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This is an overdue update on this project, but here is a super quick rundown of the current state of the vehicle design and build.  Overall, it is going very well. I have been working on the project 7 days a week for the last 6 months and it is all really taking shape now.

• We relocated back to the large shop space where we built our Unimog in 2017-2019
• I decided to build two identical jeep campers at the same time (one for Yvonne and I and a second one for a friend)
• The base vehicles are recent year jeep JLU wranglers
• The finished vehicle will fit in a standard height sea container for shipping
• The camper is 6 ft wide and 7.5 ft long inside
• I am currently building the pop top roof that will be hinged on the forward edge
• There will be standing height with the top up, and sitting height with the top down
• I did a lot of design and material trades and decided on a composite sandwich panel build with an integrated steel roll bar attachment
• I decided to go with a flat sided camper to maximize internal volume
• I have tried to include some nice detail features like a slide out ladder that stows under the camper floor and a full sized passthrough to the cab of the jeep from the habitat
• Like normal, I did all of the fabrication work myself (including custom composite wall panels)
• I was able to remove 623 lb from the original jeep by cutting the back body off
• Currently the vehicle with the nearly finished camper shell on it is under the original curb weight
• Including almost all of the intended aftermarket upgrades, the first vehicle is currently 1,235 lb under the max GVW rating
• After an intense 6 months of building, I “might” have the first one ready for a trip to Overland Expo West (If you are there, come find me a say hi!)
• A friend has just arrived and is helping a ton with electrical and lots of details before Expo
• The interior will be totally empty by Expo, but the outside of the vehicle will hopefully be pretty much finished
• I’ve been posting all the project updates on my Instagram: @wabi_sabi_overland

This is a travel rig concept that I’ve been working on in the background for the last few years. It would be a vehicle for the 2 of us to travel in for long overland trips. The habitat has a 4′ by 6’2″ bed (convertible to a dinette), a small kitchen, and a composting toilet. I’ve played around with 23 configurations, and I kind of like this one. This is a pop top with standing height.

I’ve checked the weight and center of gravity and it would work on multiple chassis. Shown here it is incorporated into a Jeep Unlimited JKU, but it would also work on a Land Rover (130?), a G-Wagon (G320?), or a Land Cruiser (HDJ80?).

It’s just a concept, but I’d like to get input from you. What do you think?

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