We have a question about a WW2 Jeep

[tcouple]

OK, Lert me explain....My husband and I are approaching our retirement (next summer) and looking forward to pursuing a new project.
Since we have been nudists for over 25 years, we already know about a lot of the major clothing optional and nudist campgrounds. We would like to start a podcast and find some great "off the main road" campsite and campgrounds.
We have decided to buy a 1 ton truck and pull a larger 5th wheel camper with a rear garage.
My husband is in Iowa this weekend looking at a restored WW2 Jeep that his friend is selling.
The question for you is....Will a WW2 Jeep fit in the back garage of any 5th wheel camping trailer or is that a bad idea?
Also, Is a WW2 Jeep a vehicle that will work to get us into the back wood to experience the campsites we are looking for?
We don't want to buy the Jeep if it will not work for what we are planning.
Ok, that is a quick summary of what we are doing on the forum.
Any ideas or advice?
BTW, If you know of any great campgrounds or even single campsite, we would love to hear about them.
Thanks for reading.

 

[Valley Rock]

I think a World War II Jeep might be a bit heavy for the back of a fifth wheel trailer, but at least we know it will be safe fording deep water .

 

[G744]

Getting you where you want to go and back...no problem.

Will it fit in your RV? A $10 tape measure will tell you.

The weight, however, may tell ON you.

Then again, I wouldn't think a modern side-by-side (about the same size as an MB or GPW) weighs much different than the Jeep.

 

[tcouple]

I think a World War II Jeep might be a bit heavy for the back of a fifth wheel trailer, but at least we know it will be safe fording deep water .

Hi VallyRock, Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Somehow, I have the feeling there is a joke there. LOL

 

[eaw46]

The WW2 Jeep would work for where you want to go but if you want to go into town on a freeway it is too slow. The Jeep weight would be almost the same as a Side by Side you just have to know your unit can take the weight in the Garage area. Many of the new Side by Sides are bigger than a WW2 jeep. Another advantage of a WW2 right now is that a new Side by Side would depreciate in value significantly in a couple of years whereas the Jeep would not and might even go up in value.

 

[tcouple]

The WW2 Jeep would work for where you want to go but if you want to go into town on a freeway it is too slow. The Jeep weight would be almost the same as a Side by Side you just have to know your unit can take the weight in the Garage area. Many of the new Side by Sides are bigger than a WW2 jeep. Another advantage of a WW2 right now is that a new Side by Side would depreciate in value significantly in a couple of years whereas the Jeep would not and might even go up in value.

eaw46 thanks for the information. What is the top speed of the WW2 Jeep?

 

[eaw46]

A WW2 Jeep can go about max 50 MPH but cannot cruise safely over 45 or so. If you have a real good one it might go somewhat faster but remember it's brakes are not as good as modern ones. There is also a lack of lighting in the rear so you are not very visible to others at night. If it has org tire patterns it also has some issues with traction on hard surfaces and they are useless on ice. It also does not have lockers in the differentials so is not as good off road as newer units with them. If you are not interested in keeping it original you can add lockers free wheeling hubs and different tires and a better easier roof system. You can do a lot and keep it looking close to original. You must also take into account that you will lack real Windshield wipers and have no Heater. The cool factor is way above anything else you could have though and they are tough simple and easy to maintain and fix. I doubt you will camp in snow or ice conditions and normally not go out in the rain so most of these issues should not affect you much. I always tell others not to go out in the bush 4X4ing alone. It is always a good idea to have another truck with you so you can help each other if there is an issue. The last thing you want is to be broken down or stuck 10 miles out in the bush without help. Good luck and best wishes.

 

[porkysplace]

A WW2 Jeep can go about max 50 MPH but cannot cruise safely over 45 or so. If you have a real good one it might go somewhat faster but remember it's brakes are not as good as modern ones. There is also a lack of lighting in the rear so you are not very visible to others at night. If it has org tire patterns it also has some issues with traction on hard surfaces and they are useless on ice. It also does not have lockers in the differentials so is not as good off road as newer units with them. If you are not interested in keeping it original you can add lockers free wheeling hubs and different tires and a better easier roof system. You can do a lot and keep it looking close to original. You must also take into account that you will lack real Windshield wipers and have no Heater. The cool factor is way above anything else you could have though and they are tough simple and easy to maintain and fix. I doubt you will camp in snow or ice conditions and normally not go out in the rain so most of these issues should not affect you much. I always tell others not to go out in the bush 4X4ing alone. It is always a good idea to have another truck with you so you can help each other if there is an issue. The last thing you want is to be broken down or stuck 10 miles out in the bush without help. Good luck and best wishes.

But if your going to go through all those mods you would probably be better off starting with a old CJ and paint it green .

 

[tcouple]

A WW2 Jeep can go about max 50 MPH but cannot cruise safely over 45 or so. If you have a real good one it might go somewhat faster but remember it's brakes are not as good as modern ones. There is also a lack of lighting in the rear so you are not very visible to others at night. If it has org tire patterns it also has some issues with traction on hard surfaces and they are useless on ice. It also does not have lockers in the differentials so is not as good off road as newer units with them. If you are not interested in keeping it original you can add lockers free wheeling hubs and different tires and a better easier roof system. You can do a lot and keep it looking close to original. You must also take into account that you will lack real Windshield wipers and have no Heater. The cool factor is way above anything else you could have though and they are tough simple and easy to maintain and fix. I doubt you will camp in snow or ice conditions and normally not go out in the rain so most of these issues should not affect you much. I always tell others not to go out in the bush 4X4ing alone. It is always a good idea to have another truck with you so you can help each other if there is an issue. The last thing you want is to be broken down or stuck 10 miles out in the bush without help. Good luck and best wishes.

thanks this is all good information and very helpful

 

[JEB]

A very quick check of the internet shows a few points already alluded to.

Using the top of the line John Deere four seater as a comparison (of course there are smaller, cheaper vehicles out there but that would be a real apples to oranges comparison since the Jeep can theoretically seat four).

The WWII Jeep MB/GPW...weighs about 2400 pounds with fluids.
The Deere XUV855M S4 weighs 2000+.

Jeep: length 132"
JD: 154"

Width for both 60-62".

The JD costs about $20,000
You can buy a nice MB/GPW or civilian CJ-2, CJ-3 for less.
Of course for a nicely restored WWII Jeep can be $ 30k +.
The Jeep will be road legal.

General advice....
You're on the right track trying to figure out your needs.
Before you spend any money, sit down and try to figure out how and where you will use it.
-If you don't need four seats or extra load capacity, then look at a two seat UTV. It will be easier to fit in a trailer....and of course cost much less.
-And going to some campsites there may be restrictions on road vehicles (Jeeps and the like) on trails but not UTVs. Check with the agency (federal, state, private) that controls the areas where you are likely to camp.

If you want a JEEP, fine, but figure out what you want and need.
I'm guessing you may not know a lot about military Jeeps and their civil counterparts

If you want your friend's WWII Jeep great, but be advised they are often more expensive than the slightly later civilian Jeeps that look very similar (i.e. Flat fender).
If you are looking for general transport and off roading without the military provenance, A CJ-2/3 might be a way to save money.
Also, you may want to consider a modified (additional performance for off roading or rock climbing, etc) Jeep to suit your needs.

If you are much above 6 feet tall, be advised a WWII or civilian flat fender Jeep can be a tight fit since the seat doesn't adjust. If so, you might want to try a larger CJ-5 or M38A1. But their larger size (about 6" longer, same basic width but 2700 lbs) might be an issue in the back of a 5th wheel "toy hauler".

Sorry if you already know any of this, but when there are a lot of choices, doing some research will help you get what you need and probably save a lot of money by helping you get what you really need. What you don't want to happen is spending good money on something that doesn't meet your needs.

 

[tcouple]

Hi again everyone.
Just want to thank everyone for all the great thoughts on the ww2 jeep.
We did taking into consideration everything everyone had to sa and decided to not go in the direction of the WW2 jeep and we are glad we checked in with you.
My husband is actually down in Iowa tonight checking on a couple of other options.
You al seem like a great bunch of guys

 

[tcouple]

Oh BTW, if any of you have served this country....Thanks for your service and have a great Memorial Weekend!

 

[tcouple]

Ok, I finally finished all my work for work for this week and I have tomorrow off so I just took a shower and grabbed a cold beer from the fridge and snapped the attached selfie so you actually can see who you are talking to. I am officially starting the Memorial Weekend so who is joining me.

 

[WillWagner]

Or, look into a Suzuki Samurai. Light wt, they will go about anywhere and they will do hwy speeds.

 

[dougco1]

Or, look into a Suzuki Samurai. Light wt, they will go about anywhere and they will do hwy speeds.

I don't think this thread is about a "JEEP"

 

[WillWagner]

I don't think this thread is about a "JEEP"

Might be, might not. A Sami is a good truck.

I used to do a bunch of star gazing. A friend of mine had a Sami. That thing went everywhere! Bounced off rocks, scooted over mud without sinking, never left us. It DID however melt a cat and in turn cracked a block between 2 and 3 cylinders. Slammed a head gasket on it, removed the cat and AFAIK, still running today!

Had 7 scopes, including a 12 inch Dob that I built with an Obsidian Optics piece of glass....guess I was only 1 of 3 that got their mirror back.... that was amazing! Now I only have 1, 4.7 Konus refractor that hasn't seen light in a few years.

But this is off topic....

 

[dougco1]

Might be, might not. A Sami is a good truck.

I used to do a bunch of star gazing. A friend of mine had a Sami. That thing went everywhere! Bounced off rocks, scooted over mud without sinking, never left us. It DID however melt a cat and in turn cracked a block between 2 and 3 cylinders. Slammed a head gasket on it, removed the cat and AFAIK, still running today!

Had 7 scopes, including a 12 inch Dob that I built with an Obsidian Optics piece of glass....guess I was only 1 of 3 that got their mirror back.... that was amazing! Now I only have 1, 4.7 Konus refractor that hasn't seen light in a few years.

But this is off topic....

A bit off topic? I guess so .
I don't think the OP was being 100% honest about her thread and what she's actually looking for. Do you have any nudist campgrounds or camp sites in Cali? Re-read post #1 and #13 first, then you can talk all day long about your "Sami" and your 12" Dob telescope.

 

[tcouple]

Might be, might not. A Sami is a good truck.

I used to do a bunch of star gazing. A friend of mine had a Sami. That thing went everywhere! Bounced off rocks, scooted over mud without sinking, never left us. It DID however melt a cat and in turn cracked a block between 2 and 3 cylinders. Slammed a head gasket on it, removed the cat and AFAIK, still running today!

Had 7 scopes, including a 12 inch Dob that I built with an Obsidian Optics piece of glass....guess I was only 1 of 3 that got their mirror back.... that was amazing! Now I only have 1, 4.7 Konus refractor that hasn't seen light in a few years.

But this is off topic....

The Jeep Wranger is what we actually decided on for my daily driver and a much larger truck for the road trips