One of many gems we'll be pulling from the old forum...
Question: Kevin Sturmer: There are a ton of ways to make a Jeep a sand-blaster, a mudder-buggy, a rock-crawler, or even a mall-crawler. What are the best ways to setup a Jeep for overlanding?
Guy Miner: I think you’re looking at two broad categories of modifications:
1. Improving the off-pavement capability of the Jeep. For most of us, very little needs to be done to a stock Jeep Wrangler. I used mine for a couple of years with nothing but upgraded tires and a winch. Other than that, all-stock. It did pretty much everything I asked of it.
2. Mods to make it a better “camping/living” vehicle. Tent, fridge, awning, that sort of thing.
Last year I did significantly upgrade the off-pavement capability of my Jeep, having lower gears installed, along with air lockers front and rear, and an air compressor. Also added steel front & rear bumpers as well as rock sliders for protection. Made more light available with a set of aftermarket LED aux lights up front. Gave it a small 1.5″ lift and 33″ Toyo Mud Terrain tires. Was all that necessary? Probably not…
For the camping end – I’m coming from a minimalist backpacking & motorcycle camping background – so being able to toss a large tent, stove and cooler in the back of the Jeep makes me smile. Somebody else is going to have to tell you about buying a fridge, etc…
And I’d add, make it fit your needs, not someone’s idea of a perfect overlander.
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Rich Cronin: In addition to what Guy said, focus on communications. If you are out with a group, have CB or FRS/GMRS or Ham radio so front and rear vehicles can stay in contact. Also in some instances comes the ability to call for help when cell phone not available. If you are going out alone, I strongly suggest a satellite communication device like a SPOT or Delorme In Reach in case of emergency – all you need is some clear sky, call for help and the helicopters will be right with you.
Satellite radios also have the ability to send “OK” messages to people you pick out and let them know your progress and you are ok. DO NOT be hesitant to sign up for a trip no matter your experience. On those trips you will see all manner of things people do and want and use.
You will get tons of advice (of all kinds). Another critical consideration is that your vehicle has hard points or shackles or some convenient place to get hooked on to if you need it. If you need a winch out and you have nowhere to hook to, your vehicle is subject to damage. Navigation. Get a GOOD GPS setup, most good ones have all the forest roads all programmed in. If you get lost, just punch in “Take me home” and it will.
So there are some more considerations for you.
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Benny Benson: Put gas in it and go. With the JK’s there is almost too much stuff to even talk about available to throw on your rig. Most of the stuff I’ve bought for mine is from solving a comfort issue. I wanted a better ride so I have the AEV 2.5″ dualsport lift. I wanted a cold beverage without the hassle of buying ice, so I bought the fridge. I needed better storage for all the offroad gadgets so made a drawer for the back. To me, There’s no real wrong way to build an “overland” rig. I mean I have a buddy that has a totally tricked out Jk on 37’s and he can just as easily go overlanding with me…although his fridge is a little harder to get into.
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Amos Aarsvold: The mods I’ve done that have added the most enjoyment on the trail and in camp that I’d recommend at least considering are Trek Armor seat and armrest covers, fridge, and Gobi. I would also recommend swapping for stiffer springs capable of handling the weight of all your gear. My JKU started getting pretty “squirrely” as I kept adding more and more crap into it; some better springs in the rear helped that.
The key is making it work best for your wants, needs and comfort level.