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3 Good Things Wrangler Owners Do with Their Jeeps and Most People Don't Understand

Jeepers are an interesting bunch. You've seen them. Rolling down the street or highway in a caravan or convoy (my friends prefer the term Jeep-a-van) while the passengers in the cars passing by wish it was them. There could be a few or hundreds. Just today I was in a group of almost 200 going on the annual Suds Run to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston, Texas put on by my great friend Penny Peggy Pam.

One could liken Jeep Wrangler owners to those groups of people who have something in common: lots of energy. Loads and loads of energy. That energy is put to good use.

Jeep Wrangler Owners Give Themselves

You see, Jeepers are a different breed. Most aren't rich, they own Jeep Wranglers (2018 Wrangler debuts online). Most who modify their ride do it a piece at a time as they can afford the next part. But that doesn't stop them from giving. And give they do! A lot of these guys are quite handy with a wrench and so when it comes to turning a wrench they are eager to help. For instance, the lift I put on my 2012 Wrangler JKU. My two buddies Mike and Jason offered their help and we made a day of it. Including the best fried catfish I've ever had! Putting the lift on was a cinch when you have a couple extra hands especially ones who have done it before. My cost? Nothing. I saved a couple thousand dollars because two of my friends knew what it means to be a true Jeeper.

They Give Their Money

But it isn't just that. These Jeepers somehow manage between the Jeeps they own and the responsibilities they have to give back to the communities they are a part of. Like today and the Suds Run. These almost 200 people donated 6700 pounds of laundry detergent and over $13,000 in money to help their fellow man. People they have never met. The benefit... to help those families who are dealing with a child suffering from a terminal or severe medical problem be able to feel human with a clean change of clothes while all their time is focused on that of their dying child.

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Watch why Jeep Wrangler holds its value better than any other car and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for thought-provoking automotive news analysis.

Somewhere between the lift kits, bumpers, lights, winches, and every other modification you can think of, they are digging deep in their pockets to help. I've seen hundreds of Jeepers on charity runs benefiting major events like breast cancer awareness/Susan B. Komen, Saafe House battered women's shelter, pet food and adoption, the groups who's passion it is to go and recover people who have gotten their vehicles stuck in one way or another (S.O.R.T.), and the biggest I have seen, Jeepers spending DAYS evacuating victims from Hurricane Harvey where they were sleeping in their Jeeps, providing meals, giving rides, and traversing high water to make rescues. I have even have a couple friends who left their dry homes to go help others and several days later they get home only to find their home was also destroyed by flooding. Now that is a selfless act! Not a dime was given to these amazing people, nor would they take it. It wasn't about that. They were given this gift so they gave of themselves. They did it because it was right. They did it because it was their responsibility. I call it loving their neighbor as themself.

Wrangler Owners Pay it Forward

Those who have been given much, much will be expected. I can't tell you how many times I have had someone help me add some modification or other to my Jeep. My lift, tires and rims, bumpers, lights, wiring, winch, disconnects, CB, etc. And everyone who had helped me (all different) I asked what I owed them. Their answer was something like, "nothing, just help someone else when they need it". With the exception of an actual shop, I don't think they could take money. I can't. It's just feels... wrong.

Also see: Both The Excitement and Skepticism of The New 2018 Jeep Wrangler

So I help. I turn a wrench like the ones who helped me. They turn a wrench like the ones who helped them. And so on and so on. Now don't get me wrong, we like it. It's fun. It's manly. The Jeep Girls dig it. We score major brownie points! LOL! Totally worth it.

Why Some People Don't Get It

Not everyone can be a Jeeper though. It takes a special breed. Read my previous article on the two types of Jeep owners to see what I mean. But it is funny the looks we get from those who don't understand it. Those who can't feel it. See, Jeepers don't do things small. That's why you see a few hundred Jeeps rolling down the highway going to a charity event. Anyone can give and that is great. But a true Jeeper gives and let's their Jeep be the icon. It's about the charity, it's about showing off their Jeep, but the Jeepers know it isn't about them. They know it is something bigger.

Don't Miss: The Jeeps and Their Owners Who Everyone Forgets: The Unsung Jeepers

Tell me your story. I want to read your comments. Did you rescue or get rescued during Harvey? Post it below in the comments section for discussion. How have you helped or been given help? What did they want in return?

Comments

Vicky Weiseman (not verified)    November 13, 2017 - 11:28PM

I'm a Wrangler owner, but my husband isn't. He's a dietary manager at a nursing home. As you can guess, rain, snow, hurricane, whatever can't stop him and his crew from feeding all those grandma's and grandpa's. So, every winter he borrows my Jeep and picks up his employees so they can get to and from work safely. I had to teach the hubby the "Jeep Wave!"

Jeffrey Lehnert (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 12:02AM

I help run a pretty big Jeep club and more
Important, a children's charity called Jeeps For Joy. Just recently we held an event where we made about 750 build a bears that we convoyed to Children's Hospitals in Baltimore, Philly and Wilmington, DE. I have also helped raise money for 450 rememberance wreaths, to be placed on gravesights at Arlington National Cemetery. I have organized a 40 mile long back the blue ride after a trooper was killed and a pet rescue event to get supplies for the rescue. The variety of events I organize goes to show how interestimh and diverse, that my Jeep family is. Truly amazing and inspiring people.

Colby Butler Gmail (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 7:03AM

Much like the motorcycling community. Similar fashion of traits. I own both cycles and a "trail" Jeep.

Lucas (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 7:24AM

I belong to the Warner Robins Jeep Club. We have rides at ORV parks and local events throughout the year. Our local events always have a charitable component. Food banks, pet shelters, the local Methodist Children's Home..... We also have "wrenching parties" Once we get to know you, member or not, you can attend one of the wrenching parties. Knowledgeable members converge like a Nascar pit crew to get whatever is needed done. Thats how my and my daughter's lifts got done. We've learned a lot. Everyone pitches in. Same thing at the rides. There is a special bond, many don't get it and that's Ok. Check out our forum WRJEEPCLUB.COM

Craig fanning (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 9:53AM

Our group just raised 1860.00 for toys for tots run...930.00 to each of the 2 rides we are participating in. Our group members came thru for the children. On 9/11 we raised 650.00, we sponsored a party for the group and donated 325.00 to a k-9 police unit and 325.00 to the local fire department. At the party we also raised an additional 400.00 a piece for each group for total of 725.00 for each first responder unit. Its amazing the power of jeeple and the kindness is second to none.

Roger Artz (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 10:36AM

I am a nurse by trade and a Jeeper!! I spent my off days taking other nurses to work during the snow storms last year. We need to be at work no matter what. Also the rides for charty or the back the blue rides are awesome. Met some awesome people in this jeeper life!!

Brian (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 3:22PM

For he past 7 years I have hosted an event called Wheeling 4 Ronald. It is a charity event to raise money for he Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. Every year I am blown away by the generosity of fellow Jeepers. It always amazes me how Jeepers come together to help their community and make the world a better place.

Stephen Defazio (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 10:07PM

2 time jeep owner and love the life. Check me out
Jeepers Unite on Facebook . Small time guy who loves jeeples

Tammy (not verified)    November 14, 2017 - 10:14PM

I wish I could add a pic. A week after Harvey hit our neighborhood flooded out due to all the flood water running off from Houston. We live in Brazoria county and we we're flooded bad. We went to bed on Thursday night and had no flooding at our place and woke up Friday morning to standing water in our whole yard. Reached out to our jeep family and they went and loaded their jeeps with sandbags to bring to us to help us from getting the house flooded. Amazing people Jeepers are!!!! Proud to be a part of it!

Jim L. (not verified)    November 19, 2017 - 1:12PM

After Hurricane Harvey, I returned from Austin and went to Academy to get a tent. On my way back, I stopped by two cars (with hazard lights on). Fortunately, they were just trying to get a cell phone signal.

Matt (not verified)    January 27, 2018 - 11:32PM

Kinda sounds like any good off-road group, or pretty much any group of enthusiasts. Keep telling yourselves your special, it’s working!

Alex Widenhouse (not verified)    July 2, 2018 - 8:18AM

We have done many events, back the blue, toy drives and I did a Jeep run for a dear friend who’s son developed cancer. 80 Jeeps through a neighborhood with yellow balloons. And there are more stories. Jeepers United

Tina (not verified)    July 3, 2018 - 4:21PM

You hit the group perfectly. We have several organized events a year. Feeding the homeless once a month, delivering toys at Christmas time and my favorite, giving back to the men and women who have served our country. So proud to be a jeeper.

Allab (not verified)    October 17, 2018 - 10:44PM

I own a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Softop Willys Edition. I am very happy every time I get behind the wheel. But I have to say every once in a while another Wrangler that is raised with large tires and lift kit drive by and act like they are the king of 4x4's. As they pass by me I can't help but notice underneath their "Rugged" looking 4x4 is a clean surface as a new vehicle in a Dealer show room. In my motorcycle world we used to call then POSERS. I admit I have taken my stock vehicle off road twice and it looks it when I leave the grounds. Not jealous, just saying. Good riding to all!