Sleeping in the Tj [Archive] - Expedition Portal

JeepNerd

12-31-2009, 08:00 PM

I wanted to start a thread / this will turn into a "build" thread as I continue exploring this.

I am trading for a 97 Wrangler tomorrow, with the 2.5L 4 cyl and automatic tranny. The "tow rating" for the 2.5L is only 1000lbs (2k for 6cyl), and I realize I could build a trailer/camper but keeping it all under 1k will be a challenge I suspect. Mostly because my "trailer" list starts getting really complicated.

WHAT am I trying to accomplish? I am hoping to take this to the OBX for fishing and camping. Wife is not going to go 90% of the time I do this, so just myself sleeping.

Here is my idea. At first I was thinking I would remove the passenger side front seat, and put my foam mattress inside the Wrangler. I am only 5'9" and I think that "could" work but def getting squeezed if I leave the center console in place.

So here is my second idea, I am hoping someone else has already done this and you will all say REPOST and I can watch / learn.

The dimensions of the "cargo" bed with the rear seat removed is 36" or so wide, and I am thinking 36-38" to the back of the front seats?

I would cut a board that would fit thru the rear tailgate when opened (so that narrows to 3x" wide)

I would put a hinge on the rear of the cargo bed so that when it is folded inside it will lay flat over the cargo area.

When opened it will stick out of the tailgate, thus providing approx 3x" wide by 72-76" flat sleeping space for my mattress?? Support for this would be twin cables up to the rollbar. Essentially the same system a tailgate uses.

What am I missing? Has this been done before? The PRO being a single contained vehicle instead of pulling a trailer that could get mired in OBX sand.

In theory I will then add one of those SUV tents to give me access in and out.

Thought or concept #2....is go ahead and install a fold down tail gate...which would have another hinge in the middle of it, thus doubling the length of the tailgate from approx 15" to 30" Giving you a total of 66-72" all told?

I am looking forward to hearing from you folks.

xr8dxj

12-31-2009, 08:21 PM

I wanted to start a thread / this will turn into a "build" thread as I continue exploring this.

I am trading for a 97 Wrangler tomorrow, with the 2.5L 4 cyl and automatic tranny.
There wasn't a 4.0L equipped TJ on the lot? Even a 4.0L works significantly harder when pushing across the beach. You might also want to consider tent camping. When I lived in NC I had a freaking blast heading to the beach on the weekend and camping on the beach. No rocks under the tent, just nice posturepedic~esque sand underneath the sleeping bag. The sound of ocean waves crashing, seagulls, fresh ocean breezes rattling the tent zippers, THAT sunrise... awesome. Heck, bring the wife too!

Regardless, we got your back! Let the build begin! :wings:

LaOutbackTrail

12-31-2009, 08:25 PM

There was a fella that did this sort of thing in an FJ40. Search the web for it...

Seems sort of small. Are you planning to do 2 people or just solo? The FJ40 pretty much removed the front passenger seat and had the platform fixed there.

kcowyo

12-31-2009, 08:25 PM

It's been done... "goodtimes" and "1leg" have done it and they have pics here. A search here in the Jeep section for their threads should turn up their threads and info.

I did something similar years ago with my CJ-7... I pulled out the back seat & passenger seat and made a sleeping deck out of a cut sheet of plywood. I laid the plywood on the back wheel wells and shored up the front end (that extended to the glove-box) with two short sections of 2x4's that acted essentially as table legs. I'm about 6'0 and this arrangement worked for me on a 2.5 month solo excursion around the western US.

Kept my gear stored underneath, my cooler behind the driver's seat and my Therma-Rest and bedroll laid out at all times. I was even able to access my console with no problems. It was a great way to go (and stealthy!) for the solo traveller -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/JeepBed2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/JeepBed1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/CJinStovepipe.jpg
.

JeepNerd

12-31-2009, 08:45 PM

Very interesting / raising the whole bed up to near dashboard level. That would allow me to easily clear the center console, radio and other controls.

As for the 4.0, would have been my preference but this is a straight trade, my dodge ram for his TJ. We are both pretty happy with it, but I do have to remind myself to not throw big tires and such at the 2.5L

Will google more for the FJ40 version of this...lots of folks building these for the FJ60s/80s/FJCs, etc. But a bit more space challenged in the Wrangler. But that just makes it more satisfying when figured out eh!?

kcowyo

12-31-2009, 08:56 PM

Very interesting / raising the whole bed up to near dashboard level. That would allow me to easily clear the center console, radio and other controls.

I was able to access the glove-box too, but I did need to remove the grab handle over the glove-box for a couple extra inches of leg room. I'm not sure about the newer TJ's, but my CJ's rear wheel wells were flat on top, so that assisted me greatly in having a level spot for the rear mount.

I know "goodtimes" made his deck much lower because he has a pooch who goes everywhere with him. I was solo and before Pelican cases, I kept all my gear in milk crates, which fit perfectly under the deck in the back. In the front passenger footwell, I was able to store a standard sized toolbox, another milk crate and a collapsible 5 gallon water jug.

Not that I had anything much of value with me, but to curious eyes walking by, all they would have seen was my bedroll and ol' Coleman cooler. Wish I had taken more/better pics of that set up...

:campfire:
.

TJ Willy

12-31-2009, 10:25 PM

Back when I had a TJ, I remember researching something like this. I stumbled across a dude that strung up a hammock inside his TJ from corner to corner.

I completely understand your straight trade deal. In your shoes, I would do the same thing. Having said that, I had a 4.0 and a 2.5 w/ small 33's (not true 33" tire) and that jeep worked hard to pull hills unloaded in the wind and I had a standard trans. Gearing would have helped, but I had no plans of keeping that Jeep very long.

Don't know your tire plans, but I ran 32" Pro Comps on my first TJ with no lift modifications and I wheeled it at Hot Springs ORV park disconnected. It can be done... It seems you don't plan on wheeling that much so 32's should work out fine to give you a bit of clearance.

SavageSunJeep

01-01-2010, 05:59 PM

Been there done that way too many times and never had a good nites rest. I have slept in it, on it, on the hood (to keep from freezing) sitting up in the seats and at 6'2" 225 lbs I finally gave up...bought a '06 LJ which is right at 10 FEET from tailgate to floor board on passenger side. Better than a king size bed and holds a TON of gear.

Hopefully you are a bit smaller than I am and you can sort it out.

Tip: I only run one seat in my rigs so there is plenty of room, that is my first tip.

SECOND TIP: Cut the end off your tail pipe, get a replacement tip that is slightly curved, like the one you cut off and put it on or weld the one you cut off back on and TURN it 90 degrees to face out from under the Jeep. Now you can run the heat and AC at night and not worry about exhaust 'pooling' under the Jeep and sleep safe from fumes. Also be sure to INSPECT your exhaust system regularly for leaks!!!!!

Keep us informed...

GPER

01-02-2010, 01:22 PM

The 4.0 is hard to beat and going to a 4 banger might not be the best. Jeeps are just hard to sleep in, I got a tent cot to sleep in with a small pad. That and a tarp will give you a little more room. There is less room in the TJ's with all the plastic dash stuff sticking out.

mtnbike28

01-02-2010, 03:20 PM

GPER

01-02-2010, 10:21 PM

Build deck version 1 with really cheap wood and try it, as KCOWYO showed it is very doable.

Funny thing about sleeping in the Jeep, I am researching a Nova Scotia trip and was reading web reports of other's trips. I found one where two young women did a 11 day trip and slept in the front seats of their Civic over half the time.... the Jeep would be like a five star hotel compared to that ; )

I'm not to sure about that, I have slept in my CJ, XJ, the nights were long and uncomfortable. The best nights sleep I got while in one of the cars was in my Toyota Camry. It surprised me how much more comfortable it was to sleep in.

Mamontof

01-02-2010, 11:11 PM

Well Tahoe have size of full mattress :Wow1: when not fill up , but i have bunch of staff and gear with me on trip http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Aleksii/?start=108

Any way i feel sleep in narrow tide spot so comfortable as in my home California size mattress http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/443/sdc10057gs.jpg

The reason way I SLEEP in the car way to rainy that day , to install my low budget RTT http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8919/picture159y.jpg

In California i woos pretty surprise when 4 people sleep in Humvee 3 , and i have no idea hay they feet there :wings::wings:

College Kid

01-04-2010, 04:17 PM

I did have a thread started on a bed I was designing. I have finally just finished this and am going try and track down that those posts.

I have a 2003 TJ and have rigged up a very comfortable and very versitile cot that is slung from the roll bar.

Give me a couple days and I'll have some pics up.

Jeep

01-05-2010, 02:43 AM

I'm 6'1" and 230, I get a great nights sleep in my TJ when I park it up hill and recline the seat as far back as it will go.

goodtimes

01-05-2010, 03:06 AM

With the passenger seat removed, you have right at 6' from glove box to tailgate. It gets kinda tight at the center console, but I pull it off (and I'm not the smallest guy out there . . .).

I sleep fine in it -- but then again, I sleep pretty well just about anywhere.

Desert Dan

01-05-2010, 03:26 AM

The best way to sleep in a TJ would be to remove the passenger seat and or build a platform so you wouldn't have to unload all your gear.

The option to sleep in your rig is one reason I bought my H3.

College Kid

01-09-2010, 05:36 PM

Here is the link to my build thread for the hanging cot.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=539918#post539918

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss48/pwthackett/Truck%20Mods/Picture041.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss48/pwthackett/Truck%20Mods/Picture042.jpg

kstover

01-10-2010, 09:20 PM

[QUOTE=Desert Dan;536571]The best way to sleep in a TJ would be to remove the passenger seat and or build a platform so you wouldn't have to unload all your gear.QUOTE]

This is what some one on jeepforum.com did. I plan on doing this to my LJ next week. Looks pretty good.

Desert Dan

01-10-2010, 10:23 PM

that looks nice
With you LJ you will have lots more room

JeepNerd

01-11-2010, 11:23 AM

As I continue looking at it, I think I am going to either build my own rear drawers or buy another one of those sets from Tuffy products. I had one of those in my old YJ and they are setup pretty nice / strong.

Then build the sleeping platform on top of that, so it will be coming out of the rear of wrangler about the level of the rear wheel wells.

One issue is the angle from the very rear of the sleeping deck to the rollbars. I plan on using cable, like from an ATV winch, to provide the support, but the shallower the angle, the more I worry about it stretching and breaking.

The Wrangler is at pops at the moment getting the rust spots fixed and we will be working on getting out the sheared off manifold bolts!!

I will take a few more measurements...the full deck plan staying on the inside and removing the passenger seat actually makes more sense.

If I go that route, I think I will build it high enough to go over the center console, giving me a decent amount of room..

My mattress fits between the wheel wells of a S-10pickup or Nissan pickup, from the late 80s, early 90s. We used to have a camper top (topper, whatever) on them and sleep in the rear when camping.

My knees always feel hyperextended in hammocks, not sure how folks sleep in those.

jagular7

01-11-2010, 01:24 PM

The 2.5l in a TJ is not a very peppy engine in the first place. I've got one and have wheeled it stock and modified. I've towed over the 1000# rating with no problems. The biggest hurdle you will have either way is acceleration. I manually shift when I need to accelerate to gain speed to merge onto highway and traffic. Otherwise, it accelerates at its own speed....

If you plans to use this Jeep include the beaten paths some, I'd look into a teardrop style camper. You can buy a mfr'd one or build one yourself.

My camper that I put together used a pickup slide-in pop-up style box on a trailer frame I had put together. It worked for the short time period of thought to put something like this together, but in reality, it was a little short in a couple of ways that I didn't anticipate for its use.

The TJ, 4 or 6 cyl, is capable of towing upwards of 2000# if you are a safe, predictable driver. The short wheelbase of the TJ is what hinders the towing capacity to be greater. I would look into a small pop-up camper, something with a 8' box as this would give you queen bed on one end, double on the other (most of the time). There are even smaller base box pop-ups as well that are even lighter. Maximize your packing ability for your use and you shouldn't have any trouble with a properly mounted hitch frame on the TJ.

My TJ is mostly used for wheeling, but I've towed my camper to the trails, camped, and towed it back home. I do run with 35's and lockers in the axles along with lower gears to compensate for the 35s.

Why put yourself into a sardine can why it is really not necessary? How about looking at a pop-tent where it is another type of sardine can, but roomier....to atleast roll over in your bag.

bme

01-11-2010, 01:38 PM

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/odds%20and%20ends/05-06-3007.jpg

img borrowed from Peter

Just an idea,
make a hinged wall with cover over it to replace the driver side back window.
when it is open, you can sleep perpendicular to the car at the back with feet in it. the bed side equals TJ width + window' height
________
The Cigar Boss (http://thecigarboss.com/)

Momrocks

01-11-2010, 02:06 PM

Why put yourself into a sardine can why it is really not necessary? How about looking at a pop-tent where it is another type of sardine can, but roomier....to atleast roll over in your bag.

JeepNerd, I applaud your project. I agree with the poster above who said that it "isn't necessary" (sleeping in the TJ), but it IS very convenient at times. I am in a similar situation with my XJ. I sleep in it sometimes, not perfect but it works out well. I also carry a ground tent or Tentcot depending on my plans. If I spend the night on the road or in an urban environment, setting up a tent isn't really an option. For the sake of stealth, sleeping in the rig is nice and a well constructed platform makes it relatively comfortable as well as optimizing your cargo storage. I am following your progress, good luck.

`

Toolman

01-13-2010, 03:21 PM

Instead of coming off the roll bar with cables etc.. I used an extendable hood prop coming off of the bumper up to platform. Sorry I don't have any pics of project yet.. on top of the Tuffy toolbox I built a carpeted platform that has drop in storage. off of the back of the box I have a 16 guage metal shelf that attaches to the top of the box and the hood props go down at an angle to the bumper for support very comfortable and it acts as a table as well. I will take some pics this weekend and post. I do have the template I made for the platform. My legs hangout on the platform and my head and chest are inside. Working on a rear shelter made out of canvas like the soft top that zips into rear window.

kstover

01-23-2010, 04:51 PM

scarysharkface

01-23-2010, 05:14 PM

I took the front passenger seat out of my LJ and cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to act as an extension of the rear deck. The front of the plywood rest on my Craftsman tool set, perfect height. For the rear I ripped 5" off of the 2'x4' plywood and screwed/glued it for support. Air compressor, tools, tow strap all fit under this deck.
I ended up with almost 8' of sleeping area. Cost $11 and about 2 hours work.

Happy Trails
Keith

That's not too different for my configuration in the JKU. Substitute folding the right/rear seat forward and there is just enough flat-ish space and I can sleep comfortably. Being able to crawl into the back and sleep at a rest area or pullout without exiting the vehicle is a beautiful (and useful) thing. And sure, I pack a tent as well in case I find I want to have that experience.

I'm looking into building a teardrop so I can travel with my wife. This site is full of great ideas and information, some of which can be adjusted to work in the back of your Jeep:

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

John

brennanriddle1

01-25-2010, 02:29 AM

This was my plan for sleeping in my TJ.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/Img_5999.jpg

This is how far i've come.

Not finished yet.. Needs some sort of canvas that zips onto the top, where the back window usually goes.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/CIMG1203.jpg

How it all stows away after.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/Cimg1208s.jpg

Toolman

01-25-2010, 11:30 PM

brennanriddle1

01-25-2010, 11:53 PM

I like it.. nice job.. I would try a sail maker in the harbor area if you have a lake or marina near by they should be able to make it how you want... may cost some $$$$$$$$
I especially like the stove mount

Thanks on the compliments. The entire set up is hitch mounted so it supports the weight. It's a full length twin futon plus a few inches. And although leg room is limited, the cargo rack makes stowage really practical.

Good thinking with the sailmaker.

I think sailcloth would be perfect. Possibly even matching color. Can they do windows?

goodtimes

01-26-2010, 12:17 AM

This is what some one on jeepforum.com did. I plan on doing this to my LJ next week. Looks pretty good.

That is my TJ. I don't recall posting it up over at jeepforum though . . . I haven't spent much time there in, ooooo....who knows. Anywhoo, it was a pretty easy project, doesn't weigh much, and didn't cost much.

That is the first iteration though . . . I have since raised it 1.75". That allows me to leave the rear seat brackets in place underneath the platform. The rear half of it stays in all the time, the front comes and goes as needed (which isn't often now that I rarely travel solo in the jeep).

Toolman

01-28-2010, 01:47 AM

Sail cloth may not be water repellent... you should try a rip stop material like an RTT would have.. remember you want this to last. A qualified sail maker also makes covers for sales and understands how to make the material work to shed water you don't want soggy sails and you don't want to get wet if it were to rain. I bet it would cost around $500 if you provided the material and zippers.. I thought about it and I think if you found a used top at a junk yard or on craigslist the sail maker could convert it and it would have the same cloth and zippers.. plus windows that would pop in and out.

goodtimes

01-28-2010, 01:58 AM

brennanriddle1

01-29-2010, 05:58 AM

I thought about it and I think if you found a used top at a junk yard or on craigslist the sail maker could convert it and it would have the same cloth and zippers.. plus windows that would pop in and out.

that right there is a good idea.

A Jeep soft top could probably easily be converted to fit somehow.

:costumed-smiley-007

brennanriddle1

02-03-2010, 01:59 AM

In theory I will then add one of those SUV tents to give me access in and out.

I am looking forward to hearing from you folks.

That would be much easier and cheaper than custom cutting a TJ top.

My set up is almost like the one you are/were drawing out but it isn't hinged.

The suv tent is officially on my list of things to buy. :victory:

bluejeep

04-06-2010, 05:09 PM

Here's my solution - did a trial run in Moab last week and it worked very nicely.

39856

39857

39860

39861

What I did was develop a full strength rack (aluminum), incorporating 2 tiedown strips with adjustable tiedown points (they don't show in the pics but run fore-aft at about the 1/3 points along the width) , and a nested / pullout surface that I use for lunch on the trail (bar height for back at camp!) and as a bunk for sleeping. Two of the pics show my bivy tent (inside and out). I've also got an optional leg that can be used so the pullout surface can be used for trail repairs, heavy stuff, etc.

The rack's outer edges have holes for tiedown points, and I'll be bending the top half out so the hooks don't interfere with the cargo.

I'm going to modify so the pullout can be setup to go to either passenger or driver side depending on how the bivy entry is. I liked having access to the inside of the jeep within my reach easily, but could see the advantage of having the entrance toward the back of the jeep as well.

Also I positioned the bivy tent further to the driver's side so I actually had a covered gear storage area at the head of the unit.

Momrocks

04-06-2010, 05:40 PM

Here's my solution - did a trial run in Moab last week and it worked very nicely.

Verrry cool, you are quite an innovator. Well done! :victory:

Ford Prefect

05-19-2010, 07:22 AM

This was my plan for sleeping in my TJ.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/Img_5999.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/CIMG1203.jpg

I have always liked the idea of your build, but it occurs to me. If you keep your body inside the vehicle, then you could lower the top portion of the "tent" section to just the height of the rear door. Thus you could keep your rear window in place, and use far less in the way of materials and space, less concern for heating the area, and still have ample leg room. Then you could remove the gear rack back there, and place the gear under the mats. This, of course, would lower you COG rather nicely I should think.

Anyhow, just a thought. Hope to see you complete this someday.

I have been pondering sleeping in my CJ-7 as well. I am 6'5 though, so, not sure how well it would work out. I would not remove the passenger seat, however I do not have a center console so I think I could make due if I really wanted to in that space.

Cheers,
Brian

comrad_zeelaagee

05-19-2010, 08:24 PM

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/jeep%20stuff/My%20jeep/CIMG1203.jpg

have you considered how close you are to the fuel cap with the placement of that stove/open flame?

just a thought.

brennanriddle1

05-22-2010, 01:46 AM

I ordered an SUV tent to use as canvas. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/82209878mopartent.jpg

It was so close to being finished but progress was halted. After i welded up that jerry can mount, i found out that the tailgate would no longer open to a full 90*. one of the main structural supports for the can is in the way. You can kind of see it here (the angled one just over the taillight). :
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/brennanriddle1/027.jpg

Until i figure out either a different jerry can mount or different tailgate hinges, the bed won't be in use.