[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

Hi everyone.
Looking for a what-I-wish-I knew-before-I-got-this-old kind of advice/wisdom from those of you who have been offroading or overlanding in their 60s, 70s and beyond.

How should aging jeepers (or wannabe jeepers) prepare in advance for wheeling in retirement age?

Although I have specific questions, I think it might be more helpful to the community to leave it wide open for your insights at this point in the discussion.

A bit about me: mid-60s and eying an upcoming retirement in 2-3 years with the intent of becoming much more adventurous. My wife is on board with this. Best guess is we will do offroad treks of 1-3 nights at a time, and hikes from wherever we drive to. If we do longer trips, we might take a break after a few trail nights and do a hotel stop to get better bedrest before getting back on the trail. I expect we will drive more sand and rock but avoid mud where we possibly can. I drive a 2018 JKU Golden Eagle which is not yet built (other than shocks, that is); soft top, stock 3.21's and the OEM tires (Goodyear Wranglers). Only 13K miles on it, so the Jeep should be good for years post retirement. Although I built a CJ7 back in the '80s, frankly I did not do wheeling beyond simple dirt roads then.

What should Jeep people approaching retirement age be thinking about and doing before (or after) we hit that retirement date?

Thanks everyone!

 

[BlueBabySound]

I'm 55, so not quite the demographic you're looking for.
For me it's more about keeping my wife comfortable than about Jeep capability. (although both our Jeeps are more than capable for the terrain we wheel) We're usually 3 days of camping, anything more she'd want a hotel for a night.
I'd start building a list of your camping needs.
A few of her needs:

• A refrigerator
  • Ours is dual zone with separate fridge/freezer compartments
• a nice tent
  • currently in a ground tent but she wants a roof top tent, specifically the iKamper 3.0
• a nice sleeping bag
• a nice sleeping pad
• a warm tent
  • We pre-warm the tent with a buddy heater
• filtered water
  • Currently using a lifesaver 5 gallon jerry
• potty and potty tent

 

[madlypat]

I'm 62 and sorta beat up, just based on my experence I would not lift it or go to bigger tires, it's getting harder for us to climb in and out, also loading and unloading becomes more difficult when you raise the vehicle, not to mention dealing with a 85lb+ spare if you have a flat-I carry a plug kit in case I have a flat-swapping tires is plan B

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

I'm 55, so not quite the demographic you're looking for.
For me it's more about keeping my wife comfortable than about Jeep capability. (although both our Jeeps are more than capable for the terrain we wheel) We're usually 3 days of camping, anything more she'd want a hotel for a night.
I'd start building a list of your camping needs.
A few of her needs:

• A refrigerator
  • Ours is dual zone with separate fridge/freezer compartments
• a nice tent
  • currently in a ground tent but she wants a roof top tent, specifically the iKamper 3.0
• a nice sleeping bag
• a nice sleeping pad
• a warm tent
  • We pre-warm the tent with a buddy heater
• filtered water
  • Currently using a lifesaver 5 gallon jerry
• potty and potty tent

View attachment 4575028

Good tips on the camping gear angle. We might go direct to the RTT. We were also thinking of a heated shower setup like Joolca. I frankly had not given enough thought yet to the potty issue.

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

I'm 62 and sorta beat up, just based on my experence I would not lift it or go to bigger tires, it's getting harder for us to climb in and out, also loading and unloading becomes more difficult when you raise the vehicle, not to mention dealing with a 85lb+ spare if you have a flat-I carry a plug kit in case I have a flat-swapping tires is plan B

Thanks, this is great, I had just been thinking about the downsides of bigger tires (mainly weight during a flat change). I had not thought of the climb-to-the-rig issue. Sticking with stock height might just be the way to go.

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

Good tips on the camping gear angle. We might go direct to the RTT. We were also thinking of a heated shower setup like Joolca. I frankly had not given enough thought yet to the potty issue.

Also I completely agree on the happy-wife concern. One big matter for us is the ride quality, due to bad back(s) which can only get worse in a few more years. That's why my first upgrade was to dump the almost-new stock shocks for RS9000XL's. Seat upgrades are likely in our future as well.

 

[madlypat]

Also I completely agree on the happy-wife concern. One big matter for us is the ride quality, due to bad back(s) which can only get worse in a few more years. That's why my first upgrade was to dump the almost-new stock shocks for RS9000XL's. Seat upgrades are likely in our future as well.

Yes! The stock seats are ironing boards bent at 90 degrees! Bartact seat covers can be bought with an inflatable lumbar support, it helps.

 

[The Good Twin]

Start with yourself. Yoga, Tai-Chi, Ballet, 15-20 minutes a day. Modify your diet--plenty of water, low sodium. Moderate strength training, again, 15-20 minutes a day.
When I camp, I sleep on a cot with a roll up air mat. Wool blanket underneath, good quality bag. A light for in side the tent.
Speaking of the tent, Get the one three sizes too big and spray the rain flap with water repellant.
A sharp ax and plenty of fire starting implements. Bio-degradable T.P.
Plenty of good water, Time appropriate food. Plenty of Whiskey, Wine or Whatever...in case the water goes bad
A good book of local ghost stories.
Check in and check out at the local Ranger station and with your family in case of an emergency.
A positive attitude and as I teach my boys, leave each campsite better than you found it.
Appreciate all that is nature.
Send Pictures.

 

[Doc222]

most the 60+ members of our club are 50-80+ years old im over 60. But i have been driving off road since the 70s and ran Rubicon starting back then.

Its getting harder to run the big trails that we do every year and camp on them 7 days, like Dusy. Rubicon is only a two day drive short days if you can roll through and no need to spot or kill time getting stuck. Whats hard is all the packing and un packing each day. we tend to stay a extra day or two at each camp. enjoy the place have a drink.

We had a lady in our club a few years ago she was a longtime wheeler and retired from the sport at alomst 90 years old driving this. On hard trails, all she did. Drove a truck the jeep on atrailer and she loaded unloaded.

To Joan and her Jeep JJ Blue, one the badest old ladies from AZ you will ever know.

 

[jeffashford]

Went into the service in 1968 so certainly would consider seasoned. Since not as tough as I used to be but not giving up yet. here are a few things, some listed at the beginning are good. My camps are always far away from any main roads and the JKUR allows me to get to those wonderful places.

Have a quality six person tent with carpeted floor and cot as my camps are at least 7 days.
quality blow up mattress and pillow...gotta have a pillow.
fold up type table, in early and later seasons have a buddy heater
Have a fold up potty chair as easier on knees
Yeti Cooler or similar
Receiver carrier for water, etc...I carry a chainsaw and axe for firewood
a good tool bag, tire kit and compressor and jump charge.

the secret especially for the lady is some degree of comfort. there will be others to chime in but, would not recommend a lift if back is a concern. Just take your time and learn, it is amazing how much you can get into the 4 doors. J

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

Start with yourself. Yoga, Tai-Chi, Ballet, 15-20 minutes a day. Modify your diet--plenty of water, low sodium. Moderate strength training, again, 15-20 minutes a day.
When I camp, I sleep on a cot with a roll up air mat. Wool blanket underneath, good quality bag. A light for in side the tent.
Speaking of the tent, Get the one three sizes too big and spray the rain flap with water repellant.
A sharp ax and plenty of fire starting implements. Bio-degradable T.P.
Plenty of good water, Time appropriate food. Plenty of Whiskey, Wine or Whatever...in case the water goes bad
A good book of local ghost stories.
Check in and check out at the local Ranger station and with your family in case of an emergency.
A positive attitude and as I teach my boys, leave each campsite better than you found it.
Appreciate all that is nature.
Send Pictures.

Thanks for this. A great reminder to prepare our own bodies, not just our rigs, for the wheeling that we intend to do.

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

most the 60+ members of our club are 50-80+ years old im over 60. But i have been driving off road since the 70s and ran Rubicon starting back then.

Its getting harder to run the big trails that we do every year and camp on them 7 days, like Dusy. Rubicon is only a two day drive short days if you can roll through and no need to spot or kill time getting stuck. Whats hard is all the packing and un packing each day. we tend to stay a extra day or two at each camp. enjoy the place have a drink.

We had a lady in our club a few years ago she was a longtime wheeler and retired from the sport at alomst 90 years old driving this. On hard trails, all she did. Drove a truck the jeep on atrailer and she loaded unloaded.

To Joan and her Jeep JJ Blue, one the badest old ladies from AZ you will ever know.

Well, she is an inspiration to be sure!

 

[StevieTex]

One thing not mentioned is buying a Personal Locator transmitter. You haven't mentioned being in a group, and if you were to experience something catastrophic in an area with no cell service you're in trouble. Rollovers and vehicle fires do happen. A locator can bring assistance quickly. Also always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

I'm 68, and there are 2 things that are always in whatever vehicle I am driving even if I am going to town: A good (not Walmart,etc) First Aid kit (a trauma kit, actually), and a fire extinguisher.

 

[BackInAJeep30YearsLater]

One thing not mentioned is buying a Personal Locator transmitter. You haven't mentioned being in a group, and if you were to experience something catastrophic in an area with no cell service you're in trouble. Rollovers and vehicle fires do happen. A locator can bring assistance quickly. Also always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

I'm 68, and there are 2 things that are always in whatever vehicle I am driving even if I am going to town: A good (not Walmart,etc) First Aid kit (a trauma kit, actually), and a fire extinguisher.

Thanks StevieTex. At just-before-18 I earned my Eagle Scout badge, so emergency prep is more or less in my DNA. Got an extinguisher that is rollbar mounted, and thinking about mounting a second closer to the driver seat, and I always have a first aid kit, flashlight, and gloves in the Jeep. I have added a tow strap, spare fuses, hand tools and jumper cables, as well as a tire patch kit. I still have an '80s-era CB that I might mount in the jeep, although I understand that there has been a big move toward GMRS radio these days instead. A personal locator is a completely new idea for me - never heard of this for offroad before.

 

[aldo90731]

I find my sense of adventure moves in opposite direction from MSRPs: the more expensive Wranglers get, the less willing I am to get them all scratched up...

 

[Lee H]

Once I hit my mid 70's my idea of roughing it is when I'm told room service is closed for the night. Still like to hit the hard stuff during the day and now want to hit the hotel at sun down.

 

[Metaldog]

One thing not mentioned is buying a Personal Locator transmitter. You haven't mentioned being in a group, and if you were to experience something catastrophic in an area with no cell service you're in trouble. Rollovers and vehicle fires do happen. A locator can bring assistance quickly. Also always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

I'm 68, and there are 2 things that are always in whatever vehicle I am driving even if I am going to town: A good (not Walmart,etc) First Aid kit (a trauma kit, actually), and a fire extinguisher.

I second the personal locator...

I am an avid hiker/backpacker and often times go to locations where cell service is spotty or even non existent. A GPS satellite locator is essential, especially when trekking solo.

I recommend a Garmin InReach or a Spot-X brand locator. Both models not only can be tracked via GPS through a cellphone app by family members, but also offer two way SMS text messaging.

A satellite phone is the most ideal, but they also are expensive. Not the phone itself so much as the monthly plans/service.

The earlier mentioned Garmin and Spot-X locators also have monthly plans/service, but are reasonable at around $10-20/month. Just depends on what fits your needs best.

At least with SMS your are able to still communicate with family. Each models also has an emergency SOS button that directly dials the authorities in the event that medical treatment is necessary. I like the Spot-X a tad better for it's user friendliness, and the SOS button has a snap cover over it to prevent an accidental emergency call. Yes, you get charged for emergency alerts!

Just food for thought. Hope this helps!

 

[coyoteslocos]

Pack light and lightweight, minimal stuff, easy to prep meals (there are amazingly good freeze dried meals available), easy to setup camping equipment (forget the cabin tent, refrigerator, large camp kitchen, ...). Think backpacking but in a Jeep.

 

[Motorgoat]

Good tips on the camping gear angle. We might go direct to the RTT. We were also thinking of a heated shower setup like Joolca. I frankly had not given enough thought yet to the potty issue.

Just remember...that RTT is way up there at 3am when nature calls!

 

[Mike-5]

Bits of wisdom for the beginners? Oh-Kay.

#1 - Should be number-1 for everybody... SAFETY FIRST. Nothing you do off-road is worth risking injury or loss-of-life to you, family and friends. Mindset - first aid kit - commo gear - tools and parts - all a part of safety.

#2 - Drive it stock for a year. Take your time and really get to know what you need to upgrade before you start throwing $$$ at it. That usually helps..... but even I have been through 3 lift-kits as my needs changed over the years.

#3 - Get the good stuff. Even if you have to wait and save for it. Nothing like being 40 miles from the nearest paved road and breaking that cheap lift-kit. BUY ONCE - CRY ONCE.

#4 - Get out and use what you have today. Your kids will not remember a weekend sitting at home waiting for UPS to deliver the cool toys. They will remember the weekend you went out and got stuck because you needed better tires.

#5 - Know your limits. Don't be afraid to ask for an experienced spotter to get you through the rough. Don't push a bad situation, get help or turn back.

#6 - Pay Attention. Follow behind an experienced driver in a vehicle with that is equal or less well built then yours. Then watch how they do it. Get out and walk forward to watch if you need to.

#7 - Keep it clean, keep it tight. Dirt hides problems. Loose hardware causes issues (like death-wobble). Keep after the small things and you'll have a more reliable vehicle.

#8 - Keep after your tires. Maintain proper pressures, do timely balance and rotations. Rotate the spare too, nothing like having a 10 y/o spare tire that has never been used rotting on the tire carrier, right.

#9 - Oil is cheap. Mechanical parts, service and repairs are not. The recommended services are minimums. If you are wheeling it often and hard, reward it with proper timely service. Use good quality lubrication materials.

#10 - don't get in a hurry for anything, don't take short-cuts. Take your time, think it through. Especially if moving quickly may cause you to consider #1.

Some will say you should never go out alone. For a beginner this is a good idea. OTOH, waiting for someone else to go with you may mean not going out. I don't wait for others, I go out when I want and others may follow or not. I am 100% equipped and ready to self-recover if something happens. Especially when alone, I don't push it. #5 is especially important if you do go out alone. Experience is what keeps you from making bad mistakes. Unfortunately, it is often a bad mistake that gives you experience.

This is all JMHO. There is no right or wrong way to do it... Well, if you die, you did it wrong. GOOD LUCK !!!