All Things Jeep Blog & Musings

We know, times are tough all over. Gone are the days of leaving the office every day for a grand lunch out at, say, Denny's or Jack in the Box. Back are the days of brown bagging it.

This wouldn't be so bad if all your friends at work didn't mercilessly mock that re-purposed Safeway bag you use to cart around your sandwich and chips.

It's another sad fact that there is a marked shortage of lunch boxes designed to appeal to the off-road enthusiast of the Jeep persuasion. Until now, that is. Enter: the All Things Jeep lunchbag.

Sleek black, featuring a Zippered closure, a front pocket (for your spoons, napkins, small pets, etc.), foil laminate PE foam insulation (to keep your lunch at the right temperature), this is the coolest way to cart your lunch around since that plaid thing with the Thermos in it. There won't be any question that you belong to the off-road elite, as "Off-road Academy" is screen-printed on the front.

Enough talk! How do I get one of these amazing lunch bags?

Funny you should ask, if you can manage to spend $75 or more on our site, the lunch box is free. The item may otherwise be purchased for $6.99.

The ATJ team is a tale of two states. When the MA team and the CA team finally get a chance to hang out together, they generally do things like go to the San Mateo Truck & Jeep Show. The bad news is that, if you're reading this and you didn't go, you missed it.

The good news is, we met Rick Russel! Of the Off-Road Adventures' Series fame, that is. If you're not familiar with Rick Russell, then you haven't been paying attention to the long list of DVDs, most of which can be seen here, we at All Things Jeep have provided for years.

R.R. is an all-around laid-back guy who keeps busy with his off-roading business and is guilty only of being just a bit surprised at the photo op. Of course, there were other highlights -- in truth, too many to mention. Here are a few that stood out.

Jeep Tent

When you say you're going to take the Jeep camping, chances are you don't intend on inviting it into the tent. But you sort of want to, don't you? Sure you do. The tent seen above, then, offers a whole new spin on the notion of taking the Jeep camping. Heck, the Jeep has earned its place as a member of the family, right? Right? And you're not going to let it into the tent? Harsh. Take a cue from the local Jeep club that had this beauty on display and camp with your Jeep.

Your Jeep Wears Combat Treads

This one's wearing tank treads. We realize this isn't exactly breaking new ground, but look -- a Jeep with treads. That's exciting, right? Look in the correct corners of the Web and you can see daredevils using treaded Jeeps to pull outhouses around and stuff. Spare tire becomes optional.

Remember your Roots

As you probably know, Jeep was born of a scrambling, intense need. In a battle for the government bid, Bantam's blueprints had been adapted by Ford and Willys into their own prototypes. The demand for the Jeep was so great by the time each was completed that both, in addition to Bantam's original prototype, were green-lighted for 1,500 units each. Willys' model would become the MA (Military model "A"), which naturally progressed to model "B," becoming, you guessed it, the MB, which is pictured here. Willys' finally won the contract and incorporated the improvements of Bantam's and Ford's models.

And that's all, folks. Thanks for reading. Isn't it just like you were there? OK, maybe not. Here are a few more pics, just for grins.

Photos we want to show you, but won't write about

Shortly after this photograph was taken, Lorraine, of ATJ, crawled into Overkill's wheel well for a quick catnap.

First of all, if you're at a loss for Jeep Valentine's Day ideas, please observe the above image, then follow this link to WillysJeep.com, from whence the image originates, so you can send the valentine to your sweetheart.

What a cool vintage image. Here's hoping you've gotten your ATJ Valentine's goodies, because today is the day. Remember, it's still not too late to order some of our cool VD (Valentine's Day ... where's your head?) stuff and then blame the Post Office for late delivery, and it definitely isn't too late to head over to the gas station and buy a rose from the guy outside with the bucket full of 'em.

All this mushy lovey dovey talk got me wondering just what it is all you Jeepsters are doing for Valentine's Day, and whether or not you take pictures. After combing the Internet, I found an alarming deficiency of photographic evidence that proves that Jeepsters have their own style of lovin'. Can you imagine a rugged Jeep owner handing over a chalky conversational heart candy that reads "B MINE?"

Neither can we. That's because you're not fourth graders, you're Jeepsters. So, whether you're expressing love for your Jeep itself or you're lucky enough to be paired with a fellow Jeepster who understands that off-road enthusiasm deserves a place in the Holiday of Love, snap a couple of pics and send 'em here. We'd certainly like to post them. If we get enough, we can have a Valentine's Photo contest or something.

So, if you're having an off-road Valentine's Day, good for you and take some pictures. Now if you'll excuse me, It's time for me to clock out and go buy some roses from the guy outside the gas station.

Our good buddy Patrick Hughes logged onto the ATJ Blog just the other day and asked whether GTD13 would happen to fall on the date of May 11 this time around, citing rumors that have floated about craigslist.

It's an issue that's buzzing around message boards, and deserves some clarification.

As you can see by this year's new GTD banner, the "official" Go Topless Day is, in fact, May 18. Naturally, a day of such freedom as Go Topless Day can hardly be contained to a single day, any easier than it may be limited to a single event (which it cannot, by the way). We believe Mr. Hughes was speaking of the New Hampshire-based event over at Backwoods Farms, which will indeed occur on May 11.

If you haven't already put it together, that's great news for New Englanders, because you can easily go to the NH event, then to the Ocean State Jeepsters event in MA the following weekend.

Remember back when you were a kid and wished on a star for an extra Christmas? It's finally happened, and you have North Country Rock Solid 4x4 to thank for organizing the 5/11 event. Naturally, ATJ will be at both events, and will be there in spirit at the numerous other events to be staged nation-wide. Stay tuned for info on the 5/18 GTD.

Valentine's Day Fun

It may be fun to go topless in May, but at the beginning of February, it's cold. It's hard to even think about going topless. But you know what's easy to think about? Valentine's day. Yup, it's right around the corner, again, and yup, I heard you groan.

The good news is, we have all sorts of paraphernalia for you to buy your sweetheart — and if you order now, you can even pretend like you didn't forget. The truly strange thing is that the phrases "You Make my Heart Rev" and "Let's Hook Up" are not currently inscribed on any known brand of conversational heart. We checked.

 The candy companies' loss, however, is your ATJ-wear gain. What's more, each of these shirts has a matching pair of sweats, echoing identical sentiments. So you can lounge comfortable in cold, crisp February with your feelings about your honey on your sleeve. Body. Whatever.

These are just a few ways to celebrate your love, ATJ style. Not to neglect the dozens of heart-filled Jeep designs available year-round. There is no reason to contain the expression of 4x4 love.

Of course, sweatpants and nifty T-shirts can only go so far to warm the heart. True love needs more than just comfortable and snazzy around-the-house wear. Something genuine, solid and real. Something like this cool dry-erase board that's free with every order over $75 until Feb. 14. Free shipping on those $75+ orders, too.

Naturally, there are more goodies to be found on the website, which we know you'll visit soon, anyway. Stay with us for GTD13 updates and other exciting Jeep Things that they wouldn't understand.

We're 16 days into a new year, even if you will be writing "2012" on your checks until February. Time to bid 2012 farewell — the last rock has been crawled upon, the last ATJ order sent ... Time to live in the present, here in 2013, in a world of possibilities. Of course, long after that tattered old list of recycled-from-last-year resolutions is given up on, and our treadmills have all reprised their real calling as hat racks, ATJ will still be there for you. First, though, a brief look back at 2012.

We had a pretty rockin' Go Topless Day. GTD12 was adopted by 150 clubs — quite impressive when you consider that a mere five years prior, Go Topless Day was a new phenomenon comprising a few Lancaster, MA, based enthusiasts who celebrated the dawn of Spring by shedding their Jeeps' tops.

With the event, All Things Jeep has similarly grown and blossomed. The above photo was taken by Scott C., one of five Go Topless Day 2012 photo contest winners. The Jeep parade, a common, if beautiful, sight on Go Topless Day, is given a pretty artistic treatment here. It's a pretty good metaphor for the artistic renaissance ATJ has seen in the last year.

Every holiday imaginable was commemorated by a keepsake, whether the sleek Halloween Trick-or-Treat totes in October, the Father's Day Koozies, or the spiffy, specific-to-AllThingsJeep 2012 Christmas Ornament, which has the distinctions of: A) Making Christmas trees of Jeepers in 2012 damn sexy, and B) being virtually indestructible (and don't think we didn't test 'em!).

It's all a part of the ever-expanding All Things Jeep. That's hardly a complete list, by the way, of all the momentos we've produced over 2012's national holidays. We're getting just a little more creative every day. We hope you've noticed, hope you've liked all our exciting new products, and we can't wait to unveil all the cool stuff we have planned for 2013. Not the least of which being, of course, Go Topless Day 2013.

Happy New Year, from ATJ!

"Hi Folks,

I ran into one of our biggest fans this morning.  We will all be doing this (see attached photos) during our next offsite.

 Todd"

It was a recent Monday when the the preceding e-mail, accompanied by the preceding photo, entered the inbox of each of us at All Things Jeep. Our fearless leader, Todd, had been inspired by an early-morning encounter on the way to the office.

So we're getting tats — never mind the irony that the ATJ team of managers made it back from SEMA in Las Vegas tattoo-free and relatively in one piece only to eternally emblazon all of our Jeeply passion on each of our right calves.

The guy's name is John, and he just might be a Jeep fanatic, which of course, in combination with his apparent level of dedication, makes him lovable. Thing is, we think the boss might be serious. We all got a good giggle of what Todd called in the e-mail subject line a "team must-do," but when we joked about getting tipsy and heading over to the tattoo parlor after work, he didn't flinch.

Half of us are afraid of needles. Thanks a lump, John. Well, it does look great on you, man.

Halloween is right around the corner, and of course, that means it's time to start thinking about Christmas.

Christmas? But ... you just said yourself that it isn't even Halloween yet. You're worse than the department stores, at least they don't start playing Christmas tunes until November! Aaaagghhhh!

I know, I know. It can be tough to think about tinsel, eggnog and Holiday cheer when you haven't even carved your Jack-O-Lantern. But consider this: there are fewer than two months in which to drive over the toughest of metaphorical rocks, finding a Christmas gift for that special someone — not to mention that special everyone else. You can never start too early.

The main reason to start your online Christmas shopping with AllThingsJeep.com right at this very moment is that our current promotion, which ends Halloween Day, grants any sale of $75 or more not only free shipping, but a super cool Halloween tote, ideal for trick-or-treating (or even to give your children). And, there's a good chance that, whilst racking up that $75 total, that a special something for your favorite Jeeper may end up added to your ATJ cart. "Your favorite Jeeper" being you, naturally.

Just think of Christmas shopping as a trail waiting to be conquered. To get you started toward free shipping and that tote, here is a by-no-means complete list of cool Jeep gifts that won't break the bank.

FOR YOU

In order to properly get into the Holiday Spirit, you really need to kick things off by getting something for yourself. Christmas cards are a good start -- after all, they're only sort of for you. You're really spreading Jeep cheer with every stamp you use to send them out. Comes in several flavors. 

FOR HER

Whether on- or off-road, your she's stood by you through thick and thin. Better yet, she actually gets weak in the knees at the sound of tires deflating. Doesn't your Jeep girl deserve a thoughtful ATJ trinket to go under the tree? Alongside other gifts, naturally. Never let a Jeep girl get away!

Your Jeep girl is sure to cherish this new cap from Life is Good. Jackie, emblazoned on a fresh pink hat, speeds by giving the Jeep wave. What's not to like? We also have a new aqua colored Native cap she'll love just as much.

This licence plate will quell any confusion as to whose Wrangler that is parked in the driveway. Of course, after she finds this under the tree there will be no more hijacking the misus's JK, or even the neighbors will know what you're up to.

FOR HIM

If you are the girl mentioned in the above section, who swoons at tire deflation, etc. etc. etc., fret not, we've thought of gift ideas for you, too.

If you always wondered just why it takes so many hours to complete an oil change, this sign may be illuminating — that is, if you hadn't already figured out that any work on vehicles includes several beer-and-T.V. breaks.

Swiss Army Knife? Forget that thing, this Jeep Black Multi-Lite Knife makes a toy of it. In fact, calling it a knife is sort of like calling an off-roader simply a driver. Features a 3.5" stainless steel blade, pliers, nut driver, about every screwdriver head you can imagine — the list goes on, but the main point is that this tool is for any task. And who doesn't like to be ready for anything? Heck, grab one for yourself. Why should he have all the fun?

You're tough on your Jeep, your kids are tough on their toys. We get it. These Cross Country Off-Road Jeep will take a beating just like the real thing.

FOR THE STOCKING

These new keychains from PlastiColor would be an exciting find in the toe of your stocking, wouldn't they?

 Jeep Strap Keychain

                                              Jeep Logo Enamel Keychain

More gift ideas to come, naturally. This is just a primer for those of you thinking ahead. Happy Halloween!

Every day is worth living, but on overcast days wherein everything goes wrong, it can be easy to forget. Right now, even in sunny California, we're stuck under a blanket of dark clouds, which only occasionally give way to buckets of rain and thunder.

We're not used to this. We're used to the surfboard weather you see on our postcards, which are captioned, "It never rains in California!"

The rest of our team, in Massachusetts, who have been stuck in mucky weather and have had the wood stove running for weeks just to avoid freezing to death, are understandably unsympathetic to the anguish we feel with our first rainy day of the year.

Anyway, every day is worth living, but rainy, running-late mornings that feature a surprise deficiency of eggs in the fridge and near collisions on the way to the office need reminders.

Lisa, of our Customer Service team, coincidentally thought to bring in such a reminder: Cookies. Now we at All Things Jeep are just ecstatic every time someone brings cookies to the office, but as you can see above, off-road baked goods are just about the best pick-me-up. Each home baked and decorated, with loving detail.

Thanks, Lisa, for making today not suck.

Jeepers looking to make their own versions of these cookies may get these cool Jeep cookie cutters, available only at AllthingsJeep!

What do you suppose the red object in the picture is? I know what you're thinking: Gascan. A good guess, but wrong. You've fallen for the ruse, dear Jeeper, for what appears to be a traditional five-gallon Jerry Can is actually a storage box in disguise — and what a storage box it is. Ideal for tools, there are more drawers and hinges than you could ever figure out what to do with, it locks tight and it even plops into the place your Jerry Can used to go before it became illegal.

This ingenious little Transformer was the star of the show when Dave Williams, of Rampage, brought a bag full of toys over for a visit to the California office of All Things Jeep. It locks too.

Dave showed off several other Rampage products as well.

Highlights:

Tops
Sad, but true: You need a top for your Jeep if you're going to drive it out any time other than, say, Summer, or select days in Spring. Their frameless top, as Dave put it, won't cost a fortune and will keep you safe from the elements.

The top is cool because it doesn't need any additional bows or support hardware, which then makes it even cooler by allowing for larger windows that minimize the threat of the ever-pesky soft-top blind spot. It installs snugly over the factory roll bar. Windows attach to the sides by way of heavy-toothed zippers, and may be removed and stashed in a pouch contained in the top itself.

It also has the distinction of being, essentially, two tops in one. When you need full enclosure, you can have it, but you can also convert to a Safari top. Good fun.

A word of warning, straight from Dave: These windows, transparent and sturdy thought they are starting out, can be discolored over time, if you use brushless car washes. The PH level of the soap involved is apparently off-the-charts acidic. So if you want clear windows, just say no to brushless car washes.

Guess what you're gonna need to make this click onto El Jeep? Quick hint: Rhymes with windshield channel.

Windshield Channels
If you're going to put a top on your jeep, you're going to need one — unless, of course, it's a YJ, in which case you're in luck and can use the factory channel.

The Rampage header channel is actually something of a picnic to adhere to the ol' Jeep. You need not drill, nor even have any tools, it just sort of clamps into place and you tighten the handles.

Double-bladed Windshield Wipers
Yes, you love getting dirty, but your windshield wipers would tell a different story if they could, y'know, talk. They'd probably complain about all the hard work they have to do while you're stomping in mud puddles. Time to put those whiny old things to rest and pick up a set of double-bladed windshield wipers. The patented Double-Blade Technology causes these babies to wipe and scrub simultaneously, a double-action wiper blade.

Each assembly includes the dual blade, frame and universal adapters so you can snap it onto your Jeep no matter what. A pretty cool invention, you ask us. We all like getting dirty, but we still like to see where we're going, right?

Hood Locks

No one likes to return to the parked JK to discover that some dip has helped himself to a free battery. The most obvious reason to have a hood lock is to prevent this. It's also nice, though, that they cut down on the flutter that occurs when you start to pick up speed. The one Dave showed us was die cast, not stamped, metal, which is a plus when you consider how much you'll probably beat it up, the latch being the only protection the stuff under your hood has from the outside world.

Headlight Guards

These headlight guards snap in place. Isn't that cool? After all, in Dave's own words, "Usually, you have to knock the damn grille off." And who wants to go around knocking the damn grille off?

Other stuff

Generally, we had a blast scoping out all the cool Jeep stuff from Dave's bag of tricks. Pizza and a good time was had by all. Party down with Dave Williams if you see him walking down the street. Just don't ask him to navigate out of the wacky maze that is San Jose Mineta airport.

See? It opens.

"Shouldn't have taken that left at Albuquerque." The All Things Jeep engineers decode the Jerry Can Tool Box.

Spiderweb Jeep Girl Amanda says, "Get a SpiderWeb Top."

It’s mid-Summer, and we’re all driving around topless. Ah, the open air, the open view, the wind ruffling your hair ... Ah, the sunburn, the wind-blasted ears ... That's life, baby. The good goes with the bad.

Yup, too much of this good thing can make you rue the day you dropped your top, as red skin peels and the UV has its way with vulnerable interiors. Baking in the sun gets pretty old, too. And don't you wish there was just a little less wind whistling past your ears?

Sure, you're a moth to the topless flame, but what if there was a way to combine the freedom of going topless with the shade a top affords?

Enter: The SpiderWeb summer tops, which answer the Jeepster-specific Summer conundrum. The see-through mesh blocks 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays, but allows enough light in so that you still feel great and topless, not to mention see the summer sky.

Speaking of fastening, you've never attached a top that goes on as easily as the SpiderWeb Mesh tops. A system of special bungees (spider balls), included, quickly and easily strap the top on. They don’t even require the installation of windshield channels.

 In all it's glory: a Spiderball

Naturally, removing the top is a breeze, too.

Speaking of breeze, the SpiderWeb Mesh Top cuts down on enough wind that you can, say, speak and hear during fast Jeeping — E.g. You can hear a phone while driving 70mph.

It doesn't replace going topless, but its damn close, and when you're done jeeping, none of your so-called friends will have cause to slap you on the back and laugh as you writhe on the floor in blister-popped pain.

No matter what sort of Jeep you’re in, we have a top that fits. Any doubts about how easily they are installed may be curbed by watching the lovely Amanda set up one of the two-piece SW2 models here. The Jeep guys may enjoy watching this more than the Jeep girls will.