MWJT Trail Ride Information

General Information For Attending a Trail Ride

There are two types of Trail Rides (or Trail Runs) that the Club typically participates in.  These are Club Sponsored Runs and "Pop-Up" Runs.  Club sponsored runs are usually for paying members only (no Online members) and may be associated with other Club events.  We try to have a Club Sponsored Run at least once every two months.  Trail Leaders are usually picked beforehand and have had prior experience.  Pop-Up Runs happen almost every weekend and are open to everyone.  These are typically smaller and less organized.  Trail Leaders are usually picked by the person posting or someone chosen that day.  All rides, unless posted otherwise, are open to, and geared towards family participation.  We have runs in places such as Washita Offroad Park in Farmington, MO; Sayersbrook Bison Ranch, near Potosi, MO; The Badlands in Attica IN; Flat Nasty Offroad Park near Salem, MO, and Hannibal Rocks near Hannibal, MO. While not required, we highly recommend the use of a CB radio.  This allows everyone on the trail to communicate warnings, problems, chit-chat, etc. to the rest of the group.  For Club sponsored Rides, your vehicle must meet all of our vehicle requirements (see below) and you must follow the proper trail etiquette during the ride.

Drinking and driving do not mix. Alcohol is forbidden for driver and passengers while trail riding.

Required Vehicle Equipment

1.       Proof of Insurance

2.       Safety belts (one for each occupant)

3.       Tow strap  (looped ends only NO hooks)

4.       Roll Bar or Steel Unitized Factory Roll Protection Structure

5.       Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench - A full-size spare is always recommended, and is required if the vehicle is equipped with any type of locking or limited-slip axle

6.       Front and Rear tow points (or suitable attaching point) - A strap around a bumper is NOT an adequate tow point

7.       All vehicles must have a functioning exhaust system 

Recommended Equipment

1.       Fire Extinguisher (1A10BC Dry Chemical)

2.       Basic First Aid Kit

3.       Citizens band (CB) radio

4.       Front sway-bar quick-disconnects

5.       Trash Bags

6.       Basic Tool Kit

7.       Tire Repair Kit

8.       Tire Pressure Gauge

9.       Toilet Paper and Baby Wipes

Trail Ride Tips & Etiquette

• Give your Jeep a safety and mechanical check before leaving for the trail ride.
• If you plan on attending a ride let us know so we know how many people to expect.
• If you are expected on a trail ride but decide not to go or you are running late call the trail leader (if possible) or post early enough on the Forums so we know if we need to wait for you.
• Keep an eye on the Jeep behind you. If it falls out of sight or seems to need help, slow down or wait and inform the Jeeps in front of you that they need to do the same. You can use the CB or if you don’t have one honk your horn. This applies for on the trail as well as on the highway when traveling in a group.
• If you are falling behind and need the Jeeps ahead to slow down or wait give a holler on the CB or honk your horn if you do not have a CB.
• Feel uncomfortable about an obstacle? Let someone know and we will get someone to spot you. If you are asked to spot someone but are not sure what line they should take ask for help from the trail leader. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a bypass or being winched to get past an obstacle.
• There should only be one person spotting a vehicle over an obstacle. Different people giving the driver different instructions while attempting an obstacle can be confusing and dangerous. If you have ideas on how to get a vehicle over the obstacle, talk to the person spotting the vehicle about them.
• Give the vehicles around you plenty of room to maneuver on the trail. Do not tailgate. If the vehicle in front of you is going up/down a steep hill climb wait until they are at the top/bottom before you start your turn.
• Vehicles on our rides range from highly modified with experienced drivers to completely stock with brand new drivers. The amount of time and help different vehicles will need getting over some of the obstacles will vary greatly. Always be helpful and patient.
• Be courteous on the CB. Remember that some people will have their kids with them who can hear the CB as well.
• Use the CB to let the Jeeps in back of you know when there is oncoming traffic on the trail. If there is not enough room for them to pass let the Jeeps behind you know whether the other vehicles are pulling over to let us by or if we need to pull over to let them by.
• Do not litter. If you pack it in, pack it out. This includes cigarette butts.
• Dogs are welcome on the trail if they are behaved and controllable. Be sure to bring a leash, food and water for them. Does your dog not get along with other dogs? Check to see if anyone else is bringing a dog with them first.
• Be courteous to other riders on the trail. If they need help, help them out if possible.
• If someone in our group breaks down the trail ride will stop until we get them repaired. We will never leave someone behind. When you attend a ride be aware that it is always possible that someone may have bad luck and break their Jeep and stop the ride. Please be patient, it may be you next time!
• Be aware that a trail ride may take longer than planned due to breakage or unforeseen problems. Bring more food and water than you think you will need and be prepared to get home late.
• Safety always comes first. Please know your vehicle limitations and think of your safety and the safety of others before attempting that insane obstacle. We are on the trails to have a fun time, not to get hurt or total our Jeeps.
• When leaving the trail, make sure to leave extra distance between you and the next Jeep as the tires will throw rocks and mud, and have potential for damaging other Jeeps.

To download a pdf version of this document, click here

Putting together a trail ride of your own??  Download our trail leader guideline document, click here

Please review this spotting techniques document before you attempt to spot another Jeeper on the trail, click here