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Willys CJ-2A—also known as the Jeep Universal

First Of The Civvies

Jeep hits mainstream America with the Willys CJ-2A

J Rations’ Jeep® history pieces were written and photographed by Jim Allen, noted four-wheel drive historian and author. The title’s brand incorporated the vehicle’s military origins and were reflected in the edition designations of “Standard Issue” numbers rather than conventional issue dates. Standard Issue 3 was the first issue to hit international newsstands.

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Electrical 101 image

Electrical 101

Learning basic electrical theory is part and parcel of Jeep ownership and upgrading

Published in Standard Issue 2, this piece was one of the most discussed articles in the early issues. “Electrical 101” was part of Outgate Media’s commitment to serve the average Jeep enthusiast, a publishing strategy not shared by competing titles and welcomed by J Rations readers.

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New Wrangler JK

Trail Tested: 2007 Jeep Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited

There’s a new code name in the Jeep lexicon. Here’s the firsthand skinny on the new JK Wrangler

With our fingers hovering over the mouse, we broke this story online exactly one second after the media embargo expired. J Rations was one of the first magazines on newsstands to present the new Jeep JK in all its glory, an inside scoop feverishly anticipated by enthusiasts.

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Jeeps on a ship

Building The Legend—Part Six

Although we come to the end of our first historical series, the legend continues…

“Building The Legend” was a six-part series that ran in the magazine and as an in-depth multimedia presentation on the accompanying CD-ROM, written by Jim Allen. Opening title sequences for the CD were concepted and produced by Outgate Media.

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Jeep on the rocks

Wheelin’ It Yankee Style

That Jeeping crew from North Jersey hits the dirt at Rausch Creek

Every issue of J Rations contained at least one romp through the woods, focusing on club runs, special locations, and the battle of nature and machine. This article spotlighted this East Coast run. Other issues spread the glory throughout the States.

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Jeep making a wake

Going Down

The all-new River Raider Snorkel Systems deliver sharp-looking, bulletproof intake designs for the adventurous Jeep set

J Rations was known for its tech articles and for a good reason. Many of them were generated by the staff or by everyday Jeep enthusiasts, not paid professionals. This gave us the lowdown on what worked and what didn’t.

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J Rations Magazine Cover

J Rations Magazine

Backstory: J Rations
Concept: Outgate Media Inc.
Design: Outgate Media Inc.
Production: Outgate Media
Content: Freelance/Outgate Media Inc.
Marketing: Outgate Media Inc.

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Willys CJ-2A—also known as the Jeep Universal Willys CJ-2A—from the rear Willys CJ-2A—engine Willys CJ-2A—interior

First Of The Civvies

Jeep hits mainstream America with the Willys CJ-2A

text and photography by Rob Reaser

When it became obvious that the Axis powers would soon be relegated to the Failed Conquest dustbin of history, the Willys-Overland company realized it had a product that needed no public fanfare. The Jeep had proven its mettle in the worst conditions around the globe and under the most extreme circumstances…

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Electrical tools Using the tools Using the tools

Electrical 101

Learning basic electrical theory is part and parcel of Jeep ownership and upgrading

text by Herb Goezes and Rob Reaser—photography by Rob Reaser

An electrical system can make or break a Jeep, but many people overlook the importance of understanding basic electrical theory and hookup procedures when making upgrades—particularly when upgrading a trail rig…

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Jeep TK Jeep TK Jeep TK

Trail Tested! 2007 Jeep Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited

There’s a new code name in the Jeep lexicon. Here’s the firsthand skinny on the new JK Wrangler

You can pretty much set your watch by it. Give Jeep 10 years and they’ll come out with a new version of its iconic short-wheelbase 4x4. In 1976 the CJ-7 hit the market. 1986 unveiled the CJ’s replacement, the YJ Wrangler. In early 1996 we were on the advance test drive of the TJ Wrangler in central Arizona. Now it’s 2006, and we’re fresh off the JK Wrangler’s trail test—done, appropriately enough, on California’s famed Rubicon Trail…

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WWII Archival Image WWII Archival Image WWII Archival Image

PX Jeeps, “Famous” Jeepers And A Closing Scrapbook

Although we come to the end of our first historical series, the legend continues…

text by Jim Allen

We all know that the flood of surplus military jeeps on the market helped create the recreational four-wheeling craze that has yet to peak more than a half-century later. What many people don’t know is that, for a time, G.I.s could buy a rebuilt jeep through the PX (Post Exchange) at a bargain price.

Rock crawling Rock crawling Rock crawling

Wheelin’ It Yankee Style

That Jeeping crew from North Jersey hits the dirt at Rausch Creek

Every April the members of the North Jersey Jeep Club (NJJC) gather for their annual Spring Ride. This is more than just a monthly trail ride. It’s a celebration of the beginning of great ‘wheeling weather and the renewal of long-standing friendships…

Snorkel Systems deliver sharp-looking, bulletproof intake designs Snorkel Systems deliver sharp-looking, bulletproof intake designs Snorkel Systems deliver sharp-looking, bulletproof intake designs

Going Down

The all-new River Raider Snorkel Systems deliver sharp-looking, bulletproof intake designs for the adventurous Jeep set

text and photography by Karl Henderson

While 90-some percent of the Jeeps on the road and trail sporting a snorkel will never put it to its intended use, there are other advantages to these systems, such as providing a cooler (denser) air intake charge and breathing “above the dust” when traveling in a caravan…

J Rations Multimedia Magazine: Navigate A Different Trail

J Rations Magazines and CDs

Conceived as a genuinely unique niché publication, J Rations fulfilled its mission in spades with a full-color, 80-page magazine, companion rich-media CD-ROM and interactive website. Each medium was concepted and designed to intuitively lead readers to the next leg of this media experience. Articles began in the magazine and could stand on their own while simultaneously steering readers to discover more editorial on the CD and yet more on the title’s website. Readers could choose just one part of the J Rations media experience or the full boat. The option was theirs.

For the first time ever, magazine readers could watch their interests come to life through a CD editorial experience with video, motion graphics, soundtracks, SFX and voiceovers. Serving up instant gratification was the J Rations website, where users were invited to participate in the Jeep® lifestyle. They interacted with each other in the site’s forum and shared images and technical information about their vehicles in the Readers’ Rigs section. The site was also promoted the sales of single-copies and subscriptions.

J Rations’ rich-media CD-ROM also gave advertisers a groundbreaking method to reach their audience. Navigational menus were sponsored by advertisers with clickable links that took viewers to their cyber stores, and opening sequences were crafted to provide advertisers space for their broadcast-style advertisements. This was carefully administered by Outgate Media through programming so readers would be exposed to these ads without monotonoy.

J Rations Home Web Page J Rations Section Web Page J Rations Section Web Page

J Rations Website

Extensive e-commerce website with interactive sections, an online store and editorial content.

Design:
Outgate Media
Development:
Outgate Media
Content:
Outgate Media

J Rations’ website welcomed enthusiasts of all Jeep® models, providing them with several interactive features. They could upload pictures and technical information about their Jeeps, post upcoming Jeep events around the country and communicate with each other on a wide variety of topics.

The website also promoted J Rations print magazine and CD-ROMs with new-issue contents pages, article summaries and trailers of select multimedia features. The site facilitated the sales of single-copies and subscriptions with an online store that offered readers several options. They could buy the print magazine, the CD-ROM or both. Subscribers could choose to buy a “Hardcore” subscription (print magazine and CD-ROM bundle) or a “Modified” subscription (print magazine only). The vast majority of J Rations readers purchased both the print and CD versions.