My 1.0 April trip attempt ended with a windshield pheasant strike at 80 mph followed by multiple check engine light warnings before I reached Billings, MT so I decided to end the trip and return home. Within 2 weeks I found out a camshaft needed replacement on the 2021 Wrangler for $1500. Still unknown how this next attempt will end and how much life is left in the Wrangler Pentastar 3.6 L engine, but it’s time to find out.
I shopped for a small teardrop camper for several weeks but decided to go with a purchase of a Pacific Adventure Works sleeping platform and mattress. Now I won’t be tethered to a trailer and will save maybe 5 mpg on fuel.
The 2.0 plan is spending 2 days at Bighorn National Forest in WY and then on to Kalispell/Glacier MT area for 6 additional days. I think the Going To The Sun Road inside GNP may open in next 2 weeks. If the road does not open, I may extend my stay or add a stop in Medicine Bow/Routt in WY or Rapid City hike at Black Elk Peak on the way home.
Photos, Videos, Stories and more 2026 Trip Plans to be posted soon!
I still have some adjustments and placement tweaks to make so coolers and storage fit in back without breaking down the frame every day. I think it should work out well though.
