Weekend trial

[azmotoman]

We finally did it! After several months of cleaning, sanding, sealing and outfitting, we made the maiden voyage. I never expected it to happen, but we were too warm!

Yep, I said TOO WARM! Even with the windows open and a small fan on the 1st night, were had to strip down to stay cool. Night time low was in the 40's.

2nd night, I was up at 2 a.m. making coffee and reading maps for the next day's excursion. We tried removing the curtains 1st. Temp was about 54 and we had to open the doors to get enough air moving in the cabin. GEESE! Rayme must have insulated our model better than I thought.

We could park this thing in a snow bank at this point. If this continues, AC will DEFINITELY be the next mod.

There was a steady (10-15 mph) breeze all night, but it wasn't enough.

The good news is: we packed too much stuff (better than not enough) and the Jeep got 24.5 average mpg through mountains, interstate and back roads. I made a trip to Tucson after the camp out and got 30+ mpg on the way there, 28.5 with AC on the way back to Phoenix (not towing).

[starleen2]

two adult bodies put off a lot heat inside a small teardrop! Looks like you guys had a great time on your first trip out

[azmotoman]

Yeah, not at all like tent camping.

[ERV]

Just read this and had to chuckle. What's wrong with stripping down?

[azmotoman]

@ERV: from the looks of your profile pic, THAT is exactly where we should have camped.

[Bob Dodgens]

Just read this and had to chuckle. What's wrong with stripping down?

Erv, I'd say we do think alike. Bob & Brenda

[azmotoman]

Well, Bob, how far can you 'strip down' in AZ? (lol) The TD is cozy, comfy, and warm. That's a PLUS, but I'll have to think twice about using it without some source of AIR CONDITIONING in the future.

Just so you know: it will meet our needs. The intended purpose was to find something that would meet the U.S.N.P. requirements for 'hard-sided' facilities in the event a bear should find its way into camp.

(most N.P.'s don't allow soft-sided facilities [i.e. - tents, ground sleeping, etc.]

So far, this fits the bill. At least we know it is WARM.

[wired]

AZMOTOMAN, Just curious, what engine do you have in that Liberty? Seems like pretty decent mileage. Do you like the Liberty?

[Ratkity]

I found a fan like a Fantastic Fan pulls in copious amounts of air through open windows with curtains.

Congrats on the maiden voyage!!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[jerry101jlh]

No A/C in Arizona??????????? To quote the old song "What were you thinking?" lol Just had to get a chuckle at your expense, sorry. lol Arizona kind of like over here in Texas, best camping weather is when most of the nation covered in snow.

[azmotoman]

It's the CRD (2.8 Turbo - Common Rail Diesel) ... pulling the TD last November, combined mileage was 24.5 per gal. The next day after our 3 day excursion, I drove to Tucson and got 32. Coming back with the A/C on it got 28.5

[mikeschn]

Looks like you had a good time out on your first excursion!

I looked at the Liberty a few years back when I was driving a Jetta TDI. The Jetta was getting 50 mpg. I opted not to buy the Liberty.

But the Liberty certainly gets better mileage than the Forester that I am towing with now!

Have fun, but I think an AC should be your first mod!!!

Mike...

[ERV]

Well, even after 10 months of thinking about it. I sticking with stripping down.
How was your summer out that way? Ours was very hot and sticky here. With work and kids, Janny and I only got out twice so far. Looking forward to the fall.
Erv

[azmotoman]

The second outing went much better. Temps were cooler in the spring, I utilized a 12V extension to power the TD lights for a couple of hours and ran the Fantastic Breeze Box Fan half the night. It worked great.