Ursa Minor Pop-Top Jeep JK

ventura911

Adventurer
Thanks for sharing. These look terrific. I had thought about Mac’s VersaTie rails on the top rather than Thule/Yakima rails. The idea was to have a versatile tie down option as I don’t have a set need for putting things on top of the camper.
If I had it to do over again, I would also consider VersaTie rails. Gear did a good job with his, as seen many pages back in post #2169:
 
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sabjku

Observer
Just picked up a used J30. After owning multiple RTT’s and sleeping inside the Jeep with the Goose Gear setup, I can absolutely confirm this is by far the best setup! Zero regrets!
 

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Gear

Explorer, Overland Certified OC0020
Just picked up a used J30. After owning multiple RTT’s and sleeping inside the Jeep with the Goose Gear setup, I can absolutely confirm this is by far the best setup! Zero regrets!

Setup looks great! Just an FYI, if you want to cover up the exposed carpet/metal on the Goose Gear. You can add a piece of 80/20 approximately 35” long to the top. There are 3 holes to attach it using a 1/4-20 Allen head from the bottom up into the t-nut in the 80/20 track. From there you can add tie down loops to the 80/20. Unfortunately early on in the sales of this product folks where buying drawers for this location. That lead to the 80/20 rail being left out/omitted.

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Suprmn1

New member
Is there anyone out there thinking about placing an order? I am considering changing direction which may not allow for the Ursa Minor. I am going to make the final decision in the near future. I have paid a deposit and my estimated delivery date is 7/25/21. There is still plenty of time to adjust the order to your specs. I would be interested in recouping my deposit and turning my position over to someone else. Is there any interest? As a matter of fact, if you need a nicely build JKU rubicon to put it on, we could talk further. Thanks.
 

wandererr

Adventurer
Is there anyone out there thinking about placing an order? I am considering changing direction which may not allow for the Ursa Minor. I am going to make the final decision in the near future. I have paid a deposit and my estimated delivery date is 7/25/21. There is still plenty of time to adjust the order to your specs. I would be interested in recouping my deposit and turning my position over to someone else. Is there any interest? As a matter of fact, if you need a nicely build JKU rubicon to put it on, we could talk further. Thanks.
Too bad you didnt post this couple months back ;) I'd be all over that but I already have my order in with delivery sometime in October.
 

Suprmn1

New member
o.k. I have made my final decision and I will not be able to move forward with the Ursa Minor. If anyone is interested in my position, please let me know. Once again, estimated delivery 7-25-21. Thanks.
** Follow up. I have talked with Ursa Minor. They were very nice and helpful. Unfortunately, orders cannot be transferred due to the large back log of waiting customers. They would consider it unfair to others waiting for someone to be able to leap frog in line. It makes sense to me and I think that is fair. Sorry to those whom had their hopes up for a transfer.
 
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bigfish

Observer
It's been a minute since I've posted. Had my gen2 JK J30 since 2014. Many trips logged. ~50k adventure miles.

I just came here to say that I'm enjoying my J30. It is a excellent platform for general adventure travel for my 2people+1dog family. John's build quality has held up very well and, I suppose, this is my "long term update".

What I like:
+ Jeep like trail capability. Compact form factor make tight trails. Jeep platform is able to push further into backcountry.
+ Relatively economical fuel economy.
+ Relatively economical build cost.
+ Compact - Can be stored in any 10x20 storage space/unit/cargo container with 8' clearance. Fits in many urban parking structures. Classifies as a car for most drive-on ferries.
+ Comfortable. I always sleep well. I'm dry, even in the heaviest/extended rain (I performed additional waterproofing/seam sealing)
+ Fast deployment. I can pull in somewhere and be ready for bed or cooking in less than 5 mins.
+ Good enough for extended travel. I've done 30 nights straight and could have done more. In 2019, I had more than 60+ nights logged. Average trip is a 4-10 days, which is the sweet spot.

What I don't like: (As everything in life, there are trade offs. Suffering is inevitable)

- Jeep platform is too sensitive to weight - It's not a heavy truck or van, so you need to mind your loadout. Also limits the Jeep on the trail due to it's weight and balance. I've done my best to address this with heavy suspension, sway bars and cutting weight aloft, but it's always a factor.
- Limited interior living - Yes. This is a thing when it's raining extensively. Especially with 2+dog. All you can do is lay down or sit in the front seats. It's not a van.
- Cooking/Bathing/Sanitation is largely exposed and outside. Sometimes the outside isn't a secluded/private/nice place to perform these functions. It's not a van.
- Purpose built and not readily adaptable. Its no longer practical to use as a daily driver or for general utility. I've removed the rear seat, have no rear cargo space, and the towing is limited further by the vehicle weight. Despite my best attempts to get out, the Jeep sits in storage a lot.

Where have I been:
Local CO/UT Adventures
Canada (Calgary, AB -> Bella Coola, BC -> Tofino, BC - 30 days/0 hotels)
West Coast (CA/OR/WA)
Mexico Baja
Key West and greater FL
New York
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Jbrazeal

New member
Today I finished the install of my solar panel for my Ursa Minor. I filmed as much as I could and left some links to buy the parts I used in the description on my YouTube Channel. I hope this is helpful. I run the Dometic 55im fridge 24/7. The 195 watt panel I used will easily keep up with the power needs of my fridge when I am not driving everyday.

 

pixelflip

New member
Proper purpose, and excellent execution! TY and cheers!



It's been a minute since I've posted. Had my gen2 JK J30 since 2014. Many trips logged. ~50k adventure miles.

I just came here to say that I'm enjoying my J30. It is a excellent platform for general adventure travel for my 2people+1dog family. John's build quality has held up very well and, I suppose, this is my "long term update".

What I like:
 

campertramper

Active member
It's been a minute since I've posted. Had my gen2 JK J30 since 2014. Many trips logged. ~50k adventure miles.

I just came here to say that I'm enjoying my J30. It is a excellent platform for general adventure travel for my 2people+1dog family. John's build quality has held up very well and, I suppose, this is my "long term update".

What I like:
+ Jeep like trail capability. Compact form factor make tight trails. Jeep platform is able to push further into backcountry.
+ Relatively economical fuel economy.
+ Relatively economical build cost.
+ Compact - Can be stored in any 10x20 storage space/unit/cargo container with 8' clearance. Fits in many urban parking structures. Classifies as a car for most drive-on ferries.
+ Comfortable. I always sleep well. I'm dry, even in the heaviest/extended rain (I performed additional waterproofing/seam sealing)
+ Fast deployment. I can pull in somewhere and be ready for bed or cooking in less than 5 mins.
+ Good enough for extended travel. I've done 30 nights straight and could have done more. In 2019, I had more than 60+ nights logged. Average trip is a 4-10 days, which is the sweet spot.

What I don't like: (As everything in life, there are trade offs. Suffering is inevitable)

- Jeep platform is too sensitive to weight - It's not a heavy truck or van, so you need to mind your loadout. Also limits the Jeep on the trail due to it's weight and balance. I've done my best to address this with heavy suspension, sway bars and cutting weight aloft, but it's always a factor.
- Limited interior living - Yes. This is a thing when it's raining extensively. Especially with 2+dog. All you can do is lay down or sit in the front seats. It's not a van.
- Cooking/Bathing/Sanitation is largely exposed and outside. Sometimes the outside isn't a secluded/private/nice place to perform these functions. It's not a van.
- Purpose built and not readily adaptable. Its no longer practical to use as a daily driver or for general utility. I've removed the rear seat, have no rear cargo space, and the towing is limited further by the vehicle weight. Despite my best attempts to get out, the Jeep sits in storage a lot.

Where have I been:
Local CO/UT Adventures
Canada (Calgary, AB -> Bella Coola, BC -> Tofino, BC - 30 days/0 hotels)
West Coast (CA/OR/WA)
Mexico Baja
Key West and greater FL
New York
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What options did you select to get the rear of your Ursa minor in all white? I know that keeping the roof all white and unpainted is an option but I've never seen one in all white like this - I love it!
 

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