Unique Jeep Comanche Camper – Spacious and DIY Built

Imagine hitting the open road in a vehicle that not only takes you where you want to go but also serves as your cozy, self-sufficient home on wheels. For many adventure enthusiasts, this dream is a reality, thanks to the growing trend of DIY camper projects. Today, we’re diving into one such remarkable project—a 1987 Jeep Comanche camper that’s anything but ordinary. Built entirely from scratch by a passionate DIYer named Jim, this rig is a testament to creativity, skill, and a love for the open road.

Meet the Jeep Comanche camper: A Rare Find

Before we delve into the details of Jim’s build, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vehicle itself. The Jeep Comanche camper, a rare gem in the automotive world, was manufactured between 1986 and 1992 as a variation of the popular Jeep Cherokee. With only about 200,000 units ever produced, this model is a rare find. Jim’s project is even more unique because he didn’t just work with one Comanche—he combined two to create his dream camper.

From Two to One: The Birth of an Idea

Jim’s journey with Jeeps began back in high school. After deciding with his family to travel and explore potential places to settle down, they purchased a Jeep Comanche camper. Unfortunately, the engine blew up on the way home, leading them to buy another unit. Instead of letting the setback discourage them, they took the best parts from both vehicles and combined them into one. This is where the idea of building a custom camper from scratch was born.

Why Build Instead of Buy?

For many, the logical step would be to purchase an off-the-shelf camper. However, Jim and his family were put off by the high prices and questionable reliability of commercial options. Armed with some fabrication experience from college and hobbies, Jim decided to take matters into his own hands. What he ended up creating was far more impressive than anything money could buy.

Exterior Overview: A Rig Like No Other

The first thing you notice about Jim’s Jeep Comanche camper is its unconventional appearance. While the front retains the classic Comanche look, the rear is a massive aluminum camper box that Jim built entirely by himself in his driveway. The rig features a host of custom elements, making it a true one-of-a-kind creation.

Rear Modifications: Practical and Prepared

The rear of the vehicle is a testament to Jim’s practicality. He installed mounts for two propane canisters, a small ladder, a 2-gallon (7.5-liter) RotopaX diesel tank, and additional mounts for a shovel and a jack. These features ensure that the camper is prepared for any situation, whether it’s cooking up a meal or tackling an unexpected repair.

Innovative Roof Design: Maximizing Space and Utility

One of the standout features of this camper is its pop-up roof, supported by gas struts. The roof includes three Arctic Tern windows, a Maxxair fan, and two 100 W solar panels, making the camper not only spacious but also energy-efficient. The pop-up design allows for increased headroom and a more comfortable living space when stationary.

Front Bumper and Antenna: Safety First

Jim also made modifications to the front of the vehicle. He built a custom bumper that houses two LED light pods and a winch, ensuring that the camper is ready for any off-road challenges. An interesting safety feature is the installation of a tall antenna that’s not connected to anything. If the antenna touches a low-hanging bridge or garage entrance, Jim knows there’s not enough clearance for the camper.

Roof Rack and Storage: Everything in Its Place

The top of the driver’s cabin is equipped with a roof rack that holds a spare tire and a Pelican case for extra storage. The rack is sturdy, extending downward into sliders bolted to the camper box and welded to the vehicle frame. Other exterior features include a solar-powered light and an outdoor shower, making this camper as functional as it is unique.

Spaceship-Like Door: Entry with a Twist

On the passenger side of the camper, Jim devised a door that’s nothing short of “spaceshipy.” The door has two parts—one opens upward while the other, which includes steps, opens downward. Given the height of the camper box, these steps are necessary for easy entry. The doors also feature a magnetic lock to keep them securely closed.

Interior Tour: Surprisingly Spacious and Inviting

Step inside this Jeep Comanche camper, and you’ll be greeted by an interior that’s both spacious and inviting. Jim opted for a rustic aesthetic, with wooden elements and plenty of natural light pouring in through the windows. The interior is cleverly divided into four key areas: a rear lounge, a kitchen, a side lounge, and a bedroom up top.

Rear Lounge Area: Comfort and Functionality

At the back of the camper is the main lounge area, which features an L-shaped couch made from four benches. A swiveling table sits in the middle, perfect for meals or working on the go. The benches also offer extra storage space, housing a water heater and a power system that includes a 1,500 W inverter, a 200 Ah battery bank, a fuse panel, and a solar charge controller.

Heating and Hot Water: Ready for Any Climate

One of the highlights of Jim’s build is the heating system. The 6-gallon (22-liter) water heater uses the vehicle’s coolant system to heat water while driving, but it can also run on propane when stationary. Additionally, a Chinese diesel heater ensures the living space remains warm and cozy, even in colder climates.

Kitchen Essentials: Compact but Comprehensive

Moving to the driver’s side, you’ll find the kitchen area. Though compact, it’s fully equipped with a small but deep stainless steel sink, a built-in two-burner stove, and a magnetic utensil rack. Jim also included a flip-up table for additional counter space and a slide-out 85-liter chest-style fridge/freezer. For storage, there’s a small cabinet and four drawers, ensuring everything has its place.

Side Bench and Storage: Maximizing Space

On the opposite side of the kitchen is a long bench with ample storage inside. The only exception is the compartment toward the front, which houses a 10-gallon (38-liter) freshwater tank. This bench provides additional seating and storage, making the most of the available space.

Pass-Through and Privacy: A Thoughtful Touch

Jim also created a pass-through between the camper box and the driver’s cabin. While it’s not large enough to walk through comfortably, it’s big enough to crawl through in case of emergencies or for added convenience. For privacy, a curtain can be drawn to block light from the front cabin.

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Pop-Up Tent and Sleeping Area: Cozy and Comfortable

Finally, we arrive at the top part of the rig—the pop-up tent, made from UV-resistant, waterproof Sunbrella fabric. The tent features three zippable windows with bug screens, ensuring a well-ventilated sleeping area. The bed platform, which can be raised during the day, offers a spacious sleeping area almost as wide as a queen-size bed but significantly longer, measuring 7.5 feet (229 centimeters). Jim even added a soft light to the tent’s ceiling for a warm, inviting ambiance.

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Conclusion: A Labor of Love and Ingenuity

Jim’s Jeep Comanche camper is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, creativity, and a bit of fabrication know-how. From its unique exterior to its surprisingly spacious interior, this DIY camper is a true marvel. It’s equipped with everything needed for life on the road, from heating and hot water systems to a fully functional kitchen and cozy sleeping quarters. While it may lack a bathroom, this small inconvenience is overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the build. Jim’s hundreds, if not thousands, of hours invested in this project have paid off in spades, resulting in a one-of-a-kind mobile home that’s ready for any adventure.

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