Start building and start saving :thumb:
It's going to cost a different amount for each person because everyone participating will drive to an unknown starting point from their homes. In the weeks prior to the start of the event, only the participants are given the link up location, times and date. They are basically held to a certain level of secrecy, this keeps the event low key and doesn't allow hundreds of others (maybe more) to crash a very exclusive, invite only, event. Based on every previous JKX you can plan on covering at least 1000 miles worth of driving during the week of the JKX alone, that is about the only give away for figuring out fuel cost. Again, start saving.
Some of the sponsoring manufacturers do provide the occasional lunch or dinner, and that is always a welcomed, much appreciated, awesome gesture! But participants do have to cover meals at all other times.
Manufacturers do not use this as an opportunity to sell their kit. They use the event to showcase the capability and durability of their gear, parts, equipment. Each participant is responsible for bringing along any spares and specialty items they may feel will break. Depending on the location of where a part breaks and what it is, there may be the opportunity to pick up parts along the way. But remember, offroading is typically a pretty tight, generous community of helpful people. This is usually the exception, not the rule, and most fellow JKX'ers seem to always step up to the challenge and help a fellow wheeler out when the chips are down and trail fixes are needed. Personally, I love these opportunities to help out, learn or teach during the hardest of times in the worst of conditions. Remember this too.....no one likes a "shitbag, lazy ass, never gets out of the jeep to help anyone out, never has the part or fluids or tools, but when his broke ass rig is blocking the trail he's the first to scream and cry for help and then doesn't even lend a hand to fix his own pile of broken crap" kind of offroader.
Hope this helps you out! This event has become legendary to be a part of and if you are ever blessed to be selected you will leave a different and better person (hopefully) because of it. It's everything the Wayalife videos make it out to be......only better in person :rock: