JK 2 dr "expedition build"

[camverra]

Recently bought a 2 dr JK Sport. Planning on putting together an "expedition build"; basically want to be able to drive out anywhere for a few weeks and have everything i need to live out in the middle of nowhere. Just got the ARB bar at the moment. Below is a list of what i have in mind. First time planning anything like this so appreciate opinions/feedback. Also looking for a workshop that can help with a custom build for the back (planning to remove the back seats for space) so any recommendations would be great. I'm based in Perth.

- 2"-2.5" lift (Teraflex?)
- 33" MT ATZ
- snorkel (AEV? Safari?)
- RhinoRack Pioneer Platform
- roof top tent (ARB Simpson III)
- jerry can holders (front, either side)
- UHF radio set
- LED lights (on front bar & across roof rack front)
- dual battery setup
- fridge
- electric top cooker
- storage box for tools/recovery equipment

[NTRubicon]

a good set of drawers for the back would make life easier on long trips. There are spaces you didn't think could be used. There is a nice space between the roll cage in the rear where a net can be suspended for light weight things like pillows, or towels that can be grabbed in a pinch (mine gets used for soft toys and things the kids want to keep 'just in case')
Also helps when you don't have to unpack the entire back of the car to get to the jack under the boot shelf. I 'could' tell you how I know this..

[MightyMouse]

"drive out anywhere for a few weeks" ...... carrying enough fuel for two weeks is going to be very difficult, especially with a full load of other bits and pieces.

[camverra]

I get what you mean about the fuel. Will just have to handle that with proper journey planning and management. I meant more along the lines of having the vehicle equipped with what i need to live a few days.

[LeighP]

I'd talk to the people at SBR since you're in Perth.....they're great to deal with, have a full workshop and I've found them very competitive on price for parts.

My thoughts....

- 2"-2.5" lift (Teraflex?) - I think you can do better than TF, talk to SBR - maybe an AEV lift or a custom kit using various parts/springs/shocks
- 33" MT ATZ - Good size, and a good tyre, I'd also look at the Cooper STT Pro.
- snorkel (AEV? Safari?) - I prefer the AEV - it's a lot simpler design, all the snorkel is one piece and stays high above the water line with no mods to the body required (hood mod only).
- RhinoRack Pioneer Platform - would be my pick. I'd add a bat wing awning.
- roof top tent (ARB Simpson III) - Don't know the ARB tent, but you may want to look at HANNIBAL Roof Top Tents. Drifta use them on their camper trailers and they look to be a very nicely made peice of gear.
- jerry can holders (front, either side) - MORryde do these side and rear can mounts, I've got to get a pair for myself (google search MORryde Jeep Accessories). Also, you might want to think about a rear bar/carrier combo - I have a Smittybilt Atlas rear that lets me carry two Jerry cans, my hi-lift jack as well as the spare....and the Jerry cans are legally stowed forward of the carrier where they are protected.
- UHF radio set - buy a good one, Icom / Uniden / GME - I have a remote unit that puts all the controls/speaker on the hand mic.
- LED lights (on front bar & across roof rack front) - not a fan of roof lights, but each to his own - I run a pair of round LEDs that are "1 x long range / 1 x spread" and a combo 21" STEDI lightbar on my front bar....plenty of light and range for the speeds you do in a 4WD. I also have a pair of Aurora spread beam cube LEDs mounted on the base of the A pillars and angled outwards about 30 degrees.....awesome for seeing whats on the sides of the track in the bush, and around the twists and corners in the track.
- dual battery setup - pretty impressed by the Genesis Dual Battery system, which is available to suit RHD JKs (I believe SBR are a dealer) - I don't have a dual battery myself because I run an ARC Power Pack "battery in a box".....its a lot cheaper and works for me.
- fridge
- electric top cooker - personally, I'd use a gas cooker and a medium sized bottle.
- storage box for tools/recovery equipment - Have a look at Drifta's custom built drawer system.

Good luck with the project.

[Wazza D]

I agree with LeighP on pretty much all points.
Setting up A JKU is difficult enough without putting all that in a 2 door. Hope you're not going to cram a dog or something in as well?

[MightyMouse]

And a lot depends of how much "crap" you carry...... when you look at what you actually NEED vs what some people carry... its a VERY different thing.

The less stuff, the easier to pack and the easier on your vehicle. Remember JK's don't have a big payload.... trying to turn it into a mobile home is not a great idea.
If your really looking at carrying everything and the kitchen sink sell the JK and buy a Unimog.

IF you don't really NEED something then leave it home