Interesting observation - about we Jeepers

[omaroo]

Out of interest I just used the search engine on the AussieJeepImages gallery site for any images from the 10,000-odd stored there for anything to do with deserts, Canning, Cape York, Birdsville, etc, etc. I'm looking for people who HAVE done long treks in their Jeeps to see what type of trip they did, what sort of terrain and any problems they had. Could I find any?

Nada! Not one... Not by description anyway....

I'm not looking for a flaming here, but are we Jeep owners really using our Jeeps to get around and see our country.... or are we more content to pop a wheel up on a large rock, take a photo and call that off-roading? Are Jeeps really able to go afar given small tanks and large thirsts (excepting CRD's)?

I can look though other non-brand-dedicated galleries worldwide and find that other people really do get around more.... generally....than Jeep owners do.

Is this a really dumb and untrue observation, or is there some truth to it?

I'm just looking for comments from those that HAVE ventured out there.... andhave had problems. How where their problems solved? What sort of help did you get from servo's and other repairers that are pretty-much used to 78-series LandCruisers and GQ Patrols and not much else?

Should be an interesting discussion...

[H.G.]

Ive never done a trek of any real substance.. I drove the east coast of australia and most of tasmania over 6 weeks. which would be about the closest Ive been.. but hardly consider it an off road adventure..jambowas another short on.. actually had a story published in JAA about it.. personally if I were to go on a half decent trek Id seriously not take the TJ..much rather a decent tourer type vehicle like an 80 series yoyo

[Jeff]

Queensland guys have done a few decent treks, but I think they use their own photo album.

[xflow]

I just use mine to go to the Pokies, never go "Off Road" with it as I heard there were no Pokies in the desert so why bother

GOJEEP has done a few trips I believe.

Perhaps he is not a normal Jeep enthusiast?

[sir_camel]

I think there is truth in us not going on treks. Especially the TJ fold. I think we follow the American trend of a trail drive. Yes we may drive 5 hours to a trailhead and drive the shortish trail for a day and then back. Less touring more short trail driving seeing we r so influenced by the Americans. My thoughts...

[Antz]

Interesting point Chrispy.

I have done plenty of long distance touring type driving, Darwin a couple of times, Alice Springs and surounds and across the Tanami to the Kimberly, FNQ and VIC coast. All this was done in my previous 4wd (a diesel Landcruiser) I would be very reluctant to take my TJ on similar trips. Fuel consumption, comfort, space and availability of repairs/spares/service would be my concerns. I still like those sort of trips but they require a lot more effort to do (preparation, time off work etc) So when the time came to buy a new vehicle the choice was; A great tourer that was only used a few times a year, OR the TJ that is great for day to long weekend type trips that could be used more often.

I think the majority of jeeps are more suited to American style driving as camel pointed out. The exception being ZJ/WJ and XJ's and they aren't that roomy or fuel effiecient (bar the diesels) either.