Jeep Jamboree hype?

[Dilly’S Willy]

Okay, not really sure where to post this. I really can't understand why someone would pay $1000+ for a weekend, plus all other normal costs associated with traveling, to a private group that doesn't even own the land they use, or provide any real benefit other than meeting possibly like minded people. To people that don't know what it is, or the detailed facts...it seems like a fraternity/sorority essentially (you pay large amounts to meet other people who pay large amounts, plus everything you normally would in life but with added/new rules (some really silly, others beneficial) and someone gets paid (REALLY well) to organize it).

I've also seen people praise the Jamboree like if you can't afford it you don't belong or own a jeep. Some of the rules they make are absurd, like the fact they can cancel at any time for weather and you don't get a refund, or the $500 "admin fee" for canceling/rescheduling? I won't get too into it, but I'm not really seeing this as anything other than a group of people who think they're hot stuff for being able to organize an off-road day on private/state lands. I've seen this type of thing in the motorcycle world more often in the last decade too.

I'm sure I've generalized this more than it should have been, but every time I read the rules/policies of these Jamborees, I'm honestly disgusted at what the enthusiasts seem to think should be normal. I get the joke about J.E.E.P. (Just Empty Every Pocket), but y'all are allowing these companies/groups to raise prices like these trucks are military funded, and it's ruining the culture. Not just Jeep owners either, many brand enthusiasts are ruining automotive/motorcycle culture by ripping people off and creating fake environments for those who really just enjoy being around those who also enjoy the hobby.

Please teach me why this is okay, other than "do you own land to provide these services?". It's early, I haven't slept much, and I'm a bit bored tbh.

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[Chance575]

some don’t mind to pay to play , look up thermal country club where you get out of your car after some track time and are handed a warm towel to clean off



then again I don’t have F U money so that’s not me

 

[NC_Overland]

Man you put a lot of thought into this. It’s never looked like something I wanted to do, but I never went past there.

 

[bleda2002]

Its all perspective I guess. Never really seemed that absurd to me, they feed you (on most of them), organize the event get access to the trails, give discounts on lodging, and get you expert trail guides, and guarantee you'll get off the trails. None of thats cheap and 1000 bucks doesn't seem all that much compared to the effort of trying to do it on my own. Some of the trips don't seem worth the price but others feel very reasonable in my mind.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’ve been to a couple Jeepy type event things and spent some cash on event fees but $1000??!! That’s nuts! That’s a good bit of Jeep parts that could be under my rig and be off-road for the price of a tank of gas. A reason the wife and I bought our vehicles is because off-roading is one of the cheaper forms of entertainment. it’s also one of the more wholesome forms of entertainment/enjoyment out there. To each their own I guess.

 

[SCJ Zach]

Think of the Jamboree as a concierge service. An example. If you and your buddies want to run the Rubicon trail and make it a 3 day event, you have to pack all your groceries, spare parts, etc etc. If you pay the $400ish per person fee, you have a spotter at every obstacle, a pit crew if you break, and they will literally fly in parts via helicopter to you for a trail fix. They feed you, quite well in some cases. Provide historical information about the area, like a tour guide. They show you a few places off the trail that you probably wouldn't know about otherwise, and more. While it is definitely not for everyone, it is the perfect option for some. I think it is a perfect introduction to the adventure life that is Jeep for someone without a lot of experience. I personally build my own jeeps, pack my own gear, and wheel with trusted people. Also, don't like large crowds and don't drink. For me, it's not ideal, but for some, it is a chance to get into real adventure with a chaperone....Also, there are different "levels" and groups. At one end of that it's kid and pet friendly. At the other end is an adult only, more party atmosphere.

 

[JMojaveX]

Probably worth it, especially if you're a vendor. I love events with lots of vendors. Out here in Phoenix we have a thing called Dino's get down. It's free though, but just a chevy truck show. The Vendors pay, and there's a lot of them, and you bring your truck for free. Thousands of trucks... it's insane!! Barrett Jackson Charged me $79 It functions as a great car show for me, plus you get to see the sold prices. I have a 70 K20 I'm building but keep it as a runner. I love driving it. And love the old stuff.

I guess it really depends on the venue. I would like to go. You should go, you might like it.

Enjoy your offroad platform... no matter what it is! And that's what people are doing at those venues... I assume.

Not everyday is race day!

j

 

[Okie Gladiator]

Well, the reason it’s OK is because we live in a free society and they don’t seem to be breaking any laws or hurting people. Because you don’t agree with their logic doesn’t make it not OK. Who cares if some of them feel like they are “hot stuff” or judge others that choose not to attend.

If there is a market for it (or you can create a market for it with hype) someone will sell it. If someone pays the price they must feel the value is there.

Lots of folks own jeeps that have no idea how to use them, how to fix them, don’t have any friends with vehicles to go with, and/or some are intimidated. If this gets them out on a trail in a way they feel safe and supported, well that’s great that it gets them out on the trail.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Eh, I pay $750+ every year to go to a race track and watch rich folk follow each other around in circles - and that's the cost to sleep in a tent within eye sight of the grandstands.

And not a single dollar of it is refundable.

But I enjoy it

There is an overpriced activity for everyone.

 

[azmojave]

There’s people here that pay $1000 to rent a sxs for a day. I met some last weekend on vacation from Quebec. I’m not doing it, but it’s great for the rental company.

 

[biplaneguy]

Not my thing, I used to wheel with a local club that was a lot less formal. The Jamborees, along with a lot of similar events, seem geared to newbies who are unable or unwilling to learn on their own. And the bucket list types.

 

[DirkG]

Baseball game. Some people have catered suites and some people sit in the OF bleachers happy with $5 hot dogs. All are enjoying the game in their own financial framework and comfort level

 

[caryt]

biplaneguy

Sorry but based on your post you know nothing about the Jeepers Jamboree.

 

[slodsm]

Something for everyone.
I personally won’t do events like that. Just like bike rallies, it takes away from the actual activity. Go to sturgis, it’s not about riding anymore, it’s drinking and partying and waiting in line to ride 1/10 as much as you could alone which adds to some people’s frustration.

Mega events suck for some, I don’t want anything to do with them and I build and fix my own shit. Others love them and could t tell an axle from a u-joint and using someone on the trail to fix their shit is needed plus maybe they love the partying at night.

If there is a market, someone will fill it. There is a market for these kinds of events with jeeps, bikes, cars, whatever. More power to em.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

some people sit in the OF bleachers happy with $5 hot dogs.

OF has bleachers now?

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