When it comes to choosing a Jeep rental in Moab, Utah, there are a number of things you need to consider before starting your journey. I have rented from numerous Jeep rental companies in Moab, with some good experiences and one which was particularly bad and expensive. If you want to rent a Jeep in Moab, take a moment to consider the following:

1. The Capability of Rental Jeeps in Moab
2. Your Personal Off-roading Comfort Zone
3. Moab Trail Selection
4. Moab Jeep Rental Requirements
5. Moab Seasonality

Moab Jeep rental capability

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned off-roader, we can tell you that the build of the Jeep is very important for a fun day off-road. When renting a jeep in Moab we recommend the bigger is better motto. Opt for a Jeep Rubicon rental with 37-inch tires, lockers, sway bar disconnects, and a 3.5” lift. While many trails can be done on 35-inch tires or a smaller lift, you will need to be even more careful, and you could receive damage which is not the type of day you are looking to have. A setup like we recommend makes Finns & things a cakewalk, but can also take an adventurous driver up famous trails like Poison Spider or Hell’s Revenge with confidence.

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Your personal off-roading comfort zone

Be honest with yourself. You are on vacation and want to have fun – not be stressed out. If you feel confident in your ability to drive a new vehicle over large rocks and sandy washes then by all means grab a Jeep rental in Moab and hit the road! If you’d love to experience the trails but want to be free of responsibility then check out a guided tour – most companies offer these as well and they are a great way to experience mother nature’s amusement park. As a third option, if you feel pretty confident but don’t want full responsibility, try a follow-along tour where a professional driver leads you in a separate Jeep and you follow their line and can ask for help if needed. All three of these options are fun and will lead you to feel more confident in your off-roading skills!

Moab Trail Selection

Whether you research online, through the Moab bible, or ask your Jeep rental shop in Moab, make sure you know what to expect before you select a trail. Some trails are no more than a flat dirt road through beautiful scenery. Other trails are cliffside hundred-foot drop-offs! Ask questions and be real with yourself because being terrified is usually not one’s idea of a good vacation. Our recommendation for the perfect trail in Moab is Finns & Things. It has a wonderful combination of the landscapes of Moab with some challenging obstacles and steep inclines and declines. A well-equipped rental Jeep in Moab will have no trouble at all and yet it will still feel like a challenge.

Moab Jeep Rental Requirements

If you plan to rent a Jeep in Moab, there are a few rules. First of all, you need to be at least 21 years old. You also need to have current full-coverage auto insurance and a valid driver’s license. If you are not a U.S. resident, you can purchase separate insurance to cover your rental. Many Jeep rental shops in Moab, Utah, also offer tire & glass protection in case someone kicks a rock up into your windshield or somehow you pop a tire.

Moab, Utah Seasonality

There isn’t a bad time to visit Moab. I’ve been in 100+ degree weather and below 20-degree weather and had a perfect time in both cases because I was prepared. However, most people like to visit in the Spring (mid-February to May) or Fall (Labor Day to Thanksgiving) when the desert temperatures aren’t too extreme. If you do plan on visiting during these high seasons, we recommend you book a few months in advance, and if you want to book a group of multiple Jeeps, plan about 6 months ahead of your trip. The Summer and Winter months are less busy and you should be ok to book one to two weeks before you arrive.

Our Recommended Jeep Rental Shop in Moab

We have rented from Twisted Jeeps in Moab multiple times. The owners, Nick and Joe, are in business because they love meeting their customers and hearing about their Jeeping experiences. They are there to offer trail advice or come and get you if something goes wrong. Their Jeeps are new and well-maintained and built to make your trip a successful one.

We took the time to interview Joe from Twisted Jeeps and ask him every question we could think of. Watch this video to learn more about why we chose Twisted Jeeps for our Jeep rental in Moab, Utah.

Deer Run Golf Course in Berlin, Maryland, is mixing golf with Jeeps! That’s right, no more underpowered golf carts driving down perfectly paved paths. Deer Run allows you to drive your own Jeep and blaze a trail on their 9 hole course. If you don’t own a Jeep, they can rent you one so you and the family can experience the offroad fun while golfing.

Ed Colbert owned Deer Run Golf Course for over 20 years but when his wife fell ill, he shut the doors. It sat vacant for the past 3 years when his son-in-law Justin Hearne came up with a crazy idea…turn the course into a more creative venture, one that involves offroading in a Jeep. Justin believes this new concept which is “one step up from mini golf” will bring younger people into the game.

The golf biz is tough and this move is not just about fun – it’s also saving the club a lot of money. Hearne said they should save up to $50,000 in cart maintenance by not having to operate 75 golf carts. They will have 3 Jeeps available to rent if you don’t have your own and are also planning a frisbee golf course for the future. They also are rooted in the community and run a lot of charity events. If you are near the Berlin, Maryland, area, go ahead and check it out and #jeepdailyblog on Instagram when you snap that pic.

The first company I am looking at is Smittybilt. Smittybilt makes the Overlander rooftop tent and the Overlander XL rooftop tent. The Overlander tent is built to fit on top of a proper Jeep roof rack. It comes in tan, is waterproof and is made of heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester. Inside you’ll find an LED strip light, a 60mm high-density foam mattress with a removable cover so you can wash it and they say it sleeps 2-3 people. I would comfortably say it sleeps two skinny people. I made this diagram so you can see how it lines up with a full-size mattress.

The only thing you need to know is these need a proper roof rack to live on. One thing I was confused about is that most roof racks say they will only hold up to 300lbs or so. Well, a helpful user over at r/Jeep explained this to me. Roof racks have two load ratings: static and moving. For instance, the Kargo Master Congo Cage has a moving rating of 350lbs and a static rating of 650 lbs.  So keep that weight limit in mind if you think it will be a problem. Smittybilt also sells jeep tent bundles that come with the tent and roof rack in one. Here’s a longterm review I found of someone who owns this Smittybilt jeep tent.

Now if that tent seems too small for your needs, Smittybilt also makes the Overlander XL jeep tent. This is probably the size that most of us actually want, but it is larger and more expensive. They say it will sleep up to 4 and I would agree with those dimensions if you are close friends and no one is over 6’4″ tall. Think of the Smittybilt Overlander XL jeep tent as a king size mattress with a twin mattress next to it. I know I sleep pretty well in a king with my wife (even if our 5-year-old jumps in with us) and having a twin size bed next to that means you have more than enough room for everyone to get a good night sleep. One issue I see is Smittybilt says this is meant to be mounted on a trailer or heavy duty roof rack so make sure your roof rack can hold the weight of the tent plus 4 grown adults if that’s how you plan on using it.

Like the Smittybilt Overlander Jeep tent, he Overlander XL is built to last. It’s made of heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester, is waterproof and comes with a protective cover. It also has the LED interior light, 60mm high-density foam mattress with removable cover, mosquito screens, and a telescoping aluminum ladder. You can buy the Smittybilt Overlander XL at Nomadic Offroad Supply with free shipping.

If you own one of these tents or another brand, leave us a comment and tell us what you think! Do you like it? Should we get one?

There are many Moab restaurants to chose from but like most tourist destinations, a lot of them are very forgettable. I don’t like talking bad about people’s livelihoods, but at the same time when you spend your hard-earned cash on a nice meal, you don’t want to be fully disappointed. Here are a few Moab restaurants that I have personally eaten at on my Jeep trips and what we thought about them. I’ll start with the best and get to the worst.

Best Moab Restaurant for Breakfast & Coffee – Red Rock Bakery & Cafe

We start almost all of our trail rides with a large latte and a breakfast sandwich from Red Rock. The coffee is good, and the sandwiches are large and filling. It also just nice having the modern comforts of an espresso and breakfast sandwich while you drive through the barren desert in a topless Jeep. This cafe is usually full of the outdoorsy crowd – some of which look like they are having their first meal after a week of camping. You hear lots of languages, see tons of dreads and tattoos, and the baked goods are a great grab n go for the road as well. The only problem I’ve had is timing. If you get there during peak hours there will be a wait – but that’s also because a lot of people know it’s a solid place to go.

Best Moab Restaraunt for a Healthy Meal – Peace Tree Cafe

The Peace Tree was the first place we ever ate at in Moab, so it’s a tradition now. The thing about being in the desert all day is you start craving light and clean foods like fruits and veggies and the Peace Tree knows this. While it isn’t going to win any awards in a major city, you will not leave disappointed, just satisfied. It’s amazing what an era we live in that you can get a garden salad and fresh fruit in a place where tumbleweed goes to die. The Peace Tree has a great outdoor patio to sit on, good alcoholic beverages, and a view of the street so you can see the constant parade of cool Jeeps driving down Main Street.

Best Moab Restaurant to splurge on – Sunset Grill

The Sunset Grill is good. It’s also pricey, but it’s a great way to take in the sights of Moab and toast to a trip where you didn’t break anything on your Jeep. It’s perched on a hilltop and was the home to the Uranium King Charlie Steen – who is a true American rag to riches story. You can read about him here. Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal from local trout to big steaks. We sat on the patio and had ice cold beers and it was a great way to talk about all of our wins and near death experiences. If you can afford it – I recommend it.

A few Moab Restaurants that I won’t be going back to:

Fiesta Mexicana – The portions were large but most of mine went in the trash. In my opinion, if it isn’t at least as good as a taco mix from the grocery store, it isn’t worth going back to.

Eddie McStiffs – What I like about Eddie McStiffs is it captures that beachy/tourist vibe. It has a goofy name and looks fun. I have absolutely no recollection of what I ate there though – I just remember thinking, well, I’ll try somewhere else next time.

Zax – Very cool looking restaurant from the outside. My buddy and I ordered steaks. They were fine. Tasted like the cheaper non-Prime cut from a grocery store. I love steak, so I can always eat one, but it wasn’t amazing. Also, I remember them relying heavily on garlic for flavor. The waitress was very nice and the view of the street was nice too.

Miguel’s Baja Grill – I really wanted to like this place. It has a great look – hole in the wall Mexican with the perfect decor. I believe I got the MOAB – Mother of all Burritos – and while it was large it lacked the flavor that you can get even at chain burrito restaurants like Chipotle. It was very meat-heavy though, so that’s good.

Obviously, I haven’t been to every Moab Restaraunt and management changes, so take my view with a grain of salt – but eating in Moab isn’t cheap, so if I can save you from a bad meal, I’d like to. I’ve also learned from my travels that it’s hard to trust sites like Yelp and Trip Advisor when you’re near college campuses and tourist destinations. The problem is you get such a variety of people with different palettes. When you’re near a college campus, cheapness usually trumps quality and when you are in an international destination, this might be the first time someone has ever had a burrito and they are blown away – it’s the best ever…

Finally, if you want to make your own meal and live out of a cooler – which is what I do most of the time, there’s a large Moab grocery store called City Market. This is the Moab equivalent of a Kroger or Albertsons. They also have firewood, gas, and water plus a Starbucks inside. You gotta be prepared for anything in the desert so make sure you stock up on gallons of water, snacks that can last you a few days, and fire-making supplies. Also, we usually pick up garbage bags and toilet paper for our long treks.

If you’re headed out to Moab for the Easter Jeep Safari, we hope you have a fun and safe trip, and get some good food. If you discover some decent Moab restaurants, please leave them in the comments below!

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will feature up to 7 USB ports when properly equipped. The first two will be located in the Media Hub located on the Instrument Panel below the climate controls.

Behind the Media Hub access door you will find one AUX port, a USB Type C port (micro-USB) and a USB Type A port (standard flat USB like your iPhone cable or mouse or keyboard). Both of these USB ports will allow you to play music from an iPod or phone through your Jeep’s sound system. Also, the smart charging ports will charge your device for up to an hour after your vehicle is turned off.

Important: The USB Type C port is your primary media port for the stereo. Two devices can be plugged in at the same time for charging but only one can play music at a time. Both ports share a single data connection so you can’t switch between Type A or Type C. Type C will always be your primary connection to the stereo.

The third USB port in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is located in a familiar spot in the center console. It also can play music through your stereo as long as your primary source isn’t already plugged into the USB Type C port in the Media Hub.

The last 4 (two Type C and two Type A) will be located behind the center console for your passengers above the power inverter. The left stack can play music through the stereo as well as charge your devices. The right stack are charge only USB ports.

This may seem like overkill but I am always out of space for charging devices in my Jeep. On my last trip to Moab we had 4 cellphones, and 2 GoPros plus a Macbook that we were uploading footage from. It’s great to see all this onboard power in the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

If you are short on USB power in your current Jeep let me recommend the 6 port USB car charger. It’s cheap and powerful and a good upgrade for any Jeep.

We are studying the 2018 Jeep Wrangler User’s guide so you don’t have to. Here’s everything we have learned so far…

Good news! You can still remove the doors on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Here’s how you do it!

How to Remove Your Front Doors

• You need a #T40 Torx Driver and a #T50 Torx Driver

1. Roll down window glass so you don’t hit it on something and break it
2. Remove the hinge pin screws from the upper and lower outside hinges (#T50 Torx head driver)

3. Remove the check screw from the center door check (Use a #T40 Torx Head Driver)

4. Remove the plastic wiring access door under the instrument panel by sliding the plastic panel along the door frame toward the seats until the tabs are detached (Do not pry back to open – this will break the plastic cover)

5. Pull up the red locking tab to unlock the wiring harness

6. Push and hold down the black security tab under the wiring harness, and lift the harness into the open position

7. With the wiring harness open, pull downward on the wiring connector in the lower door basket

8. With the door open, lift the door to clear the hinge pins from their hinges and remove the door

PRO TIP – DON’T LOSE YOUR FREAKING SCREWS!!! PUT THEM IN A SAFE PLACE.

How to Remove your Rear Doors on a 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

1. Roll down window glass so you don’t hit it on something and break it

2. Remove the hinge pin screws from the upper and lower outside hinges (#T50 Torx head driver)

3. Remove the check screw from the center door check (Use a #T40 Torx Head Driver)

4. Slide the front seats fully forward

5. Pry open and remove the plastic wiring access door from the bottom of the B-pillar

6. Unplug the wiring connector (squeeze the tab on the base of the wiring harness. This will unlock the connector tab, allowing the wiring connector to be unplugged.

7. With the door open, lift the door to clear the hinge pins from their hinges and remove the door.

We are studying the 2018 Jeep Wrangler User’s guide so you don’t have to. Here’s everything we have learned so far…

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has a new key fob and based on how your Jeep is equipped it comes with a lot of cool features. The new Jeep has a keyless entry system with a START/STOP button ignition. The key fob allows you to lock or unlock your Wrangler from as far away as 66 feet as well as open the swing gate. If your key fob battery dies just push the nose end of the fob against the START/STOP button and push it to operate the switch.

As with most keyless entry systems, when unlocking your 2018 Jeep Wrangler, the inside will light up and your signal lights will flash twice. When locking, the signals will flash and the horn will chirp. If you lose your key fob, you have to visit an authorized dealership to have a blank key fob programmed to your specific vehicle. No more Home Depot for your keys!

If your new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is  equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go passive entry, you can unlock and lock your doors without taking the key fob out of your pocket. When Passive Entry Unlock is engaged, your low beam headlights, license plate lamp and position lamps will illuminate for 30, 60 or 90 seconds as desired. To unlock the driver’s door, just grab the handle and make sure the key fob is within 5 feet. To lock the vehicle just push the passive entry lock button on the door handle and make sure the key fob is within 5 feet.

We are studying the 2018 Jeep Wrangler User’s guide so you don’t have to. Here’s everything we have learned so far…

This Jeep Cherokee XJ blew up a head gasket among other things while trying to escape the grip of a mighty mud hole. We’ve all been through something like this haven’t we?  I remember a particularly terrible offroad trip when I was in highschool where we got two trucks stuck so bad that we had to walk 5 miles into town and beg a convenience store owner to close down, get his tractor and pull us out. That day I realized how badass tractors were but that’s another blog post. Watch this Jeep Cherokee XJ owner’s day go from bad to worse as he kills his Jeep.

The real action starts around 4:04.

Lots of people ask us if they should buy a Jeep Wrangler so we thought we would write a blog outlining the pros and cons. Once you work your way through this list you will at least have an idea if you should go test drive a Wrangler and fall in love like the rest of us. Let’s start with the cons of Jeep Wrangler ownership.

1. Do you have a large family? A 2-door Wrangler seats 4 adults semi-comfortably or 3 adults and a car seat. A 4-door Wrangler is about the same except it’s easier to get inside for everyone. If your adults aren’t limber forget about them getting into the backseat. Large Family = No Wrangler for You.
2. Do you haul lots of stuff or need a secure vehicle? Do you regularly haul lots of items or need a vehicle that can be securely locked down? The 4-Door Wrangler definitely has more cargo room than the 2-Door but compared to other SUVs or even larger sedans, the Jeep loses as a major hauler. Also, unless you spring for a hard top and never travel without it, your belongings are out in the open for thieves – in fact, I keep everything I need in a backpack and it goes with me everywhere. Haul stuff/need security? No Wrangler for You. 
3. Are you sensitive to noise? Do you like to listen to Vivaldi while surrounded by the finest leather interiors? Do you conduct a lot of business by cell phone while driving? Do you have painful joints? The Jeep Wrangler is not known for comfort or refinement. It is the automotive equivalent of a horse. If you need a quiet, smooth drive or commute long distances = No Wrangler for you!
4. Hate stopping for gas? Have more than 3 environmental stickers on your current car or bike? Wranglers are not the most fuel-efficient vehicle around. They have the aerodynamics of a cardboard box. Love good MPG? No Jeep For You.

Ok, if you have made it this far and you weren’t scared by the above issues then I think at the very least you need to test drive a Jeep Wrangler. Luckily, the pros outweigh the cons so let’s get to them.

1. Jeep Wranglers are your best bet to go anywhere. Whether it’s a snowy drive to the ski resort or a top-down trip to the beach or a rockcrawling expedition in Moab, you can count on your Jeep to be your best bet at getting in and out of inclement conditions. Personally, I love it when I see it hs snowed a few inches because I get to put the Wrangler in 4WD and cruise to work helping pull people out of snow banks and gutters with ease.
2. Jeep Wranglers are inherently fun to drive. Because they are rough, because the top is down, and because they are iconic, every drive, even the most boring trip to the grocery store, puts a grin on your face.
3. Jeep Wranglers are highly customizable. Very few vehicles have an aftermarket as robust as the Jeep Wrangler. You can make your Jeep fit your personality and you’ll never get tired of upgrading and perfecting your Jeep.
4. Everyone loves Jeeps. If you want to be noticed, a Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle that gets attention. Plus, you get entry into a special club of owners who recognize each other and instantly bond over a mutual love of this utilitarian vehicle.
5. Resale value. The last thing we want you to do is sell your Wrangler, but when the time comes you will be shocked at how much your Jeep is worth compared to cars of a similar age. It’s not uncommon to see 5-year-old Jeeps selling for 80% of their purchase price. Not many vehicles can claim that!

There are a lot more reasons you should buy a Jeep Wrangler but don’t take it from us, maybe some of our readers can leave a comment as to why they love their Jeep!

Jeep or Truck? 10 Reasons to choose a Jeep.

It’s funny, this is actually a question I posed to myself a few months ago before I bought my TJ Jeep Wrangler. I was at an auto-auction where I have bought numerous personal vehicles in the past 5 years including a 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ, a 1996 Full-size Bronco and a 2004 Ford Expedition. This particular auction I was trying to purchase a crew-cab Ford F150 Ecoboost truck because of the following:

1. It solves my need to drive massive vehicles with poor gas mileage
2. They have great aftermarket support so I can spend even more money on it
3. I live in Utah and there are too many dirt roads to drive on and explore

Luckily for me, I got outbid and I came home empty-handed. I really needed a vehicle because I had already sold my Expedition and I was daily-driving my 1971 Impala in the heat of summer with no a/c. Also, all these new miles on the Impala were getting expensive because stuff just breaks on a 46-year-old car.

To keep going down the rabbit hole, I have been talking to my wife for years trying to explain to her that I just want one badass vehicle, something that I can’t help but stare at from my office window, something that warrants it’s own name like Chupacabra or Deviled Egg. So, she said the second best thing to me anyone has ever said: “Next year we will get your dream car – we will make it a priority.” Wow, ain’t love grand? It probably won’t happen because life happens but it sure is great having a teammate. After that, she then said: “We need to get you a car that will hold it’s value for a year and won’t make you miserable – what would that be?” And of course I said Jeep Wrangler. Man, I married the right woman.

Don’t fish? You will.

When will you answer the question? Jeep or Truck?

So let’s get down to the nitty grit. If you need to haul over 3500lbs on the regular or you need a truck bed on the regular, just get a truck and go find truckdaily.com and get the hell out of here! But if you just sometimes need a truck or tow less than 3500lbs, then wait a minute and hang out. Here’s why I say a Jeep is better than a truck.

1. They inspire adventure. It’s true, I don’t know if it’s the rough ride or just knowing your vehicle has the best chance of winning a war Red Dawn-style, but you are more likely to take a backroad or hop a curb or just be fun in a Jeep.
2. They exude youth. Whether you are young or just feel young at heart, there’s something about not having a vehicle that comforts you and silences the world around you. If it’s too loud you are too old!
3. You can take the top off. I spend most of my  summer with all the windows off the Jeep and I keep the top on just so I don’t scald in the hot desert sun. Of course you can always zip the top back on and hit the a/c if it gets too warm.
4. They feel just a bit dangerous. You feel exposed, a bit top heavy and kind of small. It keeps you on your toes and factors into #2 on this list.
5. They are capable and tough. Heavy snow forecasted? Bring it on; sounds fun. Flooded streets? How can I help? Unexpected rain at the campsite? Who will we be pulling out today? And these are just everyday examples. Take one to Moab and have your mind blown.
6. The new ones are actually way more comfortable than Jeeps of yore. The reason you are seeing more and more Jeeps is because somehow they have made them more capable off-road and more capable on-road. The tradeoffs are a lot less than they used to be, but trucks have followed the same trajectory.
7. They are highly customizable. I don’t know if there is a larger aftermarket for a vehicle than the Jeep Wrangler. You can make it whatever you want it to be.
8. They are smaller than trucks. Which makes it better on the trails but also parallel parking downtown.
9. Resale value is better than any truck out there including the Tacoma and Tundra. In fact, the Wrangler has one of the highest resale values out there.
10. You get looks. It’s a fact that the opposite sex looks at the driver of a Jeep and that driver is boosted at least one point on the attractive scale when driving their Jeep.

This one is called Sasquatch.

So I hope that sums it up for you. Jeeps are superior vehicles unless you need to tow very heavy loads or haul large amounts of crap on the reg. Of course who knows what will happen when the new Jeep truck aka the Jeep Scrambler comes out. It’s going to eat away even more at those truck sales.

Btw, the TJ I bought also doesn’t have air conditioning. Funny thing is I didn’t even check. I drove it two blocks, looked underneath and bought it. I was in love. How many vehicles can you say that about?