Super inspiring! Planning on trading in my Astro for an XJ for the added reliability and trail capabilities. I've had the Astro teetering on two wheels way too often! Ha. I think you got more gear in there than I had in my Astro! I love that you can access everything from the inside! That was my main concern going from a van to an suv. This video changed it all for me! Thank you! I hope the rest of your trip was a success!
Recently subscribed ... own a 1998 XJ that I just regeared, new axles, rear disc brakes, front and rear bumpers ... looks a lot like yours except black. you have given me a lot of ideas as I out the inside together for weekend camping trips. Thanks for sharing!
She is always helping in some way, and has done quite a bit on various projects for me. She even helps when I do things on my own, since she is the reason I try things out in the first place!
I think on your next one, lol, strip the interior totally out, make your own front seats for more storage. Cut the roof and add one of those push up tents. I love your simplicity and low cost ways. Great job, so many cool idea. Love the string leds on battery packs.
I love the fact your bed is behind the passenger seat as I'm doing so which makes the bed longer when you push the seat forward So many put the bed behind the drivers door
I know someone who put it behind the door, and now they are moving it to the passenger side :) For my trip this year I actually removed the passenger seat for better storage and more head room. I didn't need to, but the extra space is great. The nice thing about that is the seat can be removed, and re-installed, in minutes. Very easy to put it back in for a passenger when not traveling!
I watched this one with much interest. As you know, I'm still working on my set up for a trip to the West coast. I got some good ideas, and this video added some other good ideas. :)
Even at that quality, some videos took 4-10 hours to upload on that trip. I was happy to have them just be in color! LOL I think the app I was using also limited me to 720. This year most videos videos should be in 1080. That is what I uploaded for the Continental Divide anyway. Thanks for watching!
Great video! I travel for work and drive a '97 2 door XJ. I want to set it up so I can sleep in it when necessary. I like the use of the salvage yard accessory rings!
Snappy set-up 😀😀 Some really cool ideas, you made maximum use of your space. Agree about the slide out drawers, got to have access to everything inside for bad weather and stealth.
tinabeane Absolutely. Sometimes I don’t want to get out of the cab... because it is cold, wet, or I am lazy lol. Glad I went that way, makes a huge difference in my living space and accessibility to my items.
Josh Downs Only a select few notice the tray! I picked some up from a surplus site a while ago. If I come across a Marine that wants one I am just going to gift it. Im sure it brings back some memories for those that were there. The carpet is a felt backed black speaker type carpet. I bought a piece at a salvage store but you can still buy it at Home Depot or Lowes I think in 6 foot sections. I put the black side down because I like the grey color and it doesn’t get so much dirt and debris attached to it that way.
I am really impressed i think you have done a great job on overlanding whith your xj. I would like to do the same whith my 99 xj and i am working on it keep the videos coming very exspired by them
That one has snaps as well. I only have the bands across the back window to hold it in place when I am setting it in the window. All my shades have the snaps 👍 Thanks for watching!
Another great video! I going to do the ring in every hole trick for my XJ. Do you have a string so that you can open the tailgate from inside the XJ? If not you might want to do that.
manofthecroc I actually don’t have a string but I should. I could have done it when I foxed the latch but can easily do it now. Something I will do at a camp spot in the near future. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks. Hopefully you can use a couple of the ideas. I am always trying to think of better ways to do something, even if it is just an improvement on what I have done. Lots of good stuff out there! Thanks for the comment.
I weighed it in OR and it came in about 5500lbs if I remember correctly (with a full take of fuel and 7 extra gallons). Will be a bit lighter next time out. Had over 200lbs of stuff I could do without. Maybe more. Thanks for watching!
Did you ever run into any issues with the propane stove mounted like that? Did you cook there as well? Interested in doing something similar in my xj build. Lots of great ideas in this vid
No issues so far. I have thought about cooking near the gas tank, but the seal on the spout is good and doubt I will get a hole in the can. A chance to take but I don’t cook there much. I have a fire extinguisher right there as well, but won’t be much help against 5 gallons of fiery gas haha As far as the propane mount. I am assuming you mean through the hole in the board. It works well.. however I have come across a couple of green tanks that have a shorter neck so it won’t screw down enough to activate the propane. The board is too thick. I am planning to update the board to thin aluminum or steel sheet. That would work much better.
I just started my build, just wondering if you kept your rear sway bars on? Been reading about people removing them. Just wondering. Keep it up, nice watching outlanding videos.
Gilbert G Mine did not come with rear sway bars. If you plan on doing trails though, may as well remove them. They will limit your travel when articulating. I have sway bar disconnects on the front for that reason. From what I have read, most do remove them unless they plan on staying mostly on level ground. Good luck with the build! 👍
Thanks! started picking things up a couple of years prior. Some of it worked out and other stuff didn’t. I would have ideas and get things as I saw them, if I thought it would work and if it was cheap at the time. My goal was to either make the things I needed, or use military surplus items, so I would not have to spend a fortune on stuff with “overland” on it haha Most of it has worked out well and I have changed very little to date.
@@simpleoverlander that’s awesome! I’m trying to put something together for us . We are a family of six and have a large dog. So it’s going to be interesting. We have a few different options with our rigs. Just trying to figure out which way to go.
Mate, great video! couple of questions: 1. Headliner: have you just get rid of the fabric and painted it black? What about noise insulation? get worse? 2. You installed the d-ring using the very original stock screws or you used longer screws?
Marco Marucci Thanks! The fabric was off when I bought the Jeep. I just spray painted it and also put on bed liner around the edges for something a bit stiffer where it is held up. I never noticed any difference in noise or temperature compared to my other XJs with fabric. For this trip though, I forgot to mention in the video, I took out the headliner and put reflectix all over the roof. That has made a difference keeping the cab warmer in cool climates... too warm for me actually. For the rings, I just used the original screws unless the holes were stripped (from over tightening by the last owner) There is enough thread to still go through the sheet metal frame. I have never had one pull out or strip. I don’t use ratchets on the rings, just bungee cords.
Wow love the use of the d-rings and snaps. Your headliner did you remove the original? If so what did you do? I want to add fishing rod holders to my ceiling. I would also like to hold a rifle up there for hunting season. I’m afraid of putting a hole in my roof. My XJ allows me to hunt and fish more remote and have room for us and the dog with out getting tangled up in gear.
TheJusticeCross I think the only way you would be remotely comfortable would be to have the bottom of the back seat out and sleep corner to corner (it takes up a few inches otherwise) . Your feet would need to go over the console to completely stretch out. I have seen a few people do this and it works for short trips. Could get annoying for long ones though. I am 1.73 meters and my set up just barely lets me stretch, and it is elevated so there is a little more room. Thanks for watching!
I have links to the exact ones I used in the description under the electronics section. I had 2 different ones. One dedicated to jump starting my Jeep and 2 for charging and using my USB devices. Beatit QDSP 1200A Peak 16500mAh 12V Portable Car Lithium Jump Starter (Used this to jump my completely dead battery many times) amzn.to/2OdAy9f Beatit BT-D11 800A Peak 18000mAh 12V Portable Car Jump Starter (I used these to power and charge my USB devices - fans,phones, lights) amzn.to/2q3JpTf
Good use of space. Im working with a 2dr JK wrangler so i got even less to work with. To actually sleep in it i would need to remove the front passenger seat and build a platform. Something im considering if i do a long trip alone. Not using a drawer system you saved some weight as well. As for refrigeration i cant live without my ARB fridge/freezer. It is so nice to be able to cook a good meal and have a nice cold drink once in a while. It does come at a price taking up half the back and covering the storage below but i did a mod to keep accessible that works well and posted an overview video on my virginia overlander channel of how i did it. Check it out..... subscribe and like.
Virginia Overlander There is a friend of mine that overlands in his TJ (even smaller) and he took out his front seat. He is going out again for 5 weeks this week - SuperWheelie Overland) He has some good ideas for space. I can understand needing the fridge or cooler. To most it is worth the space it takes up. I am in the .01% when it comes to living in a vehicle without one. It is a nice thing to have but I can manage without, it so I do. I will check out your vid soon hopefully. I’m subscribed but am way behind in watching anything. I spend most of my free time editing lol
Landon Strehle I just have my old iPhone 5 as my dash video cam. It is mounted on a GoPro style windshield mount with a spring holder. The dash cam I use I don’t pull much footage from, but that is the Rove R2-4K Dash Cam. It’s ok, but I have nothing to compare it to. Cumbersome button controls and the image quality is decent but not great.
Oh my! Looks great but I couldn't sleep like that haha that's why I'm building a camping trailer to pull behind my 5.3L LS XJ!! Come on over and check out the channel! It would be cool to meet up and wheel together when we're crossing paths! I'm going to be living on the road traveling to different offroad places so I'm sure we will cross paths haha!! I just subbed!
Xploration XJ Yeah it’s not for everyone but I do really like it :) Would be cool to cross paths sometimes. Always up for meeting new enthusiasts. Just subbed and will check out your progress and activities!
Super inspiring! Planning on trading in my Astro for an XJ for the added reliability and trail capabilities. I've had the Astro teetering on two wheels way too often! Ha. I think you got more gear in there than I had in my Astro! I love that you can access everything from the inside! That was my main concern going from a van to an suv. This video changed it all for me! Thank you!
I hope the rest of your trip was a success!
Recently subscribed ... own a 1998 XJ that I just regeared, new axles, rear disc brakes, front and rear bumpers ... looks a lot like yours except black. you have given me a lot of ideas as I out the inside together for weekend camping trips. Thanks for sharing!
Damn dude.... that was impressive. I don't think I've ever seen an XJ packed with that much stuff is a very useable fashion. Well done!
Great use of vertical storage! If only the weather would cooperate at all times.
This came up as soon as i opened youtube today. Really do miss your content buddy.
1911 is the best bear spray
Very comprehensive video. I like the use of the snaps
This is great ! And you gotta love moms aren’t they the best lol loved the nonslip cover for the bed
She is always helping in some way, and has done quite a bit on various projects for me. She even helps when I do things on my own, since she is the reason I try things out in the first place!
This is my dream. Congratulations!
I think on your next one, lol, strip the interior totally out, make your own front seats for more storage. Cut the roof and add one of those push up tents. I love your simplicity and low cost ways. Great job, so many cool idea. Love the string leds on battery packs.
Thanks. I would not mind doing something different with my 2001 Cherokee. Getting a pop-up would be awesome!
Hoping to do this when I finish school, so cool!!
Very slick setup.thumbs up.92 xj here .work in progress. Labor of 💘
Your definitely prepared for any situation Great video
Wow. You have utilized every inch. Good job!
I love the fact your bed is behind the passenger seat as I'm doing so which makes the bed longer when you push the seat forward So many put the bed behind the drivers door
I know someone who put it behind the door, and now they are moving it to the passenger side :)
For my trip this year I actually removed the passenger seat for better storage and more head room. I didn't need to, but the extra space is great. The nice thing about that is the seat can be removed, and re-installed, in minutes. Very easy to put it back in for a passenger when not traveling!
Nice use of available space. Very well thought out.
I watched this one with much interest. As you know, I'm still working on my set up for a trip to the West coast. I got some good ideas, and this video added some other good ideas. :)
After my visit I now have some good ideas from your set-up. Amazon has been a regular here the last few days!
Cool. Gonna use some of your ideas for mine. Safe travels bud, you're killing it.
Thanks and glad to hear you got some ideas. It was a great trip and can’t wait to get back on the road!
720p is very early 2000's, but i love the content.
Even at that quality, some videos took 4-10 hours to upload on that trip. I was happy to have them just be in color! LOL
I think the app I was using also limited me to 720. This year most videos videos should be in 1080. That is what I uploaded for the Continental Divide anyway.
Thanks for watching!
That's an amazing build
Great video! I travel for work and drive a '97 2 door XJ. I want to set it up so I can sleep in it when necessary. I like the use of the salvage yard accessory rings!
Snappy set-up 😀😀 Some really cool ideas, you made maximum use of your space. Agree about the slide out drawers, got to have access to everything inside for bad weather and stealth.
tinabeane Absolutely. Sometimes I don’t want to get out of the cab... because it is cold, wet, or I am lazy lol. Glad I went that way, makes a huge difference in my living space and accessibility to my items.
I see other products from Harbor Freight. Good choice.
You put alot of good thought into it for sure!
You know ive never thought of the use of snaps haha. Diggin the Camp Lejeune Chow Hall tray.
What carpet did you use on the box?
Josh Downs Only a select few notice the tray! I picked some up from a surplus site a while ago. If I come across a Marine that wants one I am just going to gift it. Im sure it brings back some memories for those that were there.
The carpet is a felt backed black speaker type carpet. I bought a piece at a salvage store but you can still buy it at Home Depot or Lowes I think in 6 foot sections.
I put the black side down because I like the grey color and it doesn’t get so much dirt and debris attached to it that way.
@@simpleoverlander I was across the channel at MCAS New River but ate over on Camp Lejeune more than once haha.
I am really impressed i think you have done a great job on overlanding whith your xj. I would like to do the same whith my 99 xj and i am working on it keep the videos coming very exspired by them
Mind blown so many good ideas , would it be easier to make the back window shade have snaps too ?
That one has snaps as well. I only have the bands across the back window to hold it in place when I am setting it in the window. All my shades have the snaps 👍
Thanks for watching!
You try to give the video more brightness it will be great if you do
You have given me some ideas, thanks.
Another great video! I going to do the ring in every hole trick for my XJ.
Do you have a string so that you can open the tailgate from inside the XJ? If not you might want to do that.
manofthecroc I actually don’t have a string but I should. I could have done it when I foxed the latch but can easily do it now. Something I will do at a camp spot in the near future. Thanks for the reminder!
@@simpleoverlander yeah that simple string has saved me a few times.
Excellent. Thanks for sharing. I'll ne borrowing some of those ideas. 😁😁
How does the jeep do on33’s and stock gearing? Thinking about doing the samw
Thank You for your service........
Thanks, but I was just a military brat my whole childhood (and loved it). I will pass that on to my father though!
Thanks for the comment!
Very cool man! I was looking for some ideas on how to camp out of my xj when I’m on a deer hunt later this year. A lot of great ideas here, thanks!
Thanks. Hopefully you can use a couple of the ideas. I am always trying to think of better ways to do something, even if it is just an improvement on what I have done. Lots of good stuff out there! Thanks for the comment.
Nice job. I'm curious if you've ever figured out what all the equipment, modifications and supplies weigh?
I weighed it in OR and it came in about 5500lbs if I remember correctly (with a full take of fuel and 7 extra gallons). Will be a bit lighter next time out. Had over 200lbs of stuff I could do without. Maybe more.
Thanks for watching!
Nice!
Did you ever run into any issues with the propane stove mounted like that? Did you cook there as well? Interested in doing something similar in my xj build. Lots of great ideas in this vid
No issues so far. I have thought about cooking near the gas tank, but the seal on the spout is good and doubt I will get a hole in the can. A chance to take but I don’t cook there much. I have a fire extinguisher right there as well, but won’t be much help against 5 gallons of fiery gas haha
As far as the propane mount. I am assuming you mean through the hole in the board. It works well.. however I have come across a couple of green tanks that have a shorter neck so it won’t screw down enough to activate the propane. The board is too thick. I am planning to update the board to thin aluminum or steel sheet. That would work much better.
I just started my build, just wondering if you kept your rear sway bars on? Been reading about people removing them. Just wondering. Keep it up, nice watching outlanding videos.
Gilbert G Mine did not come with rear sway bars. If you plan on doing trails though, may as well remove them. They will limit your travel when articulating. I have sway bar disconnects on the front for that reason.
From what I have read, most do remove them unless they plan on staying mostly on level ground. Good luck with the build! 👍
How do you see out that windscreen? Cops would be all over you for that round here :/
Great video man! How long did it take you to accumulate all this stuff?
Thanks! started picking things up a couple of years prior. Some of it worked out and other stuff didn’t. I would have ideas and get things as I saw them, if I thought it would work and if it was cheap at the time.
My goal was to either make the things I needed, or use military surplus items, so I would not have to spend a fortune on stuff with “overland” on it haha Most of it has worked out well and I have changed very little to date.
@@simpleoverlander that’s awesome! I’m trying to put something together for us . We are a family of six and have a large dog. So it’s going to be interesting. We have a few different options with our rigs. Just trying to figure out which way to go.
Mate, great video! couple of questions: 1. Headliner: have you just get rid of the fabric and painted it black? What about noise insulation? get worse? 2. You installed the d-ring using the very original stock screws or you used longer screws?
Marco Marucci Thanks! The fabric was off when I bought the Jeep. I just spray painted it and also put on bed liner around the edges for something a bit stiffer where it is held up. I never noticed any difference in noise or temperature compared to my other XJs with fabric. For this trip though, I forgot to mention in the video, I took out the headliner and put reflectix all over the roof. That has made a difference keeping the cab warmer in cool climates... too warm for me actually.
For the rings, I just used the original screws unless the holes were stripped (from over tightening by the last owner) There is enough thread to still go through the sheet metal frame. I have never had one pull out or strip. I don’t use ratchets on the rings, just bungee cords.
@@simpleoverlander grazie!
You’re so awesome dude
What do you do for income while on the road?
What is that on your passenger door, is it something to keep your door open?Where did you get the axe keepers on the back of your box?
Heath H It was a flashlight. I put it in there to keep the door wide open as it won’t stay open on it’s own. Just never got around to fixing it yet.
Wow love the use of the d-rings and snaps. Your headliner did you remove the original? If so what did you do? I want to add fishing rod holders to my ceiling. I would also like to hold a rifle up there for hunting season. I’m afraid of putting a hole in my roof. My XJ allows me to hunt and fish more remote and have room for us and the dog with out getting tangled up in gear.
Seen any bigfoot out there?
Being 1m88 do you think I can sleep in the back of an XJ Cherokee ? Thanks, nice vid !
TheJusticeCross I think the only way you would be remotely comfortable would be to have the bottom of the back seat out and sleep corner to corner (it takes up a few inches otherwise) . Your feet would need to go over the console to completely stretch out. I have seen a few people do this and it works for short trips. Could get annoying for long ones though.
I am 1.73 meters and my set up just barely lets me stretch, and it is elevated so there is a little more room.
Thanks for watching!
Where'd you get those BeatIt power packs?
I have links to the exact ones I used in the description under the electronics section. I had 2 different ones. One dedicated to jump starting my Jeep and 2 for charging and using my USB devices.
Beatit QDSP 1200A Peak 16500mAh 12V Portable Car Lithium Jump Starter (Used this to jump my completely dead battery many times)
amzn.to/2OdAy9f
Beatit BT-D11 800A Peak 18000mAh 12V Portable Car Jump Starter (I used these to power and charge my USB devices - fans,phones, lights)
amzn.to/2q3JpTf
Good use of space. Im working with a 2dr JK wrangler so i got even less to work with. To actually sleep in it i would need to remove the front passenger seat and build a platform. Something im considering if i do a long trip alone. Not using a drawer system you saved some weight as well. As for refrigeration i cant live without my ARB fridge/freezer. It is so nice to be able to cook a good meal and have a nice cold drink once in a while. It does come at a price taking up half the back and covering the storage below but i did a mod to keep accessible that works well and posted an overview video on my virginia overlander channel of how i did it. Check it out..... subscribe and like.
Virginia Overlander There is a friend of mine that overlands in his TJ (even smaller) and he took out his front seat. He is going out again for 5 weeks this week - SuperWheelie Overland) He has some good ideas for space.
I can understand needing the fridge or cooler. To most it is worth the space it takes up. I am in the .01% when it comes to living in a vehicle without one. It is a nice thing to have but I can manage without, it so I do.
I will check out your vid soon hopefully. I’m subscribed but am way behind in watching anything. I spend most of my free time editing lol
What Dashcam do you use?
Landon Strehle I just have my old iPhone 5 as my dash video cam. It is mounted on a GoPro style windshield mount with a spring holder.
The dash cam I use I don’t pull much footage from, but that is the Rove R2-4K Dash Cam. It’s ok, but I have nothing to compare it to. Cumbersome button controls and the image quality is decent but not great.
Where's the fishing equipment? Two piece 7 ft rods don't take much room.
Oh my! Looks great but I couldn't sleep like that haha that's why I'm building a camping trailer to pull behind my 5.3L LS XJ!! Come on over and check out the channel! It would be cool to meet up and wheel together when we're crossing paths! I'm going to be living on the road traveling to different offroad places so I'm sure we will cross paths haha!! I just subbed!
Xploration XJ Yeah it’s not for everyone but I do really like it :)
Would be cool to cross paths sometimes. Always up for meeting new enthusiasts. Just subbed and will check out your progress and activities!
@@simpleoverlander hell yeah man! As long as you like it that's all that matters! Sweet man and I'm def checking out your vids too!
THe passenger side..... yikes!