Do you want an overland Wrangler capable of global expeditions, but can't stomach the $120k price tag of the EarthRoamer XV-JP? Me too! Editor's note: our piece on the Earthroamer XV-JP for sale garnered a lot of attention. We wanted to bring a different perspective on building an overland-ready Jeep with Dan's rig. JPFreek will be riding along … [Read more...]
Recovery, Tools & Spares for 2 years in Africa
Dan Grec gives us a round-up of the stuff that he felt necessary to have along for his trip around Africa: recovery equipment, tools and spare parts sufficient to live out of his camperized JKU for two years! Recovery Equipment Given that I'm driving through some of the most remote places on Earth, alone, with only one vehicle, recovery equipment … [Read more...]
DIY Maxtrax on AEV Hi-Lift Mount
Carrying Maxtrax on a JK Wrangler can be a challenge. We need them to be easily accessible and outside so they don’t coat the interior in mud. Here’s how I mounted mine onto my AEV Rear Tire Carrier using the AEV Hi-Lift / Pull-Pal Mount. Essentially, they sit where the Pull-Pal would. NOTES: If you have a massive spare tire clearance … [Read more...]
Dan’s on his way!
The time has come! After adding some last-minute illumination upgrades from Rigid Industries and Truck-Lite, Dan's loaded his Jeep into a container for shipping to Europe! He's catching a flight tonight to head east to be there when the JKU lands and then he's making best possible speed to Africa to start the 80,000-mile, two-year trek! It's … [Read more...]
DIY 4×4 Drinking Water Tank, Pump, Filtration and Treatment
Overland vehicles require a way to carry drinking water, preferably a minimum of 10 gallons, or more. Ideally, for International Overland Travel, they will also have a reliable way to filter and treat water to ensure purity and removal of bacteria when only water of questionable quality is available for refilling. I designed and built a custom … [Read more...]
DIY Tailgate Table Utensil/Tool Organizer
The Trailgater Tailgate Table is one of my favorite additions to my Jeep for camping. I use it for three meals a day, and sometimes even as a workbench. My cutlery and small tools have been floating around in Tupperware containers taking up the limited storage space I have in the Jeep. I wanted them to be very handy to the table, and I wanted to … [Read more...]
Tire Selection – BFG KO2 All-Terrain
Wheel and tire choice to drive 80,000 miles around remote Africa is an extremely important decision. I expect to drive tens of thousands of miles on extremely rough terrain, and I expect to encounter basically every surface possible - from good highways to sand, mud, rocks, snow, rain and severely broken up paved roads with potholes, nails and … [Read more...]
DIY Jeep Wrangler JK Hood Lock Install
All Jeep Wranglers need a lock for the hood to stop prying fingers getting at the goodies in your engine bay. Bolt Locks make a lock specifically designed for the JK, and it uses your factory Jeep ignition key. It’s less than half the price of the official lock, so it’s an easy choice. The Bolt Lock is extremely sturdy and works really well, I … [Read more...]
DIY Jeep Wrangler JK Isolated Dual Batteries
Isolated dual batteries are a must in any Overland vehicle. The setup looks complicated and difficult in photos, though it’s actually very simple. Having two batteries means one can be used only to start the vehicle (let’s call this battery the “Engine Battery”) and the other can be used for all your electrical needs like a fridge, camp lights, … [Read more...]