Thanks Mad Dog! I've had this JK for 2 years. I had a three year plan but the plan but things went faster than that. So, it's taken me a couple of years to get it to this point and I've explored plenty of terrain in between each mod and just kind of learned what I wanted vs. needed. Interesting enough for me is finding out that I likely don't need the lift that I thought I wanted. I had a TJ before with a 3 inch lift and 35" tires. So, I was used to having that and thought I'd need 2.5 at least. However, I've tackled some pretty amazing trails and not had one problem with my current setup. What you can't see is that I put the highest rated Ruby shocks and springs from a 4 door. It gave me a 1.5 inch lift in the front and a 1" lift in the back. The best part is that the shocks and springs from the Ruby only cost me $50 and they only had a few miles on them! I also got a great deal on the Ruby tires and wheels. My point is that some of it can be done pretty economically but even stock she was fully capable of getting herself out of about anything I pointed her at! Best of luck on your build it's all part of the fun!

 

No joke Mark. Seems like no matter how well I plan I always end up needing something before getting to camp that has to be dug out from the back. I really would like to figure out some storage that could be removed fairly easy when I need the back seat. In the two door especially space is a hot commodity! So, good call Mark its on the list!

 

My first extended camping trip in my new Jeep (which Mark Dorion was part of - WABDR) I had to play tetris every time I needed something. I have since gotten some bins and bags to help organize things which has made getting things out tons easier and more efficient. My old vehicle had a lot more internal storage space than Jeeps have. I got stuff like AluBox and Rightline bags, also got a lot smaller table because my old one takes up so much space inside the jeep (2.5ft x 2.5ft vs. 3ft x 5ft). I also don't take much on trips, but space is limited because of my 2 dogs.

 

If I'd been paying attention I should have gotten some video of you "playing Tertis", then inserted it into the final videos at high speed. ;-)

 

haha... esp the couple times I forgot to put something in first and then had to pull items out to put said item in at the right time. And then the one time I put items back into vehicle only to realize I now left another key item out that has to go in before other items and pull a bunch of stuff out to get that item in.... this actually happened one morning. My wife walked away, most likely because she couldn't hold the laughter back anymore. I have a much better system now.

My Xterra had a lot more usable interior space and i only had 1 dog, so that trip was a interesting at the beginning.

 

Mrak Doiron, do you mind me asking if that MBRP rack makes any noise on the highway when it's not loaded down? Also, do you think that thing would reliably hold a roof top tent with 2 people in it?

If my question is redundant, could you point me in the direction of a review you might have done? I have all kinds of questions about it.

Also, does anyone here have any experience with the Rampage Products interior lifting sport rack? I'd like to know if that thing rattles and makes noise. I know, it's a Jeep, but it's my personal preference that things don't clatter down the road.

Thanks in advance!

 

It isn't the rack that is noisy. It is the lights. But only in the right driving conditions: Interstate speeds, strong headwinds or sidewinds--perhaps 25 MPH and above. It is quite a cacaphony. Most of the time it is not very noisy. Before I added the front extension the noise wasn't noticeable (but the lights were several feet further back).

I have a friend who uses an RTT on his. Bear in mind that inside the hardtop are four struts that carry the weight of the rack and contents. That weight is not supported in any way by the hardtop itself.

 

Mark, thanks a lot. I actually thought that I had come up with the idea for this rack in my head when, surprise!, there's already one out there. I wouldn't plan to run lights, so I wouldn't have to worry about that noise. I was worried about the weight when I saw the inside struts. They look a little thin to me, but if you know someone who uses it for a rtt, then I guess that answers those worries. I like that it would come right off with the top when I run my soft top.

The only other concern I have with it is whether or not it has the potential to leak, and if it came with grommets for the pass through bolts.

 

Let me get back with you on that. I seem to remember a rubber seal. I will shoot a couple pics and post, but it's raining right now. Hope it doesn't leak; never has before!

Edit: BTW, my only real complaint about it is the quality of the powdercoating. It is flaking and I've had to do some touching up. In fact, it needs more.

 

Pics of MBRP rack attachment through hardtop ...


Note rubber gasket ...