KK's and camping, what is best?

[slimjim]

Hey Fellas,
I'm new to the forum but not so new to Jeep's.
A few years ago I spent a year in Tasmania and decided to buy a 2010 Patriot, It served me very well and I had almost nothing bad to say about it.

Well in 2019 my wife and I are moving back to Australia from North Carolina, first stop is the Sunshine Coast, QLD, then driving down the East coast to Tasmania where we'll spend another year.

First thing I've gone and done is buy a MY10 KK Cherokee, had my folks check it out, did the usual checks and laid down a deposit, they should be picking it up for me by the end of the week.

It's the 3.7 petrol sport model with a few factory features, which I'm very happy about. Part of the deal was 4 new tyres to be put on so I've agreed to pay the difference to get something a little better than the basics.




It has the 'freedom' package which has a few items we're very happy with.

With the aim being to have a successful year of ownership and selling the Jeep in December, I am forced to restrain myself from modifying the car to the extremes, a curse of mine that I struggle with. Luckily a Camaro back in the states is keeping me very busy.

We plan to camp and explore Tasmania as much as we can(weekend trips max) in our free time and are looking for recommendations on camping gear which works well with the KK.
What items have you found fit it best?
Awnings,
Eskys,
tables,
you name it. I'm looking to assemble a well fitting setup that can be assembled without a day of prep and day of clean up.

One thing I've already noticed in my few hours of ownership, is the selection of jeep parts in Australia quite frankly blows, and I highly regret looking at what I can buy in America. and may even consider sending items over before we make the move.

I previously slept in the patriot on several camping trips and was also curious if this is possible in a KK?

Thanks for any help in advance and I look forward to sticking around a little longer.

James

[KKnut]

Hi slimjim, from my experience it’s possible to sleep two in the KK if you take everything out. I recommend a good roof rack to either load lots of gear up there or better still mount a rooftop tent. If it’s only going to be two traveling I’d suggest to take the back seat out as its ridiculously heavy and eats up a heaps of space. With the rear seat gone your options for fridge sizes will increase from 40 litres to whatever you can securely strap down. A cheap awning is always good value too.

[slimjim]

Originally Posted by KKnut

Hi slimjim, from my experience it’s possible to sleep two in the KK if you take everything out. I recommend a good roof rack to either load lots of gear up there or better still mount a rooftop tent. If it’s only going to be two traveling I’d suggest to take the back seat out as its ridiculously heavy and eats up a heaps of space. With the rear seat gone your options for fridge sizes will increase from 40 litres to whatever you can securely strap down. A cheap awning is always good value too.

Thanks for a great reply and I'm happy to hear it can be possible to sleep in the back if we choose to do so. Removing the back seat is also an idea I hadn't considered but now it has me thinking.

James

[layback40]

we camped in tents for years & then got a poptop camper/van. The best move we ever made. Small & light & goes every where we want. Roof top tents are a pain as they need to be packed up before you go wheeling & make your jeep very top heavy. Sleeping in the back of a jeep is for teenagers!

[brucet]

We carry a two man tent, can I say 2 man?, or should it be 2 person?
Evakool fridge and all the 'normal' stuff for camping. Get a 12volt outlet put in the back.

I've tried sleeping in the back. If you come close to 6 foot tall it can be a struggle.
The biggest down side for me, I have no roof rack due to low hanging garage door, is the lack of somewhere to carry extra fuel.

bruce

[slimjim]

Great help fellas,
I'm yet to pickup the jeep but I've had new shocks installed and Yokohama Geolander 245/70/R16s installed, seems they're about the biggest you can fit without a lift.
Also the previous owner is filling the boot with all of his camping gear(what a legend), it seems those days are behind him.

I'm 6'1" and not in love with the idea of sleeping in the jeep, but the wife is American and you know how they are regarding all of Australias creepy crawlys, killer snakes and maybe even sharks getting in there, so she's very adamant about getting off of the ground. perhaps the roof-tent is a better option.

[eksjay]

Originally Posted by layback40

we camped in tents for years & then got a poptop camper/van. The best move we ever made. Small & light & goes every where we want. Roof top tents are a pain as they need to be packed up before you go wheeling & make your jeep very top heavy. Sleeping in the back of a jeep is for teenagers!

I would tend to agree 100%. Get a touring tent like the Oztent RV series, say a RV2 or RV3 if it is only the two of you, and cots/stretchers. Leave the rest of your stuff in the car and remove the middle seats anyway. You may want to consider a platform rack for the Oztent. Also take a hiking tent which packs into a small space e.g. Ninox series etc. just in case it is howling. Good Luck.