Dan, this was the most comprehensive review of the Ursa Minor, let alone this type of RTT. Your current series of videos is by far the best right now on Overlanding. It has made me rethink how I should have my system. The previous video said it all and sold me on how to approach the sleeping aspect of overlanding and vehicle purpose builds. You have given me, and your viewers, ideas and answered in great detail how an Overland vehicle should be built. You and perhaps one or two others are the de facto go-to people as real world overland experts. I really hope I have an opportunity to 'bump' into you on our journeys! Stay safe and looking forward for more!
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate that! It's great to hear my videos have been helpful! Please let me know if there's a topic you'd like me to cover - I'm always open to ideas.
Fantastic detail in this video. I'm impressed by how good a shape it is in considering how much it has been used. Definitely, high quality components and construction.
You guys should film together. Find a travel topic. Maybe talk about some of the people that you meet when you travel. I think there is the perception that it is only hipsters. But I know that there are people from all walks of life.
Outstanding product review. Seriously, one of the best I've ever seen. And of course, from someone who can really truly speak to its usefulness. Thank you!
great video i noticed one of your challenges tucking the canvas when closing. one of the things you could add and a great help is a bungy cord with the two hooks. find a place to keep it hooked on the hinges ,hinge to hinge around the back and then when you open up just move it up to the top and out of the way. when closing, just pull it down to the center between top and bottom then while closing it automatically pulls the canvas in
Thanks for the idea! The top actually comes with a bungie cord all the way around the inside that helps, my problem is that I have so much bedding up there it blocks the canvas from going in on it's own.
Excellent review! I also appreciate that you have been using it for a while and not giving us a first impression view point. Thanks and keep the good work.
Thank you for the detailed review! It’s super valuable to hear the real world experience with the product in such detail, considering it’s a big ticket purchase. I’ve been looking at these for a while and even visited Ursa Minor in SD a couple of years ago to see the product in person. I had pretty much spec’ed out what I want, but was uncertain regarding the side window options. Your feedback helped me decide. I’m planning on putting in my order soon. Thanks again.
I'm not going on that kind of epic trip. And I'm not in the market for that type of roof. But dang you.... I'll be out there tomorrow zip tieing a bubble level in my 4x4 and cutting the metal pulls off of my rooftop tent! Great video!!!
Great review for Ursa Minor, but for all pop-up roofs in general, which are also my favorite sleeping option while overlanding on a regular base. For more occasional overlanding, I personally recommend the solid (shell type) roof tent option.
I've looked at these before but didn't realize the"floor" doesn't raise. I really like how Alucab has done their Icarus and other versions. I'm excited to put a Dormobile on my Defender though. I do love the J30! Somebody in town parks it near my house quite often.
Nice review. We have a UMJ30 too but we watched this video anyway. Wer are the only one they have a J30 in Scandinavia(Sweden) and proud about this nice rooftop tent. Thanks for all your great videos. Greetings from us. André& Helene
Yes ursa minor should take note, make the bed raise so you get the room in all the interior, or like the american safari jxl conversion that slides into the front
Fabulous review -- really appreciate your perspective! But I have to say, the world's simplest leveling system is installed at the bottom of my console cup-holder. Also a spirit level, but circular with a bulls-eye design. Thin enough that there's no interference with the bottles I use . . .
We have a bespoke pop top roof based on a Defender 130, one major advantage it has over a RTT or even other designs of pop tops is I can put it up and down from inside the vehicle, only one clip and that’s internal and I don’t need to climb on the vehicle at all and I don’t get wet if it’s raining.
Good job, Dan Some key points: Sunbrella is an excellent fabric (and even more challenged by U/V at sea than on land excursions), and 303 works well if only for a spell. Sailrite is a good source for both. You've got a great set-up there...but without the 'upper deck hatch' arrangement and the standing range you have created, the 'lifestyle' for this product doesn't seem terribly different from a RTT. However, as you covered in the previous video, there are 'non-lifestyle' aspects of this choice that improve over the RTT. Nice to have choices.
I don't see why it would cost more than the Jeep version, which is $7,500 minus the cost of your original roof. I'm out of pocket $6,500 for mine, and I could sell it all day used for $5,500.
I've had my J30 for a few months now. I love the easy setup and I sleep great in it. It does have a few cons though, like the price. I'm on the east coast and have never seen another one in person.
I'm so glad I found this video. I've been trying to decide what roof rack and roof top tent to buy. Combined the cost would be $6,500 for a roof rack that goes through my hard top to the roll bar, and a quality clamshell RTT. I finally got a chance to see an Ursa Minor J30 on a JLUR, and I instantly fell in love with it. This video is icing on the cake. The only issue I have is the lead time. I don't quite have the patience to wait 6 or 8 months to have one made. I really wish they'd hire some artisans/craftsmen who can help turn these around faster. I spend 5 weeks per year wheeling and overlanding. I've been using a ground tent, or I rent a cabin or hotel. I honestly think this would change my life.
Super review! Loved that you shared the little mods that make it yours and enhance livability. Also, I don't want to alarm you, but there may be a snake on your dash...
@@TheRoadChoseMe have you made a video about yourself? I mean the story of you as a person and what made you take that first trip from Alaska to Argentina. My wife and I would like to know more about you and I'm sure more people would be curious as well. Your personal story could be an inspiration to most. I work a very very corporate job in IT sales for ADP. Its one of those suite and tie jobs, but I always live out of the box and sleep in my car when ever I can go somewhere. Our goal is to relocate abroad (Europe) for work so that we could be closer the the rest of the world and be closer to more different cultures per square kilometer. We appreciate all your videos, even the one's about tire sizes around the world and the limited spare parts what you took with you. Tell us more about you :) Thanks and keep up the great work.
I never have done a video about myself, but I go into my background at the start of my first book, and get more personal throughout it and now my second book too. Maybe I should do a video about it at some point! They are on amazon - The Road Chose Me Volume 1: Two years and 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina amzn.to/2vfCYvn
Dan one idea you want to try for the canvas catching on the hinges problem..put a bungee cord around the full canvas. When you are packing camp just pull the bungee around the canvas and it’ll pull the canvas in. When setting up camp, you can push the bungee down. I have seen this solution work well with Camptop Schmude for G Wagens and ASPW in his Troopy
There is actually a bungie cord running around the inside built into the J30 for exactly this purpose. I works very well when there is no bedding upstairs, but not so brilliant when I have everything stuffed up there!
The bolt-on/reversible/move to another vehicle aspect of the Ursa Minor is great. A gentleman in Germany added an Alu-Cab RRT to his Wrangler and cut a pass-through opening to make his own version of the Ursa Minor. Similar roll bar modification and some fantastic custom lightweight cabinets inside. He has a series of videos on his various mods. Here is the RRT install with pass through - ruclips.net/video/ygYfuVajUiA/видео.html
As I've said before, it depends entirely on where you're going, with how many people, for how long, how much 4x4ing you enjoy, etc. etc. They all have their pros and cons and it's your personal preferences that matter the most.
Honestly, a rooftop tent and roof rack of similar quality, will cost an easy $5,000. $8,000 sans $1,500 for a $6,500 out of pocket is very worth it. In my area, factory hard tops sell for $2,000, so my Ursa will cost an out of pocket $6,000. That's not a tough decision. I'm just saving everything I can, for what I want.
I really don't think so actually. It just means more interior space, which means more room to bring more junk. Payload is already a major problem, I don't need any more space! Also it's extremely expensive.. I'd rather spend that money on gas in the tank!
@@TheRoadChoseMe You are 100% right on the price! And you have a point on the room for more junk, in my case I have a wife and a 1 1/2 yr old so the extra cargo and interior space would fit me perfect. I 100% am going to go with the Ursa Minor or the JXL Conversion.
GREAT in-depth video ! 👍 Thank you. This is my dream setup. Too bad they don’t make it for a TJ 😖 That would be a game changer for me as I would be to be able to stand up in my Jeep and really have a living space. With my current setup in my TJ, I can’t unfortunately do that: I either sit on driver seat or lay down on my sleeping/bed platform. BTW, I do the same trick to level my Jeep fore-aft .... and for side-to-side leveling, I just open my driver door: if it closes by itself, I’m leaning to the right, if it opens by itself, I’m leaning to the left 🤓 Ohhh and I also use my digital protractor to fine tune my leveling 😊
I should have added - Ursa Minor have confirmed multiple times they WILL NOT make one for the 2 door Jeeps. The bed area would simply not be big enough. (I have to assume same story for the upcoming Bronco too)
Yeah, I totally understand it would not make sense size-wise .... unless .... unless .... they make it with an overhang in the back to add the necessary length 🤓 Although, I am 5.11” and I do fit STRAIGHT laying down on my bed platform in my TJ 😬
You know I've spent quite a bit of time with a tape measure on a 2 door JL thinking about it....... but so far I can't convince John at Ursa Minor to build what I want ! damnit!
Hahaha .... at least you tried ! 🤘 and now that the Bronco is almost out he’s probably quite busy designing camper for it and taking care of his 4door JL camper backlog 😳
I should have said there is actually one that runs around the inside to pull the fabric in - it works great, but the amount of bedding I have up there works against it I think.
Thanks for the review. But what do you do with your shoes, when you go upstairs from the outside? Do you have a place to store them dry, without getting dirt into the bed?
When I wear flip-flops (all of Africa) I leave them on the outside tire (kind of tuck them in for the night). With boots on it's harder. I usually bring them upstairs and put them into a plastic bag to they don't make the bedding dirty. (It's funny, I filmed that and decided nobody would want to see it, so I edited it out!)
Top class review, thank you. When you cook inside, does the side windows help to get the smell out and with the carpet inner on the pop-up does it trap any of the odor?
GREAT JOB! Lots of useful and worthy info. Would be great if available for Toyota 4Runner (Hint-Hint! Ursa Minor). Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.
how often do you fold up both sides of the bed to use the downstairs as a 'room' that you can stand up and move around in? seems like it would be really good. thanks
Whenever the weather is bad (rain, snow, super cold) or when the mosquitoes are really bad, or when I just want to escape the world and have some "Dan time". In Africa I did it often.
What are your thoughts on limb risers? The wires like on the Camel Trophy Land Rovers from the front corner to the roof, to deflect branches from the windshield.
They seem like a good idea if you're planning to go places with ridiculously overgrown trails were you expect branches into the windshield will be a real concern. For 99.9999999% of all overlanding, they do absolutely nothing.
Not really, roads that go places are open enough. I don't think I ever once hit a tree branch, even when in the jungle of Congo, Gabon, etc. Watch my videos from there to see what it looked like!
That's actually not a bad price. The Bundatop hardshell roof tent is 5000. It's too bad it is not available for other vehicles, but anytime you start cutting the factory roof and supports out, it becomes a huge liability, not to mention safety in an accident. It almost makes we want to buy a Jeep. :)
I was told that leaving the bedding upstairs isn't recommended. I tried to leave my sleeping back and pillows up but I had a hard time closing the top and I had to force the latches which made me think it may not be a good idea to continue doing that... so I roll everything up and bring them downstairs as part of my breaking camp routine. Mine is for a JL and so I wonder if there is less space for the JLs than the JKs... it's supper practical to be able to leave the bedding up... Great video!
@@justinpitcairn79 From the video it looks like the JLU latches are smaller... but that's just visually from the video, I don't know if my perception is correct.
Onward 4x4 I spoke at length with John about 2 weeks ago. In regards to the new JLU Ursa Minor J30 he said the top is actually an 1” taller because folks kept asking him for more room for bedding. It’s a plus minus. I’d like the room for bedding but a new JLU with my 35” tires will most likely not fit in my current 7’ garage.
That is a lot cheaper than I expected. Most pop top conversions I have seen for Toyota Troopcarriers are significantly more expensive like the Alucab which is double the price.
Ursa Minor made that for me, and they made one other similar before they decided they won't make any more like that. You could certainly modify it yourself though.
This was great to see, thanks! Canadian here, how did you find going down south to get it installed? Any issues coming back with a modified vehicle? Ignoring the current pandemic issues of course. Cheers!
I would think this qualifies as a vehicle accessory, rather than a modification, because the roof is bolt-on. It should be easier than if you had the roof of your Honda Element or Ford Transit Connect modified, for example. Transport Canada has rules against importing certain modified vehicles or modifying Canadian-registered vehicles. "A vehicle modified from its original state may not qualify to be imported into Canada. Canadian-owned vehicles modified in the U.S. also may not qualify for return to Canada. Examples can include: a van converted to a motorhome (often known as Class B motorhome) a van equipped with raised roof and/or modified interior"
But you're not importing it into Canada. It's already registered and insured in Canada, and is completely Canadian. You're just returning from holiday with a vehicle that is already Canadian.
@@TheRoadChoseMe, yes, I agree that you're not importing the vehicle. However, Transport Canada says that taking your Canadian van to the US, having it converted there, and returning to Canada could be a problem if they're not approved. I think the Ursa Minor roof on your Jeep is a good way to avoid violating that rule, because it is not a vehicle modification, simply a bolt-on accessory. The Jeep's removable top allows this easily.
Two new questions that I don't think were asked yet in these comments: 1. Is that a custom sheet on your ursa minor bed? (if so, where did you get it?) 2. I noticed that the fabric of your mattress is sunbrella, mine is made out of tweed - any idea of when Ursa Minor changed the fabric and why?
... I've never actually measured it to be honest. Virtually all the way from the back of the hardtop to the roll bar behind the drivers seat, and virtually the full width. I'd measure it now but it just go covered in a foot of snow...
A 2 way roof fan might be worthwhile during high heat/humidity nights. It looks like one wouldn’t be unworkable, and solar panels could be placed around it. Now a question. Do you park at night facing east so morning sun revs up you solar charging early if your batteries are low?
I have a little portable fan I can clip anywhere I want - it works great. If I have the chance I will face east, but when wild camping that isn't always possible depending on what kind of area I've found.
I love this video so much I just watched it again - one more question Dan: you mention that you have a 4" mattress, was that a slip of the tongue or is your mattress really 4"? Mine is 2" which is stock and I'm seriously considering adding some extra material to mine. When I ran the idea by John at Ursa Minor he said that I would be good adding an extra inch (3" total). If I'm not mistaken John Walker on Expedition Portal said that he managed to squeeze a 5" mattress into his. I'm curious about your perspective. Thanks as always!
That is a slip of the tongue, sorry. I have whatever stock mattress Ursa Minor provided. I do, however, sleep on wooden slats on mine because of the large rear opening, so under hips and shoulders is MUCH softer and has some give.
I think I would have gone with a subdued color over white (desert sand, flat dark earth, olive drab, and so on). Just to help with not standing out. White does give it a clean look though.
I have had this question for awhile. How do deal with mosquitoes getting inside especially for sleeping at night. Since you stand outside to cook it seems like mosquitos getting into everything would be a problem? Thanks again.
I've got a small mosquito net that I velcro over the rear opening in the Jeep when I'm standing around cooking - it was a MUST in Africa. If they're really, really bad I don't open up the bed section, so even if they get downstairs in the Jeep they can't get upstairs to eat me while I'm sleeping.
I hope to have Diesel SUV's with no EGR coolers, DPF filter and DEF/urea fluid tanks. I started my RUclips channel when I was selling International Semi Commercial Trucks. We still have a lot of problems in semi trucks caused by the various emmition systems. I also owned a Freightliner and a Volvo truck in the oilfield. A lot of problems with diesel trucks that make me warry of owning a new diesel overland vehicle for when I get to drive outside of North America. Any thoughts on the right hand drive imported Mitsubishi Delica or Pajero/Monterro that we can have in Canada?
@@TheRoadChoseMe do you mean, they will not allow you to enter the country? I have driven a RHD rental from London down to Europe for two weeks and found it not to hard, even shifting was ok.
Any recommendations for other popup roofs that come stock more like your modified one? i.e. that create a lot of standable living space in the rear. Always enjoy your content!
Hi.... What about dust?. I traveled Africa with a 4x4 camper... Even closed, dust always find a way to enter in the camper and everything inside is cover of dust
Mine holds heat really well. In cold weather my wife and I zip two cheap sleeping bags together Anything over mid 30s is toasty and we’ve done down to 22 degrees. Over 45 and we start unzipping flaps.
I've slept in it down to about -10C or maybe -15C, so close to 0F. The canvas is thick enough it gets warm upstairs, especially with two people. The canvas doesn't fold as well when it's super cold, and with snow and ice on the roof it can be hard to get a good grip to close the rear latches. But overall, it's great. If I had some kind of heater I'd use it a lot more in the winter, but that's a project for another day!
It barely flaps in the wind, especially when you park facing the wind. I would never sleep in a loud parking lot. It's a Jeep, it goes into remote places. The canvas is not metalized, but it's pretty think and holds in the warmth in the winter.
Hi, not sure that been asked before... What is about the condensation issue? Any mold maybe? - not in Africa OK, but in Canada.. in colder, rainy times? (If we don't move the original fiberglas...)
Thanks for the fast reply, I didn't know that I'm honestly surprised alucab don't make something similar seeing as they do the roof conversions for the 78 series and they also do the tub camper conversions for Ute's as well. Looks like a missed opportunity on their end
@@TheRoadChoseMe I would think that they could do 1 that when you pop it up,it would have a fold out section towards either the front or rear with a Brace
@@TheRoadChoseMe problem is, Their Just Not Up To The Challenge, Too Bad,as I Wont Buy another Jeep, Just to Get 1 of Their Set up's,They just lost a future client!😎😎🤔 And you can Pass that along to them!😤😤
No, which doors are leaking? I get some water in on the front passenger foot well, but it always did that even before the ursa.. the water drips on the wrong side of the rubber seal around the door.
Both front doors. The front passenger always had drops that would pool up a bit. Now I have a fair amount of water on both sides. I have talked to John and I will be raising my doors up smig. I was just wondering what your experience was. I just used my Ursa minor a few weeks ago. I really love it. I watched your video before I got mine. Thanks for your videos and thank for your response.
![Overland Sleeping setups compared - Pros and Cons! [part 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aJGpiximJe0/mqdefault.jpg)
Dan, this was the most comprehensive review of the Ursa Minor, let alone this type of RTT. Your current series of videos is by far the best right now on Overlanding. It has made me rethink how I should have my system. The previous video said it all and sold me on how to approach the sleeping aspect of overlanding and vehicle purpose builds. You have given me, and your viewers, ideas and answered in great detail how an Overland vehicle should be built. You and perhaps one or two others are the de facto go-to people as real world overland experts. I really hope I have an opportunity to 'bump' into you on our journeys! Stay safe and looking forward for more!
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate that! It's great to hear my videos have been helpful!
Please let me know if there's a topic you'd like me to cover - I'm always open to ideas.
Fantastic detail in this video. I'm impressed by how good a shape it is in considering how much it has been used. Definitely, high quality components and construction.
Couldn't agree more
Super helpful video and a really good complete review!
You guys should film together. Find a travel topic. Maybe talk about some of the people that you meet when you travel. I think there is the perception that it is only hipsters. But I know that there are people from all walks of life.
@@yaroslavkrymov9955 Sure thing! We did already an interview in my channel, and luckily we will cross paths some day and make a cool travel video :)
Outstanding product review. Seriously, one of the best I've ever seen. And of course, from someone who can really truly speak to its usefulness. Thank you!
great video i noticed one of your challenges tucking the canvas when closing. one of the things you could add and a great help is a bungy cord with the two hooks. find a place to keep it hooked on the hinges ,hinge to hinge around the back and then when you open up just move it up to the top and out of the way. when closing, just pull it down to the center between top and bottom then while closing it automatically pulls the canvas in
Thanks for the idea! The top actually comes with a bungie cord all the way around the inside that helps, my problem is that I have so much bedding up there it blocks the canvas from going in on it's own.
Excellent review! I also appreciate that you have been using it for a while and not giving us a first impression view point. Thanks and keep the good work.
Thank you for the detailed review! It’s super valuable to hear the real world experience with the product in such detail, considering it’s a big ticket purchase. I’ve been looking at these for a while and even visited Ursa Minor in SD a couple of years ago to see the product in person.
I had pretty much spec’ed out what I want, but was uncertain regarding the side window options. Your feedback helped me decide.
I’m planning on putting in my order soon. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!
I'm not going on that kind of epic trip. And I'm not in the market for that type of roof.
But dang you.... I'll be out there tomorrow zip tieing a bubble level in my 4x4 and cutting the metal pulls off of my rooftop tent!
Great video!!!
Happy to hear it was helpful!
Ursa Minor makes an awesome product! Proud to be in the PNW where there's so many great overlanding shops!
Great review for Ursa Minor, but for all pop-up roofs in general, which are also my favorite sleeping option while overlanding on a regular base. For more occasional overlanding, I personally recommend the solid (shell type) roof tent option.
I've looked at these before but didn't realize the"floor" doesn't raise. I really like how Alucab has done their Icarus and other versions. I'm excited to put a Dormobile on my Defender though. I do love the J30! Somebody in town parks it near my house quite often.
Nice review. We have a UMJ30 too but we watched this video anyway. Wer are the only one they have a J30 in Scandinavia(Sweden) and proud about this nice rooftop tent. Thanks for all your great videos. Greetings from us. André& Helene
Thank you Dan for putting this video together. Answered a lot of questions I had about them! Definitely still on the list
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome in depth video! Looks like it's definitely worth the money. Thanks.
Yes ursa minor should take note, make the bed raise so you get the room in all the interior, or like the american safari jxl conversion that slides into the front
This to me is the best option for the Jeep.
Fabulous review -- really appreciate your perspective! But I have to say, the world's simplest leveling system is installed at the bottom of my console cup-holder. Also a spirit level, but circular with a bulls-eye design. Thin enough that there's no interference with the bottles I use . . .
GREAT IDEA! Thanks for sharing.
There are level apps for your phones
Can't wait to see what they design for the Gladiator!
Great video, thanks for the info, a great improvement for the Jeep, a must have for everyone who is overlanding, much better than a rooftop tent
We have a bespoke pop top roof based on a Defender 130, one major advantage it has over a RTT or even other designs of pop tops is I can put it up and down from inside the vehicle, only one clip and that’s internal and I don’t need to climb on the vehicle at all and I don’t get wet if it’s raining.
It's a great feature to have - I rarely used that ability on mine, but it was nice to have it up my sleeve the couple of times it was needed.
You did an amazing job of describing this wonderful mod. Now I want one.
Good job, Dan Some key points: Sunbrella is an excellent fabric (and even more challenged by U/V at sea than on land excursions), and 303 works well if only for a spell. Sailrite is a good source for both. You've got a great set-up there...but without the 'upper deck hatch' arrangement and the standing range you have created, the 'lifestyle' for this product doesn't seem terribly different from a RTT. However, as you covered in the previous video, there are 'non-lifestyle' aspects of this choice that improve over the RTT. Nice to have choices.
oh! i always thought it is accessabe from the inside of the jeep! thanks for showing!
😅 ok, i was only two minutes in
Already ordered mine. Can’t wait! I told John that you and Chris (Venture4WD) are the best spokespersons for his company.
You're going to love it Eric!
I hope they make a version of this for the 4 door 2021 Bronco!
I cover that in the video - Yes, they sure will!
I don't see why it would cost more than the Jeep version, which is $7,500 minus the cost of your original roof. I'm out of pocket $6,500 for mine, and I could sell it all day used for $5,500.
I've had my J30 for a few months now. I love the easy setup and I sleep great in it. It does have a few cons though, like the price. I'm on the east coast and have never seen another one in person.
Another great one...maybe even my favorite! :) That bubble level idea is genius! Thank you Dan!
Happy to hear it was helpful!
Don't have a Jeep but I've seen this on Venture4wd also and it is a really nice looking mod.
Great review! I love to improve my camp gears with some little details too! It makes a huge difference! Tks for sharing!
Great video! Very helpful and super informative.
I'm so glad I found this video. I've been trying to decide what roof rack and roof top tent to buy. Combined the cost would be $6,500 for a roof rack that goes through my hard top to the roll bar, and a quality clamshell RTT. I finally got a chance to see an Ursa Minor J30 on a JLUR, and I instantly fell in love with it. This video is icing on the cake. The only issue I have is the lead time. I don't quite have the patience to wait 6 or 8 months to have one made. I really wish they'd hire some artisans/craftsmen who can help turn these around faster.
I spend 5 weeks per year wheeling and overlanding. I've been using a ground tent, or I rent a cabin or hotel. I honestly think this would change my life.
It's an absolute game changer, you won't regret it!
Super review! Loved that you shared the little mods that make it yours and enhance livability. Also, I don't want to alarm you, but there may be a snake on your dash...
Ha ha ha!
That's Kevin the Cobra, my security system for around Africa!
This was such a helpful video! Exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much 🤩
Glad it was helpful!
Very well done. Thank you. So glad that RUclips put one of your videos in my feed. Liked and subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
Great job with the review. Thank you.
Great video & superb information as usual.
Absolutely a great video! Answered a lot of questions and thoughts that I was having.
Glad it was helpful!
Great idea on the level, I'm going to do that today!
Awesome video Dan! Cheers!
Wow! Thanks Dan. Great review. I think I need something like that for my F-150. I think it will have to be a custom fabrication. Cheers.
There are a few companies that make options for you. Checkout AT Overland. Seriously high quality products!!
Awesome video. Well done, and well presented.
Thank you kindly!
@@TheRoadChoseMe have you made a video about yourself? I mean the story of you as a person and what made you take that first trip from Alaska to Argentina.
My wife and I would like to know more about you and I'm sure more people would be curious as well.
Your personal story could be an inspiration to most.
I work a very very corporate job in IT sales for ADP. Its one of those suite and tie jobs, but I always live out of the box and sleep in my car when ever I can go somewhere. Our goal is to relocate abroad (Europe) for work so that we could be closer the the rest of the world and be closer to more different cultures per square kilometer.
We appreciate all your videos, even the one's about tire sizes around the world and the limited spare parts what you took with you.
Tell us more about you :)
Thanks and keep up the great work.
I never have done a video about myself, but I go into my background at the start of my first book, and get more personal throughout it and now my second book too.
Maybe I should do a video about it at some point!
They are on amazon - The Road Chose Me Volume 1: Two years and 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina
amzn.to/2vfCYvn
Thanks for this wonderful review! Love your channel.
Glad you enjoy it!
Dan one idea you want to try for the canvas catching on the hinges problem..put a bungee cord around the full canvas. When you are packing camp just pull the bungee around the canvas and it’ll pull the canvas in. When setting up camp, you can push the bungee down. I have seen this solution work well with Camptop Schmude for G Wagens and ASPW in his Troopy
There is actually a bungie cord running around the inside built into the J30 for exactly this purpose. I works very well when there is no bedding upstairs, but not so brilliant when I have everything stuffed up there!
Aah. Sorry must have missed that in the video.
Sorry, I didn't really highlight it!
you should do a video about clothing and laundry for international Overlanding !!
I'm going to film a video about laundry this week!
my fav channel definitely inspired me to get a jeep and try the pan American after school!! I can't thank you enough man keep up the great content
Happy to hear it! My goal is to inspire people and teach them what they want to know, so I'm super happy to hear it's actually working! Yee-ha!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I hope there is some old school washboard use! Seven months outside the wire in Kandahar taught be the value of washing machines lol.
Great review! Thank you so much! Hoping to do this with a bronco in the next couple years ...
I just saw one of those today, parked at walmart in So Cal.
I've pretty much decided that this will be my overland tent.
I am super, SUPER happy with mine.
Great vid Dan, fantastic.......Cheers......Steve
GREAT insight ❣️ Thanks for this one being that helpful ❣️
The bolt-on/reversible/move to another vehicle aspect of the Ursa Minor is great.
A gentleman in Germany added an Alu-Cab RRT to his Wrangler and cut a pass-through opening to make his own version of the Ursa Minor. Similar roll bar modification and some fantastic custom lightweight cabinets inside. He has a series of videos on his various mods. Here is the RRT install with pass through - ruclips.net/video/ygYfuVajUiA/видео.html
Such a great video thank you very much! In what situation of travel would you recommend a van instead of a 4x4?
As I've said before, it depends entirely on where you're going, with how many people, for how long, how much 4x4ing you enjoy, etc. etc. They all have their pros and cons and it's your personal preferences that matter the most.
Honestly, a rooftop tent and roof rack of similar quality, will cost an easy $5,000. $8,000 sans $1,500 for a $6,500 out of pocket is very worth it. In my area, factory hard tops sell for $2,000, so my Ursa will cost an out of pocket $6,000. That's not a tough decision. I'm just saving everything I can, for what I want.
Man the American safari jxl conversion would be perfect for your lifestyle.
I really don't think so actually. It just means more interior space, which means more room to bring more junk. Payload is already a major problem, I don't need any more space!
Also it's extremely expensive.. I'd rather spend that money on gas in the tank!
@@TheRoadChoseMe You are 100% right on the price! And you have a point on the room for more junk, in my case I have a wife and a 1 1/2 yr old so the extra cargo and interior space would fit me perfect. I 100% am going to go with the Ursa Minor or the JXL Conversion.
Nice cant wait for your next vedeo
GREAT in-depth video ! 👍 Thank you. This is my dream setup. Too bad they don’t make it for a TJ 😖 That would be a game changer for me as I would be to be able to stand up in my Jeep and really have a living space. With my current setup in my TJ, I can’t unfortunately do that: I either sit on driver seat or lay down on my sleeping/bed platform. BTW, I do the same trick to level my Jeep fore-aft .... and for side-to-side leveling, I just open my driver door: if it closes by itself, I’m leaning to the right, if it opens by itself, I’m leaning to the left 🤓 Ohhh and I also use my digital protractor to fine tune my leveling 😊
I should have added - Ursa Minor have confirmed multiple times they WILL NOT make one for the 2 door Jeeps. The bed area would simply not be big enough.
(I have to assume same story for the upcoming Bronco too)
Yeah, I totally understand it would not make sense size-wise .... unless .... unless .... they make it with an overhang in the back to add the necessary length 🤓
Although, I am 5.11” and I do fit STRAIGHT laying down on my bed platform in my TJ 😬
You know I've spent quite a bit of time with a tape measure on a 2 door JL thinking about it....... but so far I can't convince John at Ursa Minor to build what I want ! damnit!
Hahaha .... at least you tried ! 🤘 and now that the Bronco is almost out he’s probably quite busy designing camper for it and taking care of his 4door JL camper backlog 😳
You need a bungy cord that can come down halfway and suck all the canvas in, like the Alucab RTT's do. Probably be pretty cheap and quick to do!
I should have said there is actually one that runs around the inside to pull the fabric in - it works great, but the amount of bedding I have up there works against it I think.
Thanks for the review. But what do you do with your shoes, when you go upstairs from the outside? Do you have a place to store them dry, without getting dirt into the bed?
When I wear flip-flops (all of Africa) I leave them on the outside tire (kind of tuck them in for the night). With boots on it's harder. I usually bring them upstairs and put them into a plastic bag to they don't make the bedding dirty.
(It's funny, I filmed that and decided nobody would want to see it, so I edited it out!)
@@TheRoadChoseMe it's a silly little thing, but also something you'll experience on the daily!
Top class review, thank you. When you cook inside, does the side windows help to get the smell out and with the carpet inner on the pop-up does it trap any of the odor?
I have never cooked inside - my stove burns gasoline so it's simply impossible as the fumes would kill me!
Excellent video! Thank you!
The rip chord is in the middle on the standard UrsaMinor compared to yours.
I didn't have to duct tape on my canvas to protect it, it must be because you have a lot of bedding up there. I only keep sleeping bag, no pillows.
GREAT JOB! Lots of useful and worthy info. Would be great if available for Toyota 4Runner (Hint-Hint! Ursa Minor). Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.
how often do you fold up both sides of the bed to use the downstairs as a 'room' that you can stand up and move around in? seems like it would be really good. thanks
Whenever the weather is bad (rain, snow, super cold) or when the mosquitoes are really bad, or when I just want to escape the world and have some "Dan time". In Africa I did it often.
Great review and thanks for sharing smart ideas.
What are your thoughts on limb risers? The wires like on the Camel Trophy Land Rovers from the front corner to the roof, to deflect branches from the windshield.
They seem like a good idea if you're planning to go places with ridiculously overgrown trails were you expect branches into the windshield will be a real concern.
For 99.9999999% of all overlanding, they do absolutely nothing.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks, as I figured that it would have been handy to have in Africa.
Not really, roads that go places are open enough. I don't think I ever once hit a tree branch, even when in the jungle of Congo, Gabon, etc. Watch my videos from there to see what it looked like!
Awesome video!
That's actually not a bad price. The Bundatop hardshell roof tent is 5000.
It's too bad it is not available for other vehicles, but anytime you start cutting the factory roof and supports out, it becomes a huge liability, not to mention safety in an accident.
It almost makes we want to buy a Jeep. :)
They have one for the 4 door Bronco as well.
I was told that leaving the bedding upstairs isn't recommended. I tried to leave my sleeping back and pillows up but I had a hard time closing the top and I had to force the latches which made me think it may not be a good idea to continue doing that... so I roll everything up and bring them downstairs as part of my breaking camp routine. Mine is for a JL and so I wonder if there is less space for the JLs than the JKs... it's supper practical to be able to leave the bedding up... Great video!
Eh, I'm sure it's "not recommended", but I've been doing it for close to 2,000 nights now without an issue!
@@TheRoadChoseMe That gives me more courage to do it on mine. It's been 3 weeks since mine was installed and I have been babying it...
Your JLU actually has more room for bedding then the JKU. Trial and error is needed. Just watch those hinges with the fabric.
@@justinpitcairn79 From the video it looks like the JLU latches are smaller... but that's just visually from the video, I don't know if my perception is correct.
Onward 4x4 I spoke at length with John about 2 weeks ago. In regards to the new JLU Ursa Minor J30 he said the top is actually an 1” taller because folks kept asking him for more room for bedding. It’s a plus minus. I’d like the room for bedding but a new JLU with my 35” tires will most likely not fit in my current 7’ garage.
Great job
“10 inches, so not that big of a deal.”
There goes my self confidence for the day...
I think he meant 10cm...
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
That is a lot cheaper than I expected. Most pop top conversions I have seen for Toyota Troopcarriers are significantly more expensive like the Alucab which is double the price.
I don’t have a jeep and I watched the entire episode.
@TheRoadChoseMe Did you do the modification for wood slats yourself? I like the idea of a larger opening so I can stand and do things in the jeep.
Ursa Minor made that for me, and they made one other similar before they decided they won't make any more like that.
You could certainly modify it yourself though.
This was great to see, thanks! Canadian here, how did you find going down south to get it installed? Any issues coming back with a modified vehicle? Ignoring the current pandemic issues of course. Cheers!
There is a dealer on Vancouver Island you can buy it from if you don't want to go down to the US
I would think this qualifies as a vehicle accessory, rather than a modification, because the roof is bolt-on. It should be easier than if you had the roof of your Honda Element or Ford Transit Connect modified, for example. Transport Canada has rules against importing certain modified vehicles or modifying Canadian-registered vehicles.
"A vehicle modified from its original state may not qualify to be imported into Canada. Canadian-owned vehicles modified in the U.S. also may not qualify for return to Canada. Examples can include:
a van converted to a motorhome (often known as Class B motorhome)
a van equipped with raised roof and/or modified interior"
But you're not importing it into Canada. It's already registered and insured in Canada, and is completely Canadian. You're just returning from holiday with a vehicle that is already Canadian.
@@TheRoadChoseMe, yes, I agree that you're not importing the vehicle. However, Transport Canada says that taking your Canadian van to the US, having it converted there, and returning to Canada could be a problem if they're not approved.
I think the Ursa Minor roof on your Jeep is a good way to avoid violating that rule, because it is not a vehicle modification, simply a bolt-on accessory. The Jeep's removable top allows this easily.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks! It's not something I've looked into myself. Definitely opens up options down the road.
I want mine done so bad ❤
Very good information, thanks again
Always welcome
Hey mate
I have watched your adventure it is Awesome.
Just a question, who I have to contact to ship my car from Australia to Africa?
Start googling shipping lines and routes, find carriers who ship containers and start calling around!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I appreciate mate
Two new questions that I don't think were asked yet in these comments: 1. Is that a custom sheet on your ursa minor bed? (if so, where did you get it?) 2. I noticed that the fabric of your mattress is sunbrella, mine is made out of tweed - any idea of when Ursa Minor changed the fabric and why?
Hi Eric,
I made that sheet myself from fabric I bought in Mali.
Yes, my mattress fabric is sunbrella, I didn't even know Ursa had changed!
Great video! What are the dimensions of the interior roof opening for your custom version (without folded wood slats)?
... I've never actually measured it to be honest. Virtually all the way from the back of the hardtop to the roll bar behind the drivers seat, and virtually the full width.
I'd measure it now but it just go covered in a foot of snow...
Thanks for another great video 😎👍
You bet
Would it withstand an attack from hungry lions or hillbillies? Great review btw .
What's on your plans for the next big road trip? Europe?
A 2 way roof fan might be worthwhile during high heat/humidity nights.
It looks like one wouldn’t be unworkable, and solar panels could be placed around it.
Now a question. Do you park at night facing east so morning sun revs up you solar charging early if your batteries are low?
I have a little portable fan I can clip anywhere I want - it works great.
If I have the chance I will face east, but when wild camping that isn't always possible depending on what kind of area I've found.
How much were the solar panels? What did Ursa minor charge for installation?
I love this video so much I just watched it again - one more question Dan: you mention that you have a 4" mattress, was that a slip of the tongue or is your mattress really 4"? Mine is 2" which is stock and I'm seriously considering adding some extra material to mine. When I ran the idea by John at Ursa Minor he said that I would be good adding an extra inch (3" total). If I'm not mistaken John Walker on Expedition Portal said that he managed to squeeze a 5" mattress into his. I'm curious about your perspective. Thanks as always!
That is a slip of the tongue, sorry. I have whatever stock mattress Ursa Minor provided.
I do, however, sleep on wooden slats on mine because of the large rear opening, so under hips and shoulders is MUCH softer and has some give.
@@TheRoadChoseMe No worries - thanks for the clarification Dan!
Venture4wd now has a 3" mattress and I'm interested in discovering how he finds it for sleeping and how the roof is closing for him.
I think I would have gone with a subdued color over white (desert sand, flat dark earth, olive drab, and so on). Just to help with not standing out. White does give it a clean look though.
awesome
Great video!
I have had this question for awhile. How do deal with mosquitoes getting inside especially for sleeping at night. Since you stand outside to cook it seems like mosquitos getting into everything would be a problem? Thanks again.
I've got a small mosquito net that I velcro over the rear opening in the Jeep when I'm standing around cooking - it was a MUST in Africa. If they're really, really bad I don't open up the bed section, so even if they get downstairs in the Jeep they can't get upstairs to eat me while I'm sleeping.
I hope to have Diesel SUV's with no EGR coolers, DPF filter and DEF/urea fluid tanks. I started my RUclips channel when I was selling International Semi Commercial Trucks. We still have a lot of problems in semi trucks caused by the various emmition systems.
I also owned a Freightliner and a Volvo truck in the oilfield. A lot of problems with diesel trucks that make me warry of owning a new diesel overland vehicle for when I get to drive outside of North America.
Any thoughts on the right hand drive imported Mitsubishi Delica or Pajero/Monterro that we can have in Canada?
The problem with RHD is you can't drive it through some countries - including Central America.
@@TheRoadChoseMe do you mean, they will not allow you to enter the country?
I have driven a RHD rental from London down to Europe for two weeks and found it not to hard, even shifting was ok.
Correct. I talk about which countries in this video - ruclips.net/video/XG6tyH4G2WU/видео.html
Any recommendations for other popup roofs that come stock more like your modified one? i.e. that create a lot of standable living space in the rear. Always enjoy your content!
I don't know of any specifically, you'll have to search on a per-vehicle basis.
Hi.... What about dust?. I traveled Africa with a 4x4 camper... Even closed, dust always find a way to enter in the camper and everything inside is cover of dust
How cold have you used it in? And did it work well at that temperature or where there any issues, such as with the struts?
Mine holds heat really well. In cold weather my wife and I zip two cheap sleeping bags together Anything over mid 30s is toasty and we’ve done down to 22 degrees. Over 45 and we start unzipping flaps.
I've slept in it down to about -10C or maybe -15C, so close to 0F. The canvas is thick enough it gets warm upstairs, especially with two people.
The canvas doesn't fold as well when it's super cold, and with snow and ice on the roof it can be hard to get a good grip to close the rear latches.
But overall, it's great. If I had some kind of heater I'd use it a lot more in the winter, but that's a project for another day!
Do the sides whip or flap in the wind? Isent it loud sleeping in a parking lot somewhere? Is the canvas metalizied to reflect the suns rays?
It barely flaps in the wind, especially when you park facing the wind.
I would never sleep in a loud parking lot. It's a Jeep, it goes into remote places.
The canvas is not metalized, but it's pretty think and holds in the warmth in the winter.
Did you have to upgrade the stock suspension?
Yes, I went with AEV 3.5" suspension which handles brilliantly on and off road.
Where do you put your shoes?
I leave mine on the back tire as I climb up, or bring them upstairs and put them in a bag at my feet.
Hi, not sure that been asked before... What is about the condensation issue? Any mold maybe? - not in Africa OK, but in Canada.. in colder, rainy times? (If we don't move the original fiberglas...)
Zero problems, including in the insane humidity in Central Africa (congo, etc.). It's been great.
Hey, I was just curious if you know of a roof conversion kit that's available in Australia?
You can get the Ursa Minor in Australia, I know they have sent a few there.
Thanks for the fast reply, I didn't know that
I'm honestly surprised alucab don't make something similar seeing as they do the roof conversions for the 78 series and they also do the tub camper conversions for Ute's as well. Looks like a missed opportunity on their end
2024 prices it’s 13k now optioned out
I wonder if They Could Design 1 For a TJ?🤔🤔🇺🇸🇺🇸
They won't be doing one for 2 door Jeeps. I've talked to Ursa Minor about it at length, the roof is just not long enough.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I would think that they could do 1 that when you pop it up,it would have a fold out section towards either the front or rear with a Brace
@@TheRoadChoseMe and I bet a lot of old die hards would get them!
@John Lane - In theory that might be possible, but I know for a fact they won't do it.
@@TheRoadChoseMe problem is, Their Just Not Up To The Challenge, Too Bad,as I Wont Buy another Jeep, Just to Get 1 of Their Set up's,They just lost a future client!😎😎🤔
And you can Pass that along to them!😤😤
Hi Dan! Do you know if it’s possible to buy that roof tent in Europe.
I live in the north part of Sweden.
/Roger
Hi Roger,
Yes, Ursa Minor have shipped a few over to Europe. Talk to them directly.
ursaminorvehicles.com/
Did your your door leak after you got your camper. I love my ursa minor but now my doors leak. I was wondering if you had the same problem.
No, which doors are leaking?
I get some water in on the front passenger foot well, but it always did that even before the ursa.. the water drips on the wrong side of the rubber seal around the door.
Both front doors. The front passenger always had drops that would pool up a bit. Now I have a fair amount of water on both sides. I have talked to John and I will be raising my doors up smig. I was just wondering what your experience was. I just used my Ursa minor a few weeks ago. I really love it. I watched your video before I got mine. Thanks for your videos and thank for your response.
You must of got those wood slats from IKEA! My kids had those on their beds.