Judging by the number of friends who show up to the trail head with bikes on the back of their Jeep, it’s probably safe to assume that the two go hand in hand. The connection with mountain bikes is also why J Robert Marketing chose a 2014 Jeep Wrangler for their Project Trail Seeker. The concept was simple – design what you would consider to be the ultimate rolling base camp for your next mountain bike adventure.
According to Jhan Dophin of J Robert Marketing, the nearly 200 responses they received varied from “I can’t believe how well thought out this is,” to ” are you nuts?” After they finished going through the submitted ideas, the team set out to put together a jeep that was not only the perfect mountain biking companion, but also included as many American made products as possible. While J Robert Marketing represents a number of automotive parts and accessories brands like Bushwacker, Line-X, SuperWinch and more, they also sought out American bike brands like Turner Bicycles, Park Tool, and Yakima Racks.
The end result is one bad ass Jeep with storage for all your tools, bikes, and gear to get you to the trail…
While discussing the project with Jhan, we were told that most of the accessories on the Trail Seeker Jeep were readily available, meaning you could build up the same Jeep without having to custom fabricate any components. So if you’re liking the looks of that TruckVault pull out tool tray above stuffed with Park and Snap On Tools, your Jeep is just a few bolts away.
To make it the perfect remote bike maintenance camp the Jeep also features an on-board air system by Hadley and storage for all the necessary ProGold fluids. Unfold the Park Tool repair stand and you should be set for most trail side bicycle repairs.
The Jeep itself ends up a very capable off roader with Nitto 35″ Trail Grappler tires on ATX Ravine Design 17″ wheels, and JKS 3.5″ JSpec Suspension. Additional modifications include custom paint and graphics by CPV Paint and Graphics, suspension work by Attitude Performance, a TruckMaster Designs Cowl Induction hood, Bushwacker Pocket Style fender flares, Line-X protective coating, and Hammerhead Armor custom bumpers and sidesteps. KC HiLites LED lighting should help illuminate the surroundings if you have to break out the SuperWinch Talon to get yourself out of trouble.
The interior hasn’t been forgotten as illustrated by the Turner head badge on the dash. What Turner owner wouldn’t want that!? We’ll have to assume the Katzkin leather upgrades on the seat are impervious to mud and wet chamois. The Grabar handles will help you climb in over the enlarged wheels and tires, while the MB Quart custom sound system will make the trek to the next trail a little more fun. The few remaining additions come from Volant, Drake Products, Daystar, and RARE Parts.
First unveiled at the SEMA show, the Trail Seeker Jeep will be making its way around the US including future stops at the Wisconsin and Michigan Off Road Series and larger car shows and events. Typically producing 1-2 themed project cars each year, this was J Robert’s first attempt at a mountain bike themed project which Jhan said they really enjoyed being mountain bikers themselves.
