Hi, my name is DAC and I'm a jeep-a-holic it's been 1 day since my last question

[dac]

   anyways, my wife wants me to take her and the kids out with the jeep but the problem is space (jerry can, chain saw, and stuff)  I've got the rugged ridge rrc tire carrier bumper and frame tie-ins so the bumper feels pretty solid.  I'm thinking of building a cargo rack for above the spare tire that looks something like http://www.rockhard4x4parts.com/images/TJ-REAR/065_65.jpg

Princess auto has an atv rack and some 2"x2" tube that would work well.  Do you think the swing mount would be strong enough for such a device or should I scrap the idea?

[01sahara]

  anyways, my wife wants me to take her and the kids out with the jeep but the problem is space (jerry can, chain saw, and stuff)  I've got the rugged ridge rrc tire carrier bumper and frame tie-ins so the bumper feels pretty solid.  I'm thinking of building a cargo rack for above the spare tire that looks something like http://www.rockhard4x4parts.com/images/TJ-REAR/065_65.jpg

Princess auto has an atv rack and some 2"x2" tube that would work well.  Do you think the swing mount would be strong enough for such a device or should I scrap the idea?

How old are the kids? 

Pick the runs where other kids are going and they will have a great time.  Not everyone has to have a chain saw with them. Only a few need one just stick together as a group.  Have the basics and extra food and clothing for the kids and coordinate that others have what you can not fit in.    The club members have been great with my kids.Nolan made more runs than most of the members last year. Hailee would come out all the time if she thought she could ride with Bonnie. The kids love the club members and all the attention they have given them over the last few years.   If I don't always remember to say it thanks to all of the club members that have wheeled with my kids. 

[dac]

they (kids) are 2 and 4  we've already decided there isn't enough room to bring the dog.  Basically I'm looking to mount a jerry can since the jeep is thirsty to say the least and I like to play it safe.  If I were to take it hunting in the fall it'd come in handy.  I don't want a roof rack since it'd be difficult to get to and it's already top heavy.

[01sahara]

they (kids) are 2 and 4  we've already decided there isn't enough room to bring the dog.  Basically I'm looking to mount a jerry can since the jeep is thirsty to say the least and I like to play it safe.  If I were to take it hunting in the fall it'd come in handy.  I don't want a roof rack since it'd be difficult to get to and it's already top heavy.

Then yes a jerry can on the tire rack would be really good. Also on my list.  My 4 year old has not been out yet but soon. Some time this spring. Bring something for added support for their necks.  It helps to keep their head from bouncing when they fall asleep .

[fug]

I think you could certainly rig something up that would hold a couple jerry cans and give you a rack above the spare tire.  I've seen a few guys running them.  I wouldn't put too much weight up in the rack tho as it would likely bounce around pretty good.  

I had a bumper/tire rack that carried 2 Jerry cans for a while.  I found it to be heavy and a pain in the neck.  It rattled around on the trail and got in the way a lot.  I also found I never ever used the Jerry cans... ever.  I just made sure I filled up before I went wheeling and I was always fine.  Now I'll take a couple jerry cans if I'm going camping but I leave them at camp... and I just run a simple BestTop tire carrier.

[Immortal]

hmmmm.... my suggestion would be to sell the TJ, and buy an XJ. Or, as all the jealous folks refer to them as "the grocery getter". Loads of room for chainsaws, tires, jerry cans, 3 kids, a wife, tools, tents, sleeping bags.... Or you could substitute a kid for a mutt.

[dac]

If I lifted our (her) 99 grand and made it more trail capable then technically I wouldn't need said grocery getter.  I'll have to stick with the tj which funny enough, she bought new before we met; she's still trying to get over the fact I lifted it and talk about what I want to do to it next.

edit:  a 4.5" lift and some 31's/32's would be pretty awesome though.   

[RACKMAN]

I have very similar issues as you...minus the kids...but with 2 big dogs, the wife, and camping or wheelin' gear, I needed to solve this space problem without buying an xJ(I just love TJs', no offence). What I decided was that a roofrack was the way to go....I'm running 33" tires so I can get away with a lighter weight spare tire like a 33" x 9.5" on the roofrack and the jerry cans mounted on the tailgate. This set-up solves most access and weight issues. First off, it is unlikely that I will even need to get the spare tire down, as most flats can be repaired with a good plug kit. Secondly, the weight of 2 full jerry cans is no more than the weight of the stock spare tire acting on the tailgate. I built a nice tray to carry the cans on the tailgate on my last jeep, and on my new jeep, I just bolted up some can carriers from Modern made by Crown. The jeep isn't too top heavy with the pizza cutter tire on top. Idealy, I may go with a Garvin wilderness bumper/tire/can carrier down the road, but for now this set-up works really well.

RACKMAN   

[Rubi03 jef]

get ride of the chain saw for an axe and a hand saw .. unless going camping with a group then organize whos bringing what .
example

if i were going with you and i was bring my women and the kid i could bring the chainsaw and you bring the axe and hand saw
extra gas is nice but ive never used more then 3/8 of a tank and thats been like 8 hours of wheeling . i find going mudding is where you kill the fuel

but back to what i was trying to saw probably best to get a small group together for a weekend camping trip as that will alowe everyone one to split the amount of stuff that is needed besides the tents and sleeping bags