I was a member of the club back in the early 2000s when I was single and into rock crawling in a Blue 2 door XJ Cherokee. I used the handle OxDriver. I guess you could find some of my old posts in the archive.
I've since gotten married and have three boys 13, 10 and 6. I just replaced a Jeep commander that was really disappointing with a New JT Gladiator Sport S with the diesel engine. I really want to show my boys the west in the next few years culminating in a trip to Alaska and the northern territory in early summer 2024. So that is what we are setting the Jeep up for.
So far it has an RLD bed cap, a fridge, some LED floodlights on the bumper, and 255 80 R17s. Hardtop insulating panels are in process as well as a roof rack for the cap that will hold the biggest RTT I can find, the 23Zero Walkabout 87" to fit all five of us. The RTT has been on order for months and I am hoping but not hopeful that it will get here in time for our next big trip to Moab in mid-October.
Future plans include:
- LED headlights. The one thing I wish I had ordered differently on the Jeep.
- A hot water system and kitchen.
- Getting my compressor mounted rather than in an ammo can.
- Considering putting an ARB in the front to augment the stock LSD in the rear. I'm kind of waiting on Moab to see how she does there before I nail all that down.
- Another roof rack that sits in front of the one on the cap for things like wet gear, propane, and maybe some lights.
- Adding a diesel heater for the tent if I can work out how to set it up on the roof rack.
- Maybe a winch... Ok probably.
- More lights for in camp and under the Jeep. Maybe some good spots up top.
I am a HAM with a general license KJ6EUO. My wife is also licensed as KJ6YSI.
So far big trips we have done are to Death Valley, Teton and Yellowstone, and the coast from Point Reyes up to Usal Beach. Like I said we have a week-long trip to Moab scheduled for next month.
I remember this club as being well run and organized and family-friendly. That is what has brought me back at this stage in life and I am looking forward to meeting you all and going on some local trips with the club. Sounds like strawberry will need some love in the spring after the fire.
