Jeep Wrangler Modifications

What modifications did you do to your Jeep?

People ask me this question all the time while wrapping their heads around the camper sitting atop my 2-door 2013 Jeep Wrangler. It’s really not as extreme as it looks; the camper is only around 500 pounds after all. That being said, the first prototype we tried out on my Jeep was over 900 pounds. I’m confident we were closer to 1,500 pounds with a full water tank and all the camping gear, food and supplies we loaded.

300lb Rated Roof Rack Required

All Backwoods Camper units come with the receiver hitch rack included. The roof rack, however, is sold separately because it is vehicle-specific. Also, many Jeep and SUV owners already have a roof rack that is compatible with our mounting system and capable of holding 300 pounds.

Modification #1: Rugged Ridge Sherpa Roof Rack

This simple yet heavy-duty roof rack bolts right on to the Jeep. The bars run front to back and are perfectly positioned for the mounting system which secures the “cabover” portion of the camper to the top of the Jeep. Our camper mounting system is adjustable so it will work with different style racks. If you already have a roof rack that you’d like to use in combination with the Backwoods Camper, let us know and we’ll help you get it all worked out.

Stock Jeep Suspension is Squishy

There’s no denying it – stock Jeep suspension is just downright squishy. With that first prototype and the extra weight from all my gear – my Jeep was SQUATTED! We got soooo many comments about the Jeep doing wheelies or just straight flipping over. The solution was insanely easy and inexpensive.

Modification #2: Air Lift Air Suspension Kit

I ordered the Air Lift Air Suspension kit on Amazon and it showed up the next day. Installation was painless and with 60 pounds of air pressure, you can barely tell you’re hauling any extra weight. Especially now that the production model is closer to 500 pounds! I still am very conscious of what I pack. My Jeep’s payload capacity is only 1,000lbs so weight is always on my mind.

We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about which roof rack to choose or any other modifications you may need to optimize your Backwoods Camper experience, let us know! We’re happy to make recommendations and point you in the right direction. See you out in the Backwoods!