Does anyone have experience on / tips for a Jeep Jamboree?

[Ronnie]

My bother just bought a jeep and signed us up for the Jeep Jamboree Rubicon Trail trip this Summer here in Northern, CA. Basically it's a three day off road trip on a private trail with the first and third day driving and the second day relaxing at a private campsite.

It's a bucket list experience for him that he wants to share with me. I'm honored that he wants me there and looking forward to spending time with him. I'm sure that we will have all of the gear we need but both of us are pure rookies when it comes to 4x4ing so recommendations and/ or tips (not already listed on the event's web page, https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/pdfs/rubicon-2017.pdf ) from the more experienced here would be appreciated.

 

[WildBillF1]

My 4x4's were always Toyota's, but I did a few Jeep Jamboree's with my buddy that had a CJ5. Don't worry about being a rookie, there will be multiple trails, easy - difficult, just choose the path that you're comfortable with. Gradually push the limit though, you're going to be amazed what you can climb in 4-lo. When you get there on Thursday, mingle and meet guys have similar equipment as you, you'll probably be running the same trails as them. Prepare to drool over the tricked out Jeep's and their capabilities, everybody will be talking shop and your bro will be anxious to buy suspension, drive-train and engine upgrades before the weekend is over. On the trails you'll be in single file, just follow the line of the guy in front of you...unless he rolls it, then don't take that line. Seriously, everybody out there will be very helpful and ensure that you and the Jeep get back to camp safely at the end of the day. You and your bro will have a great time. Enjoy!

 

[4x15mph]

I did a lot of 4x4 day trips with my jeep (4x15mph = very slow 4x4, top speed 60 mph). I would recommend a CB radio for the jeep if he doesn't have one. Everyone stays in touch on the radio and it makes it a lot of fun and it helps the guide talk you through navigating tougher sections. I am sure you will need tow points front and rear so he will want to make sure he has those. A tow strap would not hurt and a winch can go on his "wish list" for later. Jeeps are like boats as far as mods

For you, nothing outside of dress right depending on the weather. Extra batteries for the gopro, cameras, drone(?).

You are going to love it. I sold my jeep when my son was getting to driving age and now I am ready to fill the void. I have been searching.....

 

[Ronnie]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. A cb radio is a requirement and the hand held versions are not recommended. There is no requirement for tow strap or winch but I will get him a strap for Christmas and possibly a winch, if he doesn't buy one first, for his birthday.

I won't see the jeep for the first time until Christmas and the trip is not until August so we have a a lot of time to prep and get some practice time in.

They recommend bringing plenty of layers of clothing and I will but it's hard to believe it will get cold at night in August.

As for the drone, I have to call to verify its cool since the trail runs through private property and possibly through a state or national park plus space may be an issue once our cooler and camping gear are stuffed into the jeep.

One Interesting recommendation from the jamboree page is that men relieve themselves on one side of the trail and women on the other.

 

[2nazt]

Should be awesome I hope to see pictures! Be safe and have fun!

 

[4x15mph]

And don't forget to "wave" when you pass other jeeps.

 

[robert843]

This has been a bucket list item for awhile excited to hear how it goes! @veedubtek after dieselgate we should go buy a couple of jeeps and do this and sell them afterwards!

 

[Glen]

My bother just bought a jeep and signed us up for the Jeep Jamboree Rubicon Trail trip this Summer here in Northern, CA. Basically it's a three day off road trip on a private trail with the first and third day driving and the second day relaxing at a private campsite.

It's a bucket list experience for him that he wants to share with me. I'm honored that he wants me there and looking forward to spending time with him. I'm sure that we will have all of the gear we need but both of us are pure rookies when it comes to 4x4ing so recommendations and/ or tips (not already listed on the event's web page, https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/pdfs/rubicon-2017.pdf ) from the more experienced here would be appreciated.

Hey @Ronnie
Have done 7 (or so) JJ's with my '10 JKU Rubicon.
First one was with the paper plates still on it. Broke the steering stabilizer off on the first day (didn't bother replacing until installing the 3.5inch lift 3 or 4 years later.

May be best to have a call as the volume of information and considerations are 'deep and wide' depending on your intentions (daily driver or not), money for after-market and what base model Jeep you are starting from (any mods already)?
But short and sweet:
-Read Mark Smith's off-roading pamphlet. Believe JJ still gives them away for registering on their site. I've taken a lot of new drivers out in my vehicle, but not until they read that booklet.
-First instinct is always to give it more gas, but that is just like new boaters maneuvering around docks. It is wrong most of the time. Slow (and smooth) is Pro.
-CB, tow points front and back and straps are essential. (As you will see below, my expeditionary nature (Marine) tends to get me in trouble around water in the Jeep as well...so a snorkel has become essential for me too. Not likely an issue on the Rubicon trail though.)
-Arrive early on Thus PM vehicle inspection so that you have time to review trails and guides that best match your vehicles abilities and drivers experience.
-Always keep the highest point of the obstacle, under your tires (not centerline; less clearance), which leads to: For Rubicon trail, you will NEED rock-rails. If your Jeep is not a Rubicon, you need to install real rock-rails as the factory steps will become trail chum in the first half day.
-#1 guidance, for your first few trail rides is, Always listen to your guide.

PM me if you want to have a call some evening. I am working in CA all of this week so have time in PST....

 

[dan144k]

There are a few outfits which rent jeeps out there too. A friend of mine rented a 4 door rubicon for about $1000 for the week. He had a great time. Just flew in and jeeped.

 

[Ronnie]

@Glen thanks for the info and offer to talk, I may take you up on it after I see the jeep and speak to my brother about the trip this Christmas. For all I know he has already heavily modified his jeep, has been off roading every weekend since he got it and I will just be along for the ride although I doubt it and hope not.

@dan144k , ironically when my brother first mentioned this too me I had forgotten that he bought a jeep. he directed me to the jeep jamboree site and when I saw the pricei thought it included use of shared rental jeep. Funny that they don't have links to jeep rental companies on that site.

I'm starting to really look forward to this new experience for me even though it happens during the peak of boating season.

 

[Ronnie]

So it was a long time in the making but my brother and I just successfully completed the Rubicon trail here in NCAL. The experience was awesome.

I will post a video someday but booking the trip through jeep is the way to go. THey provide trail guides at all the challenging / technical spots as well as a lead jeep and rolling repair shop as the last jeep in every group. I mean they repair things on the trail on the fly which includes welding and spare parts, they also have a repair shop at the mid point camp. Costs is actual for the parts and tips at your discretion.

Once in camp, they fed us well at every meal. Drones were not allowed because of their helicopter operations. I found it ironic that a drone can only stay in the air and annoy people for 20 mins. On. Average so people were relived when told they are not allowed on camp property which would allow them to relax without being bothered by modern tech (there is no running water, electricity or cell phone access on the trail) then the camps full sized helicopter was buzzing the camp every 20 minutes on our rest day.

Lastly, before we started the journey this weekend, my brother had 2 hours or 4x4 experience and I had none. He just bought the jeep a few months ago and had only driven it 300 miles including the 100 it took to get to the start point. So two complete rookies in a very used but untested jeep (he bought it semi ready for the trip but put another $3k into it getting it ready for the rubicon) just complete what's call the most difficult trail in the u.s. Every one of the 120 jeeps that started finished but some vets with $100k+ vehicles had a much rougher time than we did.

Here are a few pics from the trip.

 

[Scottintexas]

I bet Little Ronnie was jealous he missed out! That looks like fun!

 

[djetok]

So it was a long time in the making but my brother and I just successfully completed the Rubicon trail here in NCAL. The experience was awesome.

I will post a video someday but booking the trip through jeep is the way to go. THey provide trail guides at all the challenging / technical spots as well as a lead jeep and rolling repair shop as the last jeep in every group. I mean they repair things on the trail on the fly which includes welding and spare parts, they also have a repair shop at the mid point camp. Costs is actual for the parts and tips at your discretion.

Once in camp, they fed us well at every meal. Drones were not allowed because of their helicopter operations. I found it ironic that a drone can only stay in the air and annoy people for 20 mins. On. Average so people were relived when told they are not allowed on camp property which would allow them to relax without being bothered by modern tech (there is no running water, electricity or cell phone access on the trail) then the camps full sized helicopter was buzzing the camp every 20 minutes on our rest day.

Lastly, before we started the journey this weekend, my brother had 2 hours or 4x4 experience and I had none. He just bought the jeep a few months ago and had only driven it 300 miles including the 100 it took to get to the start point. So two complete rookies in a very used but untested jeep (he bought it semi ready for the trip but put another $3k into it getting it ready for the rubicon) just complete what's call the most difficult trail in the u.s. Every one of the 120 jeeps that started finished but some vets with $100k+ vehicles had a much rougher time than we did.

Here are a few pics from the trip.
View attachment 62566 View attachment 62568 View attachment 62569 View attachment 62570 View attachment 62571

Awesome pics and awesome experience!!!

 

[eticket]

That's a bucket list item for me too! Nice looking Jeep...thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to the videos.