My New Jeep Color:

 Why I Chose Reign Purple (And Why It Turns Heads)

Quick Answer:
Jeep’s Reign is a bold, deep purple paint color often described as an eggplant or amethyst tone designed to stand out. It’s a limited-edition factory color returning for 2026 on both the Wrangler and Gladiator.

Not just a color it’s a whole vibe.

When I first saw Jeep’s Reign purple, I knew it wasn’t a color you just blend in with.

It’s bold. It’s deep. And depending on the light, it shifts between rich purple, almost black, and a vibrant amethyst tone that completely transforms the look of the Jeep.

After owning Jeeps and being around the community for years, I’ve learned one thing your Jeep isn’t just a vehicle. It’s an extension of you.

And for me, Reign just felt right. Plus at the time it was my only option, I like to call it fate. Check out the story behind My New Purple Jeep.  

What Makes Jeep’s Reign Purple So Unique?

Reign isn’t your typical factory paint color.

It’s a deep, rich purple often compared to eggplant with a finish that can look subtle in low light and incredibly bold in the sun.

On the 2026 models, Reign returns as a limited-edition color, available on:

• Jeep Wrangler (all trims)
• Jeep Gladiator (for the first time)

It pairs especially well with:

• Black hardtops
• Black fender flares
• Dark accents and off-road builds

But it can also be ordered with body-color options if you want a more seamless look.

👉 Either way, it’s a color that was made to stand out on the road and on the trail.

Classic Jeep grille just with a bold twist.

A Look Back: The History of Reign

Reign isn’t brand new,  t’s one of those colors that Jeep brings back because people love it.

• 2018: First debut
• 2023: Limited return
• 2026: Back again stronger than ever, now including the Gladiator

That alone says a lot.

Jeep doesn’t bring colors back unless they make an impact.

This is where Reign really stands out,
the depth, the sparkle, and how it
shifts depending on the light.

Why Jeep Uses Bold, Unique Colors

One thing I’ve always loved about Jeep is that they don’t play it safe with color.

While most vehicles stick to neutral tones, Jeep leans into personality.

Over the years, they’ve released standout colors like:

• Bright greens
• Bold oranges
• Electric blues
• And now deep purples like Reign

Why?

Because Jeep owners aren’t just buying transportation they’re building something personal.

These colors feel more like factory-custom options than standard paint choices.

And that’s what makes Jeep different.

What Reign Looks Like on the Trail

This is where the color really comes to life.

In the woods, on rocks, or out in the sun, Reign changes depending on the environment.

• In shade → deep, almost black purple
• In sunlight → vibrant and eye-catching
• On the trail → contrasts beautifully with dirt, rock, and nature

It’s one of those colors that looks good clean but somehow looks even better a little dirty.

Is Reign Worth It?

If you’re someone who prefers subtle, low-key vehicles… this probably isn’t your color.

But if you want:

• A Jeep that stands out
• Something that feels unique from the factory
• A color that reflects personality
• Or  die-hard Minnesota Vikings Fan

Reign is absolutely worth it.

It’s not just a paint option it’s part of the identity of your Jeep.

Reign in the details. Even up close! 

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Jeep color might seem like a small decision but it’s one of the first things people notice.

For me, Reign wasn’t just about liking purple and thank goodness I did because it was my only option.

It was about choosing something bold, something different, and something that felt like my Jeep.

And that’s really what Jeep has always been about.

Written by Tammy "Jeep Momma" Forsyth  - a Jeep Wrangler owner, off-road enthusiast, and content creator who has explored trails across Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and beyond. Through Jeep Momma, she shares firsthand Wrangler ownership experiences, trail guides, DIY modifications, camping setups, and Jeep community stories to help new and experienced Jeep owners get more from their adventures.

👉About Jeep Momma

The Jeep That Carried Me Through Losing Everything (Twice)

There are some things you don’t realize will be hard… until they are.

Saying goodbye to my Jeep was one of them.

When You Just Know Something’s Wrong

It started with a flashing check engine light. The dinging. That sinking feeling in your stomach when you just know something isn’t right.

I knew that feeling because I’d been here before. And the last time it ended with a new engine. 

Misfire on cylinder #1.
And more behind it.

I didn’t need all the details to understand what that meant. This wasn’t going to be simple. And it wasn’t going to be cheap.

But what made it harder wasn’t the repairs.

It was what that Jeep meant to me.

My Jeep’s last breaths 💔

More Than Just a Jeep

Because that Jeep wasn’t just a vehicle.

It was there for some of the biggest, hardest, most defining moments of my life.

I think back to the Rubicon Trail.

A trail I never thought I’d get to experience… and yet there I was, behind the wheel, with my two boys along for the ride. Crawling over rock, pushing past doubt, doing something I once thought was out of reach.

Life has a funny way of getting you exactly where you’re meant to be even if the path doesn’t look anything like you planned.

And then there were the moments no one sees.

The quiet, heavy ones.

That Jeep was there through my divorce. When everything I knew changed. When I left it all behind to start over in Colorado.

And then again… starting over in Wyoming.

Twice.

Losing everything… twice.

And somehow, through all of that, I still had my Jeep.

It sounds silly to some people, I’m sure. But when everything else felt uncertain, that Jeep was steady.

It was something I could count on.

It was my rock.

The Day I Made It to the Rubicon Trail

Letting Go

So when it became undriveable, I was faced with a decision I didn’t want to make.

Wait without transportation.
Take on repairs I couldn’t afford.
Or let go.

None of those options felt good.

But sometimes life doesn’t give you easy choices. Just necessary ones.

So I let go.

And I cried signing the papers. Not because I didn’t understand the decision but because I did.

Because I knew I wasn’t just saying goodbye to a Jeep.

I was closing a chapter.

Goodbye Old Jeep, Hello Purple Reign

What Stays With Us

But here’s what I also know…

That Jeep gave me everything it was supposed to.

The memories don’t go away.
The strength I found doesn’t disappear.
The woman I became through those miles that stays with me.

So this isn’t just a goodbye.

It’s a thank you.

Thank you for carrying me through some of the hardest seasons of my life.
Thank you for the adventures I never thought I’d have.
Thank you for being there when I needed something steady.

You were never just a Jeep.

You were part of my story.

If you’ve ever had to let go of something that meant more than people realized… you understand.

More than a Jeep…
it was the life I was building 💜

The Next Chapter

And while this chapter is ending…

I’m still here.

Still moving forward.

Still a Jeep girl.

💜

Written by Tammy "Jeep Momma" Forsyth  - a Jeep Wrangler owner, off-road enthusiast, and content creator who has explored trails across Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and beyond. Through Jeep Momma, she shares firsthand Wrangler ownership experiences, trail guides, DIY modifications, camping setups, and Jeep community stories to help new and experienced Jeep owners get more from their adventures.

👉About Jeep Momma

What I Know Now: Beginner Off-Roading Lessons from My First Year in a Jeep

In my first year off-roading, I learned that confidence comes from showing up, belonging comes from respect, and good judgment matters more than bravery.

When I first started off-roading, I didn’t imagine where it would lead. I wasn’t chasing hard trails or big milestones. I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I was just trying to learn, to belong, and to trust myself one decision at a time.

Looking back now, there are things I know with certainty, things I didn’t understand my first year on the trail. These lessons didn’t come from confidence. They came from showing up.

When I first started off-roading, I didn’t know what I was doing and honestly, that’s normal for most beginners. 

Beginner off-roading tips

I never imagined I’d be standing here.
The path I didn’t plan is the one that changed me.

I Didn’t Start Out Aiming for Hard Trails

I didn’t think I would ever be the kind of person who could wheel trails like the Rubicon. That level of wheeling felt like a far-fetched daydream something meant for other people, not me.

But life has a way of changing you before the trail ever does. Taking a leap of faith off the trail shifted how I showed up on it. Confidence didn’t arrive all at once. It grew quietly, one choice at a time, until one day I realized I was standing in a place I never imagined I’d be.

Confidence Came After Showing Up (My First Year Off-roading Lesson)

My first year off-roading wasn’t confident, it was cautious, curious, and full of questions. I showed up unsure. I relied on spotters. I learned how to read the trail instead of rushing through it. I made mistakes.

Things broke. I fixed them. I learned.

Confidence didn’t come from proving anything. It came from experience. From being willing to try, even when I wasn’t sure I was ready. From showing up again after a hard day on the trail and trusting that growth was happening, even if I couldn’t see it yet.

I learned it’s okay to slow down, step out, and ask for help.

You Don’t Have to Prove Anything to Belong

I used to think belonging meant keeping up. Running the hard lines. Not slowing anyone down. Not asking too many questions.

What I learned is that real Jeep culture doesn’t work that way.

Jeep people help before they judge. Belonging doesn’t come from bravery or ego, it comes from respect, learning, and being willing to ask. You don’t have to do everything to be part of it. You already belong when you show up with the right attitude.

Confidence didn’t grow alone, it grew in community.

Good Judgment Matters More Than Bravery on the Trail

Early on, I thought bravery meant pushing through. Harder. Steeper. Just one more obstacle.

Now I know better.

Good judgment matters more than bravery. Turning around isn’t quitting, it’s choosing to come home safe. The trail will still be there. Knowing when to stop, when to take the bypass, or when to say “not today” isn’t weakness. It’s experience talking.

What the Trail Taught Me

The biggest thing I know now that I didn’t my first year off-roading is this: growth doesn’t come from rushing ahead. It comes from showing up, learning, trusting yourself, and knowing when to pause.

If you’re new, unsure, or wondering if you belong, keep going.
The path you never imagined is often where growth takes you.

Frequently Asked Questions About First-Year Off-Roading

What should I know my first year off-roading?
Your first year off-roading is about learning, not proving anything. Focus on showing up, asking questions, learning trail etiquette, and building confidence through experience rather than difficulty.

Is off-roading hard for beginners?
Off-roading can feel intimidating at first, but beginner trails and supportive Jeep communities make it accessible. Confidence grows over time with practice and guidance.

Do you need experience to belong in the Jeep community?
No. Belonging comes from respect, learning, and a willingness to ask for help. You don’t need to run hard trails to be part of the Jeep community.

When should you turn around while off-roading?
Turning around is the right choice when conditions feel unsafe, weather changes, or comfort levels drop. Knowing when to stop is a sign of experience, not failure.

Written by Tammy "Jeep Momma" Forsyth  - a Jeep Wrangler owner, off-road enthusiast, and content creator who has explored trails across Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and beyond. Through Jeep Momma, she shares firsthand Wrangler ownership experiences, trail guides, DIY modifications, camping setups, and Jeep community stories to help new and experienced Jeep owners get more from their adventures.

👉About Jeep Momma

What Is the Jeep DJ3A? History, Features & a Vintage Discovery

Quick Answer: What Is the Jeep DJ3A?

The Jeep DJ3A, also called the Jeep Dispatcher, is a 2WD flat-fender Jeep produced by Willys (later Kaiser/AMC) from 1955–1964. Designed as an affordable utility vehicle, it featured the L-134 engine, a T-96 manual transmission, and a variety of body configurations. It became popular for deliveries, business use, and later as a right-hand-drive postal Jeep.

My personal encounter with a rare DJ3A in Colorado sent me deep into Jeep history and sparked a fascination with the Dispatcher’s unique past.

Rediscovering a Classic: DJ3A Jeep 

My Personal Encounter With a DJ3A

While living in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, I came across what looked like a forgotten treasure a vintage Jeep DJ3A with its classic flat-fender silhouette.

We ended up purchasing this little Dispatcher, hoping to give it the forever home it deserved.

That moment sent me down a rabbit hole of Jeep history. I soon learned how Jeep owners use serial numbers to trace their vehicle’s origins, with resources like Kaiser Willys Jeep Serial Numbers helping enthusiasts piece together each model’s story.

👉 Watch the video: The Gem I Found in the San Luis Valley — A Jeep DJ3A Rediscovered

What Is the Jeep DJ3A (Jeep Dispatcher)?

The Jeep DJ3A debuted for the 1956 model year, built by Willys as a low-cost, practical vehicle using proven Jeep engineering. With a starting price of $1,284 about $14,400 today it became the lowest-priced production vehicle in the United States at the time.

Although based on the CJ-3A, the DJ3A was built as a 2WD street vehicle and found its niche in commercial and delivery roles.

Jeep Classic: The DJ3A Ready for Revival

Key Features of the Jeep DJ3A

🟦 Engine: L-134 “Go-Devil”

The same dependable L-head engine used in CJs and military Jeeps.

🟦 Transmission: Borg-Warner T-96

A 3-speed manual transmission, offered in:

• Floor-shift

• Column-shift (“three-on-the-tree”)

🟦 Body Style & Options

The DJ3A shared its structure with the CJ-3A but offered:

• Open-body design

• Soft top options

• All-steel hardtop versions

• Van-style full bodies with sliding doors

• Numerous fleet and commercial configurations

It was built for versatility and practicality not off-roading.

Why the Jeep DJ3A Became So Popular

The Dispatcher succeeded because it was:

✔ Affordable

The lowest-priced production car in the U.S. at the time.

✔ Efficient & Practical

Perfect for businesses needing reliable transportation.

✔ Flexible for Commercial Use

Used in farms, delivery fleets, resorts, and industries.

✔ Ideal for Postal Service

Right-hand-drive versions became ubiquitous with mail carriers—many Jeeps still carry that legacy today.

Special DJ3A Variants:
Jeep Gala & Jeep Surrey

Two of the most recognizable DJ3A versions were designed with fun, flair, and tourism in mind.

Jeep Gala (1959)

Built for resort markets such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Features included:

• Bright colors (pink, turquoise, green)

• White-fringed striped fabric tops

• Eye-catching cosmetic additions

Jeep Surrey (1959)

Aimed at hotels and rental fleets, offering the same playful design as the Gala.

These Jeeps looked like rolling beach carts and quickly became icons of mid-century resort culture.

Why the DJ3A Still Captivates Enthusiasts Today

The DJ3A is more than just a vintage Jeep—it’s a reminder of Jeep’s creativity and willingness to build vehicles for every purpose. Its charm lies in:

• Simple mechanical design

• Classic flat-fender look

• Unique history tied to business, tourism, and the postal service

• Rare surviving models

• Distinctive personality

Whether on display at a Jeep show or hidden in a small-town shop (like the one I found), the DJ3A always sparks curiosity.

It certainly captivated me—and continues to be one of my favorite Jeep stories to share.

FAQs About the Jeep DJ3A

What does DJ3A stand for?

DJ stands for Dispatcher Jeep, and 3A refers to its lineage from the CJ-3A body style.

Is the DJ3A a 4WD Jeep?

No. The DJ3A was 2WD, designed primarily for on-road commercial and delivery use.

When was the DJ3A produced?

From 1955 to 1964, with most models falling between 1956–1963.

What engine is in a DJ3A?

Most DJ3As were equipped with the L-134 Go-Devil engine.

What is the difference between a Jeep Gala and a Jeep Surrey?

Both were colorful, resort-themed versions of the DJ3A, but the Surrey was marketed more to hotels as rental vehicles, while the Gala focused on export markets.

Is the DJ3A collectible?

Yes—due to low surviving numbers, unique variants, and its role in Jeep’s commercial history.

Written by Tammy "Jeep Momma" Forsyth  - a Jeep Wrangler owner, off-road enthusiast, and content creator who has explored trails across Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, and beyond. Through Jeep Momma, she shares firsthand Wrangler ownership experiences, trail guides, DIY modifications, camping setups, and Jeep community stories to help new and experienced Jeep owners get more from their adventures.

👉About Jeep Momma

What Is an FC Jeep? History, Features & a Ride in a Forward Control Jeep

Quick Answer: What Is an FC Jeep?

An FC Jeep (Forward Control Jeep) is a cab-over-engine truck produced by Willys Motors from 1956–1965, designed with the driver positioned directly above the engine for better visibility and increased cargo space. These unique Jeeps were used in commercial, industrial, and military roles.

If you love Jeep history or rare Jeep sightings, the FC Jeep is one of the most fascinating and distinctive models ever made—and I finally got to ride in one!

These iconic Jeep Forward Control (FC) trucks
stand out with their cab-over-engine design,
making them a unique piece of Jeep history.

A Quick History of the FC Jeep (Forward Control)

The term FC stands for Forward Control, a design where the cab sits over the front axle and the driver sits above the engine. This configuration allowed for:

• Longer cargo beds without increasing wheelbase

• Better maneuverability in tight spaces

• Excellent visibility with that iconic “cab-forward” stance

• Full-time 4WD capability—rare in the 1950s

Willys Motors produced these innovative trucks from 1956 to 1965, offering the FC-150, FC-170, and FC-170 DRW (dual rear wheel) configurations. They were workhorses used for agriculture, fire service, snow plowing, military transport, and industrial jobs.

The FC Jeep represents one of the most unique engineering directions Jeep ever took.

A display of vintage Jeep Forward Control (FC)
 trucks showcasing their unique cab-over-engine
design and timeless charm. 

My First FC Jeep Ride — A Trip Back in Time

In 2022, I finally had my first-ever ride in an FC Jeep.
And wow… it was unforgettable. .

The ride happened at the 5th Annual FC Jeep Jamboree in Iowa, an event packed with rare Forward Control vehicles and passionate collectors. That’s where I met Dan, an FC Jeep collector with an incredible devotion to preserving these trucks. His stories along with the sound of those old engines transported me straight back to Jeep’s early days.

Sitting above the engine gave me a totally different driving perspective. You feel like you're gliding over the road, perched right at the front of the vehicle. It truly felt like stepping into a rolling piece of Jeep history.

Riding in an FC Jeep firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for Jeep’s early innovation

👉 Video: My First FC Jeep Ride — a must-watch for any Jeep enthusiast!

Why FC Jeeps Matter

The FC Jeep was ahead of its time. Its features included:

✔ A compact footprint with a long, functional cargo bed

✔ Standard four-wheel drive

✔ Excellent maneuverability

✔ Versatile commercial and military uses

✔ A truly unique design that still turns heads today

For collectors and Jeep historians, FC Jeeps represent a bold era of innovation—proof that Jeep has always pushed boundaries in capability and design.

Want More Jeep Heritage & Culture?

Explore more Jeep history, stories, and rare models on my Jeep Culture section and other Jeep Momma posts.

FAQs About FC Jeeps

What does FC stand for on a Jeep?

FC stands for Forward Control, describing the cab-over-engine design where the driver sits above the front axle.

When were FC Jeeps made?

Willys Motors produced FC Jeeps from 1956 to 1965.

Why did Jeep build Forward Control trucks?

To maximize cargo space, improve maneuverability, and create a compact 4WD work truck for industrial, commercial, and military use.

Are FC Jeeps rare today?

Yes. Many were used heavily in work applications, so surviving models—especially fully restored ones—are highly collectible.

A Must-Visit for Jeep Enthusiasts

The National Museum of Military Vehicles in Wyoming

The National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming is one of the best places in the country for Jeep lovers to explore WWII history, view rare military Jeep models, and learn about the origins of the Jeep as a wartime vehicle.

If you’re a Jeeper who loves American history, this museum belongs on your bucket list. As a Jeep Mom who’s raised two sons absolutely obsessed with WWII since elementary school, visiting this museum became more than a stop on a road trip—it became a memory I’ll never forget.

The summer before my son Ben’s senior year, we hit the road through Wyoming toward Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Our detour to the National Museum of Military Vehicles turned into one of the highlights of our entire adventure.

This exhibit at the National Military Museum highlights
the versatility and resilience of these iconic vehicles during the war.

 

The National Museum of Military Vehicles is a 140,000-square-foot tribute to American military history—and Jeep fans will find some of the most iconic and historically significant Jeeps ever built.

⭐ The Jeep Was Born in 1941

The museum highlights the wartime origins of the Jeep and how it became one of the most influential vehicles in military history.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower famously said the Jeep was:

“One of the three decisive weapons the United States had during WWII.”

This museum helps tell that story—from the early prototypes to the rugged models that paved the way for the civilian 4x4 we all love today.

This close-up of a World War II Jeep
at the National Military Museum
showcases its combat-ready configuration,
including mounted tools, spare tire, and rifle. 

Featured Jeep Exhibits

A Jeep Lover's Paradise

Here are just a few of the Jeep models you’ll see beautifully restored:

🚙 Willys MB Jeep (with trailer)

The original workhorse of WWII.

🚙 Ford GP Jeep

A rare early model that helped shape modern Jeep design.

🚙 Ford GPW Radio Jeep (with trailer)

A communications vehicle used for critical wartime operations.

🚙 British SAS Jeep

A desert-modified Jeep used by the legendary Special Air Service.

Every vehicle is restored with meticulous attention to detail down to the gear, tools, and combat-ready equipment. Jeep lovers will gain a whole new appreciation for the durability and versatility that shaped the brand we wheel today. The museum houses an incredible collection of over 500 fully restored military vehicles, including several iconic Jeep models.

More Than Just Jeeps:
What Else You’ll See

Even though the Jeeps are the centerpiece for many of us, the museum houses:

• Over 475+ fully restored military vehicles

• Artillery pieces and weapons

• Naval vessels

• Aircraft spanning 1897 to modern day

The exhibits cover:

• World War I

• World War II

• The Korean War

• The Vietnam War

The museum tells the American story of innovation, sacrifice, and military evolution through vehicles.

This meticulously restored World War II Jeep
served as a "Convoy Lead Vehicle,"
guiding military transport operations. 

Nearby Attractions Around Dubois, WY

If you’re planning a road trip, Dubois is packed with incredible nearby destinations.

National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center

Learn about the largest wintering herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the lower 48.

Grand Teton National Park – ~2 Hours Away

A must-see destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and jaw-dropping mountain views.

Yellowstone National Park – ~55 Miles Away

Perfectly positioned if you’re heading into the park through the South or East entrance.

Be sure to check out my National Parks Visit Tips before planning your trip.

Wind River Float Trips

View ancient petroglyphs and experience the scenic Wind River by raft.

Check out my National Parks Visits Tips before you make the journey. 

Winter Activities Near Dubois

• 150+ miles of snowmobile trails

• Dog sledding near Brooks Lake

• Ice fishing

• Cross-country skiing

• Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail access

Dubois is easily one of the most underrated adventure towns in Wyoming.

Why You Should Add This Museum to Your Jeep Bucket List

Whether you're a history buff, Jeep fanatic, or road-tripping parent like me, the National Museum of Military Vehicles offers:

• A deep connection to Jeep’s roots

• Rare vehicles you won’t see anywhere else

• Interactive, high-quality exhibits

• A meaningful way to explore American military history

• An unforgettable family moment

For us, it was more than a museum visit.
It was a memory stitched into our Jeep life—and a reminder of why adventures like these matter.

FAQs

Where is the National Museum of Military Vehicles located?

The museum is located in Dubois, Wyoming, along U.S. Highway 26/287.

How long does it take to visit the museum?

Plan for 2–4 hours depending on your interest in military vehicles and exhibits.

Is the museum good for Jeep enthusiasts?

Yes—Jeepers will love the extensive WWII Jeep collection and historical displays.

Are there Jeeps on display at the museum?

Absolutely. You’ll see Willys MBs, Ford GPWs, British SAS Jeeps, and several rare wartime Jeep models.

Is the museum family-friendly?

Very. Exhibits are educational, engaging, and appealing to teens and adults alike.