Best Jeep bar none
TNP SUVival Challenge participant modifies Jeep to include bar
Participants of the upcoming TNP SUVival Challenge will be roughing it out on tough terrain as they tackle off-road obstacles.
But that does not mean that they cannot take along some creature comforts to make the trip a little easier.
That is why Mr Paul McLean, 44, has turned the back of his Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport into a bar on wheels.
"Most people go to a bar to relax and enjoy life. What better than to take that exact experience and make it greater by enjoying it in nature," said Mr McLean, who will be taking part in the Challenge for the second year in a row.
"From our perspective, we think cocktail tumbler instead of canteen, mood light instead of flashlight and sleeping oasis instead of a sleeping bag.
"Life's too short and, to us, the good things in life are wild and free. Hence Jungle Bar was born."
The Jungle Bar is a do-it-yourself project by Mr McLean, an Australian who works in a business intelligence software company.
In Australia, people attach a wooden board to the back door of an off-road vehicle and pull it out to make a table.
Based on that, he bought a wooden board for about $10 and a stainless steel chain from a marine shop. He stripped off the back part of his roof, replacing it with a cargo net thatcan be raised to create a small lounge area.
On top of these fun changes, he also made other modifications to his Jeep so that it can survive off-road challenges.
To help protect it from rock damage, he added new rock sliders - side rails below the door and between the tyres.
He also replaced the standard tyres with mud-terrain tyres and upgraded the suspension system.
He has raised the height of his vehicle so that he can clear obstacles more easily. Part of his Jeep's roof has been replaced with canvas and he switched his doors for half doors without windows.
DIFFERENT
"It is a different feeling having the wind blow in your face while you drive," said Mr McLean.
He is looking forward to this year's Challenge after enjoying some success in last year's edition.
While his car came in 12th, his daughter, Rozalita, nine, won the Best Dressed prize at the Dinner and Dance.
His family had dressed as members of the X-men. Mr McLean was Wolverine, his wife, Ms Emilia Sahatapy, 35, was Storm and Rozalita was Mystique.
He said: "The Challenge is all in good fun. It's an excellent family-bonding event."
TNP SUVival Challenge
WHAT: Now in its 10th edition, the TNP SUVival Challenge 2015 comprises 10 Off-Road Challenges promises to be dirtier than last year's and will test participants' vehicles to the limit.
Each team will be equipped with a Marbella Geomate 500S Global Positioning System, which participants can opt to buy at a special price after the competition.
WHEN: April 25 and 26
HOW TO JOIN: Register at tnpsuvivalchallenge.com
CLOSING DATE: April 19
REGISTRATION FEE: $175 for twin-sharing, $165 for triple-sharing, $99 for child (aged four to 12) without additional bed. Prices include one night at a four-star hotel, lunch, dinner and breakfast.
Sign up at the Jeep showroom at 1, Chang Charn Road, and get a limited-edition Jeep dog tag USB flash drive for free. Limited to one gift per registration and while stock lasts.
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