Ultimate Expedition Jeep (My Take On an Existing Platform)

[hollaback55]

Love the idea, especially with a diesel in the mix. Only concern would be the jk frame/platform handling the extra weight of the camper and its associated plumbing. If only we could get the j8 platform.

[grecy]

Hi, Dan: That was an F550 with 37's most likely.

Probably. I was driving past it at the time, so I didn't get a great look. It had Florida plates if that means anything.

-Dan

[forsakenfuture]

Since we are talking photoshopping I have a request. Could someone do a four door Wrangler with the rear doors the same as the front length and the rear wheel well opening pushed back with a symetrical rear flare like a TJ. I am not saying the setup would be great I am just curious what it would like.

[4X4NDAD]

Between Aev and Earthroamer Xp, they could have one finished in about 2 months, just whip out the checkbook. Just in time for Overland Expo... Someone needs to pull the trigger on this one.. But it won't be me.

[VegasUnderworld]

That looks like a nice design you have there. Curious to see how it develops. Here's one of a similar design I found for sale on the AEV site.
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[Keyne]

I agree with Vegas and the red jeep. I always liked that red jeep but thought it was too small, however... now with a Brute Doka you could have the rear seats available for storage.... I think it would be awesome to have an AEV Brute Doka in silver (Billett silver or the new army green) with a matching colored Phoenix popup camper. If it were me:

Some thoughts on the camper:
- instead of the typical kitchen setup I would have a Kanz (or similar) field kitchen with propane stove and a National Luna fridge stored length wise where the original kitchen is typically located on the driver side. This way in bear country you could remove the kitchen and store it in a bear locker at the campsite. Also, if you left the slide out camper in camp as a base camp you could take the kitchen in the Jeep.
- Keep the sink setup with pump and plumbing but have it close to the door. Then put a pan in the floor in front of the door that could drain to grey water and used for a small shower in the inside area in front of the door.
- Under bed storage with dividers for camera equipment, etc.
- Mounting points on floor of the camper
- Exterior with ladder, rear lights, solar panel, awning, and roof racks
- Also I liked the photos of the bamboo cabinet interior with a faux wood floor

The Jeep:
- AEV 250 kit with a winch, snorkel, and heat reduction hood
- Rear seat back attachment points to mount another National Luna fridge on the passenger side with seat folded down (or removed). Having two fridges would enable you to obviously have good fridge space but also one (or both) could be used as a freezer. Also, when leaving the camper in base campe mode you have a fridge in the Jeep for your exploring.
- Mounting points in the bed (similar to what they do at Adventure Trailers the silver colored mounts with the slides) so that when the camper is left in camp the jeep can have gear secured for exploring
- Wonder if you could mount a roll up bed cover that roles up against the cab back when the camper is in place and then rolls out over the bed when the camper is removed
- Onboard air, dual battery, HAM radio, etc. etc.
- LED light bar on forward edge of Jeep roof below the camper front, because it isnt mounted to the camper you can use it with or without the camper. Also, low profile (compared to round lights) so it could fit in the space.

Misc - I like the idea of using fold-able mountain bikes and kayaks. Easy to store folded in the camper of the Jeep and then put the kayak on the roof of the camper for quick trips, etc.

Overall I think this would be a super capable and flexible setup. Can use the slide out camper as a base camp and the Jeep for exploring, provisioning, etc. Also, with the removable kitchen components the flexibility is beyond a typical slide out camper.

However, that being said... costing out the setup of a donor Jeep Rubicon, an AEV Jeep setup AND a Brute DOKA conversion (heard it was $25K) AND a custom Phoenix camper it would be something like $90K+... alternatively you could buy a used Tacoma (with Toyota reliability) do a great build (or buy a used one already built) and buy the same camper for about $55K... As cool as it would be if I wanted to really do it I don't think I could rationalize it over the Taco setup. It is fun to dream though.

K

[aw990200]

I don't know if anyone else has seen this article, but I thought it may spark a little dialogue (regarding the price of one of these things). Price is mentioned in the third-to-last paragraph. http://www.aev-conversions.com/image...week_Brute.JPG

[Keyne]

It is cool but the price just seems crazy to me. For around $40k you can get a powerwagon with a hemi, locking diffs, detachable sway bars, etc.

[PGT]

I don't know if anyone else has seen this article, but I thought it may spark a little dialogue (regarding the price of one of these things). Price is mentioned in the third-to-last paragraph. http://www.aev-conversions.com/image...week_Brute.JPG

well, yes. A full JKUR/AEV build tops $60k before the DoKa conversion. Add another $25k to that for the little Hemi.

Whether you're rich or poor, it's nice to have money.

[aw990200]

The one in the article is almost $86K and that's with the original V6. So, if you only have $86k, and you've already spent $60k on your JKUR/AEV, do you use the remaining $26k on a hemi, or Brute DoKa conversion?