V9E2: A Closer Look at the Ursa Minor J30
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- In this episode, I take a detailed look at the Ursa Minor J30 camper for Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited after long-term use. Having lived in this camper full-time for three years, I highlight its merits and share my thoughts on its various features. I attempt to leave no stone unturned and answer all of your questions about this unique, Jeep-based camping solution in one comprehensive walk-around.
Ok, the opening shot was very cool👍
The only "roof top tent" set up i would ever get probably. Thx for the vid. Take care out there.
If there’s anybody can give a proper review of this product ..it would be you one thousand times ! most people will never do that in their lifetime . You should be their ambassador !
Chris, you sold me now I just have to come up with a plan for the financing It l will be living in it full-time because my wife will throw me out of the house. 😎 Stay safe pleasant travels
Having access from within your vehicle is a real game-changer! Roof-top tents of any type can range from horrible to wonderful, but it's that ladder climb into the outdoors that, to me, is their real weakness. Thanks for the look at your rig!
Thanks so much for continuing to add videos through this crazy time. My 2 yr old and I look forward to watching it every Saturday morning. He calls it his “travel show.” Stay safe and be blessed, my friend!
Hey Chris and all: when you cut a slip of tape for the kind of fabric repair you have round the corners. Stays stuck better. Looks better too, in my view.
As a fellow J30 owner, I have to say this is an excellent, real-world review of the camper top, Chris! John, Kris, and the others at Ursa Minor are great people to work with, as well. 👍
Thank you. I have been eager for this exact, long term use feedback. Stay safe, be well, and enjoy all this planning time we all have at this time.
Thanks again Chris for continuing to make videos at this time, stay safe and well my brother.
Chris, thanks for the video. After watching so many of your episodes, I have no doubts that this will be the ideal set up for my JK in the near future. Stay safe my friend!
Thanks a lot Chris! Ever sense my wife saw your Ursa Minor all I've heard was buy us one and I will camp more often. Soooo you had a huge input in costing me $45,000 to buy an overbuilt JK just so we can have the Ursa Minor top. I looked for 2 years to find one on a used vehicle. All kidding aside " a happy wife makes for a happy life". Love your channel!
I really enjoyed this episode, a great review and endorsement based on real world first hand use. Thank you.
I watched this last week within hours of being posted. I can't stop thinking about it. The info you put in here really did answer a lot of my curiosity about it. I think of all the different setups that I have seen on CZcams this is the best possible outfit for the solo adventurer. Keep up the good work & stay safe.
This was an excellent review. When Chris decides to get into something, he gets as into it as he can, and then gives us what he thinks we can handle. And, he is right.
That was an excellent review packed full of very informative useful advice for any future purchase. Makes me feel much more comfortable with a purchase. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍😷
Great video, Chris. Thank you for sharing your insights to the J30 camper. You present the info in a way that should get people thinking about their own situation and how they would use either a pop-up or a roof top tent. I mean heck, this video has got me thinking about a jeep with this Ursa Minor J30 camper, and I'm a Tacoma guy! Take good care, and stay safe.
I'm not speaking hyperbolicaly when I say that was the best video I've seen on CZcams so far. It definitely sold me on the Ursa Minor. I was previously looking at the safari JXL. The guy looks like he's tripping, but he is agreat speaker.
Signed: new subscriber.
👍
I agree the only roof top tent I would buy next to alucab top .
Thanks for the review. After watching ALL of your videos over the last few years, my opinions on RTTs, JKUs, and the color orange have changed a lot. ;). You really appear to have your “system” dialed in Chris.
I'm glad you're doing well you're staying with friends off the road you answered a lot of questions that I had about that top I thought it was an after-market that was on your original one but you explained it well that it wasn't stay safe and we'll catch you on your next one.👍👍😀
Video request: A "Getting Started Guide". If you had a theoretical, finite "getting started" budget, how would you allocate it? What would you look for when buying a (used) wrangler; what customizations/add-ons give you the best bang for your buck, and would you prioritize first? What's useful for the long term adventurer vs the weekend explorer? Do you recommend getting a full size spare and lift kit before getting a winch? What would be your top priorities? Certainly a lot of this depends on a person's individual use case, but, given your experience, what would you do?
Thanks a lot Chris, love the setup and your videos! Thanks for sharing your adventures, ideas and experiences.
@Sunyata Thanks for that insight---I agree, it's such a broad area and I guess that's what makes the Jeep so popular! I'm new to this and appreciate your insight, that approach makes a lot of sense: do the core jeep upgrades that are required to be safe for your use case and then use any leftover funds for camping gear. That said, I also think it would also be interesting to look at it from the reverse approach: not starting with the use case (which I think can be flexible), but with a budget (which may be not). One way to do that could be to make some assumptions about who the user is (e.g. BLM/crown land weekend warrior or summer holiday trips for 1-2 people, budget of $30k) and see what a specific setup would look like. One question I hope could be answered in an investigation like that would be if you have a stock rubicon + ursa minor, should you prioritize a suspension upgrade due to the extra weight? Or should you put that budget towards getting a winch and self-recovery? I agree that ultimately it just comes down to ones specific interests, geography and other factors, so it's a bit of a circular problem. But perhaps doing something general could be a helpful launch pad for someone looking to get started, and people can personalize any recommendations to suit their specific needs.
Very informative video! You should be sponsor by the company 😊
Thanks for the video and stay healthy
Thanks so much Chris, wifey and I really appreciate the knowledge and review on the Ursa Minor, Awesome!!! 👍👊
Chris, you totally sold me on the Ursa Minor top when I started watching your videos with my wife. I’d seen them in 2013 and was shocked at the price, but you have proved to me that it’s a quality product that’s so much more than a rooftop tent. We were able to take delivery in February and now I’m glad to say I have the JK fully (almost) kitted out with sleeping upstairs and down for our family adventures. Now if we can just get through this pandemic so we can see the redwoods this summer that would be great!
Chris, Excellent video and thanks for the in-depth detail of the Ursa Minor. Having been given an in-person tour of your rig while at Desert Rendezvous, I was super impressed with the set up. Also, I’m 6’3” and could easily stand up in your jeep, with head room to spare. The UM is on my bucket list as my existing rooftop tent (which does the job) usually results in a wrestling match during deployment and pack up. 😎 Be safe and be well!
Bravo! Loved this!! I love the ursa minor! Such an interesting way to experience so much more of the outdoors! Stay safe, be well! L.
Great, honest review. It really is the ideal option for long-term exploration in the Jeep. Still, I'm a top off, doors off guy for a majority of the year. Living in AZ has its benefits. Just not sure my simple hoist and storage setup would be enough for the added weight of the Ursa Minor. I'll just have to settle for being jealous every time I watch your videos. Keep up the excellent work and stay safe. Consider yourself an adopted Arizonan.
Oh I didn't realize they were Ecamper! I contacted him years ago when I had my Honda Element. Nice to know that they are the same company.
Great insight from someone with first hand experience. Thank you .
Perfect way to start the day.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. You make some great points. Hope you can get back on the road soon. Stay healthy and safe 😘👍
It sounds like it has served you well. Thanks for the info.
You are the real deal ,very informative
Chris, the more l have watched your videos the more I've come to appreciate your set up. Everything has a purpose. A practical minimalist approach. It's helped me with my setup.... Did you ever think of selling merch? I wouldn't mind wearing a venture4wd sweatshirt or hoody! Safe travels, Perry
Thanks Chris. Great video as always.
I'm thinking that doing this rout. Financially it's cheaper than a Winnebago Revel.
Glad you're doing well buddy.
Stay safe.
And that goes for anyone reading this. :)
Another fine video Chris thank you keep up the good work😎👍
I was set on one of those huge roof tents but after watching Chris put this up and down so easily 100X I was 50% sold. After I realized that this is the only roof tent option that still allows my jeep to fit in the garage I was 110% sold. Yea, only 10"of added height and I think the lowest option I found with roof rack and tent combined was double that at least. With tires, lift, racks and all these can get pretty tall. You can also now just have the perimeter of the top Linex (or whatever the black coating is) and leave the top white, that is what I chose to do. Thanks Chris!
I had them Line-X the perimeter on mine, as well, and kept the white top. Best combination in terms of aesthetics and heat reflection, IMHO. 👍
EXCELLENT review and video. Thank you 🙂 The fact that you can stand up inside the Jeep is the game changer with this setup in my mind. I wish they would make a one for a TJ 😬 Meanwhile I’ll just keep sleeping in my 10 Cubic ft of sleeping space in my 97 2-door TJ 😁
Thank you for the info., I always loved your set up.
Good review! More please on other gear! Stay safe! Can't wait to see you on the road again!
Awesome opening shot!
Great walk around.
The ursa minor is my favorite platform for vehicle sleeping. I think it's a genius design, wish more vehicles could support something like this.
If you're rolling solo or with your spouse it's a great setup. Now since I run with 3 K9s for that price I have to go with the smittybilt scout trailer. It eliminates the need for a draw system, space for a fridge, and generator. Leaving the entire back for the 4 Paw Rug Rats.
great vid!! I found your channel because The Road Chose Me mentioned you.
Hej, nice review. We ordered a J30 in January,but it's not ready yet. We are the first in Sweden some get this tent for a Jeep. Have a nice day, and please continue on the same way with your videos.
excellent review, i dont comment often on yt vids but just have to say this was very non fluff and straight to the point
Great review, I’m sold!
Makes me want to get a 4 door jk. Love my 2 door for now, though.
Great video, stay safe.
Lots of good helpful information, great video.👍
Hi Chris! Here comes an idea from sweden: Go to an IKEA furniture store and buy a memoryfoam matress and use the Ursa minor original matress as templates (it looks like there are zippers on the covers). With aprox. the same thickness a memoryfoam matress is way more comfortable than plain foam. Cheers!
From what I understand memory foam gets really hard and uncomfortable in cold conditions.
Awesome review. Thank you for all the details. God Bless!
Can't wait till you start traveling again. I love the style. In the meanwhile, instead of, or in addition to, gear videos, how about a 'cars and coffee' type of thing where you could take sub questions and talk a bit in that way. You're a great speaker and think it would really connect. Hope your family is weathering the storm back home... it's getting a little tense out here. (eastern pa and tristate area)
Great opening shot and critique. Ursa Minor could add two loops to the interior tent fabric, near the pop top hinges, that you hook a bungee cord to, to pull the fabric in as you close the top to prevent the fabric from catching on the hinges. Four Wheel Camper does this to their pop tops.
Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 our JL top should be built in May, all the best take care stay safe👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great review Christo! Looking forward to hanging with you when all of this isolation is over! ;)
For me this video is about 9 years too late. I bought a 2 door JK Jeep in 2011 with the vision of using it similarly the way you do. I added an ARB Simpson III RTT in 2016 and hit the road. Don't get me wrong, I luv my RTT, but after watching this video, I may have gone a different route, which would have required me to change from the 2 door JK to a 4 door JKU Jeep. Anyhow, as usual, a great walk around video Chris, I thoroughly enjoyed it with my Saturday morning coffee. The Ursa Minor J30 appears to be a great product, and I agree with some of your points about what you would have done differently , i.e. the sliding rear windows and the power outlets. I hope you are well, safe and getting thru this virus thing without going stir crazy. Looking forward to seeing you back on the road soon.
Great video and description of this unit Chris. Glad you posted this. I bet Ursa Minor gets a boost of orders due to your video. Might be worth while in contacting them for a referral code so viewers could take advantage and you might benefit as "Outside sales" consultant for them. Also you may want to contact them and see if they have contacted dealers for a factory option deal. That is what General Motors does. I use to work for Chevrolet and sold many special options for all vehicles which can be dealer installed and being that most people want to build a vehicle on the factory websites. There's a hugh incentive for you as well. FYI your camping video's are the only reason that I started looking at a jeep or going to Ursa Minors website. Tech tip for installing mosquito netting. You can adapt your unit with over-lay netting by simply making a pattern inside the rough mesh and install a removable velcro attachment system. I'd use clear marine type caulk and install that so you can remove the fine mesh when needed. If you never wanted to remove it, simply use painters tape on the outside & caulk the fine netting to the original net material. I suggest while you have all this down time, you check out this link www.domyown.com/permethrin-sfr-368-p-445.html You might want to treat your Jeep Tent while you have another place to stay. I'd spray inside & out with this. I use it, in home and out on a ranch. also soak your outdoor clothes in a 5 gallon bucket and air dry, will last 3-4 months, bugs die when they touch the surface. It's only take 2-3 hours for smell to dissipate.
Since you're in AZ when you do embark on another adventure stop and check the Hot Springs up north. Fossil Creek Trail just north of Payson.
Looking to get one of these. Stay safe man.
Nicely done.
great walkthru. as much as you don't want your channel to turn into a gear channel, I'm not gonna lie, I only watch to see the Ursa Minor, and the gear setup. the adventures are awesome of course, but I want to experience those myself. the gear experience tho, is valuable to those of us just starting to plan
Great vid. I really want an Ursa Minor!
I haven't seen all of your videos Chris, but since you're in Arizona, once things finally return to normal, I highly recommend checking out there area North of the Grand Canyon called the "Arizona Strip" or Grand Canyon Parashant. There's literally hundreds of miles of off-road trails to explore, very isolated, and many secluded views of the Grand Canyon that are rarely visited. Just an idea. I really enjoy your videos and this one was exactly what I was wanting see about your Ursa Minor. Take care!
Hey..Super informative video, planning to buy one and the way you described everything was very helpful. Saving this video👍🙂
Glad it was helpful!
Great review Chris👍
Cool opening sequence
Thank you Chris...
Really enjoyed this well made video. Review is honest and informative. Did you note any significant difference in MPG? Yes, the Jeep isn't known for high miles per gallon, rather it's measure in smiles per mile. Happy to say I've exceeded my Jeep quota. Stay safe Chris.
Great review, I have one on my Jeep and I will add they need to improve the access hatch, it's tricky to get them not to rattle.
Other than that they are fantastic.
On the top of my wish list, but still saving my pennies to get one.
Most excellent! Thank you.
Very nice. One thing you might consider for the wind flapping is buy some tent poles at Walmart or something and cut them to proper length. Then put them inside to bulge the flaps out slightly. Just a thought though.
Cheers from Colorado
Loved this video, and I've watched them all. Waiting on my new JL version of the Ursa Minor to be completed, then I'll drive to SD for the install. Then extensive road trip retirement travel for ? years. Much inspired by following Chris.
With regard to cost, I penciled out everything from full time RV to truck camper to 100% hotel travel. It does come down to use case and intended travel style. We want the ability to travel the entire country and have a mix of urban exploration and remote wilderness. The Ursa Minor on top of a Rubicon will take us into any downtown hotel parking garage or across just about any BLM/Forest road destination. And it will do all that without the need to buy/own another vehicle and will still fit into the garage at home.
When you add it all up, it actually pays for itself in other cost avoidance before even computing a subjective "collecting experience" value. We are late 50s. We can always buy an RV and travel in spacious luxury later when we're elderly. We don't want to waste out younger years and fitness on an "old people" set up. The Ursa Minor is worth every penny.
If your Jeep is lifted, watch out; some of the parking structures can be pretty tight. I won’t take mine in anything with less than 8 - 8 1/2’ clearance, just to be safe (and so I don’t have to remove the CB antenna!).
@@ventura911 Yes, thanks. It's a 2.5" lift on 35" tires. I won't have a rack on top, but I'll make sure to measure and know my clearance for sure. Can't wait to join the UM owner club.
The only roof top tent that makes sense & looks good to boot!!
how does $9k make "sense" ?
@@lifescholar7130 Are you projecting YOUR issue with the RTT? i didn't mention anything about price.
@@iLuveKatsup apparently i am...$9k doesn't make sense for ME
BADASS INTRO!🏜🏕⛰
GREAT VIDEO SIR!
TY
It's a fantastic piece of equipment but it sure comes at a cost. Low end starts at just a little over $10,000 CAD. Thank-you for the closer look at the Ursa Minor though, Chris.
Yes, but when you figure he paid $8,500 including shipping and has used it for approximately 1,000 sleeps, that works out to $8.50 a sleep. Can't beat that.
@@TheBearDenPhotography yeah, to each his own...i wouldn't use it 1000 sleeps in a lifetime. lol
The resale is so good that it would be hard to lose money on one, if you look at it that way there isn't anything less expensive out there.
Great video Chris . Great Saturday morning kick off . Have you ever looked at or inspected the Ecamper . I was looking at a Honda Element and thinking how it would work out on it .I would think it must be smaller inside then the jeep one . Anyway these videos where you go over your equipment in depth are a great learning tool for us . Please keep it up.thank you
1,000 nights divided by $7,500 equals $7.50 a night, you can't beat that!
If I were to do what you are doing, I think that I would go for a high clearance teardrop trailer. I know there is a host of other issues with that, but there are some benefits as well. Your system works for you and that's all that matters.
Chris, with your plans to stay at the house until things calm down, have you ever considered making a Q&A video one week? Maybe I've missed one in the past, but it could be content and I'm sure theres people who want to know something!
Nice opening :)
Chris thanks for the tour of your Ursa Minor. Have you ever thought of getting the ARB rear awning? My kitchen set up and fridge is in the back of the jeep with a full down table on the tailgate.
Salve Chris!
Eu entendo que o Custo/Benefício seja realmente grande.
Ótima avaliação após 4 anos de uso.
Boas Estradas.
(Itaipuaçu, Maricá - RJ - Brasil)
I would say it is a definite improvement over a RTT with very little loss in mpg, but the price is staggering. Still, from what Chris said it’s around $8.50/night. The more you use it the cheaper it gets. Can’t beat the quality of the unit, as attested by Chris’s accident. Very cool video and they should sponsor Chris for sure!!!
While it isn’t cheap, it’s well worth it. When I bought mine, I took into consideration how much a new factory hardtop (~$2500), a quality roof rack (~$1500), and a hard-shell rooftop tent ($3000+) would cost and this made it an easy decision.
@@ventura911 totally Agee. Some people just cannot see the value past the price tag. The ability to be self contained without having to exit the jeep, stand up inside and have room to cook Definitely well worth the price .
Thanks Chris! Very comprehensive vid! Had my J30 installed a month ago at their SD shop and LOVE it! John and Kris at UMV took excellent care of me. Took mine 12 weeks from order to install, so that may be a factor and I beat the COvid 19 epidemic by a “whisper”! Not sure what order/delivery would be now, or in the future.. Stay safe Chris and keep those vids coming!
Excellent / informative Video! thank you!...would also add...some sort of 'Fantastic Fan(s)' on top!...Hopefully they improve on those 'suggestions' you made as well ( thicker tent material ...finer mesh for windows...& thickness of the mattresses!..). If these 'improvements' were 'done'......i think would 'consider' the Ursa Minor!! ..Also, wished there was a Canadian 'Distributor/installer/Dealer' in the Toronto,Ontario. Canada Area!...Cheers..& SAFE TRAVELS'!
Thanx for the video
Looks great, I hope the JL version will come out, a nice alternative is the GaZell from France, but that one is more expensive!!
It looks like the JL version is starting to become available. There’s a long thread on Expedition Portal about the Ursa Minor campers and post #2245 has two photos of the new one, www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/ursa-minor-pop-top-jeep-jk.81780/page-150
Awesome video- thanks! I watched your 3 episode series on the Alu-Cab Khaya, that was great too. Now that you have lived with the Ursa Minor, would you be able to (or recommend) have a stove/sink and access to your fridge from the interior, similar to the Khaya just much smaller? Thanks for your content, it’s awesome.
Thank you, exceptionally thorough overview providing a professional critical appraisal-pls clarify how was the thermo support in the sub minus?
I could think of one added feature. Or d-rings on the walls of the tent so you could put a bungee cord on them and they would draw inwards when you pull it down. Just a thought.
Looks a little rough in places. I would think they would have at least used all stainless hardware.
What are those flags on the right? A teardrop camper is also a good option Chris!
Yep..lots of pluses..and like always..thanks
Excellent video! Very descriptive on the USA minor. What’s the lead time on a purchase? Any idea?
Ursa minor should sponsor you or they should use you for advertising 👍
Agreed, it would cost Ursa Minor a fortune to produce an advertisement better than this one.
Totally agreed
They do! I got to meet Chris in Moab a few years ago at Easter Jeep Safari. He was there in the Ursa Minor booth. It’s pretty common for him to go represent Ursa Minor at different events.
@@1111Overland but do they actually pay him