» faq

Everything you need to know. We've compiled a list of questions that often get asked about our trips and events. Please read through these to become more familiar with our offerings, and then feel free to contact us if your question is not answered here.

 

WHAT’S A JEEP® JAMBOREE?

It’s a full two-day, family oriented four-wheel-drive adventure that’s probably unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Jeep Jamborees cater to every level of expertise so they’re fun for everyone — from novice to veteran and everyone in between. Any Jeep vehicle with a 4-LO transfer case can participate — that includes everything from showroom stock all the way up to highly modified rigs. Experienced guides help navigate you through scenic switchbacks and some of the most challenging off-highway situations you never thought your Jeep vehicle was capable of. And, perhaps best of all, you’ll be meeting and making new friends every day.

CLASSIC VS JUST TRAILS

"Classic" Jamborees are perfect for Jeep adventurers who don't want to worry about preparing or planning meals – it's all included! In addition to the traditional Friday and Saturday night dinner get-togethers, "Classic" Jamborees provide guests with a hot breakfast as well as a trail lunch on Friday and Saturday. Sound like a tasty way to travel? Just look for the fork and knife icon to identify "Classic" Jamborees.

"Just Trails" Jamborees include Friday and Saturday night family style dinners, but give Jamboree guests the opportunity to brown bag it, prepare their own home-cooked specialties or try charming local restaurants for their other meals. As an added bonus, reduced meal costs for these trips allow JJUSA to pass the savings on to you, making these trips even more affordable for the entire family! If this sounds like your kind of trip, just select a trip with the "Just Trails" icon.

NOTE: Meals vary. Regretfully, no accommodations can be made for dietary restrictions or special diets.

BUY 3, GET 1 FREE!

Jeep Jamboree USA is pleased to continue the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE!, promotion for parties of four or more traveling in the SAME Jeep 4X4.

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE! gives your family or group one free entrance pass, which is to be redeemed at the time of registration. Please note the lowest paid participant attends free. When registering for the lowest priced participant select the payment "Buy 3 Get, 1 Free!" option. All participants must register and pay at the SAME for at the in order for this promotion to be valid. Passengers added to a vehicle at a later date are not eligible for this promotion.

This promotion is not valid for the Mark A. Smith Adventure Series trips

 

WHAT’S THE TYPICAL ITINERARY?

Actual itineraries vary trip to trip, but here’s a sample:

THURSDAY:

EVENING REGISTRATION (5-7 p.m.): Upon arrival at your local Jamboree headquarters, attendees register, select trails, meet with others, and have their Jeep vehicles inspected for trail capability. Participants receive nametags, meal coupons, and stickers at on-site registration.

FRIDAY:

BREAKFAST (6:30-8 a.m.): A hearty breakfast is served to all Classic Jamboree participants. (“Just Trails” adventurers supply own breakfast.)

MANDATORY GENERAL ATTENDANCE MEETING (8:30 a.m.): A brief orientation covers proper technique and details about the day’s activities.

DEPART FOR TRAILS (9 a.m.): Participants assemble for departure into the backcountry.

LUNCH ALONG THE TRAIL (noon): A few hours into the trip, we’ll break to regroup for lunch. The site chosen often has breathtaking views. (“Just Trails” adventurers supply own lunch.)

TRAIL RIDE CONTINUES: Participants push farther down trail, crossing streams, negotiating boulders, and conquering steep grades — all under the watchful eyes of veteran Jeep Jamboree guides.

DINNER (6-7:30 p.m.): As the afternoon draws to a close, all vehicles return to a predetermined site where dinner is served and the day’s adventures are shared. (“Just Trails” adventurers are included.)

SATURDAY:

BREAKFAST (6:30-8 a.m.): Wake up to a hearty breakfast and lively conversation. (“Just Trails” adventurers supply own breakfast.)

MANDATORY GENERAL ATTENDANCE MEETING (8:30 a.m.): Jamboree officials review Friday’s happenings with participants and present a brief preview of Saturday’s itinerary. Four-wheeling tips and guidelines are examined once more.

DEPART FOR TRAILS (9 a.m.): Trail time again!

LUNCH ALONG THE TRAIL (noon): Jamboree adventurers stop for lunch amidst nature. (“Just Trails” adventurers supply own lunch.)

TRAIL RIDE CONTINUES: One last chance to appreciate the area’s natural beauty and your Jeep 4x4’s remarkable off-highway capability.

EVENING DINNER/PRIZE DRAWING (6-8 p.m.): Everyone gathers for dinner. (Including “Just Trails” adventurers.)

WHO CAN I BRING?

Whoever you want! As long as they each have a required seat belt in your Jeep 4x4. Bringing pets is strongly discouraged. If your pet must attend, be sure to contact the Jeep Jamboree USA office for specific requirements.

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION AND WHERE DO I SEND IT?

Send your completed registration and waiver forms (photocopies are acceptable) along with your fee to: Jeep Jamboree USA, PO Box 1601, Georgetown CA 95634. If you have a credit card, you can register online at jeepjamboreeusa.com (see Trips), or by phone (530) 333-4777, Ext. 18. Upon receipt of the completed registration form and signed waiver, drivers will receive a trip itinerary by eMail, which includes an accommodations list and other necessary info 2-4 weeks after signing up for a Jamboree. Jeep Jamboree USA office hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, M-F. The official host of the event is Jeep Jamboree USA, a division of Mark A. Smith Off-Roading, Inc. Registration is contingent on availability. Several Jamboree events sell out quickly. Please register early.

CAN I PURCHASE GIFT Certificates FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

Of course! Just call the Jeep Jamboree USA office at (530) 333-4777, Ext. 18. They’re also available online.

WHERE DO I SLEEP ON A JEEP JAMBOREE?

Although lodging isn’t covered in your fee, you’ll be sent a trip itinerary by eMail (2-4 weeks after signing up for a Jamboree) that includes a list of motels, campgrounds, and RV accommodations in the area. When making reservations, be sure to mention you’re attending a Jeep Jamboree.

WHAT WILL A JAMBOREE COST?

Individual Jamboree fees vary. Please see each Jamboree write-up for details. There’s no charge for children five years of age or under on any Jamboree. Visa,® MasterCard,® Discover,® American Express,® personal checks, and money orders are welcome. All fees must be paid in advance. A $35 charge is assessed for returned checks.

REFUND/TRANSFER POLICY:

Days Prior to Trip Date => Penalty
Reservation to 21 days => $35
20 days to 8 days => 50%
7 days to 1 day => 80%
Trip date and beyond => NO REFUND
Transfer Fee $35

WILL I BE THE ONLY JAMBOREE ROOKIE?

No. There’s a mix of first-timers (about 33%, in fact) and veterans — who may be on their sixth Jamboree.

WHAT DOES THE JAMBOREE COVER?

Your fee covers all necessary permits, experienced guides for the entire trip, three meals on both Friday and Saturday (“Just Trails” adventurers include evening meals only). NOTE: Meals vary. Regretfully, no accommodations can be made for special diets or dietary restrictions. You will have access to some of the finest trails in America — several of which are only available through this program. Each Jamboree also features a giveaway for chances to win great prizes. Sorry, no partial trips are offered or meal only options and no spectators allowed. All participants must be officially registered.

MAY I BRING MY JEEP LIBERTY, CHEROKEE, COMPASS, PATRIOT, GRAND CHEROKEE, OR COMMANDER? 

Of course! Most new Jeep 4x4 vehicles with a 4-LO transfer case are Trail Rated® and are tested on demanding 4x4 trails. See page 5 for guidelines. Wrangler is the recommended vehicle for the Rubicon Trail Jamboree. Your Jeep® four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to be street legal with license plate, in good condition, with good tires, brakes, and seat belts. In addition, we require prior approval for larger Jeep 4x4s, such as Grand Wagoneers and J-Series Pickups. Jeep Jamboree USA reserves the right to refuse participation to any applicant whose vehicle exceeds size restrictions.

COULD MY VEHICLE BE DAMAGED ON A JAMBOREE?

Every effort is made by Jeep Jamboree USA to make the trails as safe as possible. Participants are advised to closely follow instructions given by trail guides, spotters, and Jeep Jamboree USA. However, there’s the possibility of damage to your vehicle when traveling rough terrain. Any damage is the owner’s responsibility. Jamborees with higher difficulty ratings (page 5) are likelier to encounter terrain that may contribute to vehicular damage. Participants are required to sign a waiver form. (See page 16 for Authentic Jeep Accessories by Mopar that can help protect your vehicle from damage.)

IS THERE MORE THAN ONE TRAIL AT A GIVEN DESTINATION?

It varies. Most Jeep® Jamborees feature multiple trails with varying degrees of difficulty.

CAN MY FRIEND WHO OWNS A TOYOTA ALSO PARTICIPATE?

Only if he or she rides in your Jeep 4x4! Jeep Jamborees are strictly for Jeep 4x4s. 

DOES MY JEEP 4X4 NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR A JAMBOREE?

Yes! The following is MANDATORY for all vehicles:

  • Jeep vehicles must have four-wheel drive with a low-range (4-LO) transfer case.  Patriot and Compass vehicles equipped with 4WD systems may participate in Jeep Jamborees with trail ratings of 1 or 2. 
  • Front and rear tow hooks must be properly mounted to the frame with grade-eight bolts. 
  • Drawbars, receiver hitches, or aftermarket bumpers with manufacturer-installed clevis or D-ring anchor points are acceptable alternates to tow hooks.  If you don’t have tow hooks, you may be turned away without a refund. 
  • All open-topped vehicles, including older models (CJs, Scramblers, and Willys), must have roll bars. 
  • A full-size spare tire; a space-saver spare (donut) just won’t do. 
  • Street legal vehicle with current license plate.

DO YOU RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT?

  • Skid plates covering the oil pan, gas tank, and transfer case.  Mandatory for the Rubicon Trail. 
  • Rock rails for Jeep Liberty, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Commander vehicles registered for higher-rated trails.  Rock rails are iron moldings designed to protect your vehicle’s rocker sills from damage.  Strongly advised for Jamborees with rocky terrain.  Mandatory for the Rubicon Trail.  Please contact the Jeep Jamboree USA office for additional information. 
  • Heavy-duty, 20-foot nylon tow straps (20,000 pound minimum rating) with looped ends.  TOW STRAPS WITH METAL HOOKS ARE NOT PERMITTED. 
  • Body lifts/suspension lifts up to six inches (combined) are permitted.  Running boards and snowplow frames are not permitted.  Tires over 37 inches are not permitted. 

WHEN IS THE CUTOFF FOR NEW TRIP REGISTRATIONS AND/OR ADDING PASSENGERS?

You may register and/or add passengers until two weeks prior to the trip date, subject to availability. All new trip registrations and/or added passengers must sign a waiver. If only adding passengers, select the “Adding Passengers Only” box on the registration form. Passengers may not be changed during the event.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING IN ADDITION TO MY JEEP 4X4?

We recommend:

  • A CB radio.  It’s a great way to communicate on the trail.
  • Snacks.
  • Warm clothes.  It may not be cold upon arrival, but temperatures can drop overnight.
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • A camera and/or video camera.
  • Flashlight and fresh batteries.
  • A cooler filled with your favorite NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages.
  • A portable chair for lunch on the trail. 
  • NOTE: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON ANY TRAIL RIDE.  Violators will be removed without refund and banned from all future Jeep Jamborees.

QUESTION?

Contact us at Jeep Jamboree USA (530) 333-4777, Ext. 18, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, PO Box 1601, Georgetown CA 95634. eMail: jeepjam@ jeepjam.com. Web site: www.jeepjamboreeusa.com. For additional copies of this Jeep Jamboree USA 2009 Guidebook, please call (800) 925-JEEP (5337). NOTE: Due to possible unforeseen circumstances, trip dates and locations are subject to change and possible cancellation. The information contained in the Guidebook applies to U.S. Jamborees only.  

 

Site Updated: Sunday January 04, 2009

 

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