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Jeep Purpose-Built for Overlanding And A Everyday Driver

Updated: Jan 19

Purpose Built For Towing Off-Road And Daily Driving


Building out a vehicle and finding that sweet spot between off-road performance and everyday drivability isn’t as tough as it sounds! It really just comes down to figuring out what you want to do with your ride and picking the right parts to get there. I made a conscious effort to keep my dreams of a super tricked-out vehicle in check and let common sense lead the way when I was choosing bumpers, tires, roof racks, diff covers, and all the other mods for my Jeep Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel.


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Jeep wrangler ecodiesel Exventure XV-3 trailer on the Usal Road
Driving Usal Road Camp at Usal Beach

What is a Jeep Purpose-Built and Why These Parts Help in Overlanding


I picked up my Wrangler Ecodiesel back in early 2020, and I’ve just wrapped up outfitting it for some serious overlanding adventures. I’ve really focused on making it purpose-built, which means I’ve taken a good look at every part to ensure it’s all about utility and value—no extra weight or costs that aren’t needed.

Fun fact: the factory version of the Wrangler Ecodiesel is already about 300 to 400 lbs heavier than the gas engine models. So, without any modifications, just adding a bit of gear and a couple of friends can push it close to being overweight. Gotta keep it light and ready for the trails!


Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel sitting near catscale at truck stop
Weighing Jeep at CatScale

Why The Ecodiesel Platform For My Purpose-Built Overlanding Jeep


After a 20-year wait, I finally bought another Jeep when they introduced a Diesel engine to the Wrangler. The 3.0 Liter Ecodiesel engine provides immense torque, making it an ideal choice for towing our Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer during Overlanding adventures. It has lived up to expectations, handling steep and rocky trails with ease. Additionally, the excellent mileage increases the range without needing to refuel.


Under the hood of the Jeep 3.0 Liter Ecodiesel Motor Picture of motor
Jeep 3.0 Liter Diesel Motor


Choosing the right tires was crucial in making this Jeep purpose-built

You know, I was totally in the dark about tires for a while there. I mean, it felt like I was drowning in tire research for weeks! Seriously, tire sizes are like this crazy code that most of us just can’t crack. And let’s be real—tires can be pricey, and if you pick the wrong ones, you might be stuck with them until they wear out. My main goal was to find tires that matched the whole vibe of my purpose-built Jeep for Overlanding. I wanted something quality, that wouldn’t guzzle gas, and ideally made in the USA. After a lot of back and forth, I finally decided on a narrow (or as I like to call it, pizza cutter) M/T, which stands for mud terrain. If you’re curious about my thought process, check out my tire decision video!



Thumbnail for my tire decision video that appears on Youtube. Closeup of right front tire and bumper of my 2020 Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel with the author sitting next to the Jeep
Author Kneeling Next to 2020 Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel - Tire Decision Video Is Available On Youtube

Plastic Bumper Removed Mopar Steel Bumper And Warn Winch Installed


Yeah, it’s pricey and a bit of a beast, but man, is it worth it! When you find yourself in a tricky spot, you’ll be super glad you’ve got that winch. We love to camp in those off-the-beaten-path spots, just soaking in the peace and quiet. I often hit the road solo for some Overlanding adventures in the middle of nowhere, although my wife sometimes joins me. Having a winch and a solid steel bumper to mount it on? Totally worth every penny!


picuture of jeep at night showing front grill, steel bumber and winch that I installed
I Removed Plastic Bumper And Added Mopar Steel Bumper And Warn Winch

Roof Rack Makes Lots Of Sense | Backbone Rack Is Anchored To Roll Bar And Added Interior Supports


Drilling through the roof of a shiny new Jeep? Yeah, that definitely gets the heart racing! But hey, I was set on adding a roof rack because I knew it’d be a game changer for my Overlanding adventures. The cool thing about the Rhino Rack is that it keeps things sleek—no annoying supports sticking out on the sides of the ride. While we were waiting for our Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer to be built, we decided to get the Maggiolina Roof Top Tent all set up on it. Can’t wait to hit the road with this setup!



Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel with Roof Top Tent installed on Rhino Rack at Hendy Woods Campground. Roof Top Tent is open and ladder is positioned for climbing in to tent.
3 Bar Rhino Backbone RTT Mounted - Click Here For My RTT Review

Detailed Video Walk Around Of This Jeep Build | See It On Muddy Ruttzz Youtube


I receive numerous comments about my Jeep and many people inquiring about its build, so I decided to create a walk-around video. I got an excellent deal on this Jeep. In my view, it has all the necessary parts and not much extra that isn't essential.


Picture of Driver Side of Jeep Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel. Text says Overlanding rig and daily driver  and Jeep Walk Around. Muddy Ruttzz Logo Appears at bottom left
Thumbnail For My Jeep Walk Around Video On Youtube


Complete List of Mods Added To The Wrangler Ecodiesel Purpose-Built Jeep

1) Mopar winch ready bumper w/winch guard.

2) Warn 10,000 lbs winch.

3) Arb rear bumper

4) Rhino Backbone Roof Rack with heavy duty square bars.

5) Mopar Off-Road Lights mounted on Mopar A-Pillar brackets.

6) Mopar 2" Lift Kit.

7) Dana 44 aftermarket diff covers front and back.

8) Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement

9) Hooke Road Interior Rack.

10) Mopar Steel Wheels

11) Bullet Point Mounting Systems phone/GoPro/Garmin mounts.

12) Stubby antenna.

13) Narrow 33.5" tires (Pizza Cutters)


If you want to see my video on modifying my Jeep click here.

Thanks!

Muddy Ruttzz



Conclusion:

I've taken my modified Jeep on a ton of Overlanding trips, and I’ve got to say, I’m really stoked about how it’s performing! I’m thinking about adding a rear locker and a few extra lights to help me see better when I’m off the beaten path. And let’s not forget about that snorkel! The list just keeps growing! Jeep life, right? Just Empty Every Pocket!



 

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