Jeep 101 FAQ

I want to attend the Jeep 101, do I need to be a club member?
Baystate Jeepers Jeep 101 is open to non-members, as long as you are driving a Jeep. Of course becoming a member of Baystate Jeepers is encouraged to continue your wheeling journey and bond with the great members of Baystate Jeepers.
 
What equipment do I need?
Baystate Jeepers has several basic equipment requirements for our runs. The only equipment required for our Jeep 101 event is a full-size spare tire and front and rear tow points in case you need some assistance. Factory or after-market hooks or D-ring will suffice. A ball hitch on the rear is not a tow point. A D-ring in the receiver is OK.

Remaining equipment requirements – For all other Baystate Jeepers runs you will require the following: Working FRS Radio, Tow Strap, Fire Extinguisher, and First Aid Kit. These are ‘Nice to haves’ for the 101.

Do I need an air pump?
We will be asking everyone to air down to have more traction on the trails, but you do not need to have an air pump to air back up. If you have a pump you should bring it, but we can share with members that have pumps and tanks. Pumps that run off the cigarette lighter port will be too slow and probably overheat/shut off before you can fill 4 tires.

How do I air down?
Anything to push in the pin in the valve stem will work, but of course tools meant for the job work better. We’ll share what we have to help make it easier, and talk about them in the lectures. Typical street tires should go down to 15 lbs, thick-walled mud terrain tires can go to 10 or less. Everyone should air down in the field before heading out to the trails.
 
What else might I want to have?
The typical items you may need while out in the woods. Bug spray, sunscreen, water, extra dry clothes.
 
What can I expect from this event?

1. Fun!!  This will be a first-time experience for many of you, relax and enjoy it.
2. Lectures and demonstrations.
3. How to use 4 Low, how to drive on various terrain, trail etiquette, winching and strapping, gear you need, and gear you might want to have.
4. Field Activities:

Brick Clearance – Drive over rows of increasingly taller bricks to learn where the low spots are under your Jeep and how much space you have to play with.

Log Run – Practice driving in 4 low, moving up onto logs, and maybe slipping off… Drive slow while following your guide’s hand signals to keep your tires on the logs.

RTI Ramp (Ramp Travel Index) – Drive up an incline ramp until one tire just leaves the ground.  This will show you how much flex your vehicle has, check if your tires will rub in the wheel wells, and it’s cool for pictures.

Your first trail run…after the field activities and lectures conclude lunch is provided before heading out to the trails. The trails are good for beginners and stock vehicles. You’ll experience hills, off-camber terrain (leaning to one side), rock obstacles, narrow passages between trees and possibly a small water crossing. There are also a few completely optional bigger rock piles and ledges for the more adventurous (and lifted) Jeepers.

Will I get damage?
While this is a beginner trail and we do not intend for vehicles to be damaged, it is always possible when traveling off-road. The most common damage we see is punching in the corner on a stock plastic bumper. The plastic is so soft most people have no idea when/where they even hit something, but when they get out at the end of the day they have a souvenir. They can usually be popped back out with a heat gun. A cut tire is also a possibility, we see one every few years. Finally, you’ll probably scrape a rock or six along the underside of your jeep, usually just on the frame, causing no real damage, but the noise always makes the first-timer cringe.

 
Do I need to drive the trails?!
No, that’s entirely up to you.  If you’re not yet comfortable with driving your rig on the trails, or you are unsure, you do not need to drive your Jeep on the trails.  We encourage you to participate as a passenger to experience the trail ride.  You could even park your rig at the entrance to the trail and ride along with someone else for the first loop and decide later if you want to attempt the second loop.
 
How long will the day last?
24 hours, like all days.  But if you’re wondering about the event itself, it is always difficult to predict how long we will be on the trails. It depends on how easily the group is moving, if anyone has any trouble, and how many Jeeps there are. We plan to go out onto the trails around 1pm, and can spend 3-4 hrs out there. The trails do loop back near the entrance/exit so there is an opportunity to leave halfway through, but no guarantees on what time that will be. It’s best to not have specific plans right after the event (this applies to all our runs).