My 2012 Jeep Wrangler Pop-Up (Ursa Minor J30)
#1
Posted 06 April 2013 - 07:12 AM
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.
#2
Posted 06 April 2013 - 12:47 PM
While the truck camper is ideal for places you can't get to from here, your vehicle seems designed for those places you can't get here from there.
#3
Posted 06 April 2013 - 03:35 PM
'99 Ford Ranger XLT, '08 FWC Eagle
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“the clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” - John Muir
#4
Posted 06 April 2013 - 04:17 PM
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#5
Posted 06 April 2013 - 05:35 PM
#6
Posted 06 April 2013 - 05:54 PM
www.KuenzliPhotography.com
2012 Four Wheel Camper - The FWC Build
"If life was fair, Utah would be closer to home" DD
#7
Posted 06 April 2013 - 05:59 PM
www.KuenzliPhotography.com
2012 Four Wheel Camper - The FWC Build
"If life was fair, Utah would be closer to home" DD
#8
Posted 06 April 2013 - 06:58 PM
Have fun.
Look forward to some trip reports.
Frank
2002 Tundra AC TRD 4WD Limited 2009 ATC Bobcat loaded http://sharychic.blogspot.com/
#9
Posted 06 April 2013 - 08:32 PM
Stew
2007 Custom All Terrain Camper Panther Shell on 2012 Toyota Tundra 4x4 in SE CO
#10
Posted 06 April 2013 - 08:52 PM
Can you post a photo of your small hard-side camper that you had on the F150? Would be interesting to see what you are coming from.
I guess "small" is relative. We'll say more lightweight than small maybe... I only had it for a year and a half or so.
Weight was around 1300-1400lbs. Small fridge, furnace, water heater, outside shower, smev stove, etc. Portable toilet inside.
The original plan was to buy a pop-up but at the time I lived in Kentucky (for three years) and there really isn't any dispersed camping or public land. Nearly everything was private parks. Soon after buying it, I started a new job and moved back home to Oregon. We were staying with friends and family to save up for a down payment on a house, and couldn't keep the camper on the truck at a townhouse. We ended up buying a house with no place to store the camper. When I did use it, it was super comfortable but just way too much. I didn't need the space. I didn't cook inside. Overall height was around 10-11' and I pushed tree limbs everywhere I went and was afraid of ripping off the jacks.
I sold the camper and debates my options. I already re-geared the axles (on 35" KM2s), had front and rear lockers and several other upgrades. But my next set of changes/upgrades was $6-7k. Then I thought about a custom Phoenix camper (FWC didn't make the shorter Raven at the time), but didnt want to spend some $20k and have another payment.
Sooo, this is where I ended up. Sold the truck, put a big down payment on the Jeep, spent a bunch of money on upgrades, saved up for the top etc. No problems getting anywhere I want to, no issues with storage. Just one payment. Makes more sense for us at the moment.
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