Narrow Escape – Trapped by Hail, Flash Floods, and Landslides

This is a Bleeping Jeep video that you have likely seen since it has 2.2 million views. The coolest part of this story, to me, is that I didn’t watch this video because I was cruising YouTube, my wife was watching wheeling videos!

She started with the one where the red jeep plummets down in front of a jeep doing Black Bear Pass in Colorado, and she then found this Bleeping Jeep video.  I gotta say Matt’s wife is funny with her comments and looks in the background as Matt is talking.  Nice job.

Watching these videos raised questions in my mind. First off I don’t think that was hail. Maybe it’s because I’m a Texan but I believe that was sleet.  A lot of it, but not hail, but that’s not the point… lol

My question is near the end of the video when Matt and his wife are trying to get down the mountain, specifically where there has been a slide of dirt and rocks, would this be a landslide, or is that like calling something hail?

That amount of rocks looks like it would be easily navigated by a stock jeep. Why would you wait 3 hours for the county to come make the trail back to a pristine trail?  Don’t we do off-camber?

Jeeps can take us anywhere and if you haven’t had the experience, or been taught what you should and shouldn’t do, and why, how are you going to know what to do in these situations?

Jeep Meet, Events, Jams, etc…

The Jeep stuff is starting up again for 2024.  We recently asked the question, are Jeep events worth going to?  EJS can spoil you for not only the views but also the ability to have many levels of wheeling.

I have only been to a couple of Jeep events so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about.  EJS is one of them.

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

I recently interviewed David Ladd at Armorlite and he mentioned something I hadn’t thought about before.  We do lots of off-road modifications to the outside of our Jeeps, but really not too much to the interior.  I suspect that it’s counterintuitive that the inside of the Jeep would require modifications for off-road use, but of course, it would.

 

 

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Armorlite Front & Rear Flooring for Jeep Gladiator – 2020-2023 JT $698.94

https://amzn.to/3UiKqSG

Why Jeep?

There are other off-road capable vehicles.  Why did you pick the Jeep?

Grew up in a Jeep family?

US history?

Military?

Is this like being loyal to Coke, Levi, or any other brand you pick over another?

New Jeep CEO has a plan to double volumes

Jeep’s new CEO, Antonio Filosa, took the helm in November with a mandate to overhaul Stellantis’ off-road brand, which has lost market share in Europe and, critically, in its biggest market, the U.S.

Filosa comes to Jeep from top posts in Latin America, where he helped make the region a success story for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and later Stellantis.

For his first major interview as head of Jeep, Filosa spoke with Automotive News Europe Associate Publisher and Editor Luca Ciferri about his “road map” to double volumes and increase profits.

Filosa has a clear vision for Jeep: Stellantis’ most global brand has to become even more global, adding Jeep products to the group’s plants in markets where local production would give a cost advantage.

At the same time, new products that increase market coverage will improve sales, particularly in the midsize SUV segment, whose 4-million-unit annual volume in the U.S. alone equals annual sales of Germany as a whole or the entire Latin American region.

Jeep will also keep a pragmatic approach to electrification: Its next two crucial new models, the Wagoneer S, and Recon midsize SUVs, will launch globally as electric only, but opportunities for ICE variants could appear, Filosa said. “If we don’t grab those, somebody else will,” he said.

Ford Bronco sales have been down 25.8% in 2024.

Could it be that Jeep will be coming out with a tiny Jeep?  A small very capable Wrangler style CHEAP 4×4 Jeep would certainly increase volumes.  Is Stellantis smart enough to make this a reality?  It would devastate Ford Bronco sales and the side-by-side market.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Using A Spotter – part 2

On last week’s Newbie Nuggets (episode 1014) I discussed using a spotter and this continues that topic. 

Last week we talked about paying attention to the spotter. Now when you use a spotter, there are some commands that you should be aware of. Some spotters use verbal commands and others use non-verbal commands. Both have pros and cons, I tend to prefer the non-verbal which I will explain in next week’s episode.

Let’s start with verbal commands. These are probably the most commonly used. You can look up any YouTube video and find all kinds of verbal commands given at almost any obstacle in the country. It seems that most people are good at speaking their directions and most of the time, drivers listen. But sometimes the verbal commands can get “lost in translation” especially if a newbie isn’t familiar with what the spotter actually wants them to do. The tone of their voice and patience are important here for the newbie. Verbal commands can be misinterpreted, not heard, and/or confusing. Verbal commands can also lend themselves to allow the driver to look away from the spotter while they “wait” for the next verbal command.

I have a few examples of verbal commands most often used;

Driver, or turn driver: turn your wheels toward the driver’s side.

Passenger, or turn passenger: turn your wheels toward the passenger side.

Easy: easy on the throttle or brake

Control your rear: when coming off an obstacle, slow down and ease the back end off the rocks so you don’t bounce your bumper off the rocks.

STOP: Very important for you to STOP & FREEZE if you hear this command. You may have no idea what is about to happen if you don’t STOP.

The issue I have with verbal commands is that for most, and for Newbies,  you may not understand exactly how much “driver” to turn. Or exactly what does “easy” mean? Once you wheel for a bit and have several obstacles under your belt, you will get a feel for what these verbal commands mean. But as a spotter, being able to communicate to the driver exactly what I need them to do is important to the newbie’s success. So for all of you listeners that help spot, think about your verbal commands and try to limit the words and comments so that the Newbie driver can get the most out of the experience. This is especially true if husbands are helping their wives/significant others through. Sometimes “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” shows up and all kinds of “verbal” communication starts to happen. I know, I’ve been at major obstacles and watched the frustration of a driver when the spotter loses patience and starts over correcting or yelling the commands. That is clearly not the way to help a newbie through. Patience is key.

Now some spotters use a radio to give the commands. This has pros and cons but mostly it’s a con. – the time it takes the spotter to open the mic, say the command, then the driver hears the command and tries to implement the command could be the difference between staying on your line and getting stuck. 

If you use verbal commands PLEASE do not say the command over and over and over again. Usually, one time is all you need and it keeps the driver watching you and paying attention to what they are commanding.  Too many commands can drive some drivers nuts and it can be very confusing. Likewise, if you are the driver and need to hear the command again or get a clarification on what the spotter meant, the driver can always ask for more direction, or explanation at any time.

And I’ll state it again, one spotter for the driver, remember that we are the eyes for the driver and they only need one additional set. LOL

Next week I’ll share the non-verbal commands as we continue on using a spotter series.

You can also review past episodes #638, 428, 433 & 466 if you can’t wait for the episode.

(https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver)

Fabrication Freezy, with Larry, JeepingMo

Do You Like to Repair Your Rig?

Jeepers and anybody who works on older vehicles knows that working on your own stuff is part of everyday life.

But as you get into the newer Autos, some of those options are being taken away from you.

And this is also true on many of your normal, day-to-day items as well.

So I’ve spent a little time looking into right-to-repair laws, what is right-to-repair and how does it affect you.

Right-to-repair affects just about anything with data, and I was a little shocked by the way laws have segregated different products.

It’s funny how they break out phones, computers, wheelchairs, farm equipment, and Autos. Each has their own right to repair legislation actions on them. But this is a Jeep show so how does this affect your Jeep? It really comes down to access to the data your car produces as it controls its self, and how you interact with it. A lot of times now they call it telematics. What the manufacturer is trying to force, is that you have to take it to a dealer in order to do any kind of engine control module reprogramming, or adjusting.

And from what I have read, they really don’t want outside shops not to mention the normal shade mechanic in their systems.

And if you look into this, you’ll see a lot of reference to Massachusetts legislation that passed in 2020 and it has been updated that forces manufacturers to give basic access to the systems so that you can work on them. There are many components and modules in a car that you have to access to calibrate or just change components.

Something as simple as a radio is a prime example most of those are coded to your Vin number.

You would be shocked that you can’t take most radios from one vehicle to the other because you’re programmed for your vehicle. One thing we all do is use programmers like Taser Minis, J scans, and several others and we manipulate the data sent out and fed back. We’re not reprogramming, the main system just masking the data in some cases.

So what does that mean? The goal of the manufacturers is, you must bring it back to them if you want any kind of repairs. Yes, you can turn the wrenches, but if you have to access the electrical system that will all be them.

One big twist of this, the Massachusetts law forcing the right to repair was initially struck down because of the Safety Act. The telematics in the car could be hijacked and the driver could lose control.

If you don’t know, a lot of the new cars are all steered by wire.  Your steering wheel is not connected to the steering box, and your gas pedal is a potentiometer that feeds the data to the engine.  And when it comes to everyday appliances, ironically, California has some of the better right-to-repair laws that I have seen.

An i said that I was going to talk to SEMA. Well the group at SEMA is one of the big groups that are fighting for the right to repair and many other automotive rights laws.  They do much more than have a yearly show.

I plan on talking more about the right to repair. hopefully, I’ll have some more on this topic in future segments.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Hi-Lift Jack Bed Mount for Jeep Gladiator (2020+) $73.45

Mounts to the Mopar Trail Rail system on the 2020+ Gladiator

I have this mount thanks to HiLift and it’s made it through trips to Hidden Falls and two Easter Jeep Safaris.  It’s very solid and no noise.

https://amzn.to/49An1Ac

It’s back!

Tuscadero Pink returns to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Tuscadero Pink debuted on the Wrangler back in 2021, demand for it was so strong that Jeep was compelled to extend production into the 2022 model year just to fill existing orders. It disappeared into Mopar’s color vault after that production run was completed, but Jeep’s marketing people know a hit when they see one. Sure enough, Tuscadero Pink is back for the refreshed 2024 Wrangler.

30,000 Tuscadero Pink Jeeps were ordered in 2021.  What is it I tell you people?  All Jeeps want to be RED and at the very least Jeeps should be bright colors.  When you have superpowers you should be wearing super colors!

Tuscadero joins Anvil, Earl, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Silver Zenith, Hydro Blue, Bright White, Black, and Bikini teal in the 2024 Wrangler color palette. You can order the 2024 Wrangler in Tuscadero starting today for $895 on the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392. For now, you’re limited to a black hardtop, body-color hardtop, or black soft top. A Sky One-Touch power top in Tuscadero will be available by summer.

First car, first jeep?

My first car was a 1973 Pontiac Ventura.  It had a 3-speed manual on the floor (with a Hurst “T” handle shifter) straight 6-cylinder that would do 105 mph (eventually).  No A/C, no power steering, no power brakes, manual windows, and an AM radio.  For a 16 year old it was glorious!

My first Jeep was a 1998 Jeep Cherokee XJ.  It was (and is) glorious!

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Using a Spotter – part 1

When you first drive your jeep, it’s pretty similar to your regular daily driver on a highway, until you decide to go off-road and you come to an obstacle. Now here in Big Bear, we don’t have simple rocks to climb or basic obstacles. Rocks tend to be spread out into one long continuous obstacle. Being new it was hard for me to comprehend the line I needed to pick and the way the jeep would handle the terrain. This is where a good spotter comes in.

Using a spotter is essential for Newbies to get through the more difficult obstacles. You are gaining all kinds of nuggets on how your jeep navigates through the obstacles and you are learning how to feel and understand what your jeep is doing while climbing over an obstacle. Hopefully, you have spatial awareness of your Jeep’s width and length (episodes 468 & 471 can help with this).  A good spotter has some great qualities and I’ve discovered not all are created equal. I was fortunate to have my husband, Bill, as my first spotter. His entire life of off-roading and Jeeping gave me confidence that he would keep me on the right line and get me through the obstacle, giving me a solid foundation of what to do and how to do it. 

One of the most valuable qualities of a good spotter is being patient and calm. This allows you, the driver, to also remain calm and get through the obstacle with ease. A good spotter gives good and clear commands. This may seem obvious but I’ve seen all kinds of weirdness out there from double commands to yelling (especially husbands to wives) to giving the wrong commands, to you name it. As the driver, you decide who will spot you. It’s your choice to use a spotter, or not, AND to choose who will spot you through. If you feel more comfortable with your significant other, like I did, then that’s your choice. If you want to use someone else in the group, then do it. And narrow it down to one, not three spotters. That gets very confusing.

There are some things you should be aware of that will help you when using a spotter; 

1) A spotter is essentially an extra set of eyes to guide you over an obstacle that you won’t be able to see once you start your movement and you’re on top of the rocks.

2) The spotter’s job is to help you “line up” for that obstacle. This may include you having to back up several times so that the rear tires align in the way they want you to proceed with. Follow their directions, it may seem strange to you at the time, but they can see things that you cannot. 

3) Once spotting begins, PAY ATTENTION. So many times I see this; We get someone lined up, only to have them stop paying attention, stick their head out the window, and do their own thing. As hard as it may be, don’t take your eyes off the spotter. They are there to help you!

4) Stick with the spotter till you are through the obstacle.  Their job is to guide you over that obstacle and help you navigate through it.  I see this all the time, a jeep gets partway through and the driver thinks they are clear and stops watching the spotter, and guess what – usually their rear tires slip off the rock because they turned too early and they are now balancing on their drive shaft or something else. And then it’s just fun for the spotter to try to figure out how to get them back on track. Or worse, pulling a winch line or getting a strap.

5) There should only be one spotter! You may experience multiple people trying to help you through an obstacle at the same time. We all LOVE to help… however, you need to listen or watch one spotter at a time. It’s OK for you to ask for just one person to help. I have seen experienced drivers getting through a tough spot and everyone is “helping” by giving commands and the driver finally says, “I need one spotter”. There is nothing wrong with asking for just one person to guide you. And for those of you helping to spot a newbie make sure you are the only one giving the direction. 

In spotting, there are some commands that you should be aware of. Some spotters use verbal commands and others use non-verbal commands. Both have pros and cons, I tend to prefer the non-verbal which I will explain in next week’s episode.

Let’s start with verbal commands. These are probably the most commonly used. You can look up any YouTube video and find all kinds of verbal commands given at almost any obstacle in the country. It seems that most people are good at speaking their directions and most of the time, drivers listen. But sometimes the verbal commands can get “lost in translation” especially if a newbie isn’t familiar with what the spotter actually wants them to do. The tone of their voice and patience are important here for the newbie. Verbal commands can be misinterpreted, not heard, and/or confusing. Verbal commands can also lend themselves to allow the driver to look away from the spotter while they “wait” for the next verbal command.

I have a few examples of verbal commands most often used;

Driver, or turn driver: turn your wheels toward the driver’s side.

Passenger, or turn passenger: turn your wheels toward the passenger side.

Easy: easy on the throttle or brake

Control your rear: when coming off an obstacle, slow down and ease the back end off the rocks so you don’t bounce your bumper off the rocks.

STOP: Very important for you to STOP & FREEZE if you hear this command. You may have no idea what is about to happen if you don’t STOP.

The issue I have with verbal commands is that for you, the Newbie, and frankly any driver, may not understand exactly how much “driver” to turn. Or exactly what does “easy” mean? Once you wheel for a bit and have several obstacles under your belt, you will get a feel for what these verbal commands mean. But as a spotter, being able to communicate to the driver exactly what I need them to do is important to the newbie’s success. So for all of you listeners that help spot, think about your verbal commands and try to limit the words and comments so that the Newbie driver can get the most out of the experience. This is especially true if husbands are helping their wives/significant others through. Sometimes “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” shows up and all kinds of “verbal” communication starts to happen. I know, I’ve been at major obstacles and watched the frustration of a driver when the spotter loses patience and starts over correcting or yelling the commands. That is clearly not the way to help a newbie through. Patience is key.

You can also review past episodes #638, 428, 433 & 466 if you can’t wait for the episode.

https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

REXING V1 – 4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam 2.4″ LCD Screen, Wi-Fi, 170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording, Supercapacitor, Mobile App, 256GB Supported $94.99

This is the dashcam I have in the 2021 Jeep Talk Show Gladiator and the video you will see on the soon-to-be-published EJS 2024 video on the YouTube Jeep Talk Show channel.

https://amzn.to/3VHS5uR

 

2021 to 2023 4xe Recall

On a recent episode, we spoke about the 2021 to 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe recall.  Fire could result from an internal battery issue.  Stellantis recommended NOT parking your 4xe inside, and NOT charging the battery pack.

32,125 4xes were recalled in the United States.  3,856 in Canada, and 9,249 outside of North America.

Stellantis provided documentation stating that some of the 4xe high voltage batteries may fail internally.  Although the defect hasn’t been identified, the cause is still being investigated.  Samsung SDI is the battery manufacturer.

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles and to park outside and away from structures until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters should have been sent out by January 11th, 2024.

Best Jeep

Chip you own, and have owned, several Jeeps.  Which was the best one, and why is it a TJ?

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

My wife and I recently attended EJS 2024.  Shortly before leaving, I completed the installation of the Motobilt Skid System.  I don’t know how heavy it really is, but according to Motobilt, it’s 240 lbs.  Having lifted each of the four skid plates, I can believe it.  I’ve gotta say it again, what a beautiful skid system.  I made a great choice.

Now we all know how weight affects the overall MPG of your vehicle.  Logically this makes sense but what about drag, that causes poor MPG as well, right?

I was talking to Bender about my theory that a smooth surface under the Gladiator might help improve the MPG, he laughed and said something like “So you’re going to go with that?” but I think it may have an effect.

My best MPG on the trip was 18.46!  Looking back, I record every fill-up, my best in the past was 18.5.  So many things can cause your MPG to be better or worse so hard to say.  What I can say is I believe it hasn’t changed overall.  If you’re not getting armor, or you’re going with aluminum perhaps this information will help you get the good stuff, 100% steel…. Hmmm, I wonder if someone is coming out with synthetic armor, at least the Sun UV shouldn’t be able to get to it like the rope on your winch.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

ORACLE Lighting Racetrack Flush Style LED Tailgate Panel Light for 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator JT (Standard)  $489.95

Tailgate Extension: Extends the innovative design seamlessly across the tailgate, creating a visually impactful continuation of our Flush Mount Tail lights.

https://amzn.to/3U2VtPC

2021 to 2023 4xe Recall

On a recent episode, we spoke about the 2021 to 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe recall.  Fire could result from an internal battery issue.  Stellantis recommended NOT parking your 4xe inside, and NOT charging the battery pack.

32,125 4xes were recalled in the United States.  3,856 in Canada, and 9,249 outside of North America.

Stellantis provided documentation stating that some of the 4xe high voltage batteries may fail internally.  Although the defect hasn’t been identified, the cause is still being investigated.  Samsung SDI is the battery manufacturer.

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles and to park outside and away from structures until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters should have been sent out by January 11th, 2024.

Best Jeep

Chip you own, and have owned, several Jeeps.  Which was the best one, and why is it a TJ?

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

My wife and I recently attended EJS 2024.  Shortly before leaving, I completed the installation of the Motobilt Skid System.  I don’t know how heavy it really is, but according to Motobilt, it’s 240 lbs.  Having lifted each of the four skid plates, I can believe it.  I’ve gotta say it again, what a beautiful skid system.  I made a great choice.

Now we all know how weight affects the overall MPG of your vehicle.  Logically this makes sense but what about drag, that causes poor MPG as well, right?

I was talking to Bender about my theory that a smooth surface under the Gladiator might help improve the MPG, he laughed and said something like “So you’re going to go with that?” but I think it may have an effect.

My best MPG on the trip was 18.46!  Looking back, I record every fill-up, my best in the past was 18.5.  So many things can cause your MPG to be better or worse so hard to say.  What I can say is I believe it hasn’t changed overall.  If you’re not getting armor, or you’re going with aluminum perhaps this information will help you get the good stuff, 100% steel…. Hmmm, I wonder if someone is coming out with synthetic armor, at least the Sun UV shouldn’t be able to get to it like the rope on your winch.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

ORACLE Lighting Racetrack Flush Style LED Tailgate Panel Light for 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator JT (Standard)  $489.95

Tailgate Extension: Extends the innovative design seamlessly across the tailgate, creating a visually impactful continuation of our Flush Mount Tail lights.

https://amzn.to/3U2VtPC

EJS 2024 has come and gone!

Now it’s my 2nd year to go and this year with my wife.  Her first time!  It was exciting hearing her reaction to such a different environment than what we are both used to in S.E. Texas.

1. Bill
2. Steve
3. FU Bob
4. Dutch
5. 2J
6. Dan
7. Jason
8. Rick
9. Rich
10. Carrie
11. Dwayne
12. Garrett
13. Chuck
14. Roger
15. Jess
16. Mark
17. Jodie
18. Mike
19. Julieanne
20. Greg
21. Susie
22. And me!

Smaller Cheaper 4×4 Jeep?

2016 EJS one of the concept Jeeps was a V6-powered, no-frills Jeep that looked much like a small Wrangler.  Just a foot longer than the much older jeeps.  No lockers, open open.  Rumors are that Jeep may be planning on something based on this concept for as little as $15k.  Toyota is also working on something similar, could Ford be far behind with a cheap Bronco?

This is very exciting news as it would allow more people to get a good off-road Jeep and save much over the very pricey larger Jeeps, and even much cheaper than the side-by-sides.

I wonder if Greg’s Unofficial Use Only YJ grill would fit.  Imagine a small Jeep Wrangler with square headlights.  Haven’t heard about Greg’s YJ grill for your JL/JT, head over to unofficialuseonly.com and check it out!

What do you think? Would you spend $15 for a dedicated trail rig, that you could drive on the road as well?

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

GlueTread 4×4 Sidewall Emergency Tire Repair Kit | Puncture Repair Anywhere | No Need to Remove Tire | Sidewall Tubeless Tire Patch Kit | Includes Accelerator (Eliminates Curing Time) $59.95

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR TIRE: Repair existing tire by repairing slices, or punctures in your off-road tire. GlueTread products are more cost-effective than buying a brand-new tire.

EASY TO APPLY: Repair a damaged tire without removing the tire from the vehicle.

LARGER SURFACE AREA: Slightly thicker than the External Patch Kit and with more surface area, the 4×4 Sidewall Repair kit is designed specifically for larger damage.

MULTI-PURPOSE USAGE: GlueTread can be used on multiple types of tires, including ATVs, UTVs, Tractors, golf carts, and more.

ELIMINATE CURE TIME WITH THE ACCELERATOR (INCLUDED): The SxS puncture repair kit comes with a 2oz bottle of spray on the accelerator which eliminates curing time allowing the tire to be inflated immediately without keeping you waiting on the trail.

https://amzn.to/49evAAI

Is the 4×4 Future Smaller?

Rumors are flying about Jeep and Toyota developing compact 4×4.  Think of the Jeep Renegade but more of a true 4-wheel drive.  We’ve been talking about how difficult it is to put enough battery in an EV to make it a realistic alternative to an ICE vehicle.  As a stopgap and pressure from governments around the world. A clown car small Jeep might fit the bill.  We could be more European!

The compact 4×4 could be a fully EV like the new Jeep venger, hybrid or hybrid generator.  The good news is that a simplified electric vehicle could be much cheaper.

You may be aware of Toyota’s NEW $12k pickup truck.

No anti-lock brakes. No airbags. Crank windows.  No armrests.  Lots of plastic and rubber.

So we see signs that automakers are looking for a way to make the cost of a new vehicle much less.

Jeep EcoDiesel V6 issues

Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine has such a bad reputation in his latest teardown video. Originally found in the last-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee and versions of the Ram 1500, they’re well-known for failing prematurely, with tough-to-find parts and lots of extremely tight packaging.

In a recent teardown Eric from “Do Cars” found damaged pistons, after it smacked into a valve.  Bearings disintegrated, leading to the rod cap detaching from the rod.

The rod cap bounced around in the crankcase before wedging itself between the crankshaft and the block, seizing the motor.

Eric suspects a lack of maintenance and a lack of surface area for the bearings is what led to the failure. Seeing as how he takes engines like these apart for a living, we suspect he’s onto something. Eric has taken apart numerous EcoDiesels and says they’ve all had similar problems with the bottom end.

I’ve never had a vehicle with a diesel engine, but I have heard a lot of good things about them over the years.  Certainly in the transportation industry, they are almost mandatory for maximum towing and longevity.

I guess this is like what we learn about gas engines.  Just because they make one doesn’t mean it’s a good one.

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

I’m currently at MOAB, EJS 2024.  I’m having memories of last year’s trip.  What fun.  One of the things I experienced was low-power steering fluid.

There’s no excuse for not checking fluids, but I have to admit with 7,000ish miles on the Odo I just drove it to EJS.  700 miles(?) 19ish hours.

I heard the classic whine of the power steering pump out on the trail.  When I was done I headed to Orileys and picked up a few things.

Yep, the power steering fluid was low.  Did it just get hot and evaporate or spill over from the heat?

I haven’t had any issues since, so I’m not sure what happened.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

T Slot Nuts for Toyota Tacoma Bed Rails Cleats Bed Rack Rail Accessories for Tundra Pickup Truck Deck Bike Mount W/Stainless Button Socket Cap Screw (4 Packs) $12.99

https://amzn.to/43u2UCq

Elvis, ahh 392, has left the building

Have you ever spent an unGodly amount of money for concert tickets simply because you had to be the performer?  Well, think of this that way.  The FINAL V8 Jeep Wrangler will cost $101,890.

The question is, if you knew Elvis was going to die soon, would you have spent ANY kind of money to see his last concert?

If your answer is yes, well you bastard you should have tried to save his life!  You make me sick…  but I digress.

Unlike Elvis, you don’t have to worry about losing an eye when that over-stressed body suit button loses the battle and rockets into the audience.

The Final Edition 392 Wrangler has bronze accents, Mopar accessories, and special commemorative plaques.

Only 3700 units will be produced in total and it starts at $101,890.

The treatment starts off with decals for the hood and front fender vents, and the 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels feature a bronze finish. A winch, a Mopar grille guard, and Mopar rock sliders come standard, and the Jeep includes a 0.5-inch suspension lift kit that brings ground clearance up to 11.5 inches. Inside, the interior features black Nappa leather and gold stitching, along with a special shifter medallion and plaque commemorating this as a Final Edition model. Jeep also throws in a fold-out table and an 83-piece toolkit

My 2 story house was $108k, but like I once heard on Blue Bloods.  You can sleep in your Jeep, but you can’t drive your house to work.

So many Antennas

We’ve spoken about this in the past, but it’s time for a refresher.  In a recent prior Round Table recording, I was asked some questions that led to an antenna discussion.

Antennas on Jeep all work the same way and are governed by the same physics principles whether it is CB, GMRS, classic AM or FM news and entertainment.

How long antennas are, or aren’t directly related to the frequency they are used on to transmit or receive.

GMRS General Mobile Radio Service radio antenna length is .5258 feet (or 6.31 inches)

CB Citizen band radio antenna length is 9.072 feet (or about 109 inches)

FM news and entertainment antenna length is 2.36 feet

AM news and entertainment antenna radio length is 311 feet.

Now I know you’ve seen antennas for CB, GMRS, and especially for AM/FM good time radio that were longer or shorter.  Usually shorter.

Antennas can be shorter but things are done to them so that your radio THINKS it’s the right sized antenna.  That doesn’t mean it works better, it actually works worse.

This is why I’ve said before, when you put that stubby, or 50 caliber bullet antenna on your Jeep, you are making radio reception worse (much worse) than the factory antenna.

If you haven’t noticed, the factory Jeep antenna is much shorter than the 311-foot antenna you need for AM New/Entertainment radio.

Most of us don’t use AM radio any longer, but if there is an emergency and you’re fleeing to safety you might need that factory antenna to hear the lies the government tells us anyway.  Oh wait, yeah keep that short antenna.

Find a place to store your factory antenna in, or on your Jeep so you can swap it if necessary.

Finally to wrap it up, the antenna “wire” coax length.  An old wives tale, or in this case, CB’rs tale is that the coax should be in multiple of the lengths of the antenna, 20 feet, etc…  WRONG!  The coax is designed to be invisible to the antenna system.  And if your antenna is installed properly the length of the coax should have no effect on how well the antenna performs.  The shorter the coax the less signal loss and the better overall performance of the radio and antenna.

You’ll have to cut your coax to length and then replace the connector on the end, usually on the radio side, but either is fine.  No twisting wire splices, there has to be a connector soldered to the coax end.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Holding up fingers as you pass other Jeepers

Have you passed other Jeepers on trails and wondered how many were in their group? It’s helpful to know because if their group has more jeeps than yours and you pulled over, it would be helpful info to know when the last jeep passed. 

How do you let the other group know how many are in your group? We hold up the number of fingers for the number of jeeps. 

In a nutshell, you are telling the other on-coming group how many are in your group so they 1) stay put and let us pass and 2) they can count the jeeps as we pass and once all are through, then they can continue on their ride. Sometimes the trail is very narrow and there isn’t room for both groups to pass each other. Someone has to stop, pull over, and let the other group through. If you are alone (I don’t always recommend that) and you come across a group, you may be the one backing up to make room for the other group.

I can’t tell you how many other drivers have no idea why we were putting our fingers up. The look and the responses are priceless. Some think we are doing the Jeep wave, others hold up the same # of fingers, and others just ignore us.

We have started to roll down our window and tell them how many are in our group but there are still so many people that don’t understand the hand signals. One time a group shook their heads in agreement like they understood, but then proceeded to continue on. We knew there was no way we all could pass, so Bill had to shout at them to STOP and say wait till we pass. 

For anyone new to jeeping off-roading, there is an unwritten code in the off-road world to let others know how many are in your group. I get it, if you have never been told what this all means, how would you know? Well, I’m sharing this info for you so that YOU will know and YOU can help educate others that you wheel with. 

Basically, the lead jeep holds up the # of fingers to represent the # of jeeps behind the leader. Then each person behind that should hold up the number they have behind them, etc., etc. The last Jeep 4 holds up a closed fist to represent there are no more jeeps behind them. Now in today’s sensitive culture, I understand holding up a fist may seem strange, but a closed fist in the off-road world means there isn’t anyone behind us. So don’t worry about the snowflakes out there!

I do think it’s our responsibility to mentor others, but when you deal with 4×4 drivers who are not in a Jeep it’s a whole different world. If that driver happens to have off-road experience from riding motorcycles or quads chances are good they probably know what it all means. Today’s new drivers of side-by-sides and Jeeps have to learn as they go. If you are experienced, teach the new drivers the code and let them in on the secret of the fingers. It’s good manners on the trail and you can set an example for others to follow. 

(https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver) 

Trails 411: https://www.jeep4x4school.com

Fabrication Freezy, with Larry – JeepingMo

My favorite EJS vendors

With EJS starting this week and the vendor show being on the Friday after this show airs, I thought I would share some of my favorite vendors and products that I use and can endorse, and are going to be at the show.  And I’ll have a link for the vendors at the show.

And I just want to say that there are a lot of good vendors and products at the show, but I can’t cover them all.

For airing backup, there are two products that I have and use on the trail.

We all know the Power Tank, is a great way to air up without needing a compressor.

If you want to run a compressor, I very much like my MoreFlate model.

Both have worked great and are high-quality products.

Now one that I have covered many times to organize your tools is Adventure Tool Company.

They make high-quality tool rolls and tool storage solutions, they have something new in every EJS that I have seen, so check them out.

If you’re looking for Trail welders, there are a couple of units there also.

Premier power welder is a unit that is installed in your rig and lets you stick weld on the trail.

As an attachment to it is the bun trail spool flux core welder.

Now if you want a portable solution that you don’t need your rig there for, or carry batteries for. Check out the Karnage mig welder that is enclosed with the batteries in the case.

If you need lights, there is Tyri off-road lighting. I have seen their lights on the trail.

They look like high-quality products, I don’t have any Tyri lights. But I know Tony does, and I know he loves them.

Then there is Rockslide Engineering with their products, I love the step sliders we have from Rockslide. We have beaten them and they have done great. If you want a step that you can slide a heavy rig on, rockslide has them.

 Now there are many quality products at the show, and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them, so if I didn’t reference them don’t send in the hate mail. But you can call in and tell us about your favorite vendor there.

Now one product that I am installing after the recording of this show is Racing Optics.  They make a windshield protectant film for your Jeep windshield.

You can also see videos on most of these products at https://www.youtube.com/@JeepingMo.

So reach out and tell us what your thoughts on the show are.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

Laird Technologies – 450-470 Unity Antenna, Black $22.00

6” long, great for 450-470 MHz which is perfect for GMRS or 70cm HAM band.

You’ll need to purchase an NMO mount and coax unless you already have an antenna mount.  This will work better than a “Ghost” antenna.

https://www.amazon.com/Laird-Technologies-450-470-Quarterwave-Antenna/dp/B0079555WM