2012 JKU Sport Build - "AlternateLive" - The shotgun approach...

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I would be VERY hesitant to mount 50-100lbs of fuel on the roof rack.....

You've never seen it on any of my rigs either, but it's one option, not the only option. Five gallons of petrol = 42.5 lbs without can.

[Metcalf]

Yup, I wouldn't even say it out loud

Try and keep ALL weight added to a vehicle below the belt line ( top of the tub on a Jeep ). In VERY few instances can I justify having weight added above that line. Of any weight added to a vehicle that is probably the worst place to add it. Just saying.

I agree without a doubt about about the weight thing. I see a LOT of overloaded vehicle with poor load distribution. While I think for most people going out for a few days of camping this isn't a huge issue. I sure wouldn't want to do that on a multi-week trip to the middle of nowhere. Just because you have the storage volume does now mean that you have the weight capacity. I would much rather have a 'light' one ton truck rather than a 'heavy' Jeep, even if they both are the same overall weight. I have seen some 4-door JK's that are pushing the weight of my Dodge truck ( 39s, one-ton, Cummins, etc ). That is just insane to me.

[Craigwhitton]

I have subscribed to this one -- I have some similar goals for my 2dr so I may poach a few ideas!

[MOSDIF589]

I also like that you are keeping track of the weight you are adding but I would also keep the added unsprung weight seperate from the over all weight. The added weight from larger tires and wheels will be different from adding say bumpers & a winch... Lilke what you are doing and will be following your build. Good Luck...

[McZippie]

FWIW... to help keep weight down...
We use our JKU pretty much the the same as our previous Expo vehicles, we keep them mostly stock.
An expo/bling Tire/Rim combo and extra style'in driving lights, lets others know ya in da club.
.
To change from daily driver to expo/camping use, fold the rear seats down, throw gear in back and protect the occupants with a heavy duty cargo net barrier.

To set up camp, we pitch a small tent and quickly take the gear out of the Jeep and put it in the tent, except the food/cooler gets moved to the front seats.
In the now empty rear of Jeep, we inflate backpacker air mattresses and unroll sleeping bags.
Run engine for heat or air-conditioning as required.... Love the remote engine starter.

[toymaster]

^^^ So, the tent is a decoy, uhmmmmm. Good idea.

[McZippie]

^^^ So, the tent is a decoy, uhmmmmm. Good idea.

Yep... The decoy/gear tent hides our shame and shunning from fellow expo'diters that we are sleep in the car low-lifes.

[jdzl]

It's about time for some updates!

Expedition One Basic DX Bumper w/ Fog wings

[jdzl]

Warn M8000 Winch

[jdzl]

AEV DualSport XT 2.5" Lift