Fire away with any questions you have about the camper, the build or anything else and I'll address them in future videos! Want early access and the scoop from behind the scenes? Sign up on Patreon today! - patreon.com/theroadchoseme
I was one of your viewers that asked the question from your previous episode, "why not the Gladiator", since more room is what you need. Will using the Gladiator make it too big and heavy?
I noticed comments from people giving you a hard time for choosing a vehicle that the average person "can't" build. As someone who just built a composite camper from scratch in my backyard, I just want to say that's rubbish. If these people have a budget for a nice, newer 4x4 like this, then they could build something similar to what you are doing. They just don't choose to put in the time and effort. It's a cool project and I'm excited you are getting it done so fast. I'm hoping to get some ideas from you on the interior 👍
Wow, that is awesome! I have to admit I personally don't have the fabrication skills, but I'm learning everything I can from Michael and it's incredible!
Cut a Jeep in half! this is the kind of content I love. I know it's not what you're all about, this is just a means to an end, but... it keeps me around. crazy upgrades from the TJ.
This is such an awesome build!! I love watching people go far out of their comfort zone to make one of a kind rigs. I think it might be time to join patreon for more behind the scenes footage. PS, make sure you label the back up sensors location and orientation in the pockets, they are critical to the overall operation of them working in unison.
This is exactly what I want to do to my 13JKU. You have inspired me to travel the US by way of back roads and trails, seeing the small town USA as I go. Dream of doing the trans America Trail, and Pan American Highway. Would love to get the plans and materials list for the back half to build my own. I retire in 2 years and wish to put my plan into action.
Rad Build Dan. Congrats on moving forward with a dream project. I'm sure, just like me, you've spent countless hours while driving or sitting around camp dreaming up how you would change your current set up to make it a little more comfy, convenient, or capable. So nice that you have help from someone that just built a prototype. I feel like I spend half my time staring at projects trying to figure out how I am going to build what I want.😂
I had to watch this with my eyes closed! Oh the humanity!🫣 I could hear my Jeep sobbing softly in the garage! This will be awesome when finished.👌 But you never properly introduced us to your new Rubicon!
I've done something similar and here's a tip: First thing to remove is the top. You'll be thankful of the added light and room to move about when removing interior components.
The importance of acces to living quarters without leaving the vehicle is often overlooked. Vans are usually the best platform for this need, but vans with robust offroading drivetrain are virtually non-existant in the North American market. While Wranglers have the proper drivetrain for expeditions, their interior space is abysmal. turning a jeep into a compact RV is the best of both words when cost is not a factor, that being said, the Africa expedition Jeep with ursa minor top is still the most cost-effective build I've seen so far.
Absolutely, the Africa Jeep with the Ursa Minor pop-up was excellent for my needs and it will be very hard to beat. That being said, I'm excited to try something new, if for no other reason than I can learn from it - learn the pros and cons and have comparisons. I like trying new things, which I think is kind of obvious given my desire to go to new and remote places around the world.
This is what makes you unique and such a pleasure to watch your channel Mate, keep up the fantastic work as ill be watching your project come alight as i have a jeep that might need the same treatment done.👍👍👍👍👍
Wow! So excited to watch the progression. No doubt a lot of work, but a unique rig suited excellently for your desired use case has got to be worth the effort. If ofcourse you've got the bank account and balls to pull it off. I certianly don't lol. So I'll be safely enjoying the experience vicariously thanks to you. Your channel is just awesome!
The logic is sound to me Dan. This is a 2 person overland Jeep camper. Gladiator is great an all. But this build is for 2 people. Gladiator is heavier to start with. Because you would be keeping the rear cab. So worse mpg. Gladiator(even rubicon )at stock height drags its belly a lot.144” wheelbase after all. But people overcome that by lifting it and bigger tires. They look great and proportionate on 35”/37” tires and perform great off road. Except turning radius. But once again. Not necessary for you Dan. You go off road plenty. But avoid extreme obstacles. For good reason. And big lift and big tires. More weight/ more drag =worse mpg. To me that’s what led you to this. Yes it’s a bit crazy. And not something everyone might undertake. Your Ursa Minor pop top Jk is hard to beat. This is essentially the same off road performance. But more living space. And even better mpg with the diesel. And the camper weighs the same as you are removing. On paper it makes a lot of sense. Yes it will have a pass through. Which is nice when it’s really really cold. Or in a dangerous situation. People/wildlife. But I don’t believe the pass through is your priority. It’s the other things I mentioned above. Super excited for you Dan. Hope to catch up with you in Calgary/BC at some point. You have inspired my build and given me focus/direction. 👊
It's a Jeep. They're a dime a dozen. So cutting another one isn't a loss. Plus I'm sure when you have a great goal to achieve by doing so, it makes it easier to do. Still, I do agree that you are brave to do it. Looks like an exciting start to your project. 👍
Nice work, looking at doing similar to my squarebody suburban. Currently it's the the process of being converted to a 1 ton monster with a 6.0 ls motor with other extras. I'm going to build over the cab as a loft bed. Will kinda end up looking like a mix of what you did and a truck camper.
Dan, Are you running AEV Suspension, wheels and front bumper again? Are you planning for 35" tires? It is looking AWESOME! You guys are really building a cool and useful Overland Jeep!!! Can't wait to see it in person someday. Cheers, Ben
I have a question for a video maybe. You always said that you like to keep vehicles looking somewhat stock for bribery and such. Do you think a big custom camper will be a problem in that regard. Expecially when you're installing custom lights and such.
That statement is more about stinger bumpers, tires that stick WAY outside the guards, LED light bars all over the place etc. etc. You want to keep your vehicle legal and not looking like a monster truck.
Any concerns about the modern diesel emissions system, DEF availability, and sometimes questionable international fuel? I suppose it depends on where you're going.
Have you saved all the parts you removed? I ask because if you’re trying to recoup some of your costs, selling off the unnecessary parts adds up. I’ve parted out a few salvaged titled Jeeps over the years and I’ve found that it helped cut down on overall costs for my Willys build. Just a thought. If you have questions, feel free to reach out. It’s easier than you may think.
That looks fantastic so far Dan. Any idea on the finished weight? You’ve removed a LOT of the original weight so I bet your finished product will be close to what it weighed as factory built.
I just watched your other video where you were talking about the original Jeep camper. Fantastic job of keeping the weight below stock while gaining so much more useable space. I’m waiting anxiously for the next video.
The finished weight will depend entirely on the interior build out - how much water we carry, how big the fridge is, etc etc. We're going to have to be careful, payload is the most limiting factor of the Jeep
@@TheRoadChoseMe of course you are right, no argument with the logic. If it were me and I was planning to live in it for 1-2 years or whatever, id want it to look good. Not flashy. Not attention grabbing but also not plain white, for me its just a bit boring?
Actually, there's a very good reason all planes are white - composite materials loose a TON of strength when they get hot. Many companies that make vehicle campers have it in the contract that you won't paint the camper or make it a dark color for a very good reason.
Well that’s just bonkers. Lol. Nice job. Obviously the question is why this over a gladiator or other body on frame. I know you are comfortable with the keep and you’ve stated in detail over time the reasons and they are all good reasons. I am also curious how the hell he camper was designed so that you both knew where to cut, as in, did they cut previous ones apart and experiment o come up with this design or what? Looking forward to he is full tilt build. It’s really refreshing having someone out there doing this in the way you are instead of the more oversaturated jeep content or Toyota content. While i drive neither, i look to see what others do for what to incorporate or learn from, as its a lot cheaper for you o cu your Jeep in half than me attempt such lol.
Different vehicles and living situations for different trips and regions of the planet. I think everyone would agree a swag will not work in the arctic in winter...
get rid of as much emissions equipment as possible and code it out so the electronics don't throw errors. You definitely don't want to be out of DEF and your engine goes into low power mode. It's hard to find DEF even in civilized places, much less where you are going. I recall renting a DEF equipped diesel in Europe and it went into low power mode when the fluid ran out. I had no idea the capacity, consumption, and ended up buying an expensive jug at a Shell. No fun at all and completely pointless since it's after-treatment of exhaust.... Before anyone brings up the environment, would you install exhaust after-treatment equipment on a diesel Defender?
Dan, this thing is incredible! I’ve always loved the Maltec and similar conversions but it will be awesome to see a North America version. AEV Dave’s camper is really neat but there hasn’t been a ton of video content on it. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this thing works for you both from a capability standpoint and daily living Are you able to access the kitchen components from the exterior? I believe Dave’s Outpost II had an indoor/outdoor cooking setup. Curious to hear your thoughts on that design
To be honest we have not designed the interior, or really the exterior at all. we're just focusing on getting the box on and structural, then we'll move onto those things, the pop-up roof, etc. etc. That's all to come on the channel!
Given the intended purpose with international travel in mind, do you anticipate having to make some modifications to the fuel system? It’s not easy finding ULSD in the middle of the desert in Africa. I’m genuinely interested. I opted for a gladiator (with the eco diesel) and wanting to do some international travel as well, so this is a valid concern for those wish similar plans.
Exciting and challenging to dig into a project like this! I was going through the same point of no return thoughts last winter when i put a toyota fj80 front axle under my 4runner. Would this same camper box concept be possible on a Gladiator for people (like me) who have a few kids and this the need for more seats?
@TheRoadChoseMe the concept is what I was thinking, although I'm sure there wouldn't be as much weight savings on material removed, and you would need to deal with a longer frame (more twist) so integrating the camper with the cab would possibly be more difficult. I'm glad you enjoy living in BC! I grew up on Vancouver Island (in Colorado now) and heading up to visit family in Edmonton in a few weeks!
Sheez those things have a hard enough time staying together in one piece, and you cut yours in two?? I certainly hope it fails when you aren't in the middle of nowhere. Good luck.
Exciting times ahead. I hope you don't throw every bit you removed into the bin. I'm sure many would love to buy them from you. BTW what brand is the hoist you guys used? I need one of them. Looking forward to the next episode.
@@fatmanoverlanding Ditto. What hoist did you guys use in this episode. Could be just the thing I'm looking for when fitting and removing my RTT on my vehicle, single-handed.
Great content and I love this project. I have been thinking about something like this I would like to ask why a Wrangler and not a Gladiator though? The Gladiator is longer and has a higher payload. Just curious. Thanks
Yep, Michael pulled almost 700lbs out of his, and the box weighs less than that. So when empty, it actually has a higher payload that when it rolled out of the factory.
I watch your video yesterday, and you mentioned that gas vehicles are way better to get a fuel in africa and asia(based on video 2-3 years ago). So, why you choose the diesel engine this time
So far all my vehicles for global travel have been petrol, and there are some big downsides to modern diesels. I'll film a very big video about it shortly.
Is there a reason for starting with wrangler and not gladiator ? I wouldve thought the longer wheelbase and rear suspension setup on gladiator would be better suited
Interesting project, but a truck with bed removed would seem to be a better way to. But it's your project, so good luck and I will follow it as you get everything like you like.
I agree. This is a LOT more work and I am still not convinced it's worth it. Start with a Gladiator and you'd remove six bolts and lift the bed away. Done. The cab pass thru just does not seem worth. Have you ever tried to climb in to your back seat over that center console? Cool build, but if I wanted to use a Wrangler as the platform, I would have gone for that safari top (forget the name) that adds some length and the integrated roof top tent.
Is the fellow that is doing this for you going to make a proper business out of this? If yes, what do you think the cost will be to cut the Jeep in half and to mount on his empty box?
The decisions to make more of these has not been made yet. We plan to test these two prototypes extensively - figure out what works, what doesn't, what needs improvement, etc. etc. then re-group and make a plan.
I am still confused with this build. You claimed you hated the JXL because of the weight on the back etc because you worried about strength yet you are the back off this car including roll bar.. Obviously your car and cool to see a different option but you are way braver than me.
Well, congratulations Dan, you have managed to do exactly what you said you did not wanna do. You’ve preached over and over and over again that you wanted a vehicle that the average person out there could go and do and travel the world. Well, guess what? 99.9% of all the people out there cannot, and will not do what you’re doing. Oh well, it was a great theory for a long time, but all good things must come to an end.
The base vehicle is extremely easy for anyone to buy and outfit how they please. Just like my 2-door bone-stock Wrangler for the Pan-American Highway, my Africa Jeep, and my Australian Gladiator, the details on how an individual chooses to outfit their vehicle for the trip they have in mind is a personal preference than is up to them. The base vehicle and process are what is important here. Anyone could buy a Wrangler and slap and Ursa Minor popup and have global adventures (like I did), and I'm showing an extension to that which I think will improve some things (liveability) but clearly has some downsides (cost and maybe weight). Make your own choice about what works for you.
@@TheRoadChoseMe this latest JL iteration is very cool and must be costing a small fortune. When I first tuned in in 2015, Sandy was on the operating table. I thought he'd set the Africa bar rather high.. life is strewn with the wreckage of dreams. I enjoy problem solving within strict budget contraints, so I opted to keep my 2 dr wrangler stupid simple. It's theraputic watching someone do what I would never do.. chop my Jeep up! Kitting out a storage/bed platform and the ability to fold the seat flat gives me at 6-2 a comfortable sleeping option. I can go prettymuch anywhere commonsense allows. In the meantime I'm enjoying watching Dan do the impossible. 👍👍
