Words of advice from Jeepers Jamboree Mechanic  Steve Schuetz. Steve has been helping Jeepers on the Rubicon Trail since 1982. His first experience was when Brett Collins one of the Directors at the time invited him to be his co-pilot and assist as a tail gunner to run drag. Which is the last guys on the trail. They ensure everyone in front of them gets fix and keeps moving toward camp. Or taken to Buck Island where the mechanics there will fix you up. Steve help Brett bring in spare parts like axels, drive shafts, and a variety of parts before the event. He drove in Bretts J10 Jeep ¾ Ton truck with a automatic transmission. He could hear the chain in the trans or transfer case rattling. Later they bought Army Surplus Tubs, that they put axels on. The tubs when flown in via helicopter than towed to the mechanics yard. All the gear had to be brought in and taken out before the lock cabins where built. You can imagine how many times Steve and the crew would coming down Cadillac Hill in preparation for the events.

After 2 or 3 years of coming in with Brett nd driving in Brett’s Jeep Truck. They started flying Steve and his tool box into Rubicon Springs from Loon Lake. Steve didn’t have a jeep in those days. In fact, for the first ten years of his service as a mechanic and fabricator he didn’t own a Jeep. Regardless he was there to help and have fun doing it. Remember the mechanics do not get paid there all volunteers. You will need to pay for the parts and please tip the crew generously. They use the tips to buy supplies and spare parts.

What caught the eyes of the official mechanics was when Steve started coming in with Brett was his ability to analyze a problem and figure out how to fix it. On one occasion a flat fender military style Jeep was brought into the mechanics yard at Rubicon Springs. It kept overheating. They check for water flow, leaks in the radiator hoses and any cracks around the water pump to see if water could be leaking out anywhere. Nothing was found and the mechanics where stumped. Well, Steve loves fabricating, he likes working with metal and creating solutions to problems. He was the first to realize the radiator had no fan shroud. There was some old sheet metal lying about. He custom built a shroud right there in camp and no more overheating.

I ask Steve what item is the most likely to break. He stated drive line parts, U joints, and axels. It seems to be unanimous amongst the mechanics that you should be prepaid with spare U joints and the straps or u bolts that hold them in place.

Steve ask me to point out to the new guys “Don’t Pretend Like You Know What Your Doing” accept help, ask for help, listen to the rock rollers directions. His first five years of driving his CJ5 in was a constant headache with it breaking this and that. He’d question why he was doing this. I can relate to that. Half way thru the trip Id ask myself why I was torturing myself and my vehicle. By time I arrived at the end of the trail. I was telling everyone I can’t wait to see you all next year. I learned that on a jeep trail there is always going to be help, you are not alone. Especially the Rubicon Trail on the Jeepers Jamboree.

Steve has been wheeling the Rubicon with his 1985 CJ7 for over 20 years. He has completely rebuilt it from frame up. He also painted it. There is nothing this man can’t do when he puts his mind to it.

When ask what every Jeep should have on board his rig. Steve said On Board Air and a premier power welder. Lucky for me Steve always been there to weld me back up and I cant count the times over 22 years his done just that. You see im a new guy only been running the Rubicon since 2000. Like Steve says I still don’t pretend I know anything. Every trip though the Rubicon is a learning experience. As Steve also said it is unlike any other trail you have done. And anything can happen.

As far as what tool every Jeeper should carry. He stated hi lift jack.  It is a very useful multipurpose tool. It can be used as a come along to help winch you out, if you don’t have a winch. A tire changer to remove your tire and press the bead from your wheels. A press to put suspension components back in place. And if needed volunteer metal to weld up a broken frame back together. And when there’s no alternative strip it down and use it as emergency Tow Bar. Remember this is also the most dangerous tool in your arsenal, missed handled it can break your jaw amongst other body parts. Always when jack it up or down make sure your body in a position that if the lever bar snaps it is not going to hit you in the face or anywhere else.

The people you meet on the Jeepers jamboree becomes friends for life. The bond we have is a brotherhood. Its why we created the Jeep Famboree. We are a family of jeepers. To learn more about preparing yourself and your vehicle for the Rubicon Trail please follow our facebook fan page.

Please feel free to ask any question you have regarding Jeeping. We are not the official Jeepers Jamboree or Jeep Jamboree and cannot speak for them see their website for question on the Jamboree.

We look forward to seeing you and meeting you in person at the next Jamboree, please make a point to stop at the Mechanics yard and say hello.