by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
MOAB, Utah — The trail system around Moab is extensive. Iconic, even. And yet, when the day is done and all the obstacles have been conquered, or for some, bypassed, all that dirt and dust demands to be washed away from the vehicle.
Yeah, we know there are some who treat mud and dust on their Jeep as a de facto badge of honor. Something to prove they have been somewhere and done something important.
But in reality, leaving that stuff on the vehicle just begs for rust to start forming. Or worse. So why not wash all of it off your Jeep at one of the most popular car wash establishments in Moab?
The “Wash-It Express’.
That’s what we set up on day three during this year’s Easter Jeep Safari.
We turned on the water and suds right at eight in the morning Monday and kept everything flowing until long after the sun hid behind the mesa west of Moab.
This high-volume car wash is located on the southern end of town, right across from the Moab Brewery and McDonald's, and normally sees a constant stream of Jeeps throughout the day as people exit trails and head back to their residences.
Additionally, we brought along microfiber towels for everyone joining the wash day, as well as special EJS stickers, magnets and event discount cards.
Plus, we set up shop with our Specialty Equipment Market Association YJL build and let people see the vehicle from up close and not a booth or picture. With its stroker engine, retro YJ dash and steering column, this vehicle really draws a crowd no matter where we take the thing.
Throughout the day, all kinds of Jeeps, other trucks and, yes, even some Broncos pulled off Utah Hwy 191 and found their way into a wash stall. Some had full enclosures, and some did not have a top at all. Some even went in sans doors so the whole vehicle got a treatment.
We even spotted a few trail vehicles from industry heavyweights such as Bestop, Fabtech, Teraflex and Rockstar Garage throughout the day.
All got soaped up, washed off, and then sped away into the horizon with a beep and a wave.
Not exactly a “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night” kind of thing, but it seemed appropriate on a warm Moab April night.
Not to mention a much cleaner one for a lot of people.
