Modifications to Kerry's 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon:

• The rear seat has been permanently removed and the bed fitted with a rubber mat.  All unnecessary rear seat hardware has been removed.  This Jeep is permanently a two-seater!
• The front bumper has a permanently mounted Hi-Lift Jack for off-road recovery.  A full complement of straps, shackles, and tools is standard equipment in this Jeep.
• A 2" tubular receiver has been mounted to the frame to allow the Jeep to pull a Jon-boat or utility trailer, or to attach a receiver-mount cargo rack.  This receiver also serves as a recovery point using a Warn receiver shackle.
• The seats have been fitted with water-resistant seat covers to prevent water from wet waders to soak the seats.
• A tilt gauge has been mounted on the dash.
• The hardtop has been fitted with a set of cargo bars and a basket for carrying extra equipment for camping and duck hunting.
• During the summer, the hardtop and doors are completely removed and the cargo area is fitted with a custom made, carpeted storage box for lockable storage in an open Jeep.  The basket is mounted on the top of this box when the top is off.  An optional bikini top is used to keep the rain off during the summer.  This is Kerry's favorite configuration of his Jeep!
• Other equipment carried during off-road adventures:  GPS, two-way radios, leather work gloves, first-aid kit, portable compressor, jumper cables, etc.
• Future modifications and equipment will be purchased as needed and shall include:  suspension lift for new 35" tires, a rear bumper replacement, and a Tirfor (Griphoist) Hand Winch.  The Jeep Rubicon is great from the factory and does not require much modification to create a really capable 4x4.

There are actually a few places to go off-road in Iowa, including "600 Acres" off-road area near Solon, IA which is the only legal public area to off-road with a full-size vehicle in the state of Iowa.  Other off-road areas in Iowa are accessible through Jeep or 4x4 clubs.  In Missouri, there are endless trails and back roads in the Mark Twain National Forest ready for exploration.  Future trip plans include a trip to Iron Range in Minnesota, and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Photographs:

Links:

• The One-and-Only Jeep

  • www.jeep.com - Manufacturer of the best 4x4 ever

• Aftermarket Equipment and Accessories

  • Hi-Lift Jack - Very versatile off-road, farm, and utility

  • Maasdam - Pow'R Pull and recovery accessories

  • Bestop - Bikini tops, replacement soft and hard tops

  • Olympic 4x4 - Racks and bumpers

  • Thule & Yakima - Roof bars and racks

  • Griphoist (Tirfor) - Hand winch (Cool Tools, Working with a Hand Winch)

• Dealers of Jeep aftermarket accessories

  • Quadratec - Essentials for Jeep Vehicles

  • 4WD Hardware - Jeep Accessories and Parts

• Destinations

  • 600 Acres, Solon, IA - Only legal place for full-size 4x4 in Iowa (Iowa Trails, Coralville Lake Off Road Vehicle Area)

  • Iron Range ORV Area - ORV area in Minnesota (Minnesota DNR, Iron Trail, Gilbertville, MN)

  • Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri - thousands of miles of backroads, but use only legal roads and trails!

• Organizations

  • www.treadlightly.org - Organization supporting responsible off-roading