Moab, Utah, features a terrain of dark red and coral-colored slick rock, hundreds of miles of dirt trails, orange-hued dunes, and lots of giant boulders. That’s why it’s a haven for 4×4 off-roading adventurers. They gather every year for the Easter Jeep Safari and vendor show.
The organizers canceled the event last year due to Covid-19. But the annual Easter Jeep Safari (otherwise known as EJS) is on for 2021. Hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, the Safari will take place from Saturday, March 27, to Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Shop now for Jeep partsThe event will honor Covid precautions. For instance, the traditional large vendor show was canceled. (The product showcase is now tentatively scheduled as a private vendor gathering.)
The Superlift JK carefully navigates a steep descent on the Moab Rim Trail. (Photo by Mercedes Lilienthal, All rights reserved.)
Same as always, EJS attendees this year will bring their own Jeep, food, non-alcoholic beverages, and other daily necessities. The event is popular and can get crowded. So signing up for each day’s trail runs is highly recommended.
Moab offers many iconic tracks, like the scenic and challenging Moab Rim Trail. (Photo by Mercedes Lilienthal, All rights reserved.)
Moab is a unique geological wonderland. The many miles of trails range from easy and scenic two-wheel-drive backcountry treks to unforgiving 4WD rock-crawling challenges. Expect sheer cliff drop-offs, steep inclines and declines, and rocks the sizes of houses. Drivers will either winch or wince.
Moab provides an opportunity to test off-road prowess on all levels. eBay offers thousands of parts to help you tackle the trails and personalize your Jeep. Here are three essential items to consider before taking off into the wild.
Make Your Jeep Safari-Ready
Bring a Winch
WARN VR EVO winch
An aftermarket winch bumper or an electric winch will get you unstuck when the going gets rough. eBay has a wide selection of winches for every budget. You might consider the WARN VR EVO winch (offered with either steel or synthetic rope). It provides fast line speeds, an IP68 waterproof rating, and the backing of a company that’s been around since 1948. The VR EVO is offered in capacities of 8,000 lb., 10,000 lb., or 12,000 lb. and features a control pack that can be relocated.
Also read: Electric Winches: Know the Basics Before You Buy
Rock Sliders Offer Protection
EAG rock slider
Jeep enthusiasts shouldn’t venture out on Moab’s slick rocks without underbody protection: rock sliders. Sliders or rocker guards are not looks-only side steps or nerf bars. Instead, rock sliders offer vehicle owners protection from boulders, stumps, and other trail hazards. They’ll take a beating instead of your vehicle’s body.
The list of Jeep parts from EAG includes rock sliders that fit a four-door 2018-2021 Jeep JL. These sliders are a bolt-on affair and are made of two-inch powder-coated steel tubing. No cutting or drilling is required. These sliders fit where the factory step guards are installed.
Time for a Lift Kit
TeraFlex four-door JL lift kit
Along with grippy all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, Jeep owners should consider a lift kit for their Jeep. Four-wheel-drive owners upgrade their vehicles with lift kits to increase ground clearance for better off-road capability. The TeraFlex four-door JL lift kit is a prime example. It boasts 2.5” coil springs and comes with the essential parts needed to fit larger tires under your Jeep. Replacement shocks are sold separately.
Our Guide to Trucks with Lift Kits from a few years ago still provides excellent advice.
A tin-top flat fender Jeep steadily climbs the famous red rocks of Moab. (Photo by Mercedes Lilienthal, All rights reserved.)
These three items are a great place to start equipping your 4×4 for the toughest terrains—whether in Moab or a nearby trail.
Regardless, it’s great to see the return of the Easter Jeep Safari in 2021. Even if you can’t be there this year, it’s not too early to get ready for making the pilgrimage to Moab. Every off-road adventurer should experience that magical place at least once.
