Sleep in a WJ and be comfortable

[adventure_is_necessary]

Since I got my WJ about 2 years ago, I knew I'd want to take it out and go camp somewhere. Sometimes sleeping outside isn't always an option, or you arrive to camp in the dark or are too tired to set up. I had this happen on one trip and opted to sleep in the back. This was a good idea in theory, but frankly they're not built to sleep a 6'1" man, let alone anyone over 5'6" IMO. I had to either sleep at an angle or in a fetal position. This is not easy to do with gear in the back, another person, and forget about being comfortable. From then on, I made sure to get to camp with ample amount of time to set up my sleeping situation. I recently revisited the idea of sleeping in the back of the WJ after watching Jake Wettern and his YouTube channel IAMJAKE. I stumbled upon a simple and cheap mod that would free up some space for sleeping without really sacrificing anything other thank a few bucks and some time. After a quick Google search to see what other had done, as well as some sitting and staring at the backseat and cargo area, it became apparent that the easiest and most effective way to remedy this issue is to replace the hinge pins from the seat bottoms and replace them with removable ones. $10 and 2hrs total time (driving to and from the hardware store, removing the pins and playing around with the new pins) was all it took to add nearly another foot of length to the rear so I can stretch out and sleep comfortably. Pics to come!

 

[Kevin108]

In the XJs, the rear seat bottom was removable with a lever. Sounds like you modified your WJ for similar functionality. Looking forward to the pics!

 

[Scarlet O Mikey]

Since I got my WJ about 2 years ago, I knew I'd want to take it out and go camp somewhere. Sometimes sleeping outside isn't always an option, or you arrive to camp in the dark or are too tired to set up. I had this happen on one trip and opted to sleep in the back. This was a good idea in theory, but frankly they're not built to sleep a 6'1" man, let alone anyone over 5'6" IMO. I had to either sleep at an angle or in a fetal position. This is not easy to do with gear in the back, another person, and forget about being comfortable. From then on, I made sure to get to camp with ample amount of time to set up my sleeping situation. I recently revisited the idea of sleeping in the back of the WJ after watching Jake Wettern and his YouTube channel IAMJAKE. I stumbled upon a simple and cheap mod that would free up some space for sleeping without really sacrificing anything other thank a few bucks and some time. After a quick Google search to see what other had done, as well as some sitting and staring at the backseat and cargo area, it became apparent that the easiest and most effective way to remedy this issue is to replace the hinge pins from the seat bottoms and replace them with removable ones. $10 and 2hrs total time (driving to and from the hardware store, removing the pins and playing around with the new pins) was all it took to add nearly another foot of length to the rear so I can stretch out and sleep comfortably. Pics to come!

Looking forward to pictures of your build-out. We have been researching to build-out the back of 2 door JK for sleeping purpose.

 

[DEAF_JEEPHER]

Sorry silly question, what is a WJ?

 

[Kevin108]

Everyone knows it's after the ZJ but before the WK!

Just kidding. It's the second generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. All Jeeps have a two letter designation. The Wrangler in your avatar is a JK. The versions prior to the JK were the TJ, YJ, CJ, etc.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

snapped a couple quick photos of the "upgrade.
I'll grab a few more when I can show the difference it makes.

 

[Jeff D]

Heres my set for an Lj. Can be used for other rigs. works as a good table and just slides in and out.

 

[Laud]

Did this mod a couple of years ago. Works great!! Put the seat bottoms in when around home, remove for trips. I first built a platform for the foot wells, but it made no sense after the first trip. Now I just stuff my gear bags in the holes with the seats all the way forward. Next tip is to close latch one side of the hatch while open. This allows you to close it at night if needed, yet push it open to get out versus climbing out the door. Just remember to "open" the latch before closing the gate.

 

[Scarlet O Mikey]

Hi Jeff, cute dog. Thanks for sharing picture. Tho in the pic looks like you are set up to IV propane. Ha!

 

[Ichibahn]

Sorry silly question, what is a WJ?

1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ)

 

[Ichibahn]

I removed rear seat on my 2002 WJ and build metal frame to lay three section of 3/4" plywood connected on piano hinges. That way I still able to lift the plywood to get spare tire and some stuff on previously rear seat space.
Been car camping with wife for two years until we have RTT.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Here's a comparison of the old way (far side) and the new setup. So much more room for sleeping

 

[maxfederle89]

Wow I need to pay more attention to the recent threads. Great idea! I'm going to do it just to have the option! What diameter of pins did you end up with and did you just drill out the seat hinges?

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Wow I need to pay more attention to the recent threads. Great idea! I'm going to do it just to have the option! What diameter of pins did you end up with and did you just drill out the seat hinges?

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

maybe 1/4”? I just took the hinge into the hardware store and test fit different ones

 

[maxfederle89]

maybe 1/4”? I just took the hinge into the hardware store and test fit different ones

Ok. I'm for sure going to do this. Added versatility is always a good idea.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Ok. I'm for sure going to do this. Added versatility is always a good idea.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

For the low cost of parts and the small amount of time it takes to complete, it's worth it for the added space, regardless of what you use it for.