Disconnected Off Road Adventure

Taking My Jeep Adventure to the Next Level

My Jeep on a tree stump

"Your Jeep Can Handle It!"

Ever had someone tell you your ride can do wonders you've never even dreamed of? Yeah, I get that a lot with my Jeep Rubicon. And guess what? They're absolutely right. This weekend, I decided to put that to the test and headed over to Rausch Creek Off Road Park for some trail action. And oh boy, was it a ride to remember!

Taking My Jeep Wheeling on the Next Level Trails 👉Blue Trails at Rausch Creek

A Rookie Among Pros 

I kicked off my journey bright and early on Friday, itching to tackle the trails by 1pm. Joined forces with the awesome crew from Disconnected Off Road, hailing all the way from New Jersey. Meeting them in person for the first time had me a tad on edge, but there was no need for any of that.

Jeeps in the side mirror

These folks were nothing short of amazing, embracing me and my stock Jeep into their group of lifted beasts. They're Jeep aficionados through and through, and they were keen to show me the ropes. Spoiler alert: my Jeep didn't just survive; it thrived.

Upgrading My Skills on the Blue

We wasted no time and dove straight into the mix, hitting a blue trail and not stopping till we reached the more daunting black and red trails. Nervous? Sure. Excited? Even more so. One of the guys stepped up as my spotter, guiding me through the tricky parts like a pro.

Turns out, all I needed was a bit of confidence. With the right spotter, conquering those rocky trails felt like a breeze. Big shoutout to all the spotters who made my day smooth sailing. Though, I think they deserve a medal for "Surviving Wheeling with Jeep Momma" for putting up with my cautious driving style.

More Than Just Driving - An Off-Roading Experience

This adventure was far from just sitting behind the wheel. It was a full-on immersive experience. I became a spectator on the Black and Red trails. Watching those lifted Jeeps tackle steep rocky terrains up close was nothing short of thrilling. At one point, we even had to winch a Jeep over a particularly stubborn rock - a testament to the fact that off-roading is as much about teamwork and strategy as it is about driving.

Jeep being winched up an obstable

Jeeps on a rocky obstacle

Jeepers watching a Jeep on the obstacle

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Adventure

Hanging out with Disconnected Off Road was on of many highlights that weekend. They're a fantastic bunch, always ready to welcome another Jeeper into the fold. The weekend wasn't just about pushing my Jeep to its limits; it was about discovering a whole new level of adventure and camaraderie. Here's to many more thrilling rides and unforgettable memories on the trails!  

              

My Wild Ride at Women's Wheeling Day

 🚙💨 The Day I Got to Drive a Monster Jeep!

The 2015 Women's Wheeling Day was off the charts, with over 100 fierce ladies signing up to take on the trails in Jeeps. Picture this: me, getting the keys to the Clayton Off Road Jeep. Yes, the beastly, red, lifted Jeep! It's like winning the lottery for a Jeep enthusiast – we're talking a 4.5 inch lift, 37 inch tires, and all the trimmings. You bet I was on cloud nine!

Watch Here 👉 Jeep Momma Drives the Clayton Off-Road Jeep

Jeep Momma driving the Clayton's Jeep 

The Clayton Jeep Crew

🤔 A Slight Letdown... But Not for Long!

So, there we were, lining up our Jeeps, buzzing with excitement, when I found out the Clayton Jeep was assigned guide duties on the beginner trails. A tad disappointing, sure, because I was itching to tackle some serious rocks. But hey, driving this behemoth on any trail was still a thrill!

Clayton Off-road Jeep

Driving shifts were shared among us three lucky ladies, with Clayton Walters himself (the wizard behind Clayton Off Road) coaching from the backseat. Despite only having driven my stock Rubicon before, which is basically a baby toy compared to this monster, I tried not to baby the Clayton Jeep too much on the easy trails. Clayton, a saint of patience, endured our newbie antics, guided us, and even laughed off my "Jeep Momma" moments.

Selfie in the passenger seat

😂 Goofy Moments and Learning Curves

Yes, I was that person asking if the tires were straight a million times, wondering about the tires under the hood latches, and fumbling with the CB radio. But Clayton? Cool as a cucumber, a true champ at handling our learning curves and endless questions with grace.

Clayton Walters 

🚀 My First Dive into Serious Rock Crawling

Jeep Momma's First Difficult Trail

Outer Limits in Claytons Jeep

Jeep Momma on Outer Limits

Then came the moment of truth – Clayton guiding me on my first hardcore rock crawling adventure. The trail, known as Outer Limits, looked more like a rocky cliff than a path. My heart was racing, fearing I'd accidentally run over Clayton. But after a quick reshuffle, with him safely out of my potential crash path, I got down to business. You can catch this adrenaline-pumping moment on my YouTube channel – it's a hoot!

Jeep Momma in Claytons Jeep 👉 Outer Limits Trail

Despite the initial hiccup of being on the easier trails, Clayton found us a challenging path, giving us a taste of real off-roading excitement. The experience was so exhilarating that one of the guys actually kissed the ground after surviving the trail.

Jeep Momma in the driver's seat

🌟 Closing Thoughts: Grateful but Hungry for More

Even though we didn't spend all day on the hardcore trails, I'm beyond thankful for the experience. Driving the Clayton Jeep, sharing laughs, and learning from one of the off-roading rock stars was a blast. It's tough thinking about going back to my standard Rubicon after this. I'm already dreaming about lifts and bigger tires for my own ride. Maybe not exactly a 4.5 lift and 37's... but who knows? The sky's the limit now!

Check out my other Jeep Adventures! 

Selfie with Clayton's Jeep

Properly Putting Down Your Jeep Soft Top

Mastering the Perfect Jeep “W”

Going topless is one of the best parts of owning a Jeep Wrangler, offering unparalleled freedom and adventure. However, properly folding your soft top is critical to extending its lifespan. After years of enjoying open-air Jeep rides and traveling across the U.S., I've learned exactly how to fold a soft top correctly—protecting the fabric, hardware, and ensuring smooth functionality.

Last Updated: July 2025

The Perfect Jeep W

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Jeep Soft Top Positions Explained

Your Jeep Wrangler soft top has two primary positions:

• Sunrider Position: Soft top partially open, folded back just above the passenger seats. Ideal for quick, open-air driving.

• Fully Open Position: Soft top fully folded down, resting neatly along the Jeep’s tailgate.

Properly folding your soft top into either position ensures it remains damage-free and functional.

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What is the Jeep “W” and Why is it Important?

The Jeep "W" refers to the correct method of folding back your Jeep’s soft top, ensuring fabric longevity and proper alignment of the hardware. When folded correctly, your soft top should form a clear "W" shape in the Sunrider position.

Watch the demonstration here: The Jeep "W" 

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Common Jeep Soft Top Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Folding of the Soft Top Arms

Incorrectly folded tops (arms pointing upwards or sideways) risk damaging hinges, fabric, and support structures. Arms should always lie parallel and flat along the Jeep’s body.

2. Fabric Bunching in the Sunrider Position

When folding your soft top into the Sunrider position, always pull and smooth the fabric out from between the support bars. Bunched or pinched fabric can cause premature wear, tearing, or damage to the soft top structure.

The Wrong Way

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Step-by-Step: Correctly Folding Your Jeep Soft Top into the Jeep “W”

1. Release Header Latches: Unclip and release the latches at the windshield.

2. Lift and Fold Back Carefully: Gently fold the soft top toward the rear, stopping just above the passenger seats.

3. Smooth Fabric: Make sure the fabric isn’t pinched or bunched. It should form a smooth “W” shape between the support bars.

4. Secure Soft Top Arms: Ensure the arms and bows rest parallel to the Jeep’s body.

5. Final Check: Confirm fabric is clear, smooth, and not under tension.

The Soft top all the way down

Jeep Momma putting her top down

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Soft Top Care & Maintenance Essentials

Your soft top is your protection against weather and elements. Keep it in great shape with these quick care tips:

• Regularly clean with products designed specifically for soft tops.

• Apply UV protectant to prevent fading, cracking, and deterioration (e.g., Bestop Soft Top Protectant).

• Use zipper lubricant regularly to maintain zipper functionality and prevent jams (e.g., Jeep Soft Top Zipper Lubricant).

For more tips, see my detailed guide: Soft Top and Zipper Care tips.

Bestop Soft Top Protectant

Jeep Soft Top Zipper Lubricant 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Jeep W?
The Jeep W is the correct method of folding the Jeep Wrangler soft top into the Sunrider position, ensuring proper fabric care and avoiding structural damage.

Why is correct soft top folding important?
Correct folding prevents fabric damage, hardware bending, and premature wear, significantly prolonging the soft top’s lifespan.

Can I fold my Jeep soft top by myself?
Yes, putting your Jeep soft top into the Sunrider position is a one-person task, but fully opening it is easier with two people to prevent damage.

What’s the difference between Sunrider and fully open positions?
The Sunrider position is partially open (front area), while fully open means the soft top rests completely down along the tailgate.

How often should I maintain my Jeep’s soft top?
Regularly inspect your soft top, clean it monthly, and apply protective treatments quarterly to keep it in great shape.

What happens if I fold my Jeep soft top incorrectly?
Incorrect folding can lead to permanent creases, tears, broken hardware, and leaks, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

Properly folding and maintaining your Jeep Wrangler’s soft top ensures you'll enjoy years of safe, hassle-free open-air adventures.

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