There are some things the West Jordan resident won't sacrifice regardless of the state of the economy.

"It don't even bother me a bit," Cable said. "You have to have your recreation one way or another unless you just want to sit home. I make the money and this is how I want to spend it."

Cable was surrounded by plenty of like-minded off-road enthusiasts Sunday as the third annual Off-Road Expo completed its three-day run at the South Towne Expo Center.

As they browsed through the latest vehicles and accessories, most attendants said they weren't about to abandon their outdoor plans, despite gas prices reaching nearly $3.60 a gallon nationally and about 60 cents more for diesel.

"Ted Turner's father told him people will spend their last quarter for entertainment," said Roy Anderson, a Kawasaki salesman. "I think that was pretty smart advice. People want to have fun."

With off-roading becoming more of a family affair, men, women and children toured the Expo floor marveling at the big trucks, dirt bikes, ATVs and rock crawlers.

Les Foreman and his son Lucas, 8, admired a $25,000 dual-sport sand car and imagined having enough money to make the purchase. Although the South Jordan residents were feeling the pinch at the pump, they are choosing to modify their four-wheel riding plans instead of eliminate them.

"We will make our trips a little bit longer rather than taking multiple short trips," Les Foreman said. "We won't stop, but it's a little give and take and something else will have to give."

Clint Hardman could boast about having the most massive truck at the show. Hardman, who works for Innovative Customs in Lehi, was dwarfed by a 2006 Dodge Mega Cab with a long bed, 40-inch tires and a 14-inch lift.

Hardman said he is still getting calls for upgrades from customers, but the requests have been modified slightly.

"A lot of people want to increase their fuel efficiency and want to know what they can do to get better gas mileage," Hardman said. "I know every time I see them out changing the numbers [at gas stations], I cringe a little bit."

The Schuelke family has six Jeeps at its Roy household, and matriarch Tracy has found a way to save some money for the big summer trip to Moab.

"I take the bus a lot," she said. "As far as going to Moab, prices won't matter. It's still totally worth it."

rpotkey@sltrib.com