I appreciate the strong desire in buying “US made”. Thanks for going into detail with the Hachet. I find placing my fire extinguisher on the side (to the left) of the drivers seat. No bracket necessary.
I’d put my clothes for the next day in a soft vinyl plush back pack & use the back pack as a pillow, laying on the flat back side of it! Then you got a place for your clothes that serves as a pillow & all in one, a space saver! But that’s just me!! Knowing a camper of any gets tight, & I just think forward of saving space!!
Nice review. Have you contacted Blue Ridge Overland Gear out of Virginia? They seemed to be pretty interested in hearing new ideas for production like the bag you mentioned. I’ve seen them multiple times watching Adventure4wd
I should reach out to them.. I have the bag designed and supposedly a prototype has been or is being created, so I'm in the middle of it at this point but would be nice to partner with someone who would be interested in running large production of the bags.. I think they would be a hit.
Was going to get an Ursa a while back, but the wait and cost put me off on it. I currently overland with a small type M103 copy and like the extra storage but this system is an option. Like one person said, would be nice if in white. Sure would like to see a awning option for the back to seal the rear of the Jeep to keep the bugs out and give some more living space. I’ll wait a year or so and see what modes they come up with. Thanks for the great content.
They have added a quick rear awning that you can deploy fast mainly for sun shelter. The intention is to add to it creating an enclosed mud room but I believe it’s still in the works.. the top of the camper is white so heat isn’t an issue.. it actually stays cooler in the jeep now that it’s installed. Sides are raptor liner but that might come in a different color, not sure if you can get that in white but worth asking them.
Nice rig setup! What is the model of the Eberlestock bags at ~13:20? They look like they are very handy bags and fit perfect along the headrest mounts.
It is the topper that is designed to connect to the top of one of the bigger packs.. I don’t remember which one but I have been wanting to get it because having it all integrated together is nice.. they do make nice packs that are easily disconnected when needed.
Great video! Thank you for the updated walk around. Looks like the platform is really working for you! (I have the small cook partners stove btw and highly recommend it for your setup).
I’ve seen the cook partner stove! Great stove. I ended up with the jet boil genesis and love it due to how it folds on itself and where I store it! Simmer on it is really good too. I hear great things about the cook partner though! Thanks for watching!
@@aMAYSingLife I like the Jet Boil too but when I cook I always make a mess and it doesn't have a built in splatter screen, unlike the cook partners that has it built in. Anyway, either way both are awesome options!
I love your rig. Before trading for a GMC Savana 2500 cargo van I had a 2016 Jeep Compass that I set up for camping and it was similar to your interior set up. With gas prices up I wish I had kept the Compass for a back up vehicle.
yeah will be interesting to see if there is a shift in size of overlanding vehicles if fuel prices remain as they are or worsen. I'm still doing better with diesel even with it over 1 dollar per gallon higher but it was a downright bargain when I bought the jeep. was paying 2 per gallon. those were the days.
That is a great question.. correct me if I am wrong but most if not all snorkels don’t go above the roof line of the jeep so as long as that is the case then no worries.
Would like to see a step by step set up and take down of the Hatchet I’ve watched the videos I can find of it, including your first one, but I still don’t feel like I have a full view of how it works. How it’s mounted and what modifications needed to the factory roof would be interesting also.
Well, I tried to show the steps to operate each way in the first video but maybe not good enough. It really is just outside latches, then the inside yellow handles to release the wire security cords, then push up, then release the inside security latches then slide forward. With regard to changes to the oem top, big hole in the back and then about 1.5” somewhere in there in 3 places on each side to support the top. There is no weight added to the top - it’s all on the frame. Hope that helps
That is a standard level 2 retention hip mount made for the H&K that I mounted to the frame with zip ties. It hold great, natural to release, and mostly hidden from sight. I'm left handed so it can be accessible if necessary on my way out of the vehicle without being noticed but does take some practice. would be a bit easier if right handed. Not sure if you saw but desert does it posted a bracket that attached to their front plate that allows the handgun to be mounted in a vertical location next to your right leg but that doesn't really help me being left handed. I'm also not a fan of it being seen from outside the window. I keep an additional paddle holster of same type that I use to transfer it to when i leave the vehicle.
@@aMAYSingLife nice, ill look into the front plate option, but I also agree hidden from view is good, and zip ties.. wouldnt have thought of that. thanks!
Would love to see you break it down and set it up. How is the wind noise? Do you feel the weight up top? And can you still take the whole top off on one piece with a winch lift?
I don’t feel tippy at all. Love that. Don’t really notice off road. I’m filming with ozark overland next so might be able to show more in that video. It can be taken off but due to wiring and seals it would be a chore. Negligible mpg loss. I’m still getting about the same - 25mpg avg with the diesel. Running 34” and 2.5” AEV lift
No wind noise. Quieter than before. Shocking. Let’s put it this way, I can dictate using Siri at 65 mph. Also, this video may help in showing the set up and breakdown process that you were looking for. ruclips.net/video/3MzFY38U6X4/видео.html
they do have good gear. i have looked at their gear before. I wish they would make a storage bag for that front side of the roll bar.. it would be great quality and US made if they did.. would be perfect..
It would take a lot of work on your part to make the measurements work as it is specifically designed to fit into the gutters of the existing JL top. Could it be done? Anything is possible. Would it be easy? Not likely.
I’ll need to show that in a video at some point.. but they add a pull handle that opens the latch from the inside as well as a pull strap that allows you to close the gate easily with the window down. The video I’m about to release this weekend will show it happening although won’t show the mechanism..
Mine has literally fallen apart. Won't stay closed. Fiberglass cracked. Front pops up. Back pops up and won't stay closed. I am taking it off and putting a soft top back on next week and dumping it.. May get a rooftop tent or Ursa later. Great idea. Super nice people. Just poor execution of the idea. Probably why they went out of business. The top opened up 3 times on the highway. Very dangerous.
Yes and you have room to stand in the back with the door and rear window shut while the bed loft is accessible. Allows for changing clothes or leaving the loft while partner remains in the bed which is great for those middle of the night nature calls
I like the Hatchet idea. But no one has mentioned how you close and open the rear window/door from inside. And I assume the swing away tire carrier would need to be staked and tied open to prevent it from moving while your sleeping.
They install a pull cord that allows you to release the lock from the inside. When closing the rear up for the night you lower the window then grab the install nylon pull strap that provides the leverage needed to pull the gate closed while you remain inside. I always sleep with window down and gate closed
You go to a hot desert environment with a dark colored, vehicle with a black top tent? How hot can you get, lets say 150 degrees, buy white and save yourself
maybe it didn't show in the video but the top is white and so far i've camped in very humid climate in the east and have stayed comfortable. surprising actually. still very happy with it.
This is so intriguing and a very compelling case over the Ursa Minor which I had almost pulled the trigger on. Even though you do need to buy the OEM hard top to make this work so it works out about the same price as an Ursa Minor Two questions. Have you slept in high winds yet? Wondering how the fabric handles strong winds with fabric flap noise. What is the interior cabin wind noise like when driving? Do you feel it is less than the original hard top or is about the same? I see you don’t notice much less in mpg? Looking forward to seeing more videos. I may have to put a deposit down!
1. Winds were ridiculous at Overland Expo West and it handled the winds great. Flap noise was minimal and I was (due to the booth positioning) not facing the hard shell into the wind. I always carry ear plugs but i didn't have to use them which was surprising to me. 2. Interior cabin noise went down a few decibels based on an app I put on my phone prior to having it installed and testing it again after because I was very curious about that. Because everything is kept inside (including the awning that slides into a channel and works great both side and back) and not hanging off the outside wind noise remains minimal if not better and MPG remains good as well. I have not seen a decrease in mileage at all after installation. I'm still avg around 24-25mpg with the diesel. Granted mine is a diesel and it handles load a bit better but Ross said he has seen similar results with his 4cyl turbo lifted rubicon. 3. I assume you have a soft top since you are considering having to purchase a hard top in part of the cost. Otherwise, they modify the top you have and if you ever decide you dont want it you then replace the top. 4. The video that releases today will show it off road and more use of the top. I have now slept in hard rain (2.2" in 48hrs) and it was perfect, no water inside, no sweating, and i was able to keep the rear window open through the whole rain. amazing. 5. They are a new company but are bending over backwards to make sure you are satisified with the camper.. Tell them you heard it from me. I dont get paid but it would be good for them to know :). I bought my camper by the way. 6. Oh, another factor.. the 1 100w solar panel is keeping the jeep battery topped off and it is keeping my jackery topped off which is keeping my fridge and everything else running. i dont even carry my jackery panels anymore.
@@aMAYSingLife Thanks for the quick reply and such useful and helpful info. I haven’t actually purchased my Jeep yet. I’m debating wether to go used or purchase new but in this crazy market New might be better value. I was actually looking at your rig as inspiration and may get a Jeep Willys edition as I don’t intend to do any rock crawling just lots of exploring! I will most definitely mention I saw your video to the guys at Hatchet. So glad RUclips algorithm suggested your video. Looking forward to seeing the new one!
@@moondog303 so based on your plans on use, the Willy's edition may be the best option. You get some things like rock rails, skid plates, etc as on the Rub but you dont get lockers or sway bar disconnect. So you can save quite a bit depending on your needs. I really wish I had the sway bar disconnect but as you will see in a video coming up when I traveled with Matt from Ozark Overland, not having the disconnect or lockers didn't keep me from going anywhere. So it really does come down to budget and how you intend to use it. Happy hunting! I'm grateful I got mine when I did, just before they got scarce..
@@aMAYSingLife I just re-watched your initial video and you mentioned the screen is a no-see-um screen. If this is the case - this is a HUGE advantage over the Ursa Minor as Chris from Ventuer4wd admitted this was one of the biggest failings of the UM with more of a coarse mesh used with their setup. Btw I believe you get an aftermarket sway bar disconnect for an inexpensive add on, it’s manual and not as convenient as the OEM on the rubicon but I might look into that!
@@moondog303 i am extremely impressed with the screen material.. i had a ... a bit of a fight with my drone (in the next episode) and it came in on me and tore into the screen.. believe it or not it didn't damage the screen. I bled like crazy but the screen turned out to be uninjured and it along with me pulling the battery is ultimately what stopped the carnage lol..
@@operation4wheelz after the trip with Matt, I tend to agree.. I don't go specifically rock crawling but I don't like getting stuck so there is a happy medium but it really boils down to how do you plan to use your rig.. I certainly don't call out the guys who go big but I personally don't want to spend the money necessary to run huge tires without having issues.
I appreciate the strong desire in buying “US made”.
Thanks for going into detail with the Hachet.
I find placing my fire extinguisher on the side (to the left) of the drivers seat.
No bracket necessary.
do you mean by your left leg in the drivers seat or behind the seat on the left side?
Right off the bat, good cranking tunes 😊
Thanks man!
I’d put my clothes for the next day in a soft vinyl plush back pack & use the back pack as a pillow, laying on the flat back side of it! Then you got a place for your clothes that serves as a pillow & all in one, a space saver! But that’s just me!! Knowing a camper of any gets tight, & I just think forward of saving space!!
Very nice video. My next RTT. Thankyou
Thank you!
Nice review.
Have you contacted Blue Ridge Overland Gear out of Virginia?
They seemed to be pretty interested in hearing new ideas for production like the bag you mentioned.
I’ve seen them multiple times watching Adventure4wd
I should reach out to them.. I have the bag designed and supposedly a prototype has been or is being created, so I'm in the middle of it at this point but would be nice to partner with someone who would be interested in running large production of the bags.. I think they would be a hit.
Man you got to be loving that thing!
It’s a game changer…
Was going to get an Ursa a while back, but the wait and cost put me off on it. I currently overland with a small type M103 copy and like the extra storage but this system is an option. Like one person said, would be nice if in white. Sure would like to see a awning option for the back to seal the rear of the Jeep to keep the bugs out and give some more living space. I’ll wait a year or so and see what modes they come up with. Thanks for the great content.
They have added a quick rear awning that you can deploy fast mainly for sun shelter. The intention is to add to it creating an enclosed mud room but I believe it’s still in the works.. the top of the camper is white so heat isn’t an issue.. it actually stays cooler in the jeep now that it’s installed. Sides are raptor liner but that might come in a different color, not sure if you can get that in white but worth asking them.
And thank you!!
Nice rig setup! What is the model of the Eberlestock bags at ~13:20? They look like they are very handy bags and fit perfect along the headrest mounts.
It is the topper that is designed to connect to the top of one of the bigger packs.. I don’t remember which one but I have been wanting to get it because having it all integrated together is nice.. they do make nice packs that are easily disconnected when needed.
@@aMAYSingLife Thank you and looking forward to episode 8 of your Wyoming BDR series!
Great travel setup.
Thank you.. I’m really starting to get happy with it. Having a place for everything makes life so much easier
Great video! Thank you for the updated walk around. Looks like the platform is really working for you! (I have the small cook partners stove btw and highly recommend it for your setup).
I’ve seen the cook partner stove! Great stove. I ended up with the jet boil genesis and love it due to how it folds on itself and where I store it! Simmer on it is really good too. I hear great things about the cook partner though! Thanks for watching!
@@aMAYSingLife I like the Jet Boil too but when I cook I always make a mess and it doesn't have a built in splatter screen, unlike the cook partners that has it built in. Anyway, either way both are awesome options!
Cool set up
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I love your rig. Before trading for a GMC Savana 2500 cargo van I had a 2016 Jeep Compass that I set up for camping and it was similar to your interior set up. With gas prices up I wish I had kept the Compass for a back up vehicle.
yeah will be interesting to see if there is a shift in size of overlanding vehicles if fuel prices remain as they are or worsen. I'm still doing better with diesel even with it over 1 dollar per gallon higher but it was a downright bargain when I bought the jeep. was paying 2 per gallon. those were the days.
and Thank you!!
Brilliant! You just answered all the questions I had about the new set up! 😁😁
Was waiting for the walkthrough thank you for the video.
Glad it helped!! I still forgot to tell some stuff but I’m sure it will come up on future vids.. thanks for watching!
One question. Does it for example work with the "Round" highbeambar over the windscreen? or is it a bit to tight?
This does look more useable than an Ursa Minor
I’ve camped in it about 3-4 weeks so far now and still loving it.. thanks for watching!
Would the slideout clear a snorkel install?
That is a great question.. correct me if I am wrong but most if not all snorkels don’t go above the roof line of the jeep so as long as that is the case then no worries.
Would like to see a step by step set up and take down of the Hatchet
I’ve watched the videos I can find of it, including your first one, but I still don’t feel like I have a full view of how it works.
How it’s mounted and what modifications needed to the factory roof would be interesting also.
Well, I tried to show the steps to operate each way in the first video but maybe not good enough. It really is just outside latches, then the inside yellow handles to release the wire security cords, then push up, then release the inside security latches then slide forward. With regard to changes to the oem top, big hole in the back and then about 1.5” somewhere in there in 3 places on each side to support the top. There is no weight added to the top - it’s all on the frame. Hope that helps
@@aMAYSingLife thanks
I totally agree with your assessment of the Hatchet vs the Ursa Minor and JXL
Looking forward to seeing how it holds up
is that a specific hand gun mount or did you use a hip mount and modify it?
That is a standard level 2 retention hip mount made for the H&K that I mounted to the frame with zip ties. It hold great, natural to release, and mostly hidden from sight. I'm left handed so it can be accessible if necessary on my way out of the vehicle without being noticed but does take some practice. would be a bit easier if right handed. Not sure if you saw but desert does it posted a bracket that attached to their front plate that allows the handgun to be mounted in a vertical location next to your right leg but that doesn't really help me being left handed. I'm also not a fan of it being seen from outside the window. I keep an additional paddle holster of same type that I use to transfer it to when i leave the vehicle.
@@aMAYSingLife nice, ill look into the front plate option, but I also agree hidden from view is good, and zip ties.. wouldnt have thought of that. thanks!
@@riceman2112 zip ties are the new duct tape lol
I can't access their website. I get an "Access Denied" error. 😐
sadly they are gone.
All I s looking GREAT, an you are alot further along than i am. Hope to meet up soon
I’m slowly heading back. Let’s make it happen
Would love to see you break it down and set it up.
How is the wind noise?
Do you feel the weight up top? And can you still take the whole top off on one piece with a winch lift?
My travel videos will show more and more of that. Got several incoming
I don’t feel tippy at all. Love that. Don’t really notice off road. I’m filming with ozark overland next so might be able to show more in that video. It can be taken off but due to wiring and seals it would be a chore. Negligible mpg loss. I’m still getting about the same - 25mpg avg with the diesel. Running 34” and 2.5” AEV lift
No wind noise. Quieter than before. Shocking. Let’s put it this way, I can dictate using Siri at 65 mph. Also, this video may help in showing the set up and breakdown process that you were looking for.
ruclips.net/video/3MzFY38U6X4/видео.html
Thanks so much for answering those questions! Really helpful!
Look into Blue Ridge Overland Great. I think they are in North Carolina
they do have good gear. i have looked at their gear before. I wish they would make a storage bag for that front side of the roll bar.. it would be great quality and US made if they did.. would be perfect..
Can’t find their website, how to contact them?
Unfortunately they went out of business… stinks too because hands down still the best camper out there
Is it a possibility to mount this onto a bed rack on a gladiator?
Hello from Depoe Bay Oregon
It would take a lot of work on your part to make the measurements work as it is specifically designed to fit into the gutters of the existing JL top. Could it be done? Anything is possible. Would it be easy? Not likely.
Do you keep the rear door open? If you close it, how do you accomplish this from the inside?
I’ll need to show that in a video at some point.. but they add a pull handle that opens the latch from the inside as well as a pull strap that allows you to close the gate easily with the window down. The video I’m about to release this weekend will show it happening although won’t show the mechanism..
I was wondering the same thing, so once everything is closed how do you open the back from the inside
@@RDRJOHN the pull handle they add allows you to open it back as long as it’s not locked… doesn’t unlock just opens.
Did they go out of business? I can't access their website.
Sadly yes
@@aMAYSingLife 😞
Mine has literally fallen apart. Won't stay closed. Fiberglass cracked. Front pops up. Back pops up and won't stay closed. I am taking it off and putting a soft top back on next week and dumping it.. May get a rooftop tent or Ursa later. Great idea. Super nice people. Just poor execution of the idea. Probably why they went out of business. The top opened up 3 times on the highway. Very dangerous.
Just curious. The back part of the tent stays open to the bottom while you sleep?
Yes and you have room to stand in the back with the door and rear window shut while the bed loft is accessible. Allows for changing clothes or leaving the loft while partner remains in the bed which is great for those middle of the night nature calls
I like the Hatchet idea. But no one has mentioned how you close and open the rear window/door from inside. And I assume the swing away tire carrier would need to be staked and tied open to prevent it from moving while your sleeping.
They install a pull cord that allows you to release the lock from the inside. When closing the rear up for the night you lower the window then grab the install nylon pull strap that provides the leverage needed to pull the gate closed while you remain inside. I always sleep with window down and gate closed
Yay!
:)
You go to a hot desert environment with a dark colored, vehicle with a black top tent? How hot can you get, lets say 150 degrees, buy white and save yourself
maybe it didn't show in the video but the top is white and so far i've camped in very humid climate in the east and have stayed comfortable. surprising actually. still very happy with it.
This is so intriguing and a very compelling case over the Ursa Minor which I had almost pulled the trigger on.
Even though you do need to buy the OEM hard top to make this work so it works out about the same price as an Ursa Minor
Two questions.
Have you slept in high winds yet? Wondering how the fabric handles strong winds with fabric flap noise.
What is the interior cabin wind noise like when driving?
Do you feel it is less than the original hard top or is about the same?
I see you don’t notice much less in mpg?
Looking forward to seeing more videos.
I may have to put a deposit down!
1. Winds were ridiculous at Overland Expo West and it handled the winds great. Flap noise was minimal and I was (due to the booth positioning) not facing the hard shell into the wind. I always carry ear plugs but i didn't have to use them which was surprising to me.
2. Interior cabin noise went down a few decibels based on an app I put on my phone prior to having it installed and testing it again after because I was very curious about that. Because everything is kept inside (including the awning that slides into a channel and works great both side and back) and not hanging off the outside wind noise remains minimal if not better and MPG remains good as well. I have not seen a decrease in mileage at all after installation. I'm still avg around 24-25mpg with the diesel. Granted mine is a diesel and it handles load a bit better but Ross said he has seen similar results with his 4cyl turbo lifted rubicon.
3. I assume you have a soft top since you are considering having to purchase a hard top in part of the cost. Otherwise, they modify the top you have and if you ever decide you dont want it you then replace the top.
4. The video that releases today will show it off road and more use of the top. I have now slept in hard rain (2.2" in 48hrs) and it was perfect, no water inside, no sweating, and i was able to keep the rear window open through the whole rain. amazing.
5. They are a new company but are bending over backwards to make sure you are satisified with the camper.. Tell them you heard it from me. I dont get paid but it would be good for them to know :). I bought my camper by the way.
6. Oh, another factor.. the 1 100w solar panel is keeping the jeep battery topped off and it is keeping my jackery topped off which is keeping my fridge and everything else running. i dont even carry my jackery panels anymore.
@@aMAYSingLife Thanks for the quick reply and such useful and helpful info.
I haven’t actually purchased my Jeep yet.
I’m debating wether to go used or purchase new but in this crazy market New might be better value.
I was actually looking at your rig as inspiration and may get a Jeep Willys edition as I don’t intend to do any rock crawling just lots of exploring!
I will most definitely mention I saw your video to the guys at Hatchet.
So glad RUclips algorithm suggested your video. Looking forward to seeing the new one!
@@moondog303 so based on your plans on use, the Willy's edition may be the best option. You get some things like rock rails, skid plates, etc as on the Rub but you dont get lockers or sway bar disconnect. So you can save quite a bit depending on your needs. I really wish I had the sway bar disconnect but as you will see in a video coming up when I traveled with Matt from Ozark Overland, not having the disconnect or lockers didn't keep me from going anywhere. So it really does come down to budget and how you intend to use it. Happy hunting! I'm grateful I got mine when I did, just before they got scarce..
@@aMAYSingLife I just re-watched your initial video and you mentioned the screen is a no-see-um screen.
If this is the case - this is a HUGE advantage over the Ursa Minor
as Chris from Ventuer4wd admitted this was one of the biggest failings of the UM with more of a coarse mesh used with their setup.
Btw I believe you get an aftermarket sway bar disconnect for an inexpensive add on, it’s manual and not as convenient as the OEM on the rubicon but I might look into that!
@@moondog303 i am extremely impressed with the screen material.. i had a ... a bit of a fight with my drone (in the next episode) and it came in on me and tore into the screen.. believe it or not it didn't damage the screen. I bled like crazy but the screen turned out to be uninjured and it along with me pulling the battery is ultimately what stopped the carnage lol..
Please don’t go and out massive tyres on the jeep…
I’m hoping to keep the 34” I have on it to be honest. I still get 25mpg avg kitted with the top and I’d like to keep that. So I’m with you on that..
@@aMAYSingLife it’s more beneficial in so many ways
@@operation4wheelz after the trip with Matt, I tend to agree.. I don't go specifically rock crawling but I don't like getting stuck so there is a happy medium but it really boils down to how do you plan to use your rig.. I certainly don't call out the guys who go big but I personally don't want to spend the money necessary to run huge tires without having issues.