Decided I really didn't like how much my Nexus 7 moved about with the CoolTech mount. Ordered the grab bar from Carolina Metal Masters. Came in today. Am happy with how it turned out. Should hopefully get it installed later tonight.

 

Yup, Ursa Minor J30

 

If you look at overlanding rigs around the world, as opposed to what we prefer here in the U.S., you'll probably note some differences in how "they" do things and what we prefer here in the U.S. And certainly one of these is the front bumper. Typically they choose bumpers that provide full coverage for the front of the vehicle, thus providing protection when pushing one's way through the jungles of Southeast Asia (or wherever). They also prefer tall, skinny tires as opposed to often bigger, but much fatter, tires. However, looks do prevail for many of us which is why we select things that in other places might be considered less than optimal.

As for roof racks: You'll have to decide where you're going to mount gear and whether you need those side supports. The most common use for them is for sand ladders. I have a set of MaxTrax and eventually I plan to mount them somehow to the side of my rack. This gets them out of the Jeep where they will create a mess after being used and mucked up, and down from the top, where access is more difficult (and most especially if mine happens to be the vehicle in need of them at the moment!).

It's been mentioned before in this thread, but worth bringing up again: The book Overlander's Handbook by Chris Scott is an excellent resource. Amazon has it. It provides info on building an overlanding vehicle, as well as how to use it, and delves into actually traveling to distant countries--shipping, export controls, passports/visas, you name it having to do with international travel.

 

All very true. I went with an LOD mid-width which I think is a great compromise and it's turned out well. With tyres I've stuck to the 255/85/16 BFG KM2s which are superb off-road, brilliant on it and just hit the sweet spot for the gear ratios on the EU CRDs. Whilst I'd love a set of chunky, wide 35s for looks I can't bring myself to compromise the ride ability of these tyres.

With regard to helpful books the overland bible is this one:

Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide, Edn 3

It's worth picking a copy up now before they sell out, as they invariably do. Once they are sold the prices on the net tend to quadruple and more. The author sells them himself and I think he will only sell one copy per person. Fantastic book that is incredibly detailed.

 

Whoa, yes! Previous editions go for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market--if you can find one!

 

Howdy from Sweden.

This book is awesome, I read it alot. I also has his bok "Four-by Four driving" This Guy now everything about 4x4 and expeditions. He had alot of 4x4 vehicles over the years, and lately he had a Mercedez Gelandewagen. Intresting he knows so much about every 4x4 out there and for a year ago he Choose a 2012 2 door Jeep Wrangler as his expedition vehicle, that is a good verdict.

He writes about tents, vehicles, food, water, batteries, solar panels, gps etc

He has done this for more than 40 years.

Here is an article of him

http://www.loisontheloose.com/wordpr...small-file.pdf

 

Wow great info guys.

I'll have to pick up both of those books.


The problem Im having is my JK is also my daily driver so right now I need to find a balance of mods that work around town and work on the trial.

For example I liked this rack as it still seems nice and low for around town, but still can carry a lot. I love how it hides the light bar except for when you need it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REIEUrR_UsA

 

Installed! The empty mount doesn't move at all. Used to hear the spring rattle all the time when empty while using the Cooltech mount. Even while going up the trail to one of our microwave sites, it wasn't moving, so I'll have to see how it handles with the Nexus 7... but I'm thinking it'll be fine.

 

I have the same dilemma. I visit clients in mine all day every day and then off-road it whenever I can, which is why whenever you see pics of mine it's spotlessly clean. It's doable, though. I had a Gobi style rack before but will soon put an MBRP rack on mine.

 

Awesome. ....