What's It Like to Camp Out of this 1969 Jeep Wagoneer?

I’ve got the keys to someone else’s off-road vehicle a heavily modified 1969 Jeep Wagoneer what was built for SEMA a few years ago, and I thought the best thing to do while I’ve got it is to do what it was built for, hit a trail, spend the night out here in the desert camping and really get to know this old Jeep. I’ve Got the Keys to Adventure Hulk - 1969 Jeep Wagoneer
***********************************************
TrailRecon Patreon: / trailrecon
Join for extended footage, behind the scenes, exclusive patch, some live content and invitations to exclusive events, and you’ll be helping support some of our upcoming adventures.
***********************************************
Zoleo Satelite Communicator: bit.ly/trailreconstore-zoleo
SPECS: 1969 JEEP WAGONEER
OWNER: ALAN WANG
LIGHTING
• Custom Gravity Pro6 M-RACKS
• Rear Chase Bar
• KC FLEX LED 10” Light Bar
• Gravity Pro Headlight
• Gravity Insert from Carbon Pod
• Slimlite LED A-Pillar
• Amber Gravity G4 Fog Lights
• Green Cyclone Universal Rock Light Kit
• Green Cyclone Under Dash Lights
• Diffused Cyclone Dome Light
UNDER THE HOOD
• V8 Motor: LY6 6.0L with LS3 cam by NVFab
• Holley Performance ECU and harnesses
• Aeromotive fuel pump and filters
• Novac Radiator/Core Support and mounting brackets
• Hooker exhaust manifolds
DRIVETRAIN
• 4L80 Transmission and rebuilt transfer case by Maximum transmissions
• Currie Enterprises F9 front and rear axles
• Reid Racing high steering knuckle
• Warn hubs
• Custom shifter and linkage by NVFab
• Custom steering linkage by NVFab
• Tom Woods drive shafts and transfer
case slip yoke eliminator kit
• Power steering solutions. Ram assist
and rebuilt/upgraded steering box
• Fuel safe cell. Cradle/mount built by NVFab
• Magnaflow muffler, complete stainless
• 3” exhaust built by NVFab
ELECTRICAL
• XTC Power Products Switch Power Control Systems
• Electrical wiring by Hardwired Performance
• (2) Optima Battery Red Top Batteries Body Protection
• Custom Front and Rear Bumper by NVFab
• Custom Tire Carrier by NVFab
WHEELS & TIRES
• Walker Evans Racing 17” Wheels
• BFGoodrich KM3 M/T 37”
SUSPENSION
• ICON 2.5” Reservoir Shocks
• Atlas leaf springs front and rear
RECOVERY
• M8274-70 Warn Winch (70th Anniversary Edition)
• Factor 55 Flatlink
INTERIOR
• Full Intercom System by Rugged Radios
• Rockford Fosgate Audio System
• Custom Rear Cargo area
• SnoMaster Small and Large Fridge
• PRP Seats / Harness / Recover Ropes
• Tie Straps
• Custom carpet, door panels, and
headliner by V&M upholstery
• Center console wrapped by NVFab

[@NANKEL1]

Where's Marco when you need him😂🇦🇺👌

[@John-uo1qf]

First world problems 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@jeffquick7917]

Love seeing a classic still turning out the miles on and off-road…they’re meant to be driven and keep the memories and experiences coming, thanks Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jeffquick7917]

Love the videos Brad! I’ve got a 72 Nova that I can’t wait for my little 8 month old to enjoy with me along with my JKU (working on it as I take a break to watch this!). Your videos are inspiring Brad with you and your sons/family, can’t wait to enjoy with my own.

[@race4me1]

Would love to see more off road resto-mod vehicles

[@TrailRecon]

Me too, I'll see what I can do!

[@Langelmaki]

Brad, from a fellow Corpsman I second this!

[@andymckane7271]

@@Langelmaki This makes at least three of us, with one of us having been piped over the side some fifty-one years ago. Semper Fi!

[@onestunner22]

We’ve all done it Brad. Left things behind. Don’t be kicking yourself. The journey is more important and that you have a fun time. A cold meal and a rough ride isn’t that bad. I really enjoyed seeing AdventureHulk and your trip. The Wagoneer is really cool. Your so lucky to had such a killer vehicle for a few days. Keep safe out there.

[@Jan-pw4po]

Cold dinner is one thing, but not cold coffee in the morning LOL yes we all forget stuff

[@andymckane7271]

I admire his honesty. He admits (and thus warns all of the rest of us) that it's easy to forget critical items when we suddenly embark on a camping trip. Great video!

[@awalktowardsglory]

Once all i had with me was sunflower seeds and some jerky. Life is great!

[@histouches]

Love Brad's enthusiastic attitude toward to when something is not going well. I'm not only learning the overlanding from him as well as the his attitude. Thanks Brad!

[@destinationunknown3809]

Agreed! Attitude is everything especially when things just don't go well. This is one of the best things about his videos!

[@andymckane7271]

Brad served with the Marines. He knows how to "rough it" when he has to, even after he's retired from a 30-year career as a Navy corpsman. Semper Fi, Brad & all the rest of you good folks on this channel.

[@sinoble]

As far as vehicles go, I don't think there is anything better than a resto-mod of something that was cool to start.... and an old Wagoneer is great foundation! Love it!

[@plus790]

Ultra cool build. The only negative is that joke of a fuel tank. That's a total SEMA move..

[@tb77073]

Loved hanging out with you Brad, and the vintage vehicle is awesome. Great video would love to see more of them!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@dontcallmemarty2177]

Body lifter ! Lol! I spit my coffee out ! I’m glad you added the caption in there and I’m glad you didn’t edit that out I’m sure everyone appreciated it

[@cj5376]

That thing is an awesome mix of modern and classic. Buy that thing

[@flyfisher530]

Awesome video Brad! That Wagoneer has some very cool mods and love how they kept it mostly old school from the winch to the patina and beyond. Thanks for sharing, lets see some more!

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Air compressor, stove...this is why I use a check list. Some things stay is all my vehicles. Things such as fire extinguisher, first aid kit, recovery gear, tire repair kits and emergency food. Nice video, reminds me of my dad's Dodge Polara station wagon. Thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

I typically do keep my personal vehicles stocked, but unfortunately, this wasn't my vehicle.

[@awalktowardsglory]

Checklist👍🏽

[@jimmyj5099]

That would be awesome if you could get more off road builds like that to review. “Trail Recon off road reviews.” It’s always nice to see how others build their off roaders. You can always get some new ideas from other builds like that bumper and swing out tire carrier. Great video 👍. You’re going to have to get a checklist of some sort 😃.

[@michaeltully8936]

Hey Brad, I ran into you coming out of Sandstone Canyon as you were coming in, last week on Saturday with my stock Tacoma. Thanks for all that you do and your informative videos. My girlfriend and I love watching all of them so please keep them coming. Thanks for showing your humility in forgetting your stove, I forgot my cooking pot last week, so really couldn't cook anything (tried using my water bottle that didn't work out to well). Hope to run into you and the crew out on the trail again.

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

I roll with a FSJ group. Wagoneers, Cherokee's and J Trucks. It's always a lot of fun to see people get big smiles when they see these old classics out on the trail.

[@lynnbultman1679]

Great to see a classic in use and looking great. Thanks for showing us around.

[@paulhousand9044]

Thanks Brad. Showing the adventure hulk has given me some ideas for my 88 Suburban

[@bigbuppful]

Absolutely LOVE this build! Wagoneers we're my introduction to Jeeps and offroading. I've had 5 full size Jeeps, 3 Wagoneers and 2 old Gladiator pickups. While I love my Wranglers, I'm always looking for my next FSJ. Maybe a 2-door Cherokee Chief next time. 🤔😉👍

[@elack33]

At least you still had food you could eat and some coffee. LOVE it, this has probably happened to everyone at least once. :D Great video, awesome old beast. Love seeing these classics out and about!

[@paul_terryoutdoors8716]

That is an awesome off road classic build. I am sure it was awesome to have the keys to it for a couple days. That console fridge was nice! Love to see more videos like this.

[@billcumbie2620]

This thing is so cool ! Thanks to you and KC for sharing it.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Great stuff Brad. Yes sir, graduated HS in 83 and grew up with these guys, also owned a Jeep J-20 in the 80’s…loved this content/video. Thank you

[@travisdehut3485]

That’s a BADASS Wagoneer! I’m so back & fourth on getting an older full size Cherokee like that. Just joined the Jeep family. Got the wife a 2015 JK Rubicon. Thanks for all your great reviews & knowledge.👍

[@America_took_my_zebra_stripes]

Loved seeing the classic. I def want one now with my jku. Since watching your videos for 2 yrs & your love for the outdoors as well as your contagious enthusiasm towards classic camping, you've inspired me to begin the journey of creating a camping jku vehicle. Thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Classics are so much fun to tinker on! Thank you!

[@mikeandshelliesoverlanding]

What a great video Brad. Loved the classic and even though you forgot the stove it was still an interesting watch

[@Peoplearesheeple]

What keeps me coming back ? Well to tell you the truth when I started watching overlanding back in August of 2022 after buying a gladiator. I wasn’t sure your channel was going to be right for me. Based on hair colors. I have found your channel is the one I watch most. Have seen all of your video’s. Also watch all of Brad & Seans stuff. Hoping soon to start changing things in gladiator and take and off road coarse in PA. I’m in fingerlakes area if NY not a lot of trails or jeep groups. You guys remind me of myself. Wrenching learning living. So I tent to learn from all of you. Keep up the good work.

[@blaeinger6527]

I would love to see you do more vehicle reviews again. The very first of your videos that I saw was the walkaround of Marco's Jeep and it was great.

[@KansasSlim64]

You’re right about that old body style with the Wagoneers/Cherokees. I didn’t appreciate them when I was a youngster. Love them now, and what a great build! As that knuckle-headed youngster I was tooling around in my Dad’s Scout II. It’d be great to see you do something in any generation of Scout.

[@brunnie]

Really love the classic look, it reminds me of the '74 Travelall that I had. Thanks for the laugh, too. You are not the only one that has forgotten something important. Love the B Roll stuff too. Time lapse clouds, bushes, etc. Very good commentary about all the neat stuff on the jeep. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@michaelneild5133]

VERY COOL VIDEO!!! I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN AND I REMEMBER THOSE JEEP WAGONEERS!!!!! MANY YEARS I HAD AN INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER TRAVEL ALL AND IT WAS HUGE!!! IT WASN'T FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD GO ANYWHERE I WANTED TO GO!!! IT HAD A FORD 302 V8 ENGINE IN IT!!! I ALSO HAD FOR MANY YEARS A DODGE POWER WAGON WITH A 360 V8 IN IT!!!!! I LIVED AND WORKED IN THE HIGH DESERT OF CALIFORNIA BACK THEN AND THAT POWER WAGON WAS THE PERFECT VEHICLE FOR THAT AREA!!!!! I EVEN PULL OUT A COUPLE OF STUCK JEEPS WITH IT!!! I REALLY LIKE THESE OLDER VEHICLES AND I ENJOYED THIS VIDEO VERY MUCH!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY, SIR!!!

[@awalktowardsglory]

Thanks for sharing! I enjoy peoples stories from their past.

[@stevebrown1221]

Wow... that tent reminds me so much of the (Coleman?) backpacking tent my parents bought for me in the 1970's. I know now it was to give them more "privacy" in our '74 VW Westfalia... same area Anza Borrego, super windy,tents blowing up in the air... my little tent still intact as we returned to our campsite. So many good memories out there! Always carry a can of Sterno.😉

[@CraigG21]

Sweet rig - thanks for sharing it with us!

[@allautorepair406]

I think its cool to see and hear about something you genuinely like and its even more fun when i dont have to buy it. LOL Cool Video! I kept thinking he's going to buy this thing.

[@nativetexson]

Love the classic! My dad had a Land Rover Series 2 when I was a kid and I sure wish I had that vehicle now. OK, so we've all forgotten things. It happens. And the classic tent! I think there is one in my parent's garage begging to be used again. Many memories with it and the Series 2. Cheers-

[@nelsdemma6907]

oh heck yeah totally enjoyed it and would love to see more awesome job brad thank you

[@scottymac5174]

I really like these old Cherokees and Wagoneers. Bigger than the older Broncos and Blazers, the Wagoneer especially as a 4 door.

[@bwofficial1776]

That's a very nice build. FSJs are cool and classic. I'm not crazy about the color scheme but I respect the effort that went into this build. I like chrome and I like lights everywhere. If I had unlimited money, I'd take a '88-91 Grand Wagoneer and replace the drivetrain with an LS and a built 6L80. Newer steering gear, maybe air suspension. It would be more of a street-focused build but it would be a comfortable daily driver. Paint it pearl white with new woodgrain and the tan interior.

[@jamesrahn8339]

Simply awesome! Great video

[@jime.angulo4151]

Great video Brad! I with you man, I love classic vehicles.

[@craigroosa9321]

Great video as always ! Cool Jeep and what a beast . Growing up had two close families that had these with wood grain and leather . What a trip back in time .

[@jonathanweston2448]

What an utterly superb video, absolutely brilliant, I could not have watched anything else better online if I tried!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Wow, what an impressive vehicle Brad. Like you I love the old school 4wds. Love it's stance. Nice walk around of the KC Wagoneer classic. Awesome 👍🇦🇺🚙

[@MotogoatX]

This thing is awesome! I love when people put a modern touch on classics.

[@donnapablos8752]

Love that old jeep thanks for giving us a look at it. I know you probably don’t want it hear this but we have MRES in are jeeps and trucks just for that no stove nights lol thank you Don north idaho

[@anthonymunoz6013]

I just want to sat "Brad! Wipe! Your Drooling!" Thanks for the, for me, nostalgic and updated vis of a great piece of machinery. What you need to find is a 40's model jeep military pickup someone has redone. Even though they predate me, they are a robust jeep callback! I think that would be a great vid.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Love to see you having so much fun! Nice timelapse work !

[@petepeters5630]

Just finished installing center console fridge in my 100! Awesome to have1

[@markw365]

Buttons are transmit for the headset. I've got that setup in my SXS intercoms with radio are a game changer. Love the old jeeps.

[@purleybaker]

The engine sound is amazing. Serious flash back.

[@tomshunpiker4554]

Great video Brad. I think you should try your hand at some home fabrication items for your old Jeep. The hand made shifter dash was cool, maybe make your own mount for console fridge. Hand making stuff for your truck is something I think gets missed a lot these days. Its truly rewarding when you make something yourself, even it’s your own fold down shelf or a bracket or whatever.

[@jamesharris4432]

Love this channel, love its all in the family that’s important today !

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I'm blessed to have a family that loves this as much as I do!

[@johnk3337]

So cool. Love the video and the Jeep. I've forgotten things too camping; usually the catsup. At least you didn't bring decaf coffee.

[@SidTink]

Awesome video sir! This has to be one of the coolest Jeeps I’ve ever seen!

[@jguil4d]

I think the key is to develop a sealing check system. When you get home, I’m sure you do a thorough cleaning on your gear and repacking anything that needs to be washed/serviced/etc. Develop a twist-tie or other light seal system to put on the latches of your various boxes and what not, so you can see at a glance that you’ve checked the container the last time it was closed up.

[@andymckane7271]

Great idea, Jason!

[@behrweaver]

Went deer hunting with my cousin a couple years ago. We packed everything up or so we thought. Got to camp and no tent. Love the old 4x4s.

[@spinxt]

What a great vehicle. Loved the tour!

[@RanchoTexano]

We’re all human! I bring an alcohol stove as a backup for cooking - it’s tiny, put the fuel in a coke bottle and it’s always there for an emergency to make coffee or heat water for the emergency MountainHouse meal I also bring. Thanks for keeping it real Brad!

[@rrahll]

Thank you TrailRecon! Really interesting!

[@porkrindrob]

Cool video and cool rig! Thanks for sharing

[@wjoverland5109]

You have inspired me to get out more and film my journey so thank you!

[@GrubfortheNub]

Brad's hands on view of awesome builds from people!?!? Oh man keep it going!!

[@GAPS67]

Love that rig! Definitely liked this as content.

[@craigwiekamp]

That's my dream rig right there. Just an FYI the red buttons are most likely the push to talk buttons for car to car. Really enjoyed the look at KC's rig.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Yeah that definitely looks ace. Do like that centre fridge idea and cup holders, ha that’s something my 2001 UK 🇬🇧 Ford ranger doesn’t have. Older vehicles have there issues, but that’s part of the character. Till you break down far away from stuff, then the bad swearing starts. Brilliant thank you Sam

[@Dirtworx77]

Sweet Wagoneer and another excellent video. I believe the red buttons is for the driver and passenger push to talk for the intercom system.

[@IDAHOverland]

Love me a great classic full-size Jeep and Adventure Hulk ticks all the boxes. So glad you got to wheel her for a while. Definitely agree that she needs more fuel capacity and rock sliders (though her skin is pretty thick). Love the PRP seats as I'm looking to upgrade the seats in my JKU. I hope to see more of her (and you of course) in the future... 🙂

[@bah5310]

My dad had a 71 and it had the crank for the rear glass. I remember he had a trouble with the brakes. Beautiful build.

[@adventureslab813]

Awesome video! Simple yet fun ! Always positive. Thank you !

[@oldschool4x4]

So cool!!! I lOVE my resto-mod truck, sticks out from the pack, that Waggoner is awesome .yes it definitely needs rock sliders, I have used mine a couple of times and they saved the body.(and great peace of mind to have them)😎

[@germanandrade]

With a good appetite, that hot dog looks like a great meal! I'd have it any time - gets me back to my college days. Great work with a one man crew on this video!

[@monette44]

Thanks Brad! Don't forget that big V8 will warm up any food in some tin foil without any trouble. Even your coffee ;) Oh those red buttons are most likely the "push to talk" for the head sets. Cheers!

[@aljeeper3292]

Yes Brad the centre consul fridge is awesome and I fitted a 15litre consul fridge in my Frankin'Jeep build.

[@richardhopp8574]

you also did not bring your fire box. The one thing you could have used in place of the stove to cook with. But thank you for the laughs. I love the classics. Reminds me of when I was a young kid.

[@Tahoebronco]

I really enjoyed this episode, Brad! Great job!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Had a blast making it!

[@kennethsillers2310]

lol now youre doing some army camping. cold food. great video Brad..What an amazing jeep. Id love to do a resto mod on a M715 jeep

[@_CharlieHarper]

... do you know, why is Brad so successful with his TrailRecon channel? Because he is so good at telling stories. Everyone likes a good story, everyone likes to listen to a good storyteller. And Brad is really a good one.

[@kalanib8505]

Love this vid! I’m a big fan of the classics, but recently took delivery of my 2023 Rivian R1T and there are some creature comforts I don’t think I can live without anymore. If @TrailRecon wants to walk around the Rivian I’d be happy to supply her.

[@chknlyps2373]

Finally I see a tire carrier I like. Everyone I see has the tire on the passenger side, I like being able to look through the passenger side in the rearview or by turning my head and looking back for lane changes.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Luv the vintage builds. Considering a vintage wagon for my full time overlander to get out of a high interest loan on my Jeep WK2.

[@Kylesjeep]

Love this video. It’s nice to always see you enjoying what you do!! Yea it would be awesome to seeing you do reviews on other vehicles. If I lived closer to you I’d let you take my 2 door JL in sting gray.

[@michaelboaz6493]

I love my kodiak tents. I have the smallest 2 man tent and the large cabin tent with screen room anex. I also grew up traveling in a 78 Cherokee chief. Can't wait to see what your plans are for you rig.

[@wjoverland5109]

dude always such great stuff! love the sound of that thing!

[@briankelley616]

Hey Brad , this looked like a fun trip, thanks for sharing it with us. You should definitely do more of this type of video, maybe call it the Loaner Series? 😁

[@mrcollpepper]

Loved it. Reminds me of the 1967 and 1972 I had

[@dontcallmemarty2177]

I love the vehicle everyone has their own style but ya looks awesome ! And don’t sleep on PRP more jeep guys should look into them

[@jameshenderson9228]

The wagon has really turned out to be an awesome ride.

[@gregchiropolos9885]

Brad you really are living the dream, wish I could take my CJ out there.

[@robert5712]

Brad, thanks for another great video. My wife and I have backpacked for years always looking for light weight over comfort but now as retired folk think a tent you can stand up in is essential. We do have an insta-tent but it is too long to carry inside a Jeep. We do have an REI Kingdom that packs up nicely to fit in the Jeep but it is a puzzle to set up, take down and pack up. Getting better and takes only 10-15 minutes but still would like to find a quicker and easier tent. Alway look to your videos for that but you haven't gone to stand up yet. Still waiting for your perfect standup tent;)

[@SIDEYARDFITNESS]

Great concept Brad! Please try and get your hands on more classic off road vehicles and take them out for a camping trip/review. More of the same please!

[@TrailRecon]

I'm working on it! Thanks for watching!

[@obs_j.a.g]

Awesome video TrailRecon 🔥🔥 can’t wait to see your build 🤙🏽

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@dallasgary86]

Excellent vid. Right on man.

[@davidryde6296]

LOL, this just made my morning! I forget something while on an expedition.

[@Perry3377]

Love it.... Best of both worlds. I'm surprised you didn't start a campfire 🔥 and a stick to cook up the bratwurst... Safe travels Perry

[@macg5607]

I love those wagoneers, in fact I'm building one my self 1965 model

[@arbshaw73]

Solid rig. Love the console fridge. Great walk around video. Maybe you could have cooked those sausages on the exhaust manifold of the Hulk.

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

You've always got the engine block to cook on! Great video Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! I didn't think of that!

[@leroymoore76]

enjoyed. video and that jeep is cool. would love it too. enjoy this kind of video along with your others

A very special episode!!! Nice to see the classics on the road.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kaveman6061]

Nice wagon! As for rock sliders, yes. Funny thing, I had an 86 CJ7 and installed some 3 inch tube sliders. All my friends said that I would get hung up on them, I tried to rub them on rocks, never did.I only had a 3inch lift and 33 tires.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI BRAD 👋 PRETTY COOL SETUP 😎 THE TENT REMINDS ME OF MY SEARS 8 PERSON TENT ⛺ WE WERE AT OUTER BANKS NORTH CAROLINA & HAD A STORM COME IN / TORNADO 🌪 ON THE MAIN LAND NOT ON THE ISLANDS IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. THIS WAS WHEN JAWS THE MOVIE CAME OUT . WE WERE IN / AT THE BATHHOUSE BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE THEY ASK / TOLD US TO GO. I HAD LONG STAKES FOR THE SAND / TENT ⛺ THE WIND JUST PICKED HER UP LIKE A GIANT BALLOON. YOU SHOULD OF SEEN ME RUNNING AFTER 🏃‍♂️ THE TENT GRABBING IT BEFORE IT GOTTEN TO THE BEACH / OCEAN TRYING TO GET BACK TO THE CAMPSITE & TYING IT TO THE VAN & PICNIC TABLE. MY FRIEND & MY DOG . SLEPT IN THE VAN & I CRAWLED INTO THE COLLAPSED TENT ⛺ LISTENING TO THE SWAMPS OF MOSQUITOES ALL NIGHT 🌙 LONG SAFE & SOUND ! COUPLE STEEL POLES WERE BENT & ONE SLIGHT TEAR FROM A BUSH / TREE THAT SLOWED THE TENT DOWN SO I COULD CATCH UP TO IT . MEMORIES . I LOVE THE COLORS OF THE JEEP 🚙 THE SUN 🌞 MAKES IT LOOK AWESOME . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU 🙏