Hey gang !

So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this problem
?

I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.

I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the new
seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in the
back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was wondering
if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like the
current back seat.

Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems
(other than have fewer kids).

THANKS
John

85 CJ7
258 with Howell fuel injection
T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs

 

Roof Rack?

John B. Parisi wrote:
> Hey gang !
>
> So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this problem
> ?
>
> I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
> Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
> and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
> gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
>
> I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the new
> seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in the
> back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was wondering
> if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
> take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like the
> current back seat.
>
> Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems
> (other than have fewer kids).
>
> THANKS
> John
>
> 85 CJ7
> 258 with Howell fuel injection
> T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs
>
>

 

Roof Rack?

John B. Parisi wrote:
> Hey gang !
>
> So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this problem
> ?
>
> I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
> Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
> and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
> gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
>
> I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the new
> seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in the
> back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was wondering
> if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
> take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like the
> current back seat.
>
> Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems
> (other than have fewer kids).
>
> THANKS
> John
>
> 85 CJ7
> 258 with Howell fuel injection
> T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs
>
>

 

>
>Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems

Hitch Hauler

 

>
>Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems

Hitch Hauler

 

You can buy or make a detachable roof rack to carry gear to camp, then
drop it off or leave it on. The soft top will still go up and down.

There is also a spare tire rack that goes above the spare. Someone(s)
from this group gave me one and I am waiting until I mount my spare tire
rack to the cross member before using it. I have a 'glass body and the
spare tore off the steel fenders, so it isn't going near the 'glass....

There are racks that fit in receiver hitches too, but they cut your
angle way down so are only good to get to camp and drop it.

I have the plans for a nice homemade detachable rack that someone from
the group sent me a while back. It is for kayaks but a couple braces
and some expanded wire mesh flooring and you have a cargo carrier over
any section of the roof you want. I could email the plans if wanted.

Other than that, you have 3 kids and they only are getting bigger... I
am looking at utility trailers. I want a narrow one I can put 31 or 33"
tires on to take for a base camp setup or an extended road trip with the
camp gear and canoe on it.

When we go with our one son, (Big sucker, 6' tall, 175 lb and counting
still) we turn the back seat into a half seat by packing the other
side. We use the seat belt and cords to the roll bar to hold things
stable. I don't have or if I did I would remove a center console
between the seats. This give the rear seat 'way' more leg room and
allows behind the front seats to be packed with small or soft stuff.

I also take my hardtop to the base camp lots of times. That way we can
pack the back and side(s) to the roof with gear and have my canoe and/or
extra gear on top. When I get to camp, I just take it off and use the
Bikini top if needed.

They also sell small cargo nets for holding stuff in the back stable.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

"John B. Parisi" wrote:
>
> Hey gang !
>
> So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this problem
> ?
>
> I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
> Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
> and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
> gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
>
> I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the new
> seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in the
> back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was wondering
> if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
> take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like the
> current back seat.
>
> Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems
> (other than have fewer kids).
>
> THANKS
> John
>
> 85 CJ7
> 258 with Howell fuel injection
> T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs

 

You can buy or make a detachable roof rack to carry gear to camp, then
drop it off or leave it on. The soft top will still go up and down.

There is also a spare tire rack that goes above the spare. Someone(s)
from this group gave me one and I am waiting until I mount my spare tire
rack to the cross member before using it. I have a 'glass body and the
spare tore off the steel fenders, so it isn't going near the 'glass....

There are racks that fit in receiver hitches too, but they cut your
angle way down so are only good to get to camp and drop it.

I have the plans for a nice homemade detachable rack that someone from
the group sent me a while back. It is for kayaks but a couple braces
and some expanded wire mesh flooring and you have a cargo carrier over
any section of the roof you want. I could email the plans if wanted.

Other than that, you have 3 kids and they only are getting bigger... I
am looking at utility trailers. I want a narrow one I can put 31 or 33"
tires on to take for a base camp setup or an extended road trip with the
camp gear and canoe on it.

When we go with our one son, (Big sucker, 6' tall, 175 lb and counting
still) we turn the back seat into a half seat by packing the other
side. We use the seat belt and cords to the roll bar to hold things
stable. I don't have or if I did I would remove a center console
between the seats. This give the rear seat 'way' more leg room and
allows behind the front seats to be packed with small or soft stuff.

I also take my hardtop to the base camp lots of times. That way we can
pack the back and side(s) to the roof with gear and have my canoe and/or
extra gear on top. When I get to camp, I just take it off and use the
Bikini top if needed.

They also sell small cargo nets for holding stuff in the back stable.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

"John B. Parisi" wrote:
>
> Hey gang !
>
> So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this problem
> ?
>
> I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
> Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
> and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
> gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
>
> I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the new
> seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in the
> back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was wondering
> if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
> take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like the
> current back seat.
>
> Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original problems
> (other than have fewer kids).
>
> THANKS
> John
>
> 85 CJ7
> 258 with Howell fuel injection
> T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs

 

I tossed a bunch of ideas at him with the thought of 3 kids and more
than just the one trip in mind....

I think a top rack or preferably a trailer with tall tires are the
ticket for extended trips like I mentioned.

I might make the detachable modular top rack for myself while I am stuck
here at home for the summer/fall/who freakin knows how long. I already
have the mesh flooring for a PVC pipe framed rack I made for the
hardtop.

$100.00 is going to be set aside for materials when the insurance
finally comes through so I can tinker away at it.

Mike

Jeff Strickland wrote:
>
> The Rubicon is about 30 miles and takes two full days, or three easy days.
> You can aslo start closer to Sacramento and add about 30 miles and a day.
> Actually, the three day trip is the one that starts closer to Sacramento,
> but this added distance is not very hard. In any case, this trip is not one
> where you go from your base camp for a day trip, then return to base. You
> get up in the morning and go for hours, then camp for the night, and get up
> the next day and keep going.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:3F43C5CD.89D99EBA@sympatico.ca...
> > You can buy or make a detachable roof rack to carry gear to camp, then
> > drop it off or leave it on. The soft top will still go up and down.
> >
> > There is also a spare tire rack that goes above the spare. Someone(s)
> > from this group gave me one and I am waiting until I mount my spare tire
> > rack to the cross member before using it. I have a 'glass body and the
> > spare tore off the steel fenders, so it isn't going near the 'glass....
> >
> > There are racks that fit in receiver hitches too, but they cut your
> > angle way down so are only good to get to camp and drop it.
> >
> > I have the plans for a nice homemade detachable rack that someone from
> > the group sent me a while back. It is for kayaks but a couple braces
> > and some expanded wire mesh flooring and you have a cargo carrier over
> > any section of the roof you want. I could email the plans if wanted.
> >
> > Other than that, you have 3 kids and they only are getting bigger... I
> > am looking at utility trailers. I want a narrow one I can put 31 or 33"
> > tires on to take for a base camp setup or an extended road trip with the
> > camp gear and canoe on it.
> >
> > When we go with our one son, (Big sucker, 6' tall, 175 lb and counting
> > still) we turn the back seat into a half seat by packing the other
> > side. We use the seat belt and cords to the roll bar to hold things
> > stable. I don't have or if I did I would remove a center console
> > between the seats. This give the rear seat 'way' more leg room and
> > allows behind the front seats to be packed with small or soft stuff.
> >
> > I also take my hardtop to the base camp lots of times. That way we can
> > pack the back and side(s) to the roof with gear and have my canoe and/or
> > extra gear on top. When I get to camp, I just take it off and use the
> > Bikini top if needed.
> >
> > They also sell small cargo nets for holding stuff in the back stable.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> > "John B. Parisi" wrote:
> > >
> > > Hey gang !
> > >
> > > So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this
> problem
> > > ?
> > >
> > > I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on
> the
> > > Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> > > until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years
> old
> > > and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> > > brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary
> camping
> > > gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
> > >
> > > I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the
> new
> > > seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in
> the
> > > back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was
> wondering
> > > if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would
> only
> > > take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like
> the
> > > current back seat.
> > >
> > > Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original
> problems
> > > (other than have fewer kids).
> > >
> > > THANKS
> > > John
> > >
> > > 85 CJ7
> > > 258 with Howell fuel injection
> > > T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> > > 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs

 

I tossed a bunch of ideas at him with the thought of 3 kids and more
than just the one trip in mind....

I think a top rack or preferably a trailer with tall tires are the
ticket for extended trips like I mentioned.

I might make the detachable modular top rack for myself while I am stuck
here at home for the summer/fall/who freakin knows how long. I already
have the mesh flooring for a PVC pipe framed rack I made for the
hardtop.

$100.00 is going to be set aside for materials when the insurance
finally comes through so I can tinker away at it.

Mike

Jeff Strickland wrote:
>
> The Rubicon is about 30 miles and takes two full days, or three easy days.
> You can aslo start closer to Sacramento and add about 30 miles and a day.
> Actually, the three day trip is the one that starts closer to Sacramento,
> but this added distance is not very hard. In any case, this trip is not one
> where you go from your base camp for a day trip, then return to base. You
> get up in the morning and go for hours, then camp for the night, and get up
> the next day and keep going.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:3F43C5CD.89D99EBA@sympatico.ca...
> > You can buy or make a detachable roof rack to carry gear to camp, then
> > drop it off or leave it on. The soft top will still go up and down.
> >
> > There is also a spare tire rack that goes above the spare. Someone(s)
> > from this group gave me one and I am waiting until I mount my spare tire
> > rack to the cross member before using it. I have a 'glass body and the
> > spare tore off the steel fenders, so it isn't going near the 'glass....
> >
> > There are racks that fit in receiver hitches too, but they cut your
> > angle way down so are only good to get to camp and drop it.
> >
> > I have the plans for a nice homemade detachable rack that someone from
> > the group sent me a while back. It is for kayaks but a couple braces
> > and some expanded wire mesh flooring and you have a cargo carrier over
> > any section of the roof you want. I could email the plans if wanted.
> >
> > Other than that, you have 3 kids and they only are getting bigger... I
> > am looking at utility trailers. I want a narrow one I can put 31 or 33"
> > tires on to take for a base camp setup or an extended road trip with the
> > camp gear and canoe on it.
> >
> > When we go with our one son, (Big sucker, 6' tall, 175 lb and counting
> > still) we turn the back seat into a half seat by packing the other
> > side. We use the seat belt and cords to the roll bar to hold things
> > stable. I don't have or if I did I would remove a center console
> > between the seats. This give the rear seat 'way' more leg room and
> > allows behind the front seats to be packed with small or soft stuff.
> >
> > I also take my hardtop to the base camp lots of times. That way we can
> > pack the back and side(s) to the roof with gear and have my canoe and/or
> > extra gear on top. When I get to camp, I just take it off and use the
> > Bikini top if needed.
> >
> > They also sell small cargo nets for holding stuff in the back stable.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> > "John B. Parisi" wrote:
> > >
> > > Hey gang !
> > >
> > > So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this
> problem
> > > ?
> > >
> > > I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on
> the
> > > Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> > > until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years
> old
> > > and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> > > brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary
> camping
> > > gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
> > >
> > > I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the
> new
> > > seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in
> the
> > > back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was
> wondering
> > > if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would
> only
> > > take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like
> the
> > > current back seat.
> > >
> > > Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original
> problems
> > > (other than have fewer kids).
> > >
> > > THANKS
> > > John
> > >
> > > 85 CJ7
> > > 258 with Howell fuel injection
> > > T-18, AMC20 with 4:10s, Summers bros axles & Detroit lockers
> > > 4inch lift & 32 BFG MTs

 

"John B. Parisi" <jbparisi@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:KQO0b.59604$2x.21271@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.ne t...
> Hey gang !
>
> So for any of you family guys out there....how have you solved this
problem
> ?
>
> I have 3 growing boys. So far only one has been 'old enough' to go on the
> Rubicon trail with me. (I made my wife a promise I would not take them
> until they were 5 years old). Now the second boy just turned 5 years old
> and is EXCITED as all get out to go on the trail with me and his older
> brother. My dilemma is how can I fit 2 kids and all the necessary camping
> gear without selling the CJ-7 and getting a CJ-8.
>

Get a trailer to carry your stuff.



> I replaced my front seats a while ago with some BestTop seats (love the
new
> seat BTW) so I have a spare front seat. Has anyone put a front seat in
the
> back of a CJ7 ? It doesn't look all that difficult to do but was
wondering
> if anyone has any tips or tricks. I figured if I did this, it would only
> take up half the back section instead of taking up the full section like
the
> current back seat.
>
> Also - are there any other ideas out there to address the original
problems
> (other than have fewer kids).
>

I have a military issue trailer for my CJ5 that I took over the Rubicon. It
was not much more work for me than some of the other guys without trailers
seemed to have. In fact, we had two or three in our group that had troubles
with getting stuck, and everybody _expected_ me to have trouble (some even
objected to me taking my trailer), but I was never the hold up at any of the
obstacles, and I only used one bypass - the one around the Little Sluice.

There is a guy called RubiconTrailers that has a website. His trailer is a
little pricey, but is is an excellent product and it sounds like just the
ticket for you and yours.