Last time I wrote in we had just purchased a $400 Jeep in hopes of repairing it before the Gambler 500 in Detroit at the end of April. Up until this point, the gambler was just a dream. We had a lot of work ahead of us and it was time to tear into the Jeep. After going through the vehicle and checking for anything we needed to keep an eye out for we started by tackling that … [Read more...]
Gambling for the Win: Buying a $400 XJ
I feel like I need to make something clear. I have always tried to stay true to the idea of bang for your buck. What's the point of going off-roading in your $50K+ rig when you can have nearly as much fun for a 100th of that price? Enter the Gambler 500. A brutal road and off road rally for $500 cars and trucks this event will test the limits of the most bottom of the bucket … [Read more...]
Project Xterra-ble: Building a Budget Trip Rig
I have to admit that I am fairly new to the off-road world. I've spent most of my life, and cash, on making humble hatchbacks a bit faster at my local racing circuit instead of chewing up my frame rails and axles on trails. Up until recently, I've left the dirt roads and obstacles to my two wheel machines. This year though I've had a change of heart and decided that access was … [Read more...]
How to be a Dirtbag Road Tripper in 5 Easy Steps
Recently I completed a 12,000 mile journey that took me through a majority of the states west of the Mississippi River. Over the seven weeks I learned a lot about life on the road and the challenges associated with outdoor excursions. Being a recently graduated, and quite poor, I lived a dirtbag existence that was low on luxuries but high on fun. Here's my guide for saving … [Read more...]
A n00b’s Guide to Moab
Moab. A playground synonymous with Jeeps, drive shaft shattering trails, and endless rocky mesa’s. A bucket list destination for the dedicated off-road adventurer. Not really the place you would expect to find a group of college kids who have a collective experience of a few dual sport rides on trails and a motocross track day. Not to mention, we all had zero experience … [Read more...]