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Let us start with the regular Jeep owner. They are the ones that go out and buy themselves a Jeep. Sadly they have no intention of doing anything with it. Nothing with what the Jeep is made for. None of the doors off, top off, or ruggedness one can handle that goes hand in hand with the iconic vehicle that is a Jeep. We call them Mall Crawlers here in Houston. They are a fickle breed. LOL. With them there will be no lift kits, winches, or modifications. Not that you have to modify your Jeep to be considered a true Jeeper, or even a Wrangler owner. But to them, it is just another vehicle no different than your typical Toyota or Honda.
Now we have the Jeepers. If we call the regular Jeep owners the spectators in life who just want to sit back and watch then Jeepers are the participants. They can’t just sit there and watch life go by them when they can be in it, live it, experience it, and also contribute to it in a positive way. I add that last part because of what I have seen the last few years in the Jeep community and groups I am and have been associated with. Even with Jeep meaning “Just Empty Every Pocket”, these people have shown me what it means to be charitable. Giving of themselves, their hard earned money, time, and effort and labor, for those in desperate need. They have given back way more that they have taken in having a Jeep. I look at it this way…they bless others because they know they have been blessed.
Don't Miss: 3 Good Things Wrangler Owners Do with Their Jeeps and Most People Don't Understand
A little about me... my first Jeep was a ’79 CJ-7 Quadratrac and was a love/hate relationship. I loved it when it was running and hated it when it wasn’t. Which was usually half the time. It had the 304 V8 and my philosophy was just give it a little more gas. When it worked. It had an issue with vapor lock. I never got it stuck though and other than slightly larger tires, it wasn’t modified in any way. In fact, it was red with a primer grey fender. But it took me places I never would have been without it. Places where few have trod. That was the beginning of my long journey with Jeep that has lasted 21 years and five Jeeps.
I knew very little about Jeeps back when I owned the CJ. Along the way I have picked up a few things but I definitely don’t know it all. However, I do know the potential of a Jeep and all you need is just a little imagination. This is why I consider myself a true Jeeper.
In order I have owned the ’79 CJ-7, a ’96 Cherokee Sport, 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited, 2004 Grand Cherokee Limited, and a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport (Modified). I have taken all of them off-road; most of them in Colorado. They all managed to pick up a little nature’s pin striping in their respective lives and each of those was a story in and of itself. The only Jeep that I modified was the Wrangler. So when I said above that you didn’t have to modify a Jeep in order to be a true Jeeper, I meant it.
You see, the potential of a Jeep isn’t necessarily what you put on it, but what you do with it and where it takes you. Anyone can drive on a road. Anyone can drive a car. A Jeep however, can do so much more. A car can take you down the road, a Jeep can take you anywhere. Because when your kids are older, they aren’t going to remember when your car got 38 mpg. They will remember the trips exploring the great outdoors, seeing God’s creation, hanging on the side of a cliff on a narrow trail, when they were covered in mud, getting caught in the rain with the top off, driving doorless and topless.
These are all adventures that are unique to one vehicle that was made just for it. The Jeep. It is kind of like owning an airplane. You don’t buy a plane to let it sit on the ground, you buy one to fly it. You don’t buy a Jeep to just go to the mall. I mean, it doesn’t have a seven slot grill because seven is a lucky number. It is because Jeep was the first vehicle to drive on all seven continents.
Last year my Jeep group, Prison City Jeepers, had an event that took eight Jeeps and 21 people to the mountains of Colorado. There we explored some of the back roads and Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails that are more famous in the Silverton/Ouray/Telluride areas. The trails ranged from easy to difficult and our Jeeps ranged from stock to heavily modified (Retribution, story for another article). I would almost venture that this was the Jeep trip of a lifetime, but honestly, when I lived in Colorado a number of years ago I did this fairly often all over the state. Never in a group this large though. There was so much to see that takes your breath away. The views were stunning, the trails were treacherous in places, nature was calling, and the company was fantastic. I would wish that everyone could experience a trip like this one.
You see, I refuse to let life pass me by. I want to get out and see it and be a part of it. With a Jeep I can see what most will never experience. So I can’t just own a Jeep because there is so much more to it than that and I choose to see it. And there in lies the gist of this article. Those who choose to see and those that let it pass them by. This is why we “Jeep Wave.” We get it. Jeepers vs Jeep Owners. Let’s face it… But please, don't forget the unsung Jeepers and give them a good wave too.
It’s a Jeep thing, but you have to open your eyes to understand it…
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Comments
I sold my 3.8 Rubicon and got
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I sold my 3.8 Rubicon and got myself a 97 XJ.
LOoooVING IT!! Especially when the 2017 oweners be like "She won't make it" BBBBRRraaaapPPP!!
TARRRA!!!
The point is, ive had the new (expensive tipe,lift kits lockers,muds, you all know the deal)
But i got fed up with the "high class" that wants to compete with money.
So got my Xj, home made lift kit, 33's exe.
And she goes anywhere, makes good memories Started jeeping for FUN TIMES not bla bla bla!!
I WASTE WHAT YOUR "HYBRIDS" SAFE ;)
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My cuasent has a few jeeps
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My cousin has a few jeeps and runs with is own group. They call then selves real keepers. Some have mods some dont. I have been out riding shot gun with him on many occasions. They don't judge. I have seen first hand 20 to 30 jeeps in a row mixed with pickup trucks and all wheel drive cars. Owning a jeep doesn't make you a jeeper. Like owning a bike doesn't make you a biker. Being in group makes you a jeeper no matter what you drive. Off roading is off roading. All is welcome. Won't to be a real jeeper leave the trails make your own that's what jeeps were made for. Everyone gets misinformed about what's jeeping. Drive a hunting trail in a jeep that a Honda can drive down isn't jeeping. Climbing over rocks and threw water that a normal car can't go threw is jeeping or called off roading. Like the other person said if your being judged for what you drive or what mods you have then your in the wrong group.
Gonna have to disagree with
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In reply to My cuasent has a few jeeps by Jeff schoonmaker (not verified)
Gonna have to disagree with you my friend. Jeepers ARE in fact Jeep owners. It's where the term comes from. Jeep(ers). If you are off-roading in a pickup truck then you would be an off-roader or a wheeler (going wheeling), but not a Jeeper. It's like a guy calling himself a girl because that is how he "identifies" himself. You can call a car a Jeep all you want, but in the end it is not a Jeep, it's still a car, albeit probably a capable car, but still a car. Like the guy is still a guy. Being a member of a group makes you a member of a group, it doesn't magically turn your all wheel drive subaru into a Jeep, nor the owner into a Jeeper. However, having a group that includes all off-road vehicles and doing runs together is a great thing and all can enjoy it. Most of the Jeep only groups aren't necessarily judging non-Jeep owners, but are just wanting to be with other Jeepers. It doesn't make them bad, the individuals themselves do that. Whether that is a Jeeper, a Jeep owner, a truck owner or etc.
Also, Jeeps were made for rugged terrain, NOT for blazing your own trail in the country side tearing up the landscape and scenery. I encourage you to look up the term "Tread Lightly" because it is people with the mindset that because they have an off-road vehicle that gives them the right to go any and everywhere they please with no regard for the damage they leave behind that trash things up for the rest of us who want to enjoy being out in nature. There is a responsibility that comes with off-roading and it should be respected along with the nature and critters homes that we tread upon. We are blessed to enjoy their backyard, NOT tear it up!
Sir, I myself think it was a
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Sir, I myself think it was a good article. Some start the read and by the third or fourth sentence have already made a judgemental assumption on the whole article. Jeepers are groups of people that come together for the greater good, the do for others more than yourself,or help out your fellow neighbor or friend. The people in these groups all started out in little groups but always had a open door for others to enter. Sure most didn't understand the jeepers real meaning at first. As they grew an learned it also became a way of life they took on. There are also those that portray the jeepers. That just because they drive one think they are the same but just don't grasp the true meaning of it all, and may really care less. That's the separation of the jeepers an mall crawler. The mods and rides etc are the perks of the group, I prefer to use community, people think about that an simply look over the true bases these individuals bring out. More people need to care about their neighbors, brothers, heck their fellow man more than they do. Bet these individuals bring a sense of pride to people that have no affiliation to them at all when they hear of the good deeds they do. I am proud to consider myself a jeeper as I try to do all I can for others with no thought of anything in return. Judge not less ye be judged. That's my opinion anyway.
Why is it that Wrangler
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Why is it that Wrangler owners look down on the Grand Cherokee I have a 06 and everyone says it's not a Jeep just a payment princess? I have the 2 in level kit 31's and how every trail I find
I started a group called jeep
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I started a group called jeep_syndicate for the same reason that, if you don't belong you go astray. I do believe in two types, the wavers and the I don't understand why he is waving at me... I waveto all in a jeep, regardless of it being a grand Cherokee, a liberty. I have ran Into a lot of trails met so many great people over the years. Let's not judge a person by what they drive, but by how they act.
I agree with let's not judge
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In reply to I started a group called jeep by Jeep_SYNDICATE (not verified)
I agree with let's not judge a person by what they drive. I recently became an owner of a jw sport. I want to tell you why I drive a jeep and keep it looking pristine. The jeep belonged to my nephew. He loved it! He's military. He only had it 8 months when he received orders to ship out for 2 years. He did not want to lose the jeep. We bought it from him. He will buy it back when he returns in 2 years I'm keeping it in the best possible condition and agreed upon very low mileage . Everytime I drive it I think of him. I listen to his music. He told me right away about the jeep wave. So far I have no demerits. Just saying there are other reasons out there why some of us drive our "pretty" jeeps to church on Sundays, to the mall or grocery shopping or just out to eat. When he gets back he has his plans to customize "his" jeep and looking forward to it. Just glad we could help him out.
Wow, I was looking at sites
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In reply to I agree with let's not judge by Kehde (not verified)
Wow, I was looking at sites on jeeps because I am helping fix someone's jeep when I ran into this interesting jeep wave stuff. I grew up in the back of an fj40 and have owned 22 and driven them since high school. I watched my dad meet people in parking lots and out and about with other land cruisers and I have done the same in my 30 some years of driving land cruisers and I have motorcycles, and it's true that each unique vehicle waves to each other. I have jeeps wave at me all the time. I wave back out of kindness. Some people think my fj40 is a jeep. It doesn't bother me at all. A lot of times I get a wave and a confused look because they aren't sure what they just waved at. I know however that ANY land cruiser would stop and help me if I needed it and ANY fj40 driver is an instant friend. All this wave stuff has become strange. What is this hierarchy stuff? As a non jeeper looking in, it seems odd. Good luck guys, I will still wave back at anyone that waves at me, in a jeep or even if they are waiting for a bus. I dig the Willys and cj's by the way. I have even owned a few old(I am old) jeeps;)
I have owed many jeeps.1941
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I have owed many jeeps.1941 Willys to present day 2017 JKURR.
I have it modified to my taste as I think everyone should. I love offroading (Been to Moab and loved it) but to me thats not what its all about.
My jeep is me, an extension of my personality. Me just being me.
If you are a real jeeper wave at the jeep in front of you not the person in it.
I drive a 99 tj modified, and
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I drive a 99 tj modified, and find myself on the trail whenever i can. There are jeep clubs around me, I've met several members throughout the years, but was never interested in joining. Truth is ill wheel with anyone, chevy, ford, dodge, toy... Or alone. It doesn't matter to me. I understand the writer's points, but have heard through freinds some of the jeep club members dont like mods i installed or welded up and fault me for it (not in front of me). I think my (trail wear speaks for itself) this 99 looks like it invaded poland, when many club members treat them like a sports car...idk, but people are different in other parts of are great country... Anyway happy trails, do you!
Most of this article is spot
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Most of this article is spot on. There are definitely two types of Jeepers, five actually. There are the hardcore rock crawlers who super mod their rigs to challenge their driving skills, mother nature, and gravity. These are the daredevils you see in videos.
Then there are the overlanders, who had out into deep nature and camp in their roof mounted tents.
Some of us, like the Desert Wranglers Jeep Club in Las Vegas just like heading out for the day to explore natural wonders and historical relics. We may cross obstacles to get there, but we don’t get there to do obstacles. We represent all walks of life: retired couples, working families, young individuals. Friendly and non-competitive. We do organized trail runs, social events, education & training for beginners, as well as community support. The fourth type of Jeeper is the mall crawler — someone who just enjoys driving their jeep around town, and likes the confidence of being rugged in snow or bad weather. The last group are the posers — they supe up their rigs so their friends think they are badass, but they never really go off-road. That last group are the people we laugh at!
Unlike people who buy fast cars, but cannot legally ever enjoy them — off-roaders do get to enjoy what their jeeps were designed for. We wave to each other because we are kindred spirits. We also are the first ones to stop and help each other out, be it on highway or in the middle of nowhere.
I bought an 89 YJ 1.5yrs ago
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I bought an 89 YJ 1.5yrs ago and restored the whole thing myself. Nothing crazy, 2" lift 33's, 15x10s corbeau ss seats, 4 pt seatbelts, I boomat sprayed the floor, the doors never go on and the bikini top is as close as it gets to being in the shade. I think I am missing a lot more. put new fenders all around, paint, rollbars, windshield, tilt steering column, grant ss Jeep wheel (forget the model number) all new gauges, sanded all of the interior dash and repainted + clear. covered jeep glove box with black vinyl, changed out all the old pedals/shift knobs/boots. damn i didnt realize how much I had done. ANYWAY - I noticed people in Jeeps waving at me, so now I wave at Jeeps everytime I see one. This practice reminds me of owning a boat, everyone in boats waves at each other, lol. We're all pouring money into a water hole, might as well respect each other for doing it. I don't care what mods Jeeps have, and frankly I am not a big fan of the super overdone ones. That being said, some people are modders, some people aren't. This is actually an extreme opposite side of the spectrum for me. I spent the last 20 years buying and tuning turbo cars, so I am a Speeder, a Jeeper, and a Boater. I am proud to say that I am not a texter and driver =D
I just bought a 2010 JK. I…
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I just bought a 2010 JK. I’ve been dreaming of a Wrangler for years. I owned a Cherokee back in 2005, when I lived in Colorado. I loved it off road till I killed it. This time around I’m back in So Cal. I just learned about the wave, Ducking? That’s an interesting one but kind of fun sounding. I guess I would qualify as a Jeeper since I am into exploring our hundreds of miles of dirt roads that zig zag all throughout our National Forests here. I see a road and just have to know where it goes and find what hidden gems might await me. I probably won’t do much mods to my Jeep. A bit out of my budget but if I need something, I’ll probably find a way to add it. I love that there’s a whole community about Jeeps. I’ll make sure to send waves out when see you out there. I already do that on a bike so waving to another Jeep enthusiast won’t be a stretch. I hope I get a chance to meet some of you out in the wilds.