Jeep Problems - Diagnostic Tips

The wear on my front drivers side tire was very bad. I thought it was a bad alignment. It was the wheel bearing. Turns out it’s a common failure for all Jeeps. It was getting so bad it was affecting the ABS system. 

Tips on Diagonosing Tire Issues

A good way to diagnose what the problem could be...

unload the tire… get the weight off the tire… like putting the Jeep on a jack stand or jacking it up. Then with your hands at the 12 and 6 o’clock position of the tire… push it back and forth… if there is play in the tire, any movement at all, it’s the wheel bearing or ball joints. When you put your hands at the 3 and 9 o’clock position and do the same thing it’s tie rod ends. And of course, tire wear is a dead giveaway. 

It cost me about $150 for the hub assembly, but I learned something new with this problem. Each set of problems I learn a little more about my Jeep and become more confident. Especially when I am right there when it’s getting fixed. 

This is also a good lesson for those wanting to add upgrades to your Jeep. It will always lead to failures somewhere else on your Jeep so be prepared to empty your pockets. My assembly was replaced and my Jeep is good to go. 

Top 5 Ways to Start Crafting a Better Life - A Jeep Life

 Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from. ~Seth Godin

My interpretation of this quote..  rather than
just enjoy life while on vacations or holidays, we should strive to make our every day lives the ones we want to be living —every day of the week.

For most of us with Jeeps our Best Life includes wheeling in the great outdoors. However, in today’s world, making the time for wheeling is not always priority because of all our other commitments.  

When I became a Jeeper seven years ago I was struggling with my life. Something was missing, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. So I started a journey of discovery. What I discovered was, I wasn’t living my best life. 

How do you live your best life? 

To live my best life, I needed to stop wasting my precious time. There are so many ways we waste time. It was a real struggle when I began to realize I needed to be a little selfish. I needed to start saying no.    

Another way we waste time is trying to be accepted by our friends, co-workers and society. Everyone wants to be liked and accepted, but many of us spend too much time and energy worrying about what other people think. This kind of thinking makes you feel unworthy. It can become unhealthy and stressful. You might not even realize you are doing it. 

Now, I don't waste my time worrying about what others think. I don't need other people's approval of how I choose to live my life, or caring if I fit in one group or another. 

Now is my time, time to be who I want to be and not worry if I get the approval of my peers, friends, neighbors, co-workers or society. I am living my best life in a camper, spending time in the mountains with my Jeep, and working on Jeeps with very little commitments. I am not spending my time cleaning a four bedroom house or worrying about hurting someone’s feelings because I didn’t invite them to a party or going to an event I really don’t want to attend or trying to keep up with the Joneses putting on those fake facades. 

Another way to stop wasting time is simplifying life. Simplifying is getting rid of the clutter. It bogs you down. It’s a stress you don’t realize you have. There are two kinds of clutter, the physical and mental clutter. 

Getting rid of the clutter will allow you to enjoy more of your time. However, it is so much more than a de-clutter. It is a process and it can take several years before you can perfect it. 

I wanted to make my life one I don't need to go on vacation to escape from. It isn't easy to do, and can take a long time, but committing yourself to the process pays off. First, you have to change your mindset. You need to be open-minded. You need to realize stuff is just stuff. You will also need to be open to let go of people in your life. 

My Top 5 ways to start crafting a life you don’t need to escape from. 

Make Relationships a Priority

It’s okay to let go of those toxic “friends” from your life. It’s even okay to unfriend them and block them. Stop wasting your precious time arguing with these people online. Your main focus should be on the people who make you happy, give you joy, and are a positive influence in your life.  

Remove Unneeded Possessions from Your Home & Life

Begin to train yourself...stuff is just stuff. Stuff does not make you happy. Since moving into the slide in camper I realized all that stuff in my old house was not needed to make my life happy one. When you go for months with very little you begin to realize all the stuff is not needed to enjoy your life. 

Guard your time 

It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to reduce the number of commitments in your life like volunteer positions attending events you don’t care about. 

Take Care of Yourself 

This was a big one for me. I had to learn to be selfish. I had to learn to say no. I had to learn it was okay to take time for just me. 

Find Happiness in Your Every Day or for me it was take the time to Make Happiness in my everyday life. I did this by doing something little for me every day that made me happy. I also made sure I did something special every week for me that I enjoyed like taking my Jeep out for a topless ride or getting a pedicure or eating at my favorite restaurant. Then every month I planned a special event just for me like a wheeling trip or a concert. Something I enjoyed just for me. 

This was just the beginning of how I started to live my best life. It’s going to be different for everyone. You may not even know what your best life is because you are so bogged down with your old life. But for me changing my mindset helped me realize what was holding me back. It was a long several years, but it was needed to change my mindset. Now I am living my life for me and enjoying the amazing beauty out West. Not everyday is a vacation, there are still struggles but more days are vacations than not.

It's all about discovering and recognizing
happiness. If we get rid of the clutter we can see the happiness. It can be appreciated in the simple things in life. 

Changing our mindset and knowing where to focus the energy is required. It won't happen overnight as it takes a long time to really start feeling true happiness in the simple.

 

Top 5 Tools I Use The Most

Being prepared by bringing tools and recovery gear when you go off road is extremely important. I have several YouTube videos on my channel like, Top 5 tools needed, Top 5 Fluids needed, and many others. 

Jeep Momma YouTube Top 5 Videos 

Jeep Momma Tools & Recovery Gear Used

You never know when or if you may even need those items so in this video I share what I have actually used while I am on those 4x4 trails.

18mm Wrench - Big Hammer - Recovery Strap - Tree Saver - D-Ring - Soft Shackle - Snatch Block - Winch - Hi-Lift Jack - Colby Valve - Pry Bars - Ratchet Strap - Extra U Joints - Ratchet & Socket

The cool thing about the Jeep community is... "You may not have it all together, but together you will have it all."

Don’t get too crazy trying to pack everything and the kitchen sink into your Jeep. It’s good to be prepared. 

You may not use everything you bring and you may not have everything you need, but you may have things others need and vice versa. 

Every time you go out you will learn what works for you and your style of wheeling. Just prepare the best you can and grow on that each time.

A Must Do Jeep Modification

If I had to do it all over again Jeep Cables would be my first upgrade on my Jeep. Especially since I planned on lifting my Jeep eventually.

WHY?  

Check out this video I produced that explains why Jeep Cables are a great
upgrade, especially if you are going to add electrical modifications to your Jeep. 

Jeep Cables VS OEM Cables 

HOW?

Installing them in your Jeep is doable but can be time consuming. Watch the detailed step by step install video here for the JK/JKU.

Jeep Cables Step by Step Install Video 

Lithium Trim Serum Update

Recently, I used Lithium Trim Serum on my plastic fenders on my Jeep Wrangler. Overtime these plastic fenders fade from UV rays and get stained from mud. I have tried product after product trying to find the best one. 

Trim Serum Review Blog Post

20 % Discount Count Code:
JeepMomma20

Below are pictures 2 weeks and 3 weeks after the first application of the product. I am living in the high desert of Colorado so it can be very windy and super dusty. I needed to wash the fenders so you can see how the Trim Serum is holding up. 

2 Weeks 

3 Weeks

 

Bucket List UPDATED

I haven't talked about my Bucket List in quite a while. It's been over a year. I guess it's because I have been on one big bucket list of an adventure. 

Well, I checked off a biggie this year. The Rubicon Trail. I never in a million years expected to be able to check that one off the list. But I did it. I can't wait to go again. It was an amazing trail. 

Now that I checked off the number one item on my list what's next? 

Ironicly, it's back to where it all started for me, Rausch Creek Off Road Park. I remember thinking when I first started wheeling, I would never be able to wheel those red trails. Well, now I am ready! Rock Creek and Crawl Daddy are on my list. I will then have come full circle. 

Visit Zion National Park
Head back to Rausch Creek to get the last Jeep Badge of Honor Crawl Daddy & wheel Rock Creek 
Wheel the Kentucky Adventure Trail
Wheel in Arizona
Visit Lake Tahoe
OffRoad at Windrock Off-Road Park 
Visit Iceland
Take a dip in the hot springs
Wheel in Colorado
Party in the Keys
Visit San Diego to watch the Navy Seals Train 
Overland across the US up thru Canada to Alaska
Jeep the Rubicon Trail
Sturgis
Hike Old Rag
Hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail
Gold Mine in Alaska
Visit a "Dude Ranch"
Visit Crater Lake 
Climb a Volcano in Hawaii
Revisit Yellowstone
Camp in the Grand Canyon
Hike & Wheel Big Bend National Park
Visit Bond Falls Houghton, Michigan
Visit My Family Farm in Norway 
Wheel Silver Lakes Sand Dunes

 Bucket List Ideas 

Discount Code: JeepMomma20

Those plastic fenders on the Wranglers are hard to keep looking sharp. The suns UV rays fades the plastic, and mud tends to stain them. For the past couple of years, I have been looking for a solution to keep them looking factory fresh. 

Fender Mythbusters YouTube Video 

Lithium Auto Care reached out to me and asked if I would try their Trim Serum product on my fenders. I have tried peanut butter and erasers, so why not.

20% Off Discount Code
JeepMomma20 

Lithium’s Trim serum auto care product says:  TRANSFORMS WEATHERED & OXIDIZED TRIM – RUBBER & PLASTIC – IN SECONDS. 

Lithium Trim Serum Review

True, I would agree with that 100%. 

Out of all the products I have used, trim serum right off the bat makes my plastic fenders look amazing. Trim serum is designed to penetrate and seal all the rubber & plastic trim surfaces to make them look new again. It also helps keep the rubber and plastic from drying out, cracking and oxidizing.     

 

How long will it last? There is no trim protectant product that will last forever. The question is which one will last the longest. Trim serum from the start made my plastic fenders look brand new. It is supposed to last for several months. The company says about 20 washes. However, as Jeep owners most don’t even wash their Jeep that much in a lifetime. 

I plan on at least washing off my fenders weekly to check on how this product holds up. So far 2 weeks and they still look great. Out here in the San Luis Valley it's very dusty so my Jeep gets filthy constantly.   I used Trim Serum on all my plastic Jeep Parts - door handles, mirrors, dash, and the rubi rails.

Step 1 Wash the surface before applying the trim serum

Step 2  Apply trim serum to surface in a circular motion and let it remain on the surface for several minutes then buff dry.

Step 3 Allow the trim serum to cure for 6 to 12 hours before getting wet.

Additional coats may be needed for severely damaged or faded plastic.

 

Top 5 Must Have Items on the Rubicon Trail

 My Top 5 Must Have Items

When you wheel the Iconic Rubicon Trail

Now some of these items seem like no brainers as we would normally bring these items when we wheel.

 

Water  Yes, you should always bring water. However, it is vitally important on this trail to bring more then you think you need. I would double, maybe even triple the amount of water you would normally bring. Especially if the weather is going to be hot. It may not seem like wheeling is strenuous, but it can get that way especially if you are doing a lot of getting out of your Jeep to watch other Jeepers attempt an obstacle or you are doing a lot of spotting or even a little hiking on the trail.

Fridge  Yeah that may sound silly, but it really isn’t. Having a cold bottle of water can do wonders when you are out wheeling. A cooler with ice is most likely not going to make it through the whole trail. Now remember some people have made it through the whole trail in 2 days. That is going really fast. You aren‘t able to enjoy yourself and appreciate the trail. For some folks this is a once in a lifetime trip so take your time and enjoy. Plus, expect the unexpected. Some Jeepers need a little more time to wheel through those obstacles or you may have delays due to Jeep troubles. So, having a fridge to keep your water cold and store your food is so important. Last fall, we bought a Costway fridge and have used it every day since our purchase in September of 2019. It is still holding strong, and only cost half of what you pay for those name brand ones. It plugs right into my Jeep, and will stay running as long as my Jeep is on. At night it keeps cold until I turn it on the next morning.   

Food another of course you need to bring item, but again bring extra food in case you get stuck out on the trail. I would plan on a meal or two, extra snacks, and extra lunch. Maybe peanut butter and jelly or those MRE type meals as back up. Like I said before, expect the unexpected. You just never know what will happen on the Rubicon trail. Remember once you get on this 22-mile trail there are no quick get off and get back on spots. We were low on our lunch rations, and the last day we were rescued by some great California guys who left us with extra cold water, and some of the best sub sandwiches we ever had. A big shout out to those Cali Guys. We were lucky for they came along, so we did not turn into the Donner Party. 

Extra Fuel First make sure you find the closest gas station to the trailhead you will be entering the Rubicon Trail. For us at the Loon Lake trailhead there was a gas station on Icehouse Road. Stop and top off your tank. Every drop of gas is needed on this trail. I made it out to the McKinney Lake trailhead, but you still have a way to go to get into the town Tahoma and then to find a gas station. As I was coming off Observation Hill my gas was low, Eventually my gas light came on. Luckily, I came across a super nice guy and his family coming into the trail to camp at Rubicon Springs for the night. We stopped and chatted for a bit, and I shared our trail woes. He said he had a 20-gallon gas can in his truck at the trail head. There were 5 gallons left in it, and said it was mine. I am fairly sure I would have run out of gas before I found a gas station. One of the reasons is, I left my Jeep running through out the day even when we were stopped. As well as at camp to keep the fridge running. It was an unusually hot week up in the Sierra Nevadas, so it was warm inside my jeep. An extra 5 gallons can make a big difference.

Winch  I was able to wheel the whole 22 miles without winching myself off the obstacles or getting winched off by another Jeeper. However, we put my winch to good use helping other Jeepers. Especially the ones without lockers. Expect to winch or to be winched, and expect body damage. The Rubicon Trail is quite an experience. For me it was amazing, but at the same time very frustrating and stressful as the situation we were in. It was life changing, and I plan on going back. This time under different circumstances. I hope it will be less stressful so I can enjoy it. Remember on the Rubicon Trail Expect the Unexpected and Be overly prepared. I know the Donner Party can attest to that. 

Top 5 Lessons Learned on the Rubicon Trail

I shared "My Lessons Learned on the Rubicon Trail" on the Jeep Talk Show Podcast where I am a co-host. You can go listen there as well in my segment "The Jeep Life with Jeep Momma". Also check out my Rubicon Trail Videos on my YouTube Channel. 

Episode 445. Episode 450, Episode 451, Episode 453

Lesson Number 1: Off Road Etiquette

The Rubicon Trail is located in the Sierra Nevadas east of Sacramento and west of Lake Tahoe. A 22 mile trail that offers beauty, history, adventure, and a challenge for the off road enthusiast. It is a fun and exciting trail, but can be very stressful and dangerous. Here is some Off Road Etiquette for the Rubicon Trail (some I knew and some I didn't). These tips can be adapted to other off-roading trails as well. Always stay on the trail, you don’t want to drive thru the meadows or over vegetation. You want to do your best to straddle gullies, ruts, and washouts and only cross streams at designated points. You will want to minimize wheel spin as this destroys the trails and your Jeep. Some parts of the Rubicon Trail are private property so make sure you stick to the trail. Keep an eye out for trail markers and follow them. There are some parts on the granite that have trail markers like light reflectors. Don’t attempt the Rubicon trail alone. Carry a spill kit, and you might want a ham radio or satellite phone for communication as there is no cell service. Something very important to know. There are pictures on social media of Jeeps flexing and posing on the Rubicon Trail. Some of these pictures are a big NO NO. Just because you have seen another person post a picture flexing doesn’t mean it right. On a rock sure, but on those man made bridges NO. DO NOT POSE your Jeep with your tires on the frames of these bridges. If you want more information about what to bring and winter on the trail. go to www.edcgov.us/government/Rubicon

Lesson Number 2: Exhaust trail damage is no joke. 

A while back when I was wheeling in Kingman, Arizona I remember coming down hard on my exhaust pipe. I put a little dent in it. That little dent made the pipe just a tad smaller in circumference. I thought no big deal. Well, fast forward to the Rubicon Trail. Again I came down on the exhaust pipe squeezing it together just a little bit more. During the trip my check engine light came on. Then if would go off. Then come on again. When we got back to Colorado we checked it with a code reader. It read misfire on cylinder 6. We cut off the damaged part of the exhaust pipe and the check engine light went away. UNTIL… I was eating my lunch of tacos in a fast food parking lot while idling my engine so I could have AC.  We changed the spark plugs. I was told it was a good thing I cut the pipe. If I hadn’t I could of really messed up the heads. The check engine light went back on. We changed the injector and it was fine. Then it went back on again. Still trying to fix the problem. 

Lesson Number 3: Know Your Group  

This is something I hadn’t experienced on the level I did when we wheeled the Rubicon Trail. Now this isn’t just for newbies either. It’s a good reminder for all levels of off Roaders. When you go off road, whether it’s your trail ride or you are going with others Know Your Group. There are so many aspects of Know Your Group. This is vitally important on the Rubicon Trail. Sometimes this isn't just a one or two day trail ride. This can be 4 to 5 day ride. Possibly even longer.

--- A side note. I highly suggest i when you wheel the Rubicon Trail keep the Jeep group to 5 or less. Especially if you go with inexperienced rock crawlers. It will be much more enjoyable for the whole group with 5 or less vehicles. There won’t be a lot of waiting around for others to make it through the obstacles. --

Just because you are wheeling the Rubicon Trail don’t assume all the folks in your group know the level of difficulty the trail is or how long it can take. Make sure all Jeepers know what to expect, like there will be body damage and most likely other trail damage while you are on the trail or damage you may not notice for days off the trail. Make sure you know what kind of previous wheeling they have done. Just because they have a badass looking Jeep don’t assume they have the skills to match. Some of those obstacles on the Rubicon are exceedingly difficult. Your group should have an experienced spotter, someone experienced in recovery and trail fixes. The Rubicon Trail is no joke mainly because of the length of the trail, 22 miles, and there are no places in the middle of the trail to jump off. Unless you have a Ham Radio there is no cell service to call out for help. Make sure you discuss expectation before you even hit the trail like what to bring, how long it will take, what happens if someone breaks, food and water prep, Jeep prep, off roading levels etc. This is vitally important especially if folks are coming from all over. It is so important to have these discussions so everyone knows what to expect, so you can avoid issues and enjoy your time on the trail. For some people this is a once in a lifetime trip. And some folks come from a long ways to wheel this trail so expectations are so important to know to avoid any issues on the trail. 

Lesson Number 4: Prepare Your Jeep

Make sure your Jeep is Trail Ready. This not only means the mechanical part of your Jeep, but the items to keep your Jeep moving forward on the trail. We were using metal gas cans we got from a friend. We assumed they were good to go. Unfortunately, they weren’t and were full of debris which clogged up our whole fuel system which was the big contributing factor to having to leave the CJ5. Making sure all your equipment and Jeep is trail ready is so important especially on a trail like the Rubicon. Once you go in thru the trailhead you either go the full 22 miles or turn around and go out the in. Performing Pre-Trip maintenance on your Jeep and equipment is vital. Even those little things like checking your tool bag to make sure all your tools are still there, your gas cans & water jugs for leaks, and to make sure they are free of debris. Check your winch, you may even want to pull the line and respool, double check all your recovery gear, pull it all out to inspect it. Check your engine and transmission fluid, your brakes and fluids, radiator coolant, secure your battery, check your belts and hoses for cracks and leaks, your power steering system If you even have power steering. Check for loose nuts and bolts, and lug nuts. I notice one of mine was loose. Grease all your fittings, and check those seat belts. Double check you have all your items needed to keep your Jeep moving forward like extra parts, ratchet straps or bailing wire, extra bolts and spare parts, make yourself a leak kit. If you have something on your Jeep that is leaking fix it or leave it at home. One item that is a must on the Rubicon Trail is a spill kit. While we were on the trail near Little Sluice we ran across a Friends of the Rubicon representative. Super nice guy. He gave us a spill kit for our Jeeps. They actually provide them at the Loon Lake Kiosk.

If you experience a leak on the Rubicon trail, actually any trail.

• Control the leak.
• Contain what has spilled using an absorbent spill pad. Which the Rubicon spill kit has or you can buy them online.
• Make sure you carry out those absorbents in a plastic ziploc bag or trash bag. If the spill soaks into the soil take that out too.
• Treat the spill area with Bio-Response which is included in the Rubicon Spill kit or you can search on google for a bio detergent.

Just remember to Tread lightly, what you bring in you must bring back out.

Lesson Number 5: Plan Vs. Prepare

This is a lesson I first learned when I took my first off road trip across the country. It’s knowing the difference between Plan and Prepare. A plan is always good to have, but something off roaders / overlanders / Jeepers need to know is a plan can disappoint you. A plan can prevent you from seeing or doing something amazing. We had a very detailed plan for our Across America Adventure. However, we had to deviate from it from the moment I left my driveway. That was really hard for me. I am a planner. I plan all the details. When a plan doesn’t go as planned I get upset. It will ruin my adventure. After a few days on that trip I learned to let the Adventure lead me. Because of that attitude, we saw things we wouldn’t have seen. We did things we hadn’t planned, and we met so many amazing people we never would have met. When you are flexible on your adventure it opens up your ability to take that side road.   I worked really hard to remember that when we were getting ready for the Rubicon Trail. One Jeeper who was going to go with us kept asking us what our Plan was. She wanted a detailed day by day where we were planning on wheeling and camping. We shared the meet up time and gave a list of things to Prepare for and a couple of possible “leave the trail” days. She wasn’t up for that and needed a more detailed Plan. This is where Planning and Preparing differ and being Prepared as an off roader / overlander is way more important. Planning can disappoint. Being Prepared makes the trip so much more fun. Preparing for all possible outcomes makes for a better trip. When we headed up Icehouse Road to the trail head it took longer than I expected, and I had to keep reminding myself to chill. I was going to be okay if we were going slower than I thought. I kept remembering my trip from this past fall. It’s okay to have a plan but you need to be flexible to deviate from that plan. It is much more important to be prepared. Extra food, extra water, recovery gear, warm clothes, extra gas etc. Be prepared for breaking down, Be prepared for bad weather, Be prepared to help others on the trail. Prepare your mind mentally to expect the unexpected. It is a really good idea to discuss all the possible preparations needed. This will make your experience so much better.

How To Wheel Responsibly

As responsible off-road enthusiasts, we want to do our best to minimize trail damage. Trail damage is one of the reasons we are getting our trails shut down. Sometimes off roaders may not be aware that certain types of wheeling is damaging our community, our trails and their own Jeeps.

 "How we wheel today affects how we can wheel tomorrow and how are children can wheel in the future."  ~Treadlightly.org

Like I always tell my kids, just because it's on TV or the internet doesn't make it right or true. 

            Jeep Momma's Quick Tip - Wheel Spin 

There are many ways to destroy the trails and excessive wheel spin is just one. Excessive wheel spin is irresponsible wheeling.  Don’t Spin To Win. Not only does such behavior tear up the trails, but it gives off-roading a bad name that can be used against us when environmentalists and disapproving lawmakers make regulations restricting our activity.

What does Wheel Spin does... 

Wheel spin tears up soft terrain like mud and creates ruts. It also tears up rocks and gravel. Some rocks can be flaky and wheel spin tears up that rock and changes the terrain and eventually that trail will get worn down. This can change a difficult trail to an easy trail. It shoots all that gravel and rock from the tires. This can be very dangerous when people are on the trail watching Jeeps wheel through obstacle.  

The other part of this is excessive wheel spin puts your vehicle in harm’s way and can cause damage to your vehicle. As that rig bounces up in the air with the tires continually spinning… Once it comes down onto the ground it shock loads the suspension. That is not good. That is when axles and driveshafts break.

Wheel spinning: Ordinarily, wheel spinning is the result of one of two things: Driver error or having the wrong equipment. Either one throws rocks or mud on other vehicles or can cause ruts in the trail, making it an unpleasant experience for the next person. If you find yourself in a situation where you are spinning excessively, try another line or turn around.

Treadlightly.org says, "Every true 4 wheel drive enthusiast should know the basics of minimizing impact on our great outdoors."

Tips to Minimize Affects on the Trails

• Travel only in areas open to 4x4 vehicles
• Drive over not around obstacles
• Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts even if wider than Jeep
• Cross Streams only where the road crosses the stream
• When possible avoid mud. 
• In soft terrain go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin as this can cause rutting.   

A Must Do Upgrade

As I grow in my Jeep knowledge I learn things I wish I would of done differently, and things I was spot on doing right. Over the years I have come across many Jeep aftermarket products, some are amazing and some didn't work for my needs. However, Jeep Cables is a product I feel is a must do upgrade for all Jeepers.

Especially if you are going to add to the electrical demand to your Jeep by adding a winch, off road lights or any electrical modification. 

Check out this video to see what can happen to your Jeep if you leave your factory wiring and add aftermarket electrical parts. 

Jeep Cables VS OEM - You Tube Videos 

www.JeepCables.com - Discount Code: JeepMomma 

Overland Trip Ideas

2 to 5 Day Overlanding Ideas

Moab some call the Mecca of Off-Roading. There are over 80 4x4 trails around Moab from easy to difficult. There are also several National and State Parks to visit. You could easily spend a month or more exploring this amazingly scenic area. 

Jeep Momma's 2017 Moab Adventure

Jeep Momma's EJS 2020 

Hole in the Rock 4x4 Trail in Utah - A Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. This trail isn't to be taken lightly, and needs a lot of preparation and research.

More on Hole in the Rock

Mojave Road - The historic 138-mile road takes you back in time. With virtually no improvements since its inception, the historic Native American trade route and wagon trail remains the same as it was 150 years ago. Plan on 2 to 3 days to explore the stunning desert landscape and Joshua tree-lined routes.

Rubicon Trail - Another historical road in the majestic Sierra Nevadas in California. The Rubicon Trail is known for its ruggedness and versatility, inspiring the Jeep namesake. 

Don't be fooled by its popularity, it's a grueling marathon through the mountains. Another must "be prepared" trail as it could take days. I will be sharing more on our experience on this amazing trail. 


Colorado Passes - There are several off road passes within hours of each other that make for a great couple of days of wheeling in Colorado. Black Bear Pass is one of them. This infamous trail is not for the faint of heart or someone with a fear of heights with it's steep descents, treacherous switchbacks and loose falling rock. The views of Bridal Falls and Telluride are some of the most amazing in Colorado. Well most all views in Colorado are amazing. Weather conditions only allow the complete route to be open for a few weeks from late summer through the early fall. A bucket list trail for sure. 

Dalton Highway - A slightly more civilized ride than other trails on the list. It's still not an easy ride crossing the Yukon River and ending at the Arctic Ocean. It a 414 trip through the wild Alaskan bush and barren tundra. Built in the 1970’s as the service road to the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. There are steep grades, avalanche danger, and hundreds of miles between gas stations. A brutal gravel highway is not for the faint-of-heart. However the dramatic views and a glimpse of the Northern Lights are a good reward. 

Coconino National Forest in Arizona covers nearly two million acres in northern Arizona with a massive network of trails surrounded by stunning red rock formations. 

Tillamook State Forest in Oregon
Sierra National Forest in California
Big Bend National Park in Texas
Pan American Highway 

A "Must Have" Recovery Gear Item

Jeep Momma Vendor Discount Code

www.ColbyValve.com

Code: JEEPMOMMA

I have learned a lot during my off road adventures and when I learn a lesson, good or bad, I always do my best to pass it on to you. 

During my Fall 2019 Adventure, I learned the importance of the Colby Valve, an emergency tire valve system. I had heard of the Colby Valve, but didn't fully understand the importance of the Colby Valve until I needed it. 

As I was crawling up a rock on the Homecourt Trail in Kingman, Arizona, I tore a valve stem. My tire went flat, and I popped the bead.  My Jeep was in a precarious position on the rocks which made for a dangerous tire change. Luckily a fellow Jeeper on the trail had an Emergency Colby Valve.

22 minutes into this video you see how I tear my valve stem on the trail and the easy fix using the Colby Valve.

Homecourt Valve Stem Disaster Video 

It was simple and easy to install. Simply take out the old valve stem and screw in the Colby Valve, air up and you are good to go. 

I have torn three valve stems over the years. Paying close attention to tire placement on the rocks is so very important. One way to watch your rear wheels is the adjust your side mirrors so you can watch them as you crawl over the rocks. 

Just recently on the Rubicon Trail I once again tore a valve stem. I didn't notice until I returned to Colorado when I discovered a slow leak. I replaced the valve stem with a Permanent Colby Valve. 

Again super easy to replace just be very careful not to over tighten as you don't want to tear the gasket. I was very close to it. They should be snug, no rocking back and forth. 

When tightening it with a socket wrench be careful not to tighten it until you can't anymore. That means you gone too far. 12 - 16 inch ft lb torque is the range Colby Valve suggests. 

I will keep you posted on how the permanent valve works. I am thinking maybe I should have gone with the Ultimate Valve (Extra Short) since I like to rub those rocks.