For me, the Jeep is without a doubt the ultimate offroad vehicle. It was created long before the advent of the term SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). The Jeep has a proud tradition extending over half a century. Although many people mistakenly refer to most offroad vehicles as jeeps, there is only one true Jeep.
I have always held an affinity for this vehicle, it's design has stood the test of time. From the WWII Willys MB/Ford GPW to the M151A2 MUTT, she has served this country well under harsh combat conditions. Proving herself time and again. She could traverse across rivers and literally fly off jumps that could match any baha racer. Rumor has it the 1/4 ton vehicle received her popular name from the term "General Purpose" Vehicle, abbreviated as "GP"or Jeep. Although very diminutive, (she could at times be carried by a few soldiers when tipped over or stored on racks up to three high) the Jeep was still a very powerful vehicle mounting many types of weapons from small arms such as the M2 50 cal., to recoilless rifles, and even missiles. When lying in wait to ambush armed with her TOW Missile System, she was even capable of destroying enemy tanks! Having proven herself as a military vehicle, she would further start a trend for recreational offroading in her civilian form the CJ.
To me the Jeep symbolizes utility and reliability. Personally, my Jeep has served me well, even though she is slow compared to most pavement bound fourwheelers. She has provided me with safe journeys week after week, roundtrip between my home in Seattle and the lawschool I attend in Spokane. A total distance of over 600 miles through mountains, forests, rainstorms, snow, ice, and unforgiving wind. She has also proven her durability having saved my life in a head on collision with a drunk driver that resulted in minimal damage to her, while the drunk was injured and his vehicle smashed. We were able to pursue the hit and run drunk driver using a cellphone, which led to his capture w/ 6 police cruisers and a 3rd party witness in pursuit. Being a softtop, she has been the frequent target of would-be thieves. Fortunately I purchased an Alpine Alarm System which provides 360 degree radar dome coverage. Any penetration of the radar beams triggers the alarm. Many thieves have been discouraged aswell as vandals. However, inept parallel parkers and inconsiderate door swings usually trigger the impact sensor. Either impact or radar sensor gives a polite chirp to minor disturbances while increasing intrusions creates a full alert.
Since childhood, I have always wanted to own my very own Jeep. The Jeep has been portrayed in many TV shows that I grew up with. From the "Rat Patrol" to "MacGyver" and even in cartoons such as "The Transformers" as the charachters of Hound and Outback, (the Autobot Jeeps) and Swindle, (the Decepticon Jeep). There is no other fourwheeler that I can think of that will dethrone the Jeep from my vision of the ideal offroader. Not even the AMC Hummer. I've spent alot of time and effort maintaining and improving my Jeep. I feel she is a treasure that will faithfully take me anywhere on land that I would want to go. I will be keeping my Jeep for a long time and until the futuristic ICON concept jeep becomes a reality there will be no replacement. Right now I will be content constantly improving my Jeep, perhaps along the lines of the Ultimate Rescue Jeep
Specs:
Year: 1997
Make: Chrysler-Jeep
Model: Wrangler SE
Engine: 2.5 liter
Transmission: 5 speed; 4.11 gear ratio
Bodytype: softtop
Mods and Maintenance:
Champion Gold Truck Plugs
K&N FilterCharger
Havolin Extended Life Coolant
RainX Washer Fluid
Mobil 1 10w30 Synthetic Motor Oil
Chevron 92 Octane Fuel
Zymol Wash and Wax
Accessories:
Color TV (Optimus w/ a/v inputs and cable)
VCR (Sony Hi-Fi)
Security Camera/Surveillance Video (interior mounted w/ audio)
Delorme Earthmate talking GPS door-to-door mapping and satellite tracking (for CONUS and Canada). Note: replaced by Garmin GPS III handheld
Remote Controlled Kenwood Deck w/ 10 disc changer (bolted to frame)
12volt-to-110watt power inverter (600 watt peak)
Alpine Security System w/ shock & radar sensors
Whistler Talking Radar Detector (X, K, Ka, Photo- radar, 360 degree laser, VG-2 Stealth)
Nokia 3390 Hands-free Phone System
BFG Mud Terrain Off-Road Tires 235/75R15
Hella Rally Light Bar (55w each x4)
PIAA Ion Crystal Fog Lights (85w each x2)
Tow Hooks (5,000 lbs. rating)
Hood Lock
Gas Cap Lock
Jeep Provisions (loaded w/ notice):
Fire Extinguisher (ABC Marine)
Manuel Winch
Military Shovel
Tool Kit (metric & SAE, Powerdrill & Circular Saw 14.4 volt)
Gas Can (5 gallon)
First Aid Kit
Emergency Supplies:
-flashlight (krypton bulb 6 volt)
-lantern w/ 5hr candles x100 (30 days continuous burn)
-MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) 72hr supply (12 year shelf life)
-water purification tablets
-compass
-survival knife
-magnessium firestarter
-USMC water container (5 gallons)
-US ARMY Survival Manual
-USCG 12 gauge Orion Flare Gun (emergency signalling purpose only)
-Sevylor two person raft
-Bear Repellant Pepper Spray (20ft range)
-camping gear (2 person tent and mess kit)
Items to add later:
Uniden BCT-7 BearTracker Mobile Scanner (w/ 3 mile police proximity detection)
CB radio 40 channel (purchased but have yet to install)
More Offroad Upgrades for Serious Rock Climbing:
-Oil Pan Skid Plate
-Rocker Guard Rock Rails
-Steering Box Skidplate
