Build Thread - Mules Fiberglass Gladiator Camper DIY

[Mules]

As an owner of a JL J30, I’m impressed!

The Ursa Minor looks very well thought out. How do you like it?

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[Imbuere]

The Ursa Minor looks very well thought out. How do you like it?

I’ve got a lot of thoughts about the product and platform. Happy to go into specifics if you have questions.

Long story short: the product itself is great. I find it really high quality and some people have given them TONS of use. That said, the 2” (and very recently available 3” upgrade) mattress is shit for a princess like me. I’ve had to toss it for a self inflating pad that sleeps like a dream and doesn’t add too much setup time. It would be ice if it were designed to accommodate modern electrics a bit better. Wiring Solar is not easy and the factory wiring is so small that it seems like a cheap cost saving step on an extremely expensive product. it would have cost like $10 more to use 10awg instead of the 16-18 (not sure, it’s just super tiny)awg.

Community: what community? It would be so simple to bring people together and add community support and events… instead we just have a Facebook group. The owners are all great, but it’d be so little effort to really create a user community that would add real value to the product.

Platform: My home is on my insanely capable vehicle. Sure there are sacrifices compared to a van, but also a lot of benefits. My favourite trips I’ve done in the J30 would not be possible in a van.

For 1 person it’s luxurious, for 2 people it gets cramped. Not a fault of the J30, but really the size of the jeep. Again, it’s a trade off that I’m happy with because it can go just about anywhere I’d want to go.

All this and I still get 19-21 mpg on the highway at 65mph (about as fast as I like to take the jeep).

I’m about to start a 4-5 month solo road trip with it and can’t really think of a better platform for how I like to travel.

 

[TotallyReasonable]

What a cool build! Whats the standing room height in the camper when hanging out in the "living room"?

 

[Mules]

What a cool build! Whats the standing room height in the camper when hanging out in the "living room"?

It's 8ft tall inside, with the bed up. There's also seating room for 4 people, not counting the Jeeps seats. Not sure I would camp with 4 people but they could hang out inside if it's raining.

 

[Mules]

My sink is looking pretty lonely on the counter. Do I get a propane stove or induction stove to cook inside?

 

[Jerhemi]

Epic build. Well done!!

 

[BlackSheepOfTheFamily22]

talented are you. And I'm just looking for a topper / cap without paying $3.5k for it.

 

[Mules]

The layout is very flexible. Sometimes I put the fridge/freezer in the back and sometimes I put it in the front.

 

[Mules]

I stopped by a friend's fiberglass shop to get quotes on fiberglass molds to build version 2 of my camper. I'll keep everyone informed if I decide to move forward with production.

I still have a lot to do in order to put together a business plan, but I was wondering what this forum thought about a $14,000 retail price for the camper with pop up and upper bed in Jeep Hardtop Black. Color matched, furniture, and shipping would be extra.

I would need to make a reasonable volume to get the price this low.

 

[Riviera]

I still have a lot to do in order to put together a business plan, but I was wondering what this forum thought about a $14,000 retail price for the camper with pop up and upper bed in Jeep Hardtop Black. Color matched, furniture, and shipping would be extra.

I would need to make a reasonable volume to get the price this low.


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I would bet that at $14k, you'd have more business than you could handle. When you look at lead times from Ursa and others, I think the business is there. Just make sure you're not doing it too cheap.

 

[Mules]

Trying out my Road Pro 12v skillet (plugs in the truck's cigarette lighter) to warm up some chili for lunch.

 

[RudeJeepin]

Trying out my Road Pro 12v skillet (plugs in the truck's cigarette lighter) to warm up some chili for lunch.

How well did it work, how long to heat it up?

 

[Mules]

How well did it work, how long to heat it up?

It’s slow but no need for propane or another power supply. Click on my build link below. I posted a bunch of info about the 12v Road Pro and other low wattage cooking appliances.

 

[RudeJeepin]

It’s slow but no need for propane or another power supply. Click on my build link below. I posted a bunch of info about the 12v Road Pro and other low wattage cooking appliances.

I've seen your thread and comparison of the cook items, was just wondering about the time it took to heat the chili.

 

[Mules]

I've seen your thread and comparison of the cook items, was just wondering about the time it took to heat the chili.

I didn't time it, but I'm guessing 15-20 minutes.

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