ago. They tested with high end equipment and printed the results.
Everybody can have his ActionCamper painted in any color. It just costs more.
Everybody can have his ActionCamper painted in any color. It just costs more.
#5115
JK Enthusiast
Recent camping trip here in Washington's Cascade Range. We started at about 700' above sea level, and camped up at about 6,400' in the mountains. It was a brisk 37 degrees on the second morning!
We did find some interesting roads:
All the Jeeps and other rigs were pretty well set up. Made it easy & comfortable when all the rigs are capable.
Regards, CW
We did find some interesting roads:
All the Jeeps and other rigs were pretty well set up. Made it easy & comfortable when all the rigs are capable.
Regards, CW
#5116
JK Super Freak
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Rock Hard skids in aluminum.
Looks great Mark! Stoked for full release. Digging all the different terrain.
Teaser video for our recently completed Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) off-road trip is now online...Video Link: https://youtu.be/JC9zkyXvaik
#5117
JK Freak
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Snohomish, WA
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Did the Whipsaw trail and French mines detour in British Columbia, Canada this weekend. The trail was wet from a heavy rain storm the night before which made some of the obstacles challenging. I think a stock jeep would need to winch its way up on one or two of the sections
pic from the trail around 6000ft.
group stopped at a lake.
Then we went to the French mines, here was a cool view from near the mines
playing around on a stump at the overlook, had to do a poser shot.
walked around inside the mine, cool things to see
leaving the mine
view just outside the mine
pic from the trail around 6000ft.
group stopped at a lake.
Then we went to the French mines, here was a cool view from near the mines
playing around on a stump at the overlook, had to do a poser shot.
walked around inside the mine, cool things to see
leaving the mine
view just outside the mine
#5119
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pekin, Illinois
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#5120
JK Junkie
Just judging by the photo, his hood is flooded with white bright light....as are his fenders. The Baja Desgins bars have a hyperspot beam that does not have that, it goes out over the hood of the jeep before putting light down. Great design.