The Jeep

Jeep Wrangler Build for Two Years Around Africa

The build of my Jeep is extensive, with each modification carefully thought out and planned. The build focused around primary goals, I will lay out the rationale and decisions for each.
Weight was a primary consideration for each modification, as was limited interior space.

Goal 1: Strong 4×4, big enough to sleep in, fit inside a 20 foot container.

• 2011 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.
• 3.8l V6 Gasoline engine, 6 speed manual transmission.
• Locking front and rear differentials, electronic sway bar disconnect.
• 4.10 axle ratios.
• 4:1 transfer case ratio.

Goal 2: Extremely capable off-road

Two years around Africa, especially West Africa, requires a very strong 4×4 vehicle. I chose the Rubicon for the factory diff locks, stronger D44 front axle, and low range transfer case. In addition to that, I have added:

• Suspension: Stronger and improved handling with mild lift
  • American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 2.5″ lift with Geometry Correction Brackets.

• Bumpers: Radiator protection, stronger
  • AEV Front with Skid Plate, AEV Rear, Tire carrier and High Lift Mount.

• Tires: All-round performance, extremely durable, mild clearance increase
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain 34×10.5R17″]B00ROTJA88[/al].

• Wheels: Extremely strong
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Mopar Steel Winter Wheels 17″]B007NNSZ7M[/al].
  • See my rationale for the wheels and tires: Tire Selection

• Recovery: Going solo for two years, I need to be able to get myself unstuck.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Warn Zeon 10-S”]B00AAKFESS[/al] (synthetic rope to reduce weight).
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Factor 55 Flat Link”]B00R6J45RC[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Maxtraxx MKII Recovery Mats”]B00HYCVSW6[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Voodoo Offroad Ropes Kinetic Rope”]B00O93TB36[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”ARB Ultra Light Snatch Block”]B004P9FD9A[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Hi-Lift Extreme Jack”]B0017T7WHW[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Hand Bow Saw”]B0052X7XV4[/al] to remove trees and limbs if needed.

• Lighting: Inside and out, being able to see is a must
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries Truck Lites LED Headlights”]B0102OHAME[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries R2-46 LED Driving Lights”]B00Q1RSCV0[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries Security Kit for Driving Lights”]B00LG5RIEE[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries JK Fog Light Replacement Kit”]B00JFXXEFQ[/al].
  • 2 x [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries LED Scene Floodlight”]B01553D4U4[/al].
  • 2 x [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rigid Industries A Series High Strength LED Light”]B00BF2XKFY[/al].

• Snorkel:
  • AEV with Pre-Filter for extreme dust removal.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”K&N Washable and reusable Air filter”]B000Q3OTQC[/al].

• Engine Skid:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Rugged Ridge Engine/Transmission Skid Plate”]B0088ZOKKU[/al].

Goal 3: Interior living space

A two year expedition is not a vacation, this is my life. Given that I’m building my Jeep into a house on wheels, I want interior living space – to be able to escape the bugs, the rain, or even just escape the world for an evening will help keep me sane enough to continue.

The build and design is centered around a Pop up roof and interior cabinets I designed and built.

The roof is lighter and more aerodynamic than a roof rack + Roof Top Tent combination.

• Pop-up Camper Roof:
  • Ursa Minor Vehicles J30 popup camper, customized open rear area.
  • Read more about my modifications to it here: Ursa Minor J30 Popup Camper

• Interior: allows for standing, sitting and sleeping in the rear of the Jeep
  • Removed back seat & carpet, custom built cabinets for camper setup using:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Lightweight aluminum tubing”]B00J3VBFCO[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Plastic corner connectors”]B00J40WPV4[/al].
  • To see photos and the build process of the interior see: Jeep Build Phase 1 Complete

Goal 4: Improved Sleeping, Cooking, Eating

Two years from Alaska to Argentina on my previous expedition taught me a lot.  I love camping, though after two years I was done with Ramen noodles and tinned soup. I want to eat vegetables, cheese and meat. I want to sleep up off the ground out of the mud. With that in mind, the following modifications where made:

• Fridge:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”35L Dometic CFX-35″]B00T36NUYA[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Dometic Insulating Protective Cover”]B01GEK9Z2S[/al].

• Kitchen & Cooking:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Coleman Single Burner Gasoline Stove”]B0009PUQAU[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”MSR Base 2-Pot Set”]B001QWIRKQ[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Fry Pan”]B0007VYGDE[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”MSR Coffee/Tea Filter”]B000F1SSFI[/al] For that morning cup.
  • Outback Adventure Products Trailgator.
  • See the full DIY Tailgate Table Utensil/Tool Organizer article

• Awning: Sun shade over the kitchen area at the rear
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”ARB 1250″]B0161KT3PA[/al] mounted on rear.

• Shower: Keep it simple, keep it light
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”10L MSR Dromedary Bag”]B01MSX7C6N[/al] I hang in the sun for heat.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”MSR Dromedary Shower Kit”]B002IAHBES[/al]

• Fan for sleeping: Light, charges off USB, has speed settings and internal battery
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”USB powered fan”]B01GPHO0XY[/al]

Goal 5: Ability to be self-contained for weeks at a time

My aim to to get far off the beaten path, so I need to be able to support myself. With that in mind, I added:

• Water System: Water is the number one limiter for days without resupply
  • 12 gallon Drinking Water Tank Mounted Under Body.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”12v Sureflow Revolution 3.0 Pump”]B002XM5G70[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Pura UV 0.5 micron Filter & UV lamp”]B002WDNX6G[/al].
  • See the full DIY 4×4 Drinking Water Tank, Pump and Filtation System article.

• Batteries: Isolated batteries mean I can run the fridge for days without starting the engine
  • Dual [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Optima Yellow Top D34s”]B000AMDDBQ[/al].
  • Isolated with [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Painless Performance Wiring Kit”]B00062Z5XY[/al].
  • Mounted in Nemesis Industries Dual Battery Tray.

• Solar: To charge the second battery
  • 2 x [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”100w Renogy Eclipse Solar Panels”]B01B3TEM1E[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”20A Renogy ViewStar Solar Charge Controller”]B00LH5ZAXO[/al].

• Additional Gasoline: A range above 500 miles is a must
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Titan Fuel Tanks 13 Gallon Transfer Tank”]B018NGBCF4[/al]. (Total Range ~600mi.).
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Mr. Funnel Fuel Filter/Water Separator”]B000SOKE5E[/al].

• On Board Air Compressor & Tire Repair: self-repair is a must
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”ARB CKMA12 Air Compressor”]B009F49NP0[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”ARB Tire inflation Kit”]B0050DHYEW[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”ARB Puncture Repair Kit”]B004P91FCO[/al].
  • Spare values, stems, inners, etc.

Goal 6: Secure Storage for all my stuff

The stock Jeep glovebox and console are just plastic, and the hood does not lock. I improved that with the following:

• Secure Storage:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Tuffy Security All steel Console”]B002Y31BG8[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Tuffy Security All stell Glovebox”]B001E1UTOG[/al].

• Additional Locks:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Bolt Locks JK Wrangler Hood Lock”]B00VGX2PTE[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Bolt Locks 6 foot Cable Lock”]B005K7WFEC[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Bolt Locks Padlock”]B005FNKFYI[/al].

Miscellaneous Other Modifications and gear

• Navigation: I drove AK-Argentina without a GPS. I’m not doing that again.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Garmin Nuvi GPS”]B00TQYC9PA[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”RAM Ball Mount Arm”]B0074WMQLS[/al].
  • Tracks4Africa Map Pack.
  • Open Street Maps (free and fantastic!)
  • Michelin paper maps [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Africa Central/South”]2067172506[/al], [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Africa North/West”]2067172158[/al],  [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Africa NorthEast”]2067172433[/al].

• Electrical: I don’t like inverters – they are inefficient, heavy and hot.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Painless Performance 7-circuit fuse block “]B00062Z5VG[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Blue Sea Dual USB Charging sockets”]B0082CXEI8[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”12v Canon Battery charger”]B00J7SCX3I[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”12v Canon Battery charger”]B00J7SCX3I[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Energizer 12v charger for AAA and AA”]B0000DIIAS[/al].

• Tools & Spares: Just the essentials.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”OBDII Scan Tool with wifi”]B012Z8DCC2[/al] for diagnosis.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”K&N Recharge Kit”]B00029WYEY[/al] to clean and oil air filter.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”12v Soldering Iron”]B0002KR9D4[/al] and tons of old wires.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Gorilla Tape”]B003KTLRUA[/al] is much better than duct tape.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Multi Meter”]B00KHP6EIK[/al] for electrical diagnosis.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Torque Wrench”]B008RIH7M6[/al] 1/2″ drive.
  • Tons of standard stuff – sockets, allen keys, torx bits, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer, pliers, cutters, saw, wire, solder, etc.

• Camping / Other: Stuff to make life on the road more enjoyable.
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Kindle Touch e-Reader”]B00ZV9PXP2[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Petzl Tikka Head Lamp “]B00UAJ2B8A[/al].

• Camera Gear:
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Canon 60D DSLR”]B0040JHVCC[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”GoPro Hero Video Camera”]B00NIYNUF2[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens”]B00DBL0NLQ[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 lens”]B004FLJVXM[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Hoya Circular Polarizing Filters”]B000KKVFD6[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Pelican 1400 Case with foam”]B00009XVKY[/al].
  • [al plainlink=”true” linktext=”Manfrotto Tripod”]B00L6CBKAK[/al].

With that, my house on wheels is complete.

-Dan