After seeing both the J30 and habitat in person, the J30 made more sense for me in the Pacific Northwest. It is smaller, but sealed up much better against the elements, has a hard roof over your head, and less fabric to absorb moisture and mildew. It arrived and I installed it yesterday on my 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Have a look...
Somehow I failed to take exterior picture with the top up, I'll have to post them later. The top essentially opens like the VW westfalia tops which it was designed after. Here are some interior pictures...
Overhead organizer with map pockets, dual USB outlets and 12v outlet.
Carpeted interior with rear windows deleted.
Rear bay LEDs. Eventually I'll have a rear kitchen and storage setup accessible from the outside.
Looking up from the rear seat. Two removable panels normally sit here, this is the normal exit/entrance.
One panel removed, looking down.
Front, looking back. Windows closed. The large windows on each side and open to a mesh screen, or open completely for entry/exit.
Back looking forward.
So far I am extremely pleased. It is nowhere near as elaborate as the typical truck camper but the whole package is very capable and low profile. Most of my trips are solo and spontaneous, so this will work well. I don't tend to "set up camp" in one spot, I explore and move and a lot, and tend to find a place to stay at the last minute. Or I wake up at home in the night, and decide to drive a few hours to catch a sunrise on a mountain top or something else ridiculous. This top has about 2" of clearance when closed and allows for a couple of sleeping bags to stay upstairs all the time, always ready to go. Eventually I'll install an arb or similar 50qt fridge on a slide, and a rear interior rack to carry basic food prep gear at all times, as well as some form of on board water. On the roof are Thule rails with fixed front mounts. Should be perfect for mounting kayaks, snow boards, etc.
The suspension is an AEV 3.5" lift with progressive springs and custom tuned shocks, upgraded with HD one ton ball joints, tie rod, HD track bar and steering box braces, etc. The front axle has been re-enforced with inner axle sleeves, a truss, c gussets, etc. Upgraded dual cardan front driveshaft, exhaust mods etc. Being a rubicon it comes from the factory with front and rear locking differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect and 4:1 low range. The tires are 35x12.50r17 BFG KM2s, and the whole setup still averages 16mpg. Some other upgrades are in store soon as budget allows, bumpers, winch etc.
I'm looking forward to my time off this summer and will hopefully have some worthwhile pictures to share.
