Great Rides of Summer Week: A Two-Story Jeep Wrangler
It wasn't long ago that I saw a Top Gear episode where those three gentlemen each "built" an RV. Richard Hammond had a Land Rover 110-based motorhome that "grew," James May's Lotus-inspired device was somewhat cleverly compact, and Jeremy Clarkson's tipsy Citroen CX colossus, complete with Japanese contemplation area, is shown here on the right.
They had previously done a show on caravaning that ended in, of course, hilarious disaster. And needless to say, before this "Build your own RV" show was over I was again rolling in speechless hysterics, literally falling out of this chair. I've frequently explored the prospect of building my own camping vehicle, pushing my living-space-expanding quasi-engineering skills to the limit, but none of my ideas even closely approached the extremes that these fellows (And the TopGear writers and producers) had come up with.
So in a recent Car Lust Weekly Open Thread, I asked for submissions ideas for our upcoming "Great Rides of Summer" week. Commentor "RipRip" mentioned the Jeep Wrangler, and he (Or she?) could not have been more Right On! I've never owned a Jeep, but frequently have tried to buy one as they turned up for sale in the neighborhood. One of these open-top trucks would make a great vehicle to play with here on the farm, be great to shuttle gasoline and diesel fuel containers with, and would be fun to just putt putt around in. But a purchase deal has just never worked out.
While I looked for images of the Wrangler, this Jeep appeared. Memories of the TopGear episode were immediately refreshed, and I almost rolled out of this chair again.
However, unlike Clarkson's contraption, this vehicle is quite functional and practical, and likely to remain on all four wheels through the night, also unlike Clarkson's camper.
This particular vehicle is called the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Overland by Mopar. It's based on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, and by the looks of it, this should be a great Summer ride for both day and night times.
But I'm not sure if it would be a hit at a drive-in movie. The awning on one's right might approach into the space of that theatre patron. Likewise, the ladder on the Jeep's left, a dual-purpose support and escape system, could infringe on your other neighbor's privacy.
So abandon any tight-quarters campering thoughts and quickly head to the great outdoors... specifically, a desert or experimental lunar landscape some- where. This vehicle will stylishly get you there. According to Jeep's own press release, "Enhancing off-road travel is an American Expedition Vehicles’ (AEV), Nth Degree, 3-inch suspension lift, and a Full Traction rear sway bar. The lift allows aggressive 35-inch tires mounted on 17-inch steel Mopar winter/ off-road wheels to fit under the Jeep. Additional off-road protection at the front and rear is provided by AEV steel bumpers, and for added security, a Warn 9.5ti winch."
"In order to prepare the Jeep Wrangler Overland for desert duty, an AEV Jeep Wrangler heat-reduction hood and snorkel kit is fitted to the vehicle. Mopar windshield-mounted off-road lights and Daystar bumper-mounted lights provide additional lighting for nighttime and off-road driving."
Also from their press release, "To increase cargo capacity for hauling gear, the Jeep Wrangler Overland’s rear seats are replaced with a large, flat, rubberized utility floor. Mounted to the cargo rack is an all-new ARB two-person Simpson II rooftop-mounted tent and touring awning. The interior of the Jeep Wrangler Overland features water-resistant Mopar front-seat covers, rugged Mopar slush mats, a Daystar dash bin, and lower switch panel that powers added accessories." Thank you, Jeep/Mopar.
So this Jeep Wrangler Overland becomes a great ride of Summer by providing excellent off-road and desert-specific capabilities, along with some of the comforts of home. Though I didn't see any mention of central air conditioning, a Japanese contemplation area, a kitchenette, nor a loo.
And of course, there's nothing wrong with any Jeep as a "Great Ride of Summer."
--That Car Guy (Chuck)
Image Credits: The TopGear image is from Pictures.TopSpeed.com. The Jeep Wrangler Overland's deployed habitat photo is from EdmundsInsideLine.com. The last two Jeep images are from TopSpeed.com.
Sam on July 27, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Best recreational vehicle ever. I can't imagine why people shell out $30-40k for 20 year old Syncro Vanagon campers when that amount will buy a slightly used Wrangler and most of the associated accessories shown in the Wrangler Overland.
kenny on July 27, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I am trying to keep it down to 4 grand or less. Old Chinook Toyota, Toyota Motorhome, Van conversion... maybe just a trailer for the wife's Forester that pops up or a smaller trailer like a tear drop even.
That Car Guy on July 27, 2011 at 09:16 PM
I've seen some really nice 10-year-old 20-foot (or so) camper trailers for under $4,000 on craigslist. Please avoid the pop-ups; you'll pay about the same for a solid, enclosed trailer with a potty and a fridge that's not on the floor.
MatLax on July 27, 2011 at 09:45 PM
There's also this:
http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_xpedition_vehicles/xvjp1_overview.html
kenny on July 28, 2011 at 12:31 PM
If it is a trailer, I want small and well sorted inside. Under 1700 LBS. That the Forester could pull.
I have considered a old Vanagon, but they are so over-valued now that the affordable ones would be only the Air Cooled ones that barely move, plus I cannot fathom putting 3 grand into a 2-3 grand bought one with the almost certain "issues" that would come up.
A VW Bus could be a cool car call, but I would almost pick up a mid 90's Toyota Previa mini van and create a Vanagon like interior, spend less money, be more reliable in the short and long run.
RipRip on August 01, 2011 at 12:21 PM
He as in me has own two of them a 04 Ruby and now a 95 YJ. I have to say the 95 is more fun; don't have to worry about body damage any more.
jjd241 on September 10, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Not exactly a new idea... http://www.flickr.com/photos/47661552@N00/4994664933/
Jeep Wrangler Pittsburgh on February 26, 2012 at 12:55 AM
Whatever the season and the weather, my Wrangler Jeep is always on the go.