Instead of going the off-road trailer route, has anyone thought of doing a JK8 conversion? I'm really liking the idea of keeping all storage in one place vs. towing a trailer over rough terrain but there have to be pitfalls that I'm not considering yet (apart from reduced storage space vs. a trailer)

 

My interest in a trailer has to do with me owning a 2 door and just needing more space in general. Having a trailer will allow me to get the gear out of the JK to keep weight down while being able to pack everything still. I have already pulled my back seat but my great dane comes with me and takes up the space in back. I can divide the area but its still a tight fit.

I have looked at the offerings from Manley, Ruger, Sierra4x4, Adventure Trailer, Dinoot, Turtleback, and it seems many more. I can't get over the price that people want for one of these. I'm not saying they are easy to build or repair but they just cost so much for something so "simple." As such I have started to consider trying to build one myself. It would be a good chance to get better at welding but I'm still a ways out from starting anything. I really hope that someone will post something up that will work for me at a decent price that I'll be able to snatch up. Regardless with what I end up with, it'll be multipurpose. Its got to be able to go camping and do yard and home chores as well.

This is the build that has me thinking I might be able to pull a diy build off. I think he says he is into it like $1500 after the first stage.

 

My thoughts exactly but with a 4 door...for the price of a trailer I could customize the Jeep into something really cool. The only drawback I've found to the jk8 is the fact that you'd be losing the 2nd row seats which are great since this is also my daily driver...

 

If you have the cash AEV brute would give you a 4 door and a pickup bed. The JK8's are actually really small inside and outside.

So how does everyone get all their gear into a JK without having a trailer. I'll be camping with 4 people and a dog and I'll have a raised cargo carrier, a tuffy trunk and possibly a Surco 50"x60" roof rack. I'm not sure I can fit it all yet still working on it.

 

I looked at the Brute Double Cab quickly but there's no world, real or imaginary, where I could afford something like that...I know that when I go camping for a couple days out of the Jeep, I fold as many rear seats down as I can (depending on how many people are coming, the most I've had is 2 people, 2 dogs) and pack as lightly as I can. If I get the organization right, I don't find any problems with storage space; however, I have been looking at off-road trailers so I could leave more room in the JK...plus, it'd allow me to go on longer (and more remote) trips.

My hope for the JK8 was that I could have the best of both worlds; however if it's as small as you say it is, sounds like I'm out of luck on that option...I thought a JK8 with a bed cover and a RTT mounted over the bed would have been SWEET (and somewhat simple/functional)...I was trying to avoid having to ride with both a Jeep and a trailer that could potentially roll/malfunction/break when out & away from other people. Trying to keep things as simple/safe as I can...

Either way, thanks for the info! To bad they don't have a mid-sized truck option like the Nukizer or J12 concepts...

 

The Brute is ridiculous in price, but the ultimate of both worlds. I'd never spend that much on it. I will normally have 4 people and a dog and all the fixings. I'm trying to do it without a trailer also, but I will see as time goes on how it all works out.

Here is a link to a JK8 made around here by a place called Dakota Customs, it's sold but it gives you an example. They sold it for $48,000.
http://dakota-customs.com/forsale.aspx

 

I'd go trailer before a larger rig, especially if it is your DD. That way, you are only carrying the extra storage when you need it. I like the fact that the back of my Jeep isn't full of camping crap when I go to work or to the store. You can do it for little money if you start with a M416. Building my trailer was the most fun project I have done yet. You end up with exactly what you want/need and leave it behind when not needed.

 

That's a lot of live load to haul. Just some thoughts:

• Long expeditions are probably not happening. Plan for a couple nights at most.
• Think backpacking gear and provisioning--tents, stoves, sleeping bags and pads are smaller, lighter (and more expensive); food is lighter and more compact and doesn't require ice (so no sodas or beer)
• Camp where water is plentiful--either through spigots in a campground, or by filtering from streams (no need to filter cooking, dishwashing and showering water, BTW)
• You're not going to change clothes as often as you (especially the ladies) might like
• Fair/hot weather camping requires less clothing, as well (but take rain gear just in case!)

 

Great thoughts. Yea I'm new to the single vehicle camping and camping light. I've done the tent camping and motorhome camping but expedition type stuff is new. It is a lot of live cargo lol

I'm still working out all the bugs

 

I realize the trailer can be more work on the trails but I will tell you that I took 2 teenage boys (the short one is 6'1), my wife and our 85 lb dog to the mountains last year for 10 days. This was one of the best vacations our family has ever had and we have had some some pretty good vacations! Without the trailer, it would not be possible. My trailer is 10% larger than the M416 trailer. It is stuffed when we leave but the jeep is empty except for our snacks and some odds and ends. I really enjoy the trailer and the opportunities and freedom it gives my family.