[Rover] CJ-type Jeeps as rover?

[Phil Lefever]

>Oh I beg to differ on both points.

No begging needed, differing opinions are always welcome ;)

>First just how much room do you need?  With some thought a "rover only"=
 jeep
>could be quite versatile.  Trash the passenger seat and build a rack to=
 bolt
>to the floor in its place.

Well to start off we need a full sized passenger seat. I have always
roved as part of a two person team..... An operating table is also
mandatory for the laptop, 4 radios, 2 transverters amps etc. There
is no way we could work our setup into a CJ. We have used a Chrysler
minivan very successfully in the past. Even it can be cramped though.

>Second look at some of the roll cages offered for the CJ's.  It would be
>real easy IMHO to adapt one to a nice antenna rack.

Maybe, but the long distance between the roof racks of the minivan is
useful for "A" frame support of longer beams. I don't see the CJ being
as flexible for this. It would be better if you plan on using a rotary
mast though! Better to cut a hole in the a Jeep hard top then make a
permanent hole in the roof of a minivan!

Fortunately for ease of driving we live in a relatively flat area so I
have no need for 4wd. Of course this is bad for VHF contesting which
makes the need for higher gain antennas a reality!

We all approach rovering differently and our needs change with geography
and local activity levels. From my past experience I think a CJ would
be a poor choice. Your actual mileage may vary.... In more ways then one!

73

Phil


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Phil Lefever	KB=D8NES				Twin Cities Repeater Club
kb0nes@tcrc.org					Burnsville,MN