Wondering if I should keep my '16 or upgrade to build a camping vehicle

I have a 2016 Sport. About 50k miles, paid for.

I was eyeing up the new 4 door Wrangler Rubicons, but I'm not spending another $55k on a vehicle.

The thought has come to mind to turn the taco into sort of an overland / expedition / camping vehicle. Minor lift, some offroad accouterments, bed topper, etc.

I'm wondering if I'd be better served to get a newer TRD offroad so I have the true locking diff, or just wing it with my Sport.

I have taken my current truck places where the locking diff would have helped, especially when the desert gets shitty with rain or snow. Have owned a couple well built rock-crawlers in the past, but they're uncomfortable for any sort of long trip.

Whatcha think?

 

I vote keep the 16 and mod it until you’re happy!

 

Why not add a locker? It'd be less than the loss in the trade.

Pull the SB off the Sport and really enjoy those springs.


Note that it seems that adapting the OR e-locker has been solved.

 

Probably not a super big deal to just throw in an ARB locker in the rear, and I can do onboard air at the same time.

 

Keep the 16 unless money is no issue.

 

I wish. I'd be toodling around in an Earthroamer if the sky was the limit

 

Add a locker to the sport?

 

Pull the what off the what now?

 

Sorry! Sway bar. I enjoyed my Sport on smooth roads, but any bumps sucked nuts. I yanked the sway bar and found nirvana, on and off road.

 

Mod the 16, and add the locker, but decide how you're going to camp first. I'm 6'1" and fit perfectly in my longbed for sleeping. I'm guessing you have a short bed so you need to decide if you're going to do rooftop tent, ground tent, or try and make your future topper work. Personally I'm going to get a topper, build some sliding drawers, and probably an EZ lift system.

Short bed should be able to work to be comfortable with the EZlift tent package. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtBi6Xhsl5Q

 

Do these trucks have front and rear swaybars or just up front?

 

That's a pretty slick looking setup! Yeah, I have the short bed. If I end up getting a new truck, the longbed would be the ticket. I've tried to talk the better half into a rooftop tent, but I think that's a no go with it elevated and with our two dogs. I could get a little adventure trailer and put on on top of that though as a possibility.

 

Just the front. Only the 2nd Gen Xrunners had rear SBs. Just 11 easy bolts to pull it after you drop the skid plate.