New family from NW Florida

[A3M0N]

I'll try to keep my intro story from turning into a book! I grew up in a family who did a lot of car camping and loved it! Then came boyscouts and hiking. Now I have two little ones that haven't been outside a whole lot yet. My 7 y/o daughter isn't all that interested, although she does enjoy dropping a line in the gulf, but my 4 y/o son loves it. I took him a few months ago and we had a blast. Which is kinda where my story begins.

We were on the way out to a campground in Blackwater River State Forest in NW FL following our GPS and printed map to be safe, when the GPS led us onto an unnamed (but mapped) two track trail. It was only about 2 miles long, but was enough to get us hooked. Now simple car camping at a camp ground doesn't seem as fun anymore!

We have had our Jeep for around 8 years already, but it's two wheel drive. The first modification is to convert it to 4WD. I've done a good bit of research and am an aircraft mechanic in the USAF, I'm pretty confident in my ability to do the work. I also plan for my son to help on the less dangerous parts as I hope to give him the keys to it when he's older. It'll be an old vehicle by then, but with some good maintenance I think it'll last.

I'm not sure what kind of gear we will need. Or how to find trails to ride and places to camp off of those trails. Can one use GPS units to help navigate off road? I'm only thinking like 1-2 day trips right now. And we're going to be PCSing in the spring time, not sure where to yet.

Thanks for the forum! I'm looking forward to learning all I can from y'all!

 

[4x4x4doors]

Welcome to a whole new world. Great that your little one is interested too.

Think this one through REAL carefully before you start. I don't know what exactly is involved in swapping a JGC from 2 to 4wd but I have seen a number of starts from folks swapping IFS vehicles to solid axles and there's a lot more of them started or planned than there are finished. Considering that the population of good used GJC that are out there with 4wd already installed, I'd have to think it would be much more economical to find a 4x4 and sell the 2wd than to convert (or worse start a convert). I'm not saying don't, I'm just saying to think through and cost out every detail of it before you take it on. The looming PCS factors in as well. Will your next station have a place for you to finish it up?

Don't mean to be a downer/doubter, just a damp blanket.

 

[A3M0N]

No worries, it's good to have a voice of reason around. I have read many conversion articles and my wife and I both agree that converting it will be better for us. We would rather save around $1000 for parts than trade it in or sell it and get into another car payment. My Jeep is paid off, and I'm pretty attached to it.

Most Air Force bases have a well equipped auto hobby shop. You rent a bay hourly and that includes the use of every tool in the shop. My PCS possibilities all have a nice hobby shop by all accounts. I plan to do it in stages, most likely axle first. The WJ 2WD and 4WD are basically the same vehicle. The parts just bolt on, except for having to change out the shifter cable. Not saying it will be easy, but shouldn't be exceptionally difficult either.

I will have a little while left in FL after this TDY is over, do you have any tips on finding fun roads/trails/camp areas? All I can find online are ATV and bike/hiking trails.

Thanks!

 

[A3M0N]

Double post, oops.

 

[A3M0N]

How do you find fun roads/trails/routes/camping areas? All I can find online are ATV and bike/hiking trails.

 

[4x4x4doors]

In your area, there are some trails on the Eglin reservation (assuming they are still open -- its been several years since I've been on them). Primarily clay-based.

One of the best sources I've found is to find a group, either a club or even an online social group, in your area. Most folks are more inclined to "show" someone a trail than to share an online description with an unknown entity. Too many of us have lost good trails to closures after it becomes known on the interwebs and some yahoo tears or trashes it up, not always provable that the two are related but there is a high coincidence.

I'm personally predisposed to clubs over informal groups but either can be good (or not so good). Good luck with the project and the search.

 

[Ace Brown]

I have spent several winters in Florida and found lots of place to run. Eglin was good but they shut it down about three years ago. Ocala NF has miles of fun sandy two track but very little boondock camping. Apalachicola NF has lots of sandy trails and even some challenging stuff too. Best thing is fairly open camping, just stay away during hunting season. As you mentioned Blackwater SF has some good stuff. Then if you want more tuff stuff try one of the many off-road parks in Florida. Just get that conversion done first. Second Keith's comment about finding a club.

Ace


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[A3M0N]

Thanks guys!

 

[expedition4x4]

first thing first remember that moment with your son when you were offroad, that is the moment you want to recreate over and over and over. Do not get carried away with the offroad consumerism set a target and reach that target and enjoy!

 

[Colonal Angus]

Like Ace said, the National Forests will be your best bet as far dirt roads to explore and camp on. Each NF offers dispersed camping which allows you to camp anywhere in the forest you please except for during hunting season. Each NF offers full downloadable and printable motor vehicle maps that have every road and trail listed. I've found the DeLorme atlas and gazetteers offer really good road/trail maps too. The printable maps for the USFS list on highway vehicle specific trails, jeep trails, atv trails, etc. The roads are fun to explore and if you don't find anywhere that looks like a nice place to camp....camp at one of the dedicated campgrounds withing the NF then move on the next day and explore some more...

I was in your shoes about two years ago...I've learned a lot. My kids hooked. Also, keep your eyes on the Regional Section 'SouthEast Expedition Society' of expo...the SEES guys put on a few get to togethers each year. Great place to meet like minded folks and will give opportunities to explore areas in GA and NC. The mountains are awesome.

 

[A3M0N]

Thanks for all the great info!