46 U.S. States And Counting: Exploring America's National Parks In A Porsche 911

But Wait, Why A Porsche 911?

Who says you need a rugged overlander or a safari-style lifted monstrosity to explore America? Rhoades’ story proves that you can conquer and cover some serious ground in a Porsche sports car, with the right setup and I resonate with that sentiment. I’ve always maintained that the 911 in particular, is one of the most usable sports cars when compared to other exotics. After all, the 911 is a recipe, that has been refined over decades and it has proved its endurance and durability in events like the Paris-Dakar rally. For Jeff, finding the ideal Porsche for his needs wasn’t a random choice. He specifically sought out a pre-owned 911 Carrera 4 (type 991.2) for its versatility. Here’s why it excels in so many ways:

• A Versatile Daily Driver: His 2017 Porsche 991.2 Carrera 4 offers surprising practicality. With a front trunk space of 4.41 cubic feet and a rear cargo volume of 9.18 cubic feet with the rear seats, it can comfortably handle, luggage, and even some camping gear, out of the box.

• Practicality In Spades: For longer journeys, the comfortable ergonomics of the 991.2 shine. Ample headroom and legroom ensure a fatigue-free driving experience, even on marathon road trips.

• All-wheel Drive Advantage: The all-wheel-drive system of the Carrera 4 provides an extra layer of confidence for Jeff’s adventures. It tackles challenging weather conditions and even light off-road excursions with ease, making it a true all-weather ride.

• A Sports Car On Demand: When the mood strikes, the 3.0-liter flat-six with 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque should transform the 991.2 Carrera 4 into a beast on the track. Top speed is rated at 180 mph. Sharp handling, precise steering, and a powerful engine make it a joy to push to the limits in a controlled environment.

• A GT Car With Long Legs: The 991.2 Carrera packs a 17.9 gal. fuel tank. With a combined 23/24 mpg, based on the transmission you choose, i.e. 7-speed manual or 7-speed PDK, you have a range of up to 430 miles from a full tank of gas.

But for Rhoades’, his Porsche is more than just transport, it’s a mobile base camp. An aftermarket rooftop tent, (Porsche themselves also sell one), lets him hit the brakes and recharge under a star-filled sky in minutes – perfect after a long day of exploring. The Carrera 4 has a payload rating of 980 pounds. This unconventional setup offers a blend of adventure and creature comforts. Beyond the technical specs though, Jeff seems to truly cherish the emotional connection he has with his Porsche and showcase what the 911 is capable of in the great outdoors.

The experience of driving a 911 is such a privilege and remains really special – even after six years of ownership Jeff Rhoades.

Living the Dream, One Hashtag At A Time

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A post shared by Jeff Rhoades (@jeff.c.rhoades)

One of his longest continuous stints saw Jeff cover 14,230 miles, across 34 States and 26 National parks. Among his countless adventures, one stands out: a midnight run on the legendary Tail of the Dragon, a 11-mile ribbon of asphalt notorious for its 318 curves near Tallassee, Tennessee. Experiencing this iconic stretch of road with barely any traffic was a dream come true for Rhoades. But his passion for exploration extends far beyond the driver’s seat. His mantra? "Embrace new experiences" – a philosophy that resonates with his growing audience on Instagram. By sharing his journey online, Rhoades wants to inspire other Porsche owners to ditch the status quo and unlock the true potential of their machines.

There’s no denying the 911 Carrera 4’s versatility is a huge asset on these adventures. But let’s be honest, just about any Porsche 911 can be a capable road trip companion if you’re brave enough not to treat it as a garage queen. The only exception to avoid putting miles would be if you own a limited-run model of some kind. Anyway, here are some vital mods, that I think are ideal if you intend to take your 911 on cross-country road trips on a regular basis.

• Paint Protection Film Or A Wrap ( $1,500 - $5,000+): Will the idea of driving off into the horizon with your prized possession seem like a no-brainer, installing a PPF or a Vinyl wrap will protect your ride from the elements.

• Skid Plates & Raised Suspension ($500 - $3,000+): A modest increase in ground clearance and some strategically placed skid plates will protect your undercarriage from surprise encounters with rocks and uneven terrain.

• Beefier Tires ($500 - $1,000+): All-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern will provide better traction on dirt roads and gravel.

• Roof Rack & Cargo Box ($300 - $1,500+): A roof rack and cargo box are essential for hauling extra gear, like camping equipment or spare tires.

So, ditch the trailer hitch and embrace the spirit of adventure. With a little planning and the right modifications, your Porsche can be your chariot to some unforgettable experiences, just like Jeff Rhoades’.