[Rover] CJ-type Jeeps as rover?

Wed, 12 Feb 2003 10:00:28 -0500

I built my antenna racks with pvc pipe bolted to a cargo carrier plugged
into the trailer hitch on my jeep. It worked great.  I had a hard top which
I drilled through and bolted support poles right to my roll cage.  Things
were good, but we ended up needing more space.  We have ended up with an all
wheel drive GMC van.

Dave, KB1EAA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Lefever" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 3:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Rover] CJ-type Jeeps as rover?

>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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Lefever KB�NES Twin Cities Repeater Club
[email protected] Burnsville,MN

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