Muddy Dog Jeep Tales with Holly Peters

Meet Holly Peters. She is always willing to help folks out, even if she is dressed up, with pearls on. Out wheeling, she makes riding a blast. We have done karaoke oh the trails with her karaoke microphone. She has helped build my confidence in wheeling, being able to see and ride with her, getting to experience what she has been able to do in her jeep. She has a wonderful heart, always helping out in the community in the time of need, no matter if it is jeep club related or on her own accord. Introduction by Julie Smith.

What is your Jeep's name and how did you decide on the name?

My Jeep’s name is CHATA. At the time I bought my jeep, my favorite beverage was Rum Chata (I still love it). I opened up my fridge and saw the all white bottle and since my Jeep was all white and I loved both, it fit!

What or who got you addicted to jeeps?

I bought my jeep bc I had a convertible Mustang at the time and loved it, but was ready for a change. Wanting another convertible… I decided to buy a jeep so I could take the top off. I had no idea this whole sub culture or world of off-roading existed. While on vacation, my brother and I took my Jeep to an offroad park (he grew up with trucks and going mudding) and showed me the basics and how to put it into 4-wheel drive. We had so much fun that afternoon, I was hooked and had to learn more. I went online and looked for more off-road parks near me I could go and Jeep clubs popped up in my search. I decided to check out a local club called “TN JEEPS” and met some great people who started teaching me how to wheel and I’ve been addicted ever since.

How many Jeeps have you owned / or own currently? What models /years?

This is the only jeep I’ve ever really owned. It’s a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2 door.

What mods are you most proud of or were the most excited to get? Tell me about as many as you want.

Soooooo…. many mods, lol. I tell everyone I think the only thing left stock on my Jeep is the engine! The first thing I got for my jeep was an inexpensive lift, wheels and tires. The lift has since been taken off and passed on to two other jeepers, lol. I was most excited to get my ½ doors (no more on and off with full ones in the summer), I love them!! And also, my Hutchinson Rock Monster double beadlocks… I won them in a raffle and absolutely love them!!! I was excited about the score I got on a “FOR SALE” page for a practically brand new Rubi transfer case for $300! I had to drive to Georgia to get it, so worth it. My Pro-Rock 44 front axel, Eaton lockers, Reid knuckles, revolution gear set up was probably the mod I dumped the most money into. I exploded my front Dana 30 at Hawk Pride ORP on a trail a couple years ago, but it was on it’s 9th life, so it was time. My latest mod I just did last year was a PSC Big Bore Hydro assist kit, so far it has been a game changer on the trail!!! Full belly skids, Warn winch, ARB double air compressor, Poison Spyder aluminum fender flairs- corner armor-and rock rails, Rock Krawler X Factor lift and one ton steering, BFG KM3 tires, rock lights, full Kicker speakers upgrade with added amp and subwoofers. The list goes on and on…..

What do you like the best about Jeeps and the Jeep community?

I always tell my friends the best thing about the Jeep community are the people that are in it. I have never been a part of a more giving, selfless, “give you the shirt off their back” group ever. Just a fun-loving group that loves being outdoors, heckling each other to no end, and spending time working on their jeeps. So much so, that it encouraged me to step and serve on the board of my current jeep club – Jeeps and Wrenches, for the past 5 years…3 of those as President.

What is your favorite Jeep story? Or stories?

What happens on the trail, stays on the trail… so many I would get in trouble if I told!! One that I am most proud of… our club is associated with a local charity called, Dreams and Wishes of TN. They had a young lady who had a terminal illness and her wish was to see her Jeep decked out like she had always envisioned. We were getting a plan together with some donations from some of our sponsors and within days we got word that she had taken a turn for the worst. In ONE DAY the people in our club pitched in and installed all the mods (full lift, bumpers, winch…) and over 30 jeeps convoyed to her home and delivered it to her the next day. It was a truly priceless, humbling experience to see the look on her face and for our group to be able to do it for her.

What is your favorite trails and why?

Locally, I love George Winter Trail & Trail 90 at Adventure Offroad Park and Coppinger Cove. Hot Springs Offroad park is a blast, so many great trails over there. Out West, my favorites are: Colorado – Holy Cross, Wheeler Lake, Argentine Pass, South Dakota – Hal Johns. Moab – Poison Spider Mesa, Moab Rim, & Golden Spike. I love beautiful scenery od CO & UT and when you mix in a trail with fun, challenging obstacles to really test your limits and get your adrenaline pumping...it’s the best of both worlds!!

Do you have any Jeep pets?

Tell me about them. I love my BFF… my ride or die Jeep dog, Moxie! She is a 6 year old yellow Lab. She started in the Jeep as a puppy and loves being out in the woods. She is a pro at finding any mud holes near by and jumping in!!

Any favorite groups you want to give a shout out to?

Jeeps and Wrenches is the club I have been a part of now since 2013. The individuals in this group have taught me pretty much everything there is to know about my Jeep. From being a newbie on the trail and barely knowing the basics it is so intimidating to go wheeling with a group who are all experienced. Especially being a female, when 90% of the group are men. I never felt unwelcomed, made to feel stupid for any questions I asked, or judged for what my Jeep couldn’t do yet in the beginning. It was always quite the opposite!! I had so many great teachers showing me what lines to take, how to fix parts on my Jeep, spotting me through obstacles, and always willing to give great advice! It’s the reason why I always want to help new Jeepers get in to the sport when I can bc of how many awesome people in my club helped me!!

What other hobbies / interests do you have?

Jeeps are my main hobby… I can’t afford to do anything else!!! I love dogs though… if I could find a way to be surrounded by jeeps and furry faces 24/7 I would be in heaven!

Anything you want to add?

If you are a woman, don’t be intimidated to get into this sport. We need more female drivers out on the trails and most clubs will welcome you with open arms and show you the ropes! You have to put yourself out there and not be scared to learn or try new things. You will get to be friends with some of the best human beings out there!

I hope you enjoyed meeting Holly Peters. She is an amazing woman. If you see Holly and Chata, tell her you met her here.

I am extremely grateful for the ones in my life who have taught me how to grow, stretch my comfort zone, laugh, and give me support. I am also thankful for a hair clip side gig that allows for many jeep trips, and it is the perfect way to contain the crazy jeep hair into beautiful hair. Here are the links if you are interested in the Jeep Jewelry www.gatewoodsjubilee.biz. or you can go to www.LillaRose.biz/Gatewood for that amazing hair Flexiclip.

The jeep hairclips are available with this Google form or at a show. To get a free video of 9 easy hairstyles and a chance to win a free Flexi Sport, register here: MuddyDogJeepBlog . For more styling videos you can check out my YouTube channel Gatewood's Jubilee .