As if the "i" wasn't there. It's French--think of Miss Piggy saying, "Who, moi?" The "doi" rimes with "moi". But we stick with as if the "i" wasn't there.

 

Good question. There's actually an old thread somewhere that explores it. But, think of long range, self-contained travel. I think if you were to take even the most basic Jeep Wrangler and make it capable of self-contained travel for at least a few days, you'd have a good start on an overlanding rig. IOW, the issue is more travel and comfort, not capability of the vehicle. Think tent, tools, spares, refrigerator, extra gas and water, self-recovery--that kind of stuff. If you want tougher trips, then you need to think of vehicle capability. However, things like D60 axles and 40-inch tires are really more the purview of rock crawlers. In fact, I'm quite content with my built-up D30 axle and don't feel compelled at all to upgrade to a D44. If you look at vehicles on African expeditions, they typically are something like a Land Rover with little more than small AT tires. Large tires are problematic because they trim range. Diesel is also very popular when you move outside the U.S., but not an option for us with the Wranglers right now.

 

I was about to ask you what issue you were referring to, but after looking through my only issue so far (received subscription as christmas present) I noticed it's in there and haven't gotten to it yet. Sweet! I noticed there was a Land Rover on the first page of the article so didn't realize it was focused on the JK.

 

Agree with Mark. Some refer to it as Overlanding. There is an expo this year in Flagstaff where you can see a lot of the products and vehicles in action. Here's their description: http://www.overlandexpo.com/faq/gene...something.html. Frankly, I find a lot of the Overlanders coming from Land Rover background different than JK owners (I used to run a D90). The older ones like to sit around and talk about their technical $100 coffee mugs or the latest elite cookware. "GLAMing" instead of camping. The Overland Journal promotes this (just look at the cover price for starters). The JK crowd is much more into the trail, getting dirty, and doing things the Yankee way. Beer and whiskey instead of Chardonnay, if you will. Much more fun! Sorry, just my jaded opinion.

 

I've got a 2012 rubi unlimited, I think rock crawling is neat and all, but it doesn't take me long to get bored with it. Not many folks have done mods on the 12s yet, so many of the mods that jk owners talk about may not apply...i.e. the gears. I'm running 4.10s with stock wheels, I can push to 35s, not change anything (gear-wise) and be just fine. Honestly I'm not sure I want to go 35s though, I'm thinking some beefier 33s and maybe some spacers leave everything else alone. On a thread on this site they recommend gussets but say the sleeves aren't really needed on a D44. There's also allot less room in the engine compartment so double battery trays and air compressors could be a challenge.

I plan on pulling a Lifetime tent trailer on many of my "expeditions", (little brother to the jumping jack trailer) so not sure a roof rack is something I want to invest in. The thing is made for parking a 4 wheeler on top so I can stack as much C-wrap up top as my little heart desires. Not sure about a fridge, I'm thinking I'll start out with mostly dry food, and ice chest and a propane stove and see how that goes. I'll need to be able to put jerry cans on the jeep for when I leave the tent parked elsewhere.

Also torn between an electric or hydraulic winch. The Hydraulic has an unlimited duty cycle where with an electric I'm understanding you really should have the 2nd battery and it's duty cycle is limited. The kicker being you can't run the hydraulic if the engine isn't running

Planning a trek from Tulsa to Monument Valley, up and through to Canyonlands in early through mid May. So I have a little time to think things over. Going to do my best to hit Yellowstone in early Sept as well.

I guess the best thing about overlanding is I don't really need much more than stock to do so. But I am certainly open to the experience of others to help me make informed decisions.

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I feel the D44 is plenty for most all trips. People who bend axles or break drivetrains are typically hitting things too hard, especially on rocks. When you are way out in the middle of nowhere, easy going is th key. I run a 5.7vvt in my rig and have completely stock Rubi drivetrain with 35" tires. No issues despite the added weight and torque. Eventually, I will swap to RCVs, mostly for their smoothness. Also plan new driveshafts eventually, as they are showing signs of failure after lift and 40k miles.

Fridge is a must if you are out more than 2 days.
Rack is useful when you don't haul your trailer.
Winch, your choice, but electrics more plentiful and you probably shouldn't be running either with the engine off.

 

Hey Mark I'm thinking of doing the same Alcan trip. Can't find any locals willing to commit. Any chance you want to make it a small group? Send me an email richjeeps at yahyoo (I'm retired AF)

 

Just made some JKU redesign decisions:

Have an Offroad Logic Safari Rack on the way, from a local buddy. NICE RACK, great deal!! LOL.

Looking for a 2010 or newer factory softop; to replace my ORH fastback softop. That was a tough decision, but I am Expo-style committed.

Deciding on a coil replacement and lowering the rig by 2-2.5"; probably AEV coils. Will be keeping the 40s, at least for now. I still like the ground clearance and lack of belly banging.

Looking forward to the changes. Weekend local equipment abuse will be minimal now; don't miss it either.

 

PM sent. ....

 

I'd consider AEV's new 2" coil lift (is it released yet?) Plenty of room for 35's...

I'm just starting my expo build on a new '12... and I really think I'm just going to use a spacer to account for my bumper and winch... then get some airbags for heavy loads / leveling.. I'll trim the sides out of my fender flares and put 33-34's on to get just a little more height.

I had the OME HD lift on my last one, and really came to hate the ride... not sure I want to trust a lift again... especially when the JK is already pretty darn tall from the factory. I've seen plenty of expeditions in VW bugs... don't think a stockish jk will have any problems.