There's also something to be said for living relatively close to your wheeling area too. I live 4 hours from the nearest area with actual elevation changes, 6 hours from Crozet, 8 hours from tellico (not that it matters) and 10 hours from Harlan. Attica is a quick trip, just a little over 13 hours there.
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If I lived an hour from where I wheeled, I'd still tow it there, because I can afford to. People who don't have tow rigs rarely suggest that it's because they build their XJ so well they don't need them, it's because they can't afford to have one.
I don't have a Super XJ, just an OK one. I have never owned a severe duty rig, but like to think my driving skills have improved over time and that my maintenance is up to par.
I've broken on the trail, in CO, over 16 hours from home. That's why you wheel with a buddy. Attica to me is almost 6 hours, and I consider it a "Day trip". I drive to the trail, wheel, and drive home. Yes, I have fun doing it
When I drag raced, I towed. A few reasons: I didn't have to change the slicks; If the engine went south, I didn't have to hitch home (happened once); a place to rest for the next day of racing.
Perhaps you are right, in the end run, there are two principals at work:
*Cost - Vehicle Cost, Trailer Cost + Insurance: I don't have it to spend.
*The idea that if I plan my line, and drive the vehicle like it needs to take me home at the end of the day, I won't need one 99.9% of the time.
-Ron "I don't need to roll my rig to have fun"
