All Things Jeep Blog Musings

Jeep Jamboree USA 2010 Schedule Announced

Jean Wnuk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:41:00 GMT

JeepJam announced their 2010 Jamboree schedule yesterday and true to form, I want to go to all of them!

You can find the entire Jeep Jamboree 2010 Schedule Here.

This year, our closest Jamboree is up in Bethel, Maine, a beautiful location, especially in the fall. Last month, Norman, the President of AllthingsJeep.com and Mike, in Customer Service went up to that event. There were some pretty heavy downpours on the 2nd day and the Jeep came home muddier than I've ever seen it. ('83 CJ8) In the New England woods, the trail is narrow, the rocks are moss-covered and the rain makes everything slippery. So it's quite a wheelin' adventure.

We know Jeep Jamborees are a luxury expense. Not a necessity ('though some may argue) and with finances tight, the folks over there at JJUSA have come up with some "family plans" that help make these adventures more affordable. Besides, family time together is a great thing (just ask my teenage daughter.) Kidding aside, she loved it when we did a Jamboree last summer.

Excepted from their website:

"In an effort to make Jeep Jamborees more affordable for the 2010 season, we're offering a Family Plan for both Classic and Just Trails Jamborees. The price per vehicle for Classic events is $600, while Just Trails Jamborees are only $450. The fine print: Two adults and two or three children (12 and under) are required per vehicle.

Another opportunity for Jeep fanatics on a budget is the Trails Only option, which is offered to a limited number of registrants (first come, first served) at each Jeep Jamboree USA event (due to lack of facilities this offer does not apply to the Palo Duro or Rubicon Trail Jeep Jamboree events). Trails Only participants enjoy all of the usual Jamboree amenities (including the Saturday evening prize drawing) but provide all their own meals.

In addition, active members of the Armed Forces will receive a 15 percent discount on all Jamborees. The Buy 3 Get 1 FREE promotion will be continued in 2010, with only adult passengers eligible for this offer. And we're bringing back the dash plaques! Each registered Jeep vehicle will again include a dash plaque.

Remember December 1st is the opening registration date for the 2010 season. We look forward to seeing you on the trail."

Photos of our Jeep Jamboree Adventure on the Rubicon Trail

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

I live I ride I am Jeep Tagline

Jean Wnuk — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:23:00 GMT

So, whatcha think? Do you like Chrysler's new tagline for Jeep?

I Live. I Ride. I Am. Jeep.

How about their new commercials. If you haven't see it, you can catch one here. This one is called "Clocks"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIEBVDCNK28

I don't like it. Not even a little bit. (says Jean, from www.AllThingsJeep.com.) Here's my list of complaints.

1. I DO live, so they got me there, but I don't understand the relevance.

2. I DON'T ride. I DRIVE. I do ride a lot of things - horses, bicycles, amusement park rides. But my Jeep's not one of them. And if I'm riding in a Jeep, then I'm the passenger, and what fun is that?

3. I AM? Huh? What am I? A Jeep?

This whole ad compaign reminds me of those old Ad-Libs (remember those?) and makes we want to fill in the blanks. "I LIVE at 2 Shaker Road in Shirley. I RIDE my bike to work sometimes. I AM a mom, photographer, Jeep owner.

I know these type of ads are about branding, and evoking a feeling in us about the Jeep brand. (Remember, your brand isn't what You think about your company, it's about what your Customers think of your company) But this doesn't really evoke positive feelings about Jeep. It evokes feelings like I should be working but instead I'm watching the clock to when work is over and then I can go drive (not ride) my Jeep. Hey, maybe that's the point?

So what do you think? What tagline would you create for Jeep if Chrsyler was giving you hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a tagline and ad campaign for them? Post your ideas here. I'll give a set of 10 Jeep decals (your choice) to the person whose idea I like best. (I'll give you until Nov 16th to post.) And hey, maybe Chrsyler will read this and hire you to be their next marketing genius!

If you want to read the whole story behind this branding campaign and what the campaign will look like over the next year, check out the details here. It's the "Official" document and it's pretty interesting.

Jeep Branding Philosophy

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

JPFreek Magazine & United Four Wheel Drive Associations Announcement

Jean Wnuk — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:47:00 GMT

I am really proud to say that the publishers of my favorite Off-Road Publication, JPFreek Adventure Magazine, and United Four Wheel Drive Association, (an association of Jeep associations!) are doing great things for the Jeep & off-road community with their new partnership. Just got this press release sent over to me. I'm going to post it, in full, below. Then I'll add a few links so you can check out their sites.
--------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Four Wheel Drive Associations & JPFreek Adventure Magazine Create Publishing Partnership

JPFreek to Commence Publication of The Voice for United Four Wheel Drive Associations

Beaverton, OR - 11/3/2009 - United Four Wheel Drive Associations today announced a partnership with JPFreek Adventure Magazine to produce and publish The Voice, the official magazine of United Four Wheel Drive Associations, as an engaging quarterly digital publication focused on off-highway and outdoor recreation as well as responsible land use.

The new partnership is a first for both organizations and will allow United Four Wheel Drive Associations to broaden its distribution scope by digitizing their previous hardcopy edition of The Voice. In addition, the partnership will expand the subscription base for JPFreek Adventure Magazine to an additional 11,000 subscribers as part of the current membership package for United Four Wheel Drive Associations.

JPFreek Adventure Magazine founders Frank Ledwell and Richard Tinnell will assume the roles of Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director, respectively, for The Voice. Wayne Groom, President of United Four Wheel Drive Associations, said of the partnership, "We are excited about the opportunity of this partnership as it will allow us to continue to enhance the quality and distribution of our primary communication with the off- highway enthusiast, allowing us to reach out beyond our current membership."

Frank Ledwell, Editor & Publisher of JPFreek Adventure Magazine, said of the partnership, "Partnering with United Four Wheel Drive Associations in creating The Voice is exciting for JPFreek and our entire staff. Our passion for Jeep and outdoor adventure has been a huge part of JPFreek Adventure Magazine's success, and our value set of promoting responsible off-highway and outdoor adventure recreation compliments our goals in establishing The Voice as a highly credible and engaging publication."

The partnership will work to bring the entire off-highway community together by broadening the scope and importance of engaging off-highway enthusiasts to become involved in various land access issues. In addition, added value for all business partners and sponsors of both United Four Wheel Drive Associations and JPFreek Adventure Magazine will be achieved through cross-branding efforts and other significant promotional and marketing efforts.

This partnership is effective immediately with the new issue of The Voice slated for release by January 15, 2010.

About JPFreek Adventure Publications, LLC

JPFreek Adventure Magazine was developed in March 2006 with the express intent of sharing a passion for Jeep vehicles and outdoor adventure with fellow enthusiasts, all while promoting eco-friendly and responsible off-highway recreation. JPFreek's staff takes pride in delivering a fun, vibrant, and engaging digital Jeep® adventure publication that is the only one of its kind in North America.

About United Four Wheel Drive Associations

United Four Wheel Drive Associations is an Association of Associations formed to act as a voice for the off-highway community for land access issues. From avid enthusiasts who are individual members, to clubs and association members, the membership of UFWDA spans four continents with over 10,000 member voices.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Top 10 Best Jeep Holiday Gifts for 2009

Jean Wnuk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:23:00 GMT

We've just announced our Favorite Jeep Holiday Gifts for 2009 Annual Press Release. In case your brain is fried from all the stress of this past year, and you still need to pick up a few inexpensive gifts for your Jeep pals this year, we've tried to make it easy for you. These are our favs.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A NEW JEEP

However, when on a budget, anything from the Top 10 list below is perfect!

SHIRLEY, MA (OCTOBER 2009) - Jeep lovers are easy to please when it comes to gift giving. Simply buy Jeep related merchandise and everyone is happy! When seeking out the perfect gift, look no further than http://www.allthingsjeep.com/, the Internet's largest retailer of Jeep merchandise. Offering Jeep-brand clothing, blankets, jewelry, video games, tire covers, doggie gifts, tents and more, All Things Jeep has something for everyone. Never again will the phrase be muttered "but he/she already everything!" because when it comes to Jeep merchandise, there are always new arrivals in the All Things Jeep store.

Top highlights for the 2009 Holiday season include:

1. In anticipation of the third annual Worldwide Go Topless Day hosted by AllThingsJeep.com, on May 8, 2010, all Go Topless Day Merchandise is now available. From hats to t-shirts, decals to license plate covers, Jeep owners everywhere can support this holiday in advance. And from now until December 25, All Things Jeep will donate a dollar from every Go Topless Day t-shirt to Tread Lightly, the official charity behind the event. $7-10

2. For a businessperson that works as hard as they play in their Jeep, Jeep Business Card Holders offer a professional gift with a playful edge. Jeeping is the reason we work in the first place, right? $23.99

3. Jeep Key Holders are perfect for any home's entrance way as a safe haven for keeping keys in one place and they look cool hanging on this rustic art piece too. $14.99

4. Who doesn't need a new calendar every year? Jeep Calendars offer many styles for home or office to keep schedules in line and to count down the days of winter until the tops of the Jeep come down once again. $11.99-12.99

5. Jeep Sweatshirts are for cozy winter days inside by the fire and cool nights cruising with Jeep tops down. A sweatshirt is a versatile and comfortable gift for everyone. $25.99-39.99

6. Custom Jeep Husky Liners keep the floor clean because mud is for the exterior! While a badge of honor on the outside, most of us can agree it has no place on the inside! $69.99-89.99

7. A Jeep is not complete without a stylish Jeep Tire Cover to combine style with functionality. Jeep owners love making a statement, why not do it for all the road to see? $59.99-69.99

8. For the avid Jeep enthusiast who can't quite afford another Jeep, Jeep Diecast Model Collectibles allow them to collect all their favorite Jeeps in a more affordable fashion (plus they don't require another spot in the garage!) Offering models from several die-cast manufacturers, these models are an economical way to build your Jeep collection. For the kid in all of us! $17.99-34.99

9. Jeep owners know Life is good®, but why not share that mentality with every automobile on the road with a Life is good License Plate Frame. Across the bottom of the frame it says, "Do what you like. Like what you do." Jeep owners couldn't agree more. $20

10. The "crème de le crème" for Jeep geeks, the Crawler King Rockcrawler with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon body performs like a champ and is strong enough to get over just about any obstacle, making an ideal first-time RC vehicle for any Jeep lover. $279.99

For holiday well wishes, each year All Things JP LLC, parent company of http://www.allthingsjeep.com/, releases an exclusive line of holiday greeting cards just for the Jeep® enthusiast. This year's card design brings out the kid in everyone with an image called "Letter to Santa." Like any good Jeeper, the author of the letter has quite a list of Jeep-related items he would love, from a new 4 door Jeep Wrangler to a classic old Jeep Willys. Additionally, some of the classic best-selling cards have also been brought back, including the card called "Peace on Earth, a design for the new 4 door Jeep Wrangler owners and a varied boxed set, all priced at $12 for 12 cards and envelopes.

Large quantity discounts are available on the holiday cards and personalization is possible if ordered early enough. For more information, contact the Jean Wnuk at jean@allthingsjeep.com.

About All Things JP LLC

All Things JP LLC is one of the largest providers of gifts, accessories and memorabilia to the Jeep® and off-road market. Their goal is to make Jeep owners happy by offering unique products, fast shipping, outstanding service, and the widest offering of Jeep-related gifts and accessories. Visit http://www.allthingsjeep.com/ for the perfect gift for Jeep® lovers including clothing, decals, tire covers, watches, jewelry, accessories for your Jeep and more.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

The Official Guide to the Jeep Wave

Jean Wnuk — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:28:00 GMT

The topic of the Jeep Wave continues to entice hot debate among Jeep owners old and new and it's a debate that will never go away. Should you wave to the new Jeep JKs or not. Can you wave to build XJs? But on top of that, I've always wondered, "who waves first?" Who starts it? I have now discovered my answers in the definitive guide to respect for your Jeep Elders.

Now you can measure your own Jeep's place in the overall Jeep hierachy of waving. To see where you rate, keep reading...

Here's the starting point:

Definition:

The Jeep Wave: An honor bestowed upon those drivers with the superior intelligence, taste, class, and discomfort tolerance to own the ultimate vehicle - the Jeep. Generally consists of vigorous side-to-side motion of one or both hands, but may be modified to suit circumstances and locally accepted etiquette. Examples of commonly accepted modifications:

Top off: One handed wave above windshield or outside body tub
Top off during blizzard: Shiver and nod, hands may remain frozen to steering wheel
Southern/rural locations: Raise fingers from steering wheel, nod

In keeping with this cardinal rule of Jeeping, categories have been established to account for each part of the equation.

These categories are:

The Jeep Waving Hierarchy: Based on the vehicle itself. Takes into account the nostalgia factor, the discomfort tolerance quotient, and the amount of owner dedication required to maintain the steed.
The Modifying Sub-categories: Based on what you do with your Jeep.
Equipment Adjustments: What you build.

General Rules:

1. All Jeepers are responsible for upholding the tradition of the Wave. Upon contact with a higher scoring Jeep, a Jeeper is required to initiate the Wave, and continue the Wave until:

The Wave is returned
The Wave is blatantly disregarded
The higher scoring vehicle has passed by and is out of sight

2. All Jeepers are required to return the Wave, unless the initiating vehicle is clearly has a negative (below 0) score.

3. All Jeepers are encouraged, but not required, to return the Wave to negative balance vehicles, and take any opportunity presented to guide and mentor them about their responsibilities to their Jeeps in the hopes that they can correct the error of their ways.

4. When unsure of status or wave requirements of a particular encounter or unable to completely assess the other Jeep's score quickly enough to ensure that the proper Jeep Wave Etiquette rules are followed, immediately initiate wave.

"When in doubt, WHIP IT OUT!"

-----------------

This was reprinted in part from the http://www.jeeptalk.org/ website.

To rate your own Jeep and see where it fits in the hierarchy of Jeep waves, check out:

http://jeeptalk.org/jeep_wave.php

And then post your score below. Can't wait to see who I should be bowing down to (and waving!)

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

New Bad boy Jeep R/C Rockcrawer action

Jean Wnuk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:51:00 GMT

We've got the new Crawler King Rockcrawler with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon body, by HPI Racing in stock at http://www.allthingsjeep.com/ and let me tell you, the avid off-road enthusiasts in this office are tripping over each other trying to get their hands on our demo model. This is a sweet rig with amazing crawling ability. Based on the video I'm posting below (I'll admit, we haven't yet tested it out as I write this), this R/C Rockcrawler can go anywhere! In fact, proportionately, I bet it outcrawls most of the built Jeeps out there. And, if not, I'd like to hear from you! Finding a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Crawler King under the Christmas tree this holiday season would make any Jeep owner a happy camper.

Check out this Jeep rockcrawling video from youtube.com

WOW. I'm going to end this post now so I can go play!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Go Topless Day 2010 Tees, FREE with $50 Purchase

Jean Wnuk — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:52:00 GMT

The All Things Jeep 3rd Annual GO TOPLESS DAY t-shirts are here. Our 3rd Annual Worldwide Topless Day is May 8th, 2010. And you can begin the celebration with one of our commemorative tees.

If you've been a fan since the beginning, you already have a shirt from year 1 and year 2. And here's Year 3 - 2010, and it will be bigger and better than ever. We promise these will be collector's items for any Jeeper, and your friends and family will be wondering where they can get one too. Our design have a vintage feel to it, but the date says May 8th, 2010. Plan ahead!

THRU OCTOBER 2nd, Get your Go Topless Day Tee FREE with any online $50+ purchase. Just add it to your cart, along with $50 worth of product and the tee will be FREE.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Jeep Wrangler JK Owners 2010 Calendar

Jean Wnuk — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Love 'em or hate 'em, the new Jeep Wrangler JK models launched in 2007 are destined to stick around a while. The 4 door Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds have reached a whole new audience and it's an enthusiast group. For many, it's their first Jeep, and their excitement is contagious. And that's despite the fact that many don't even know what "JK" means.

So hey Jeep Wrangler JK owner, this calendar is for you! We call it the 2010 Jeep Wrangler JK Calendar because there's 10 months full of JKs. The scenic monthly pictures are mostly monopolized by a cherry red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2 door. The other months feature a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 door in Rescue Green (that's my current daily driver). And the calendar tosses a photographic bone to a current Jeep Liberty, Grand Cherokee and Commander. But basically Jeep Wrangler JKs rule in this 2010 Jeep (Wrangler JK) calendar.

Jeep Wrangler JK 2010 Calendar is now in stock at www.allthingsjeep.com.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

I Survived Cash for Clunkers!

Jean Wnuk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:56:00 GMT

Two weeks ago we got an email:

"Hello ALL Things Jeep!

I am the proud owner of a 14 year old ZJ. He is clearly eligible for
turn-in under Cash for Clunkers, and would be worth an extra $2500-$3000 to me if I turned him in. But I would never DREAM of allowing him to meet that fate!! I know there are other Jeepers out there just like me who are keeping their Jeeps because of the emotional attachment that others "don't understand". Can you think of a neat bumper sticker that explains that? "I survived Cash for Clunkers" comes to mind, but it seems like it would be
cool to come up with something more Jeep specific. Maybe, "I survived Cash for Clunkers, Obama wouldn't understand." With a Jeep grill! You get the idea. I hope you can figure something out and it turns into a best seller for you! - Shannon"

Shannon, we thought this was a brilliant idea. And here it is:

I Survived Cash for Clunkers Decal. This decal is available exclusively at www.allthingsjeep.com. It's made for all those proud, dedicated Jeep owners out there that said "No Way!"

This 3" x 5" sticker will look great on the side of your Jeep, right above that rusty wheel well. Or on the rear windshield, worn with pride. In any case, Thanks Shannon, for a great idea. Your freebies are on their way.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Extrem Events Paris-New York Transcontinental Expedition

Jean Wnuk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:57:00 GMT

Here's some exciting news from our friends at JPFREEK Adventure Magazine. It will also make you drool with jealousy, wondering how YOU can finagle your way aboard one of the Jeeps.

---------- *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* ----------

JPFreek Adventure Magazine Joins Forces With Extrem Events for Paris-New York Transcontinental Expedition

JPFreek Becomes Exclusive North American Partner for World's Most Challenging Expedition Across Bering Strait

Houston, TX - 8/26/2009 - JPFreek Adventure Magazine today announced a partnership with Extrem Events, a German expedition company, to become the exclusive North American media partner for Mattias Jeschke and his Transcontinental Expedition team. The partnership will provide Extrem Events a new and exciting digital medium to publicize its much-anticipated Transcontinental expedition, whose purpose is to promote CO2 neutrality and alternative energies. Extrem Events will also be working with JPFreek to expand its position within the North American Jeep community and to expand its Initiative Partner 15000 project to further build its sponsor base for the expedition.

The team, which earlier this year commenced a yearlong expedition that began in Paris and traveled all the way to Russia through Mongolia, is soon preparing the second leg of its journey. The journey will be climaxed by affixing a pontoon-style attachment to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vehicles used for the expedition to cross the Bering Strait. Once in Alaska, the team will be met by a third Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon piloted by JPFreek Adventure Magazine editor Frank Ledwell, and will complete the remaining journey from the beginning point of the Pan-American highway, south through Alaska, and then across Canada into the United States to New York City. [hope they stop at the offices of All Things Jeep!]

Frank Ledwell said of the expedition and partnership, "Overlanding and Expedition-style travel is one of the fastest growing segments in the off-highway industry. The opportunity to join an experienced adventurer like Mattias Jeschke is not only an exciting prospect but also one that we are excited to share with the entire Jeep and off-highway community."

The partnership is effective immediately and additional details about the partnership and community involvement will be announced in the near future.

About Extrem Events
Extrem Events was founded in 2002 by Mattias Jeschke, an accomplished adventurer from Germany whose travels have included a world-record setting expedition by altitude with a team of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vehicles in the Ojos del Salado in Chile. Extrem Events' focus is on successfully completing expedition-style journeys while also enhancing awareness for important social issues throughout the world.

About JPFreek Adventure Publications, LLC
JPFreek Adventure Magazine was developed in March 2006 with the express intent of sharing a passion for Jeep vehicles and outdoor adventure with fellow enthusiasts, all while promoting eco-friendly and responsible off-highway recreation. JPFreek's staff takes pride in delivering a fun, vibrant, and engaging digital Jeep® adventure publication that is the only one of its kind in North America.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Crawl Magazine Hardcore Offroad is BACK!

Jean Wnuk — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:35:00 GMT

Came home from work today, opened up the mailbox & gave a loud whoop. A new CRAWL Magazine (aptly subtitled HARDCORE OFFROAD). CRAWL Mag has been defunct and without a publisher for almost a year. Earlier this year, a new team announced the acquisition of the magazine and the intention of resuming the publishing. If you like your rocks hardcore, you'll love this magazine. Find it on a local newstand and subscribe. We need offroad magazines like this. Support them.

Here's the official Crawl Magazine Press Release from earlier this year and a few photos of Larry Nickell, the new Associate Publisher:

---------------------------------------------------------------

For Immediate Release:

CRAWL2 Media LLC announces acquisition of CRAWL Magazine title; resumption of publishing
slated for Fall 2009

Montesano, WA, June 29, 2009 - CRAWL2 Media, LLC, owner of recently acquired CRAWL Magazine, the leading hardcore off-road publication in North America, today announced its intent to resume publishing with its first issue this Fall, 2009.

"I'm extremely excited, as well as humbled, by the wide range of support over the last several months," said John Herrick, publisher of the magazine. "It's obvious that CRAWL has a special place with the hardcore off-roader and bringing it back has been a labor of love. My goal is to build long term relationships, based on trust, with our vendors, advertisers and readers."

Ian Johnson, host of Spike TV's weekly Xtreme 4×4 program, has become a part of the ownership team running CRAWL2 Media. Larry Nickell brings his deep business background to the group as a partner and associate publisher. Brandon Foster, the award winning
photographer, will act as creative consultant.

For over 3 years, CRAWL has set the standard for creative writing and stunning photography. The new ownership team will continue that focus while bringing sustainable business direction to this independent publishing voice.

Information Contact:

John Herrick
Publisher
253-312-1428
john@crawl2media.com

Larry Nickell
Associate Publisher
509-760-0935
larry@crawl2media.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------

And when you need the right apparel for your hardcore offroad adventures, here's our suggestion, our Rockcrawlers Prayer T-Shirt, available only at www.allthingsjeep.com.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

The Little Jeep Company that Could Turns 6!

Jean Wnuk — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:16:00 GMT

Yup, that's us. We're 6 years old, this month. But enough about us!

How are we going to celebrate? By making this a great month to be an All Things Jeep customer! We have good stuff planned all month long. I don't want to be one of those companies putting up Christmas Trees in September, but you just might want to consider holiday shopping a bit early.

Here's what is planned.

First - FREE Standard Shipping on all Jeep Products Sitewide, no minimum or maximum this week (through September 6th 2009). This is for USA shipping addresses and you'll need this coupon code: 6YEARS

Next, we'll be doing a buy 2, get 1 free special. After that, a great giveaway, great sales, and along the way, lots of freebies thrown into your boxes. (But we can't include birthday cake, it will get smooshed. Sorry.)

So hopefully you'll celebrate with us. Whether you make a purchase this month or not, please remember that we would not be here without you and it really is the customers that make a business. And we've got fantastic customers. Thank you for keeping our business growing.

Jean, Norman, Sue, Mike, Marc, Corinne & Sierra

(I really need to get a photo of all of us so you can see our goofy faces but here's Sierra - she's the cutest!)

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

More It's a Jeep Thing Contest Entries on youtube.com

Jean Wnuk — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:42:00 GMT

You guys were holding out on us! After a month that gave us only a single entry into our It's a Jeep Thing, You wouldn't understand Jeep Contest, the entries are pouring in. Thank you so much. They are so fun to watch. And they all embody the Jeep spirit.

You can find all the videos by going to http://www.youtube.com/ and searching for "allthingsjeep contest" and/or "all things jeep contest".

The contest runs through Monday, August 31st. So you have all weekend to plan some Jeep fun and show us what you got! Here are the rules again $500 Gift Certificate Jeep Contest Rules

and here are some of our favorite Jeep videos.

also love this one (can't beat the XJ)...

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

First Entry in our It's a JEEP THING Contest

Jean Wnuk — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:03:00 GMT

Honestly I cannot believe we've only got one entry into our "It's a Jeep Thing" Contest. What's wrong with everyone? Five hundred dollars to spend on Jeep Products at All Things Jeep is the top prize. Did we offend you? Do you not have a digital camera with video mode? Are you on vacation? Is it in the works? What?!?!

On the other hand, we have an awesome entry into the contest. Worthy of $500? Maybe. Or do you have something better up your sleeve? Take a look...

Love the mud on the camera. Nice job Chuck and James!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Finally Jeep Wrangler JK 2007 2008 2009 Owners can REJOICE

Corinne Customer Service Manager — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:22:00 GMT

As a Jeep Wrangler 4 door owner, there are lots of new Jeep Wrangler JK Accessories available for my Jeep. But there hasn't been the one I've really wanted until now. I am happy to report that the Spiderweb Shadetop for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2007, 2008, 2009 4 Door JK is Now Available.

There's also one for the 2 door JK. --> Spiderweb Shadetop for Jeep 2007 2008 2009 2 Door Wrangler

As a recap to an earlier post I made about Jeep Windshield Channels when these first came out, the shadetop is

1. Super easy to install.

2. Does not require a windshield channel.

3. Can be installed and left on under a Jeep soft top or hard top.

The thing I always find annoying about Jeep bikini tops is that damn windshield channel. If you use a summer top, you need a windshield channel. And if you want to run with a soft top on, you need to take the windshield channel off. On off. On off. Until this Wrangler Summertime Top came along.

Here's a short video that shows the installation of this Jeep top on a Wrangler. It's quick, easy, and will keep the sun off your head.

The Spider Web Shade Top can be configured in multiple ways so you get just what you need for each ride.
- As a Full Shade summer top, it keeps the sun off you and your passengers keeping you cool and protected from too many rays
- Fold under the back of it to make a handy "stowaway" storage area to keep small items from blowing away - Drop it down behind the front seats and get the "WhatWind" configuraton which will dramatically reduce the wind blowing and noise level in the cab area. (This is similiar to the Mesh "WindJammers" sold by other companies.)

The SpiderWeb ShadeTop^TM perfectly covers the front and rear seats of your Jeep Wrangler and keeps the cab lit with sun without scorching you. It also dramatically reduces the wind you feel on your face and in your ears when going at faster speeds.

And according to the manufacturer the ShadeTop catches 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays and reduces temperature inside the Jeep by an AMAZING 32% while still allowing just enough sunlight and moonlight through to enjoy the open air feeling. Finally, you can talk on the phone at 70mph with the top down.

SpiderWeb^TM ShadeTop^TM for Jeeps proudly uses the finest commercial grade shade material, capable of blocking as much as 99% of ultraviolet rays, including 97% shade rating.

Installation takes only 10 minutes and there are no tools required. The best part is that it will NOT interfere with any other top applications. Install it under your hard top, soft top or even under a bikini. There is no hardware to buy, it attaches securely with the provided heavy-duty bungee-corded balls. There are no seams, ensuring a durable application.

So what are you waiting for? Get it now and start enjoying your Jeep more!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

A Jeep Love Affair: Live and Learn

Corinne Customer Service Manager — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:36:00 GMT

So, a few off-roading trips, a Jeep show and many conversations with those in the know has led me to reevaluate my original thoughts on the perfect Jeep for me. I once had high hopes and strict guidelines that seem to relax a little more each day. I wanted to revisit that original list of requirements and update you on where I stand with each now...

The original list, then & now...

TJ:
The thinking then: Despite Mike's undying love of his XJ, I want the openness of a Wrangler. I just can't afford a JK. I don't think I have the skills to restore and modify a CJ, but someday I will. So, the decision between TJ and YJ came down to the TJ's move away from the leaf spring suspension -- coils just provide a much smoother ride on the highway. Less importantly, I prefer the look of the round headlights.

The thinking now: I still want a Wrangler -- 4-wheeling for me serves the same purpose as backpacking or kayaking, getting outside and enjoying nature. It's more enticing to have an open top and no doors. I still can't afford a JK. I'm loosening up on accepting a YJ or CJ into my life. I assumed that all CJ's would be pretty little collectors' item -- no abuse allowed. There's only a limited number left and you have to take care of the ones still in existence, right? So wrong. I have gotten to see some beautiful CJ's tear up the trail and no one cares if they get a little trail pinstriping. They are also not all in such bad shape that the offer of beer and pizza to anyone who wanted to help couldn't get one trail ready.

On the matter of YJ's, they certainly can be found for a lot less money -- a big plus in my book right now. I can also learn to live with the differences in suspension. My Subaru will still be responsible for most long-haul trips, like visiting my sister or brother in Boston. The Jeep will of course, do most of the short hauls. I can live with a lesser suspension over a few miles. As for the 2-3 hours it takes to get to a good off-road trail, I can suck it up. A girl can suck up just about anything on a trail ride day! I have also grown really fond of square headlights. Maybe it's because of some things I've seen YJ's do on the trail, maybe it's my new love of classic Jeeps. Whatever it is, they just look cool -- sometimes you don't need to think about things any more deeply than that!

Manual Transmission:
The thinking then: Definitely a personal choice thing. Lots of people on different boards swear by their automatic transmission, but there's just so much more control with a manual. NB: Automatic transmission are more expensive to replace.

The thinking now: Alright, so not everything's changed. I still feel like a stick is where it's at. I've watched my JonFund friends do some amazing things just by manipulating the clutch and never touching the gas or break.

Never Been Off-Road:
The thinking then:If you've already beaten it up off road, I don't want it. I want to be the one to beat it up! I've become extremely wary of tow hooks and lifts, even if I know they were only added for show.

The thinking now:Was I completely mental or just naive? Money's tight and modifications are expensive. Yes, I have some good connections that can get me parts at a discount rate. Yes, I know people who will give their time to help do work in exchange for beer and pizza. Unfortunately, even the cost of cheap parts and victuals adds up. My first rig -- and all subsequent rigs, of course -- but especially my first rig will get beat to hell as I really learn how to drive off-road. All the observation hours in the world won't actually get me ready to drive on my own. There is no limit to the amount of beatings a good Jeep can take, especially if it gets a little love in between. I'm over it. Not to say that someday, when money springs eternal, I won't take a pristine, stock Jeep and modify the poop out of it, then gladly showing off each and every piece of damage like it was a child I had produced from my loins. I've said in the past that I like a car with some history, what's better history than a lifetime of wheeling?

6 Cylinder Engine:
The thinking then: Bad ass girls drive bad ass toys. Enough said.

The thinking now:Other than the correction you all gave me about I vs. V, this one hasn't changed either. The difference in power really can be the deciding factor between owning an obstacle or the obstacle owning you; I've seen it first hand.Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

New All Things Jeep Contest Announced! Win $500 Gift Certificate.

Jean Wnuk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:23:00 GMT

It's summertime again and that means another ALL THINGS JEEP CONTEST!

Yup, it's time to try and Win our Money! A $500 Gift Certificate to AllThingsJeep.com to be exact. Can you say, "Sweeeet!"

This year we have something that's really gonna make you work! It's very simple in idea, and potentially complex in the execution of your entry. it's profound, really. Simply answer the question we pose here:

It's a Jeep Thing...You wouldn't understand. WHY?

Yes, WHY?

Tell us why it's a Jeep thing. Better yet, SHOW us why it's a Jeep thing.

We want you to create a short video (using a camcorder or the video mode of your digital camera) showing us why it's a Jeep thing. (Is your brain already thinking of what you could do? Good!)

So create that short video (30 seconds to 5 minutes is what we figure), upload it onto www.YouTube.com (for the world to see). Add some tags which will help us identify it as a contest entry. ex) All Things Jeep Contest

And maybe YOU could be the lucky winner of a $500 Gift Certificate to AllThingsJeep.com.

There's a bunch of rules and requirements (nothing you can't handle). You'll find them all here.

All Things Jeep Contest to win $500 Gift Certificate

We imagine all sorts of cool entries - rock crawling, rap songs, improvisational dance routines, poetic interpretations spoken while fender deep in mud. You get the idea. And we can't wait to see them.

If you are not the creative type, or your camera still requires that you take your film down to Walmart to have it developed, well then sorry. Please participate by viewing the videos and voting for the ones you like best. They should be a lot of fun.

Frankly, this contest requires some effort. We don't expect a lot of entries because so many people are lazy. But that increases YOUR odds of winning. So skip work, rustle the kids out of bed, and get going! Your odds are good!

The contest runs the month of August 2009 and we'll post winners the first week of September. Let the games begin!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Jeep People - It's $10 dollar T-shirt Tuesday! 10 Tees. $10 Each.

Jean Wnuk — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:37:00 GMT

It's $10 dollar tee shirt Tuesday again at www.allthingsjeep.com.

See them all right here:

Ten Tees. Each Ten Dollars. Today. Tuesday.

(We love alliteration.)

(This sale includes some brand new women's Jeep-brand Tank Tops that have finally showed up at the point in time when the summer is almost just winding down. We don't need them here all winter so start shopping!) And spread the word. The more successful this day is, the more often we'll do it.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Jeep Soft Tops versus Jeep Summer Tops. Which to choose

Jean Wnuk — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:54:00 GMT

This blog post is being written to answer the question "Should I get a Jeep soft top or a Jeep summer top for the nice weather?" and is really written for the new, confused Jeep owner (just like I used to be... and sometimes still am!) I will try and answer all the questions people ask on the phone when they call about this topic. My Jeep came with a hardtop and as summer approached, I wanted, of course, to be able to be topless in the Jeep. But what top to get --- a soft top that you can fold back or a summertime top like a Bestop Bikini Top or Bestop Safari Top? It can be very confusing. Hopefully, after this short blog post, you'll know everything you need to know to make a decision.

One note. Readers, please chime in with any additional information that can help others.

Jeep Hardtop owners who want to go topless in the summer have 3 choices and I've listed my pros/cons on each choice.

1. Remove your hard top. Replace it with nothing. Enjoy.

Pros:

Doesn't cost you anything.
You enjoy the open air feeling all the time.
You don't need to fiddle with setting up any top.
People smile at you when you drive by. (They're jealous.)
It's a chick or guy magnet.

Cons:

When it rains, you get wet.
When it's cool, you'll need to bundle up.
When it's cold, you'll wish you had a top.
People laugh at you when you drive by. (They're glad it's you, not them, getting soaked in the storm.)
Other Jeep owners empathize.

60 degrees and sunny feels a lot cooler traveling in an open air Jeep at 30-40mph and when the sun goes down, it can feel actually cold.

2. Remove your hardtop. Replace it with a Jeep Soft Top.

Pros:

Flexibility. You can get the open air feeling by removing your side windows and rear window or enjoy a true topless experience by folding the top all the way back.
When it gets cold, the mosquitoes and black flies are attacking, or when it rains, you can fold the top back up, pop in the windows and you will be fully enclosed again.

Cons:

A soft top is expensive. It will run you $500 - $1200 depending upon the year/model Jeep you have.
Until you are a pro at it, the process of folding the top up and down, and zipping out/in the windows will take you 15-30 minutes.
If you are short, it is virtually impossible to do alone. (I have to climb up onto the Jeep or sometimes IN the Jeep to manage this alone and if someone is around, I'll always beg for help.)
When you do fold the top down, you first have to take out the windows and store them somewhere. If you don't store them safely in a clean, dirt free area, pretty soon you won't be able to see out of them. It's amazing how scratched up they can get. [ Shameless Plug for a product we carry: The Cloverpatch Window Roll for Jeeps is a simple, affordable solution that lets you take your windows with you, but keeps them safely stored, rolled up and out of the way. ]

NOTES: If you've never had a soft top before, make sure you choose one that comes with all the hardware - the "bows" that act as it's moving frame (or "skeleton"), holding the fabric on. In the Bestop Line, this is the Bestop Supertop product line. (If you already have the soft top hardware and just need the replacement fabric, you would choose the Bestop Replace-A-Top, which uses existing hardware.)

3. Remove your Jeep hard top. Replace it with a Jeep summer top.

Think of a summertime top as simply a "tarp" or "sheet" that connects to your Jeep's frame and covers the area above your head. Given that the area on the sides of you is completely open, a summer top doesn't offer much protection from anything other than a hot sun or light rain. It shades your head and eyes.

There are 2 styles of summer top.

Material sized to cover JUST the 2 front seats of the Jeep. Bestop calls this their Bikini Top (and they've trademarked that name, even though it's become a universal term for this type of top). Rampage Products calls theirs the "California Top" or the "Brief". Vertically Driven Products calls theirs the "Brief Top".

If you have passengers in the backseat and want to be considerate, then you can choose the style that covers the area above the front seats and the back seats. This is a larger area to cover. This is Bestop's Safari Tops, Rampage Products "Island Topper" or Combo Brief (love that product!) or Vertically Driven Product's "Full Brief". Every vendor names their product differently but the main point is coverage for just the front seats or coverage for both front and back.

Ok, now, with a summertime top you will need an attachment point up at the top of your windshield. They don't use the attachment points your hardtop or soft top did. That means you need to purchase an additional piece of hardware called a Jeep Windshield Channel and attach it to your Jeep. This is nothing more than a long piece of metal that screws (older Jeeps) or clamps (newer Jeeps) onto your windshield, and provides a channel for the summer top to slide into.

So, here are my thoughts on the pros and cons of a summer top.

Pros:

A true open air feel, while avoiding sunburn and some light raindrops. You'll see a lot of summer tops out on the trail, when the folks know they'll be out in the sun all day and want some protection.
A summertime solution that will cost you under $200 (top and windshield channel), and often much less.

Cons:

Cold, mosquitoes, sudden rainstorms.
Also, when you want to remove the top and replace it with a hard top or soft top, you need to remove the windshield channel too. (Windshield channels and soft tops can't be used at the same time.*)

Frankly, we sell a lot of summer top to these types of Jeep owners:

Jeepers who live in dry climates where is rarely rains.
Folks who can house their Jeep in the garage when the weather stinks.
Owners whose Jeep is not their daily driver, but just a fun vehicle to take out on nice, sunny days.
And finally, to those hardcore Jeepers who don't give a damn about the weather, the bugs, etc. Their motto is, "If you wanted to be comfortable, you should have purchased a Honda." (I love those guys!)

* One of our favorite products is the Spiderweb Shade Top which does not require a windshield channel and can stay on your Jeep even when you put your soft or hard top back on. This shadetop bungees to your rollbar. Pretty neat.

Personally, here are my stats:

-live in New England with extremely unpredictable weather

-my Jeep is my daily driver

-I have yet to snag a parking space in the garage

Thus, I have a soft top on my Jeep and can enjoy the weather when it's great, and stay warm and dry when it's crappy out.

But if I moved to Arizona or Nevada where it rains 2 days a year, I'd go bikini top all the way (sorry passengers in the back seat. Get your own Jeep!)

Hope that helped a little bit. Post your questions/comments here and we'll try and answer them for you. Which top do you have and why?Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

A Jeep Love Affair: Taking Care of Business

Corinne Customer Service Manager — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:13:00 GMT

If you read the All Things Jeep (blog.allthingsjeep.com) blog much, (this thing here) you know that we love 4-wheeling. You also probably know that when we wheel, we like to do it with the folks at Connecticut based 4-wheel club JonFund (www.jonfund.com). We love JonFund so much, we even have a member design our popular Where's Your Playground Jeep Tees .

JonFund president, Mike from our warehouse

(seen here wearing his It's an XJ Thing, You wouldn't Understand Tee-Shirt)-- told me that in a survey of their club members last year, one of the three most important things about club membership was helping each other. Sure, the jokes can be merciless -- just ask about an unfortunately named sundae or what moniker a deep hand wound might get -- but when it comes down to it, the bromances in Jonfun put Affleck and Damon to shame.

Since the universe has never created an obstacle a JonFunder can resist, these guys have to be able to count on each other. Sometimes, it's to find the best line, or to get winched out of a bad spot or to make a trail repair -- sometimes it's something bigger. Starting a beautiful, sunny ride last weekend, a small handful of the group decided to try a tough rock face. Everyone was fully aware that this was an especially difficult section of trail and that the risk of damage was very real. The bulk of the group decided to save it for the end of the day, just in case. The steep face and the mud from the 6 straight weeks of rain we've seen here in Massachusetts beat most of the drivers and the group made good use of their winches. One driver looked like he was just about to make it when, instead, his tires began to slip and he rolled. Voices yelled "Hands in, hands in, hands in!!!" and everyone took off running towards the rig. Fortunately, driver, passenger and rig all escaped relatively unscathed. The other drivers in the group helped them get out safely, get their gear out and salvage the oil pouring out through the hood. Those who could checked the engine and helped get it into working shape so they could keep going. People even gave up their spare oil so these guys could keep wheeling. They were able to get through the entire rest of the day and show some good obstacles what for.

Beyond taking care of people and rigs, I'm also impressed with JonFund's attitude towards taking care of the Earth. Prior to meeting the JonFunders, I didn't understand how Tread Lightly(www.treadlightly.org) could possibly apply to wheeling. As a backpacker and kayaker, I just couldn't fathom how people driving SUVs through the woods could be good stewards of our planet. OK, maybe they were good about packing out their trash, but that's as far as it goes, right? I stand solidly corrected. In general, wheeling helps preserve natural, undeveloped spaces. If land owners can make money keeping the trees and opening space up to wheelers, they don't need to sell it off to be turned into condos and espresso bars. That certainly works with the values of this tree hugger. I've seen members stop the whole group because they saw a piece of trash off the trail and wanted to pick it up. On-trail stewardship extends far beyond packing out trash. These guys are serious about staying on the trail, respecting the plants and animals,and minimizing erosion. In the case of the rolled rig, a lot of oil still made it the the ground despite the salvage effort. It would have been so easy for the group to just drive away and leave a puddle of motor oil. Instead, they shoveled all of the oily mud into trash bags and used rags to soak it up off the rocks. There was zero evidence that oil had ever spilled in that area. I think the Lorax would have been pleased.

So, I still haven't made much progress towards acquiring my own rig, but in the meantime I'm figuring things out. Things like the importance of seat belts, spill kits and good friends.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Basic Jeep Trail Safety Part 1

Lindsey the Summer Intern — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 GMT

NOTE: Blog written as a result of fellow employee doing some pretty decent damage to his skull on a weekend trip 2 weeks back. Lots of blood involved, but he's okay now.

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Okay kids, let's talk about Trail Safety for a bit, specifically First Aid. When you go off roading, you're trying to reach the most inaccessible, extreme places around. You're dealing with wilderness, heavy machinery, and factors unknown. The deeper you go into your adventures, the farther away you are from help. All this adds up to bad news if a serious injury occurs! Luckily, the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," rings very true here.

First things first, you'll want to have a First Aid kit. Now, most First Aid kits include some gauze, a variety of Band-Aids, and some name brand painkillers. While this is good to have in your Jeep for day to day adventures, you'll want to create a more extensive kit for your off pavement trips. Keep in mind that you'll probably be trying to keep a wound under control until you can find proper medical attention, which could be hours away. The few 2"x2" gauze squares that come standard in most kits are great for a small scrape or cut, but if you've got a wound that won't stop bleeding you're going to go through those little guys quick! Clean towels kept separate from the rest of your gear are a great help (no, your oil rag will NOT suffice!). A large roll of gauze, scissors, and medical tape will make you a very happy camper. Also bring along some old t-shirts that have been washed. These can be ripped into long strips and tied on to hold gauze in awkward places.

More often than not, the scrapes, cuts, and gashes acquired on the trail will have some of said trail ground into them. So, unless you want to lose that limb, cleaning out wounds is of vital importance. Bring along a water bottle to be used strictly for flushing wounds. The large medical Q-tips and a bottle of iodine should definitely be in your First Aid kit. An ice compress in your cooler (again, keep it in a separate plastic bag so it's not filthy) will provide some relief for most injuries. Other miscellaneous items include ibuprofen or pain killer of your choice, tweezers, calamine lotion, antibacterial ointment, and latex gloves (powder-free).

Please keep in mind that I am by no means a medical professional. This is just an idea of some of the things you'll need based off of first hand experience. You know your region and what types of dangers are most prevalent there. For example, if you live in a snake area, bring a snakebite kit! Common sense and caution are the best prevention, but injuries are sometimes unavoidable. Not being prepared, however, is a mistake that you can (and should) avoid! Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

A Jeep Love Affair: Jeep Dogs!

Corinne Customer Service Manager — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:59:00 GMT

I started my three day weekend with a lazy morning. A sink full of dishes and laundry begging to be done, but I'm playing on Facebook and enjoying a breakfast burrito. It goes without saying that I'm a Facebook fan of www.allthingsjeep.com . Here's our All Things Jeep Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/allthingsjeep

Today I checked out the post about the Jeep Dog photo album on our website. There are a whole lot of awesome, adorable and adventurous Jeepin' pooches out there. I know some dogs are good off-road and others would rather spend the day at home, and I wonder how my own 4-legged princess would fare on the trail.

Delilah, my 3-year old bull dog/akita mix could go either way, I think. She can get frustrated on long car rides, but loves all the different smells to be smelled bouncing down the road. Lila's favorite ride is to my in-laws house; we pass a dairy farm, a park that's always full of kids and a roadside seafood stand. So, I think she would stay entertained on the trail. I do worry about her being up for the bumps and confusing angles that come with a good rock climb.

I worry about her safety, too. I've been day dreaming about the mods I'll do when I find that perfect Jeep. One of the first things I want is to make my rig safe and comfortable for my princess. Of course, there's always a good supply of dog toys in my ride at any given moment -- even when she's not in the car. Bones and Jeep rugged rubber or nylon dog toys can turn up at any moment. Lila's very content to hang out in the backseat with all those toys -- really, she hates riding up front -- so we've never needed any kind of barrier between us. However, if we hit a good bump, could she come flying forward? Do we need a barrier net? When she gets bored, sometimes she'll put her head on the center console to be petted. I think I would miss that as much as she would. Maybe, a barrier net's not for us. We will definitely need cargo net, though. Lila's never tried to jump out an open window, but a topless Wrangler has a lot more open space than a window. What if she lost her balance and fell? Or thought she was supposed to jump out? (She is part bulldog, you can't give her too much credit on these things.) A good cargo net - http://www.allthingsjeep.com/asp-3141.html - should do the trick, right? My princess doesn't wear a collar around the house -- her neck is a really thick and foldy -- so it looks strange and matts her fur -- but when we go out, she has to wear her ID tag with my contact information and her rabies tag. Should she wear a brightly colored bandana on the trail just in case? When I lived in Maine, every dog I knew spent Spetember-December sporting some kind of orange gear. I saw some harnesses that clip to the seat belt, but I wonder if they would be too restrictive. Do I need a top net? I don't think she could jump that high, nor have the inclination to do so. Would I need to add anything special to my first aid kit in case she did get hurt? I'm so overwhelmed! When did taking the dog on a car ride become so complicated?

Let me know what you do to keep your Jeep dog safe and happy in your rig! How could you say no to this face?

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

My Jeep's First Real Off-Road Trip - JonFund's Field Trip

Lindsey the Summer Intern — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:47:00 GMT

Bust out the tents! Load up on bug-spray! Fill the cooler with ice and tasty libations! Pack it all into the Jeep and head out for fun! What could be better than a weekend full of camping & wheelin'?

Mike White, aka MrFreakinWhite, who works here at All Things Jeep, also happens to be president of JonFund, a Connecticut based 4x4 club. This weekend they teamed up with Vermont Expedition Society (VTXS) to hold their annual camping & offroading event, Field Trip. Also in attendance were a few members from Western Mass 4x4 and Northeast Toyota Crawlers (NTC).

Collectively, a whopping 35 trucks showed up for trails ranging from the brain-rattling, bone-shaking, hardcore runs to a stocker night run. I'm proud to add that my bone stock TJ on 31" TrXus Mud Terrains made it through said stocker run with zero tugs and only moderate scraping. A 2" lift and I think I'll be able to do it without the ugly sounds from beneath.

Speaking as the smallest Jeep (by far) at the event, you don't have to have a super-modified rig to have fun with the big boys (and girls!). Joining an off roading club is a great way to have fun with people who share your interests, off roading and otherwise. It also gives the perfect opportunity to learn how to wheel safely and pick the brains of those more experienced than you. After all, who doesn't like talking about their own Jeep?

We work hard on our rigs, and seeing those modifications get tested and pulling through in extreme situations is satisfying in a way that only 4x4 owners can truly understand. The only thing more satisfying? Perhaps a half-mile long line of 4x4 grills climbing their way behind you. What can I say? Wheeling camaraderie gives me the warm fuzzies.

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

A Jeep Love Affair Part 2: Bargain Hunting

Corinne Customer Service Manager — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:10:00 GMT

One Girl's Journey...
A Jeep Love Affair Part 2: Bargain Hunting

I have always driven used cars. I'm a bargain hunter, a good New England girl. The high that people get from "that new car smell" has always been lost on me. To me, a car should have history. I like trying to figure out who the previous owner was, why they loved and eventually sold my beast. My very first car, a gift for my 18th birthday, would have been completely undriveable to anyone else, but I loved it. My 13-year-old Chevy Cavalier had most definitely -- if movies are to be trusted -- been the vehicle of low level drug runner. It had a false bottom; the trunk key was fake and no amount of lock picking ever opened it. It had a NO FEAR windshield decal and crown air freshener on the dashboard -- details I left intact as evidence of my car's previous life where it took more exciting trips that carting me to my job at the mall. How did I find this gem? A guy one of my sisters was dating, who may or may not have had mob connections, "found" it for me.

Car #2 was willed to me when my grandmother passed away. It still had her CB radio in it, which she used to chat with truckers. I bought car #3 from my mother's boyfriend's sister; a free spirited woman about whom my mother told funny stories. All of these cars had three things in common: 1. I loved them 2. They had great times with their previous owners 3. (This is the important one) I didn't buy them. Not until the Subaru wagon I currently drive, did I actually go somewhere and negotiate a price with a stranger. I got a pretty good deal because the dealer, who primarily dealt in Toyota pickups, regretted taking it in as a trade as his customers had no interest. He was friendly without being pushy, and I walked away with a good feeling after working with him. I also had an insurace check from the death of #3 for the bulk of the price, so there was no need to discuss financing.

So, Jeep hunting I went. No insurance check, no mobster gifts, I'd have to get some kind of loan. For my bank to give us an auto loan, the car would need to have fewer than 70,000 miles and be newer than 2003. It's a small bank and they have to be careful -- I don't blame them. However, that pushes a rig just out of my price range. I don't want to spend too much for something I plan to put beat up on the trail. So I checked into dealer financing. After one promising test drive last weekend, the dealer told me the best she could do was 28% APR -- despite good credit and a 15% downpayment. Another rig at a different lot was nearly perfect, but I didn't like the particular guy with whom we had been working. Had I dealt with any of the other salesmen who offered their help during the 45 minutes it took him to find keys and a plate, I might have even paid something as ridiculous as 28%. I just couldn't give him my money. Nothing else I saw really spoke to me. Needless to say, I am still Jeepless.

I know that somewhere out there is a rig that runs well, being sold by a likeable salesperson who can offer me an interest rate lower than my age. There is a Wrangler with personality, a great story and an I-6 engine just waiting for me. I just have to find it...

EDITOR NOTE: If you can help Corinne, our new Customer Service Manager find her perfect Jeep, post here. She needs help!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.

Amazing Jeep Owners-Jackie and her Hula Hoops

Lindsey the Summer Intern — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:28:00 GMT

Remember those worksheets in grade school where you looked at a list of names or phrases and said which one did not belong, which one is not part of the group? Okay, here's one.

Off-Roading, Camping, Rock Crawling, Hula-Hooping, Mud-Bogging.

Which one does not belong? Did you say Hula Hooping. That's what I thought until I met one of our customers on our All Things Jeep Twitter page ( http://twitter.com/AllThingsJeep ).

Meet Jackie, from Hoop Du' Jour, http://www.hoopdujourstore.com/

We've seen her around the web and asked her to send us a note about her business. The note is below. One thing I didn't realize until I read this is that Jackie is only 15 years old! Already has her own business and already knows she's driving a Jeep in just a few short months. Frankly, I'm impressed.

"I found out about hoop dancing through my mom and started hooping when I was 13. My mom goes to this big event every year called Burning Man where basically all the free spirited people who like to have fun, set up camp in the desert once a year for a week and have themed camps and parties. Burning man has tons of people doing what we call, hoop dancing or hooping. So once I picked up my hoop I fell in love with it, since it's so much fun and is an amazing source of fitness for your body.

Once I started hooping and getting my hoops through other people I started having my own cool ideas for hoop colors and designs. So I had an amazing idea that I should start my own business making hula hoops and teaching as a Certified Hoop Dance Instructor. I went to a 3 day intensive teacher training with the amazing company HoopGirl, and became a certified hoopdance teacher.

Now I am currently a few weeks away from turning 15 years old, and I am an owner of my hoop business, Hoop Du' Jour and I am a certified hoop dance teacher. I absolutely love hooping and all the oppurtunities it gives me, with doing what I love and being able to work at such a young age.

As for Jeeps, my first Jeep obsession started young, when I saw Lorelei Gilmore's 1999 Jeep Wrangler in my favorite show 'Gilmore Girls'. Then, my dad's girlfriend had a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and we went driving everywhere together with the top down and the doors off and I fell in love! I'm so incredibly excited to start driving in about 6 months and get my very own Jeep Wrangler next year! Hooping and Jeeps are my two great loves, and Allthingsjeep.com of course! Maybe in the future I could start a Jeep HoopGroup and we could go off-roading and hooping on our adventures!

Thanks so much for wanting to learn more about me! I absolutely LOVE you guys and your business! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!"

After reading Jackie's note I'm also thinking of ordering a few "hoops". Seems like a great activity to do when I need a break from my desk while at the office. So long as a video doesn't make it up onto Youtube, I'll be all set.

Thanks for sharing with us Jackie. You are inspiring!

Written by the employees of www.allthingsjeep.com, the biggest on-line Jeep Gift Store. Come visit to find unique Jeep Gifts & Jeep Accessories.