So for those with Overlander rigs, questions..

[WambliSka]

I bought my Gladiator with the idea of building an overlander type vehicle but the more I got into the planning the more pauses I hit. Now I’m outright paralyzed.

So my original plan was to install a Decked system, a rack and a tent system…. Then I started reading about how many folks have bought a Decked system only to sell it shortly because of weight and space issues. Hummmmm…

Then I started thinking, do I want to be driving around with a rack and tent all over town? How easy are these things to take off and store? What’s going to happen to my gas mileage when I add the weight of the tent, rack and Decked system, AND the wind resistance? Will it even be cost effective to take the Jeep on long drives? Living in the Southwest there are many areas where gas stations are scarce and you don’t pass by one and keep going if you’re even close to 1/2 tank or less.

The setup I’m considering would be used a few times a months for basically a long weekend (Friday to Monday). So is it worth it? Am I better off just having a few pre-packed tubs with my gear in them that I can load on the bed and go? This seems to be working just fine so far and my Gladiator is the ideal vehicle for it without a doubt.

So how do you counter the negatives I’m pondering? What am I missing?

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[rnish]

Overlanding is car camping. Do you car camp now? How often? A truck gives more room for stuff. I over pack, with more room, the more stuff I take. There are used RTT for sale. Pick up one and give it a try.

 

[ericw.]

I hate to say it but all of these are questions that only you can answer. There are trade-offs... Weight effects fuel economy, especially on the 3.6L.

UV destroys rooftop tents so if you park outdoors and leave it on year around, it won't look good after a year or two. Highly recommend that you avoid plastic hard tops and look for an aluminum hard top if that's the case.

 

[Thunderspud]

A decade or so ago I decided that I would actually get out and explore more often if it wasn't for all the setup/takedown involved with car camping. I wanted to be able get out of town on a whim and have all my overpriced stuff ready to go with the least amount of headache possible.

So, I just built a trailer, chucked everything even remotely related to camping on it, and have not once thought it was the wrong decision. A small trailer may not work for you, but being the first guy at camp with a whiskey in hand, and the first guy headed back after a week-long trip, sure is nice.

 

[DR.]

I've been "overloading" for 40 years, most of which it was still just called car camping.

If your garage can accommodate your truck with a RTT attached, and you can add a hoist to remove it, it's a relatively simple process for 1-2 people to remove and reinstall most RTTs. If not, I'd recommend a gantry crane outside. Having to rely on others every time you want to change is a pain so you probably won't do it.

There are half racks that can accommodate a fold out RTT that eliminates the wind resistance issue (mostly). But I'm not a fan of those types of RTTs and prefer hardshell styles. YMMV

I've never used a Decked system but have heard complaints that although they are convenient, the box, slides and drawers take up a lot more space than you expect, resulting in much less actual usable drawer space than they were thinking. Again, YMMV

After a years of experience with different setups, I've settled on Alu-Cab, having had two RTTs and now on my second Canopy Camper (different rigs, not a quality issue). It's a buy once-cry once option that I would whole-heartedly recommend if you can swing it. There is a very lengthy thread on here with all sorts of great information.

 

[NC_Overland]

A decade or so ago I decided that I would actually get out and explore more often if it wasn't for all the setup/takedown involved with car camping. I wanted to be able get out of town on a whim and have all my overpriced stuff ready to go with the least amount of headache possible.

So, I just built a trailer, chucked everything even remotely related to camping on it, and have not once thought it was the wrong decision. A small trailer may not work for you, but being the first guy at camp with a whiskey in hand, and the first guy headed back after a week-long trip, sure is nice.

Nice work. I’d much rather have a set up like that than a RTT on the Jeep set up and drawers and all the other heavy stuff. You aren’t weighing your Jeep down do when you are camping and you can drop the trailer and set up camp and explore around without someone stealing your camping spot.

 

[Muddyape]

Theres a Decked System in their too. So, your suffering from analysis paralysis? Dont. I did the same and I had to just chill. Im on D60’s with 39’s. The thing weighs a ton, I love it and just got back from Massachusetts to Wyoming trip and had a blast.

 

[Roger2486]

Theres a Decked System in their too. So, your suffering from analysis paralysis? Dont. I did the same and I had to just chill. Im on D60’s with 39’s. The thing weighs a ton, I love it and just got back from Massachusetts to Wyoming trip and had a blast.

What he said! Ditto... I had a similar set up with RSI cap, RTT, etc. and Decked. Now running a Four Wheel Campers Project M. I can be set up in two minutes total and packed in five. I can go anywhere and everywhere I want. I re-geared to accommodate the weight and 37's. All the best in your decision but I'd go forward and enjoy!

 

[dylanhack]

@WambliSka, I spent a solid year going through the exact same questions you are asking. In the end, I decided on a barebones Lone Peak Overland camper (pics below), and I built a plywood subfloor with L-tracks that I can anchor down my camper totes. the subfloor is removable. I'll see if I can find some pictures of it. That way I can use the truck bed for day to day hauling, and reduce weight for daily driving. The downside is the camper is permanent (400 lbs), and I have to plan my parking. On stock suspension and OEM tires, The Rubicon camper sits 7' 3" tall. But I have no regrets and still happy with my decisions after 1 year.

 

[dylanhack]

@WambliSka, I found the subfloor pics!

 

[NC_Overland]

@WambliSka, I spent a solid year going through the exact same questions you are asking. In the end, I decided on a barebones Lone Peak Overland camper (pics below), and I built a plywood subfloor with L-tracks that I can anchor down my camper totes. the subfloor is removable. I'll see if I can find some pictures of it. That way I can use the truck bed for day to day hauling, and reduce weight for daily driving. The downside is the camper is permanent (400 lbs), and I have to plan my parking. On stock suspension and OEM tires, The Rubicon camper sits 7' 3" tall. But I have no regrets and still happy with my decisions after 1 year.

Man, that’s just tall enough to keep me out of a few parking decks I have to park in fairly regularly. 7,2”-7’3” clearance seems to be really common for parking decks around here.

 

[HYRYSC]

I love my whole setup that includes a Gen 2 decked system (1 large drawer) permanent camper shell with built in RTT, fridge in the back seat with Goosegear rear seat delete. It is easy to setup and tear down.

I have no issue with driving around with my full setup. Not often, but I have had some rather impromptu situations where I went camping at the last minute and it was good that I didn't have to waste time going home to get all geared up.

 

[teamblkdog]

Approach your build with an open heart. Five years from now, you may not have any desire to camp—but don't let that deter you from what you want today. In the end, it's all just stuff.

 

[dylanhack]

LOL, I know! My carport is 7' 6". if I eventually replace my OEM 33"s with 35"s, I fear getting to close to the ceiling.

 

[MNWillys]

I’ve been looking at either going with a GoFast camper or a Lonepeak. Both are great but come at a weight cost and neither are easy to remove. They are more for a permanent build out. Maybe going with a rack system from Xtrusion overland might make more sense and is quite portable and easily transformed. Their XO Skelton is pretty sweet.

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