And the crowd goes mild!

Jeep confirms that next year the Jeep Gladiator will join the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee as a 4xe.

It is very likely that the same powertrain already in the Wrangler 4xe will be what is used in the new Gladiator 4xe.  I’ll just mention, you know because I love Greg, that he’s already created a 4xe Gladiator plus it’s a 2-door!

If you don’t know what I’m talking about check out the Quadratec TredLightly 50/50 JTe that premiered at SEMA 2022!  You have to wonder if the popularity of this beautiful OEM Plus build from Unofficial Use Only helped sway Jeep into making their own version, just not a 2-door {cough} when {cough}

It’s all pink on the outside!

Well, maybe not the traditional pink, but Tuscadero Pink!  It’s always possible that this color has nothing to do with the popular “Happy Days” and Fonzy love interest Pinky Tuscadero, but if you believe that well we know how you’re going to be voting… but I digress.

The 2024 Gladiator is available in Tuscadero pink, the only reason I can pronounce that is because of watching Happy Days!

It’s not pink, it’s not purple, but it is a bright great color.  No not as good as red.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Being a good spotter

 In episodes 1018 & 1022 I discussed using a spotter and all the possible things you might witness as a driver when using a spotter.

In this episode I want to touch on being the spotter: How to be the best to help a new driver, or anyone, over an obstacle.

As I mentioned before, A spotter is like having an extra set of eyes outside your jeep to help you navigate over a rock, rut, obstacle, or ??. Once you are at and on the obstacle you can’t “see” what is happening underneath and a (good) spotter can help you through it.

Not all spotters are created equal. There are some that are excellent and others that are good and then there’s a few that… well I don’t need to explain. If you want to spot jeepers:

1)           Get out of your jeep watch and learn what the jeeps are doing through an obstacle.

2)           Learn the difference in how each jeep travels. Four doors vs. two doors vs the gladiator vs an older Jeep or other 4×4. They all travel differently.

3)           Then add the experience of the driver and you have a mix of things to watch.

4)           If you know someone in your group who is really good (doesn’t get jeeps stuck, is calm and encouraging) then mirror them. Ask them if they can help you learn. Listen and watch – it is really the best way to start.

5)           Once you start spotting, it will make you a better driver. Just like driving makes you a better spotter.

6)           Don’t be afraid to ask for additional help. It happened to me when I started. I’d get a jeep in a spot and wasn’t sure and I’d ask for help (Bill or Don). I trusted their experience and that’s how I learned. To this day, even with all my experience, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help or suggestions. It is all about giving that driver the best experience.   

Some skills that help you be a better spotter

1)           Figure out what method you plan on using to help your driver – verbal commands, nonverbal, etc.  Sometimes this may take some time to develop

2)           Make sure you discuss with the driver what method you are using and how those commands will be shown. Let them know what to expect. I always reinforce the STOP sign. I need them to really pay attention, especially in difficult situations. I need to think about safety for all.

3)           Being a spotter generally puts you in charge/control of the area. You NEED to make sure the traveled area is cleared of other people, etc.

4)           You need to have a calm and patient personality. If you get mad easily, yell, or can’t communicate well (w/male or female) – Spotting may not be for you. It’s not for everyone

5)           Need to be able to keep the driver’s attention on you at all times while spotting. If you continually yell, scream, or give too many directions, the driver will not pay attention. Their success is your goal!

6)           Need to be fit (to some degree). Being able to walk backward, climb up and over rocks, bend down to see what’s underneath, etc. When you wheel with me in the desert area, I’m always climbing up on rocks so the driver can see me. This is a very demanding part of the sport. Having good shoes for traction and your “head on swivel” is a good thing. You will be out of breath a lot LOL

7)           A good spotter doesn’t bark orders, they encourage. Being able to figure out that one driver may be new and needs extra help while another may be experienced and don’t want/need the help is part of being a spotter

8)           As a good spotter you cannot have an ego. Period! If someone doesn’t want to use me, I’m OK with that. Maybe I’ll learn a new line; maybe they will need my help, either way, I’m OK with that.

9)           Need to always be willing to learn. There will always be someone better than you – maybe in a different way, but we can always learn from each other.

10)   Best thing is a good spotter is hard to find. If you are lucky enough to be around one, learn from them and enjoy the sport.

Being a great spotter has been one of my specialties and I took to it pretty early on in my Jeep learning. I’m not sure if it was the coaches I had (Bill and Don) or just getting out there and watching, but whatever it is, I love to get jeepers up and over things and I love when everyone gets through and no one gets stuck. Doesn’t always go that way, but that’s what I plan for each time.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!

MB8009

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