Episode 545 – Floor Mats, Rusty Bumpers And MPG’s

This Week In Jeep

Is The Air Around Jeep Plant Safe?

I gotta give credit where credit is due, and this first news story comes from our one and only Jeep Momma who thought it would be a good one to start things off with. So, have you ever been in a vehicle where someone cuts a big fart and everyone knows who did it, but that person swears they can’t smell anything? That’s kind of like Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company right now. They’ve been in trouble over the last couple/few months since it was discovered that one of the painting lines for the Grand Cherokee L had improperly routed ducting which was allowing harmful paint fumes to waft into the air of a nearby neighborhood. Well on Wednesday, (yesterday as we record this) Al Johnston with Stellantis’ corporate environmental programs said during a virtual community meeting ((QUOTE)) “The data demonstrates that the air-quality area is safe.”

This is after a review of the data from the Stellantis owned air monitoring system installed at Jeep’s new assembly plant in Detroit which showed emissions of potentially harmful chemicals are below federal and state standards. (Nope, no fart smell here) Stellantis also said it will share the data from this monitoring system with the public on a quarterly basis. Previously, the information had been shared quarterly only with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, but a nearby resident needed to make a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain that information from the agency. What that report says is that the decision to include the data publicly has only come after Stellantis was facing fines from the state department of an undisclosed amount following these multiple air-quality violations. Now I will give the automaker some credit because one thing that they did do right took some initiative moving forward. Stellantis is set to begin a $900 million investment at Jefferson North Assembly Plant, just next door to this Mack facility at the center of all this. That project is supposed to begin in February for the production of the next generation of two-row Grand Cherokees as well as the Dodge Durango. Stellantis says the proper equipment will be in place by the end of the year at the Mack facility, and by February at the Warren plant. It also is having a third-party engineering firm provide a report on how to further mitigate odors from the Detroit plant that have affected residential neighbors. Gotta give them some kudos for that move alone. The state department overseeing this whole fiasco is expected to hold a community meeting to provide updates on its investigation next month, according to the city of Detroit and the Detroit News.

Jeep Plant Worker Starts Toy Drive For Tornado Victims

When Justin Taylor saw the devastation from last weekend’s tornadoes in Kentucky, he picked up his phone and just started making phone calls. He called the local UAW chapter with his idea, and they were on board right away. People in the Jeep plant in Toledo where he works were also more than willing to help out. The young Justin Taylor plans to collect new, unwrapped toys between now and Christmas Eve, then drive them overnight to Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a caravan of volunteer Santas. They plan to be on the ground on Christmas Day interacting with the kids who lost everything. Mark Buford, the UAW Local 12 Community Services Liaison to the American Red Cross for 20 plus years says there’s nothing more rewarding than helping folks after a disaster.

Justin, the kid who started this says “It’s just kind of keeping in the spirit of giving to others with what we’ve been blessed with. They’re hurting down there, so we can give them a little bit of what we have.” He is already collecting toys inside the Jeep plant and is preparing to spend Christmas Day spreading cheer where they need it most.

If you would like to help with Jeeper Justin’s toy drive, you can drop off toys at the Local UAW Union Hall on Ashland Ave. in Toledo Ohio during business hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or volunteer for the trip by contacting the union hall directly.

From all of us here at The Jeep Talk Show, we hope Justin’s mission is a huge success.

Jeeper Loses Life In Bronx Bridge Accident

This last Sunday morning, a Jeeper lost his life when his Wrangler careened off the Third Avenue Bridge and landed on its roof in a crash involving another motorist in the Bronx. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler was attempting to merge into the southbound lanes of the Major Deegan Expressway from the East 135th Street entrance just before 5 a.m. when he crashed into an Audi A6 that was also traveling south. After the two vehicles collided, the Jeep lost control then struck a concrete barrier sending it upwards, but with enough momentum to flip it and carry it over the edge, flying off the highway and landing roof first onto the lanes of East 135th Street, a good 20 feet below. 

The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead on the scene. And because we all know the factory roll bar was never meant to withstand this kind of impact, the scene was a gruesome one. Investigators were forced to pick through the debris to determine the Wrangler driver’s identity. The identity of the Audi driver was much easier to come by, he is 23-year-old Freddy Martinez, who was taken to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition after the accident and was promptly arrested. He is being charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired, police said. NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is still investigating.

 

 

Jeep and another SUV come crashing into a house

This happened just about a 45-minute drive north of where I’m sitting right now. 

A speeding Honda CRV came off of Pacific Avenue and slammed into a parked Jeep Cherokee XJ so hard that it and the Jeep crashed completely through an outside wall and then into an interior wall of a Kelso Washington home where a resident was on the couch. The force of the crash threw the resident off his couch and across the living room just after 7 p.m. Firefighters rushed to the scene and quickly determined the house was strong enough for emergency rescue work.  Hydraulic cutters were used to cut through the garage to where the Honda CRV was. They pulled the driver and his dog out of the car and rushed the man to a nearby hospital for treatment.  The Honda was leaking gas, which made firefighters spray foam while they worked to get the driver out. The homeowner, who declined medical attention after being thrown off the couch, told firefighters he had 6 dogs in the house who were missing. 

Once crews determined the house was safe enough to search, they went in and found all the dogs unhurt. The condition of the driver is not known at this time.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Prepare for snow wheeling

First I want to extend our thanks to the many jeepers out there who are assisting fellow citizens during the horrible tornadoes that went through 4 states last week. If you are one of the volunteers helping with food and clothing drives, repairs, etc., we salute you. And a shout out to those who have been impacted by this massive tornado. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Speaking of weather, as we all know Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Lucky for us in So. Cal, we don’t have tornadoes or hurricanes, but we do get wildfires, earthquakes, and of course snow in the mountains. And everyone wants to come to play in the snow. I see FB and IG posts of everyone planning a trip up to the mountains this weekend. I think it’s the excitement to see how deep your vehicle can drive and bragging rights to say you “made it through the snowstorm of 2021”. Last year we had a really bad storm come through and in episode 463 I highlighted all the issues with people going out, in the snowstorm, and what happens.

In this episode, I want to share some things to consider and be prepared when wheeling in inclement weather. Now I have never been through a tornado or hurricane but I have been through earthquakes, fires, and now the snow. I’m sure there are some differences in preparing for the “storm” in your area, so please call in and let us know what you have used, or needed, in your area when faced with a storm.

For us, in the snowy mountains, you really have to think before going out. Sure the allure of the snow, the crisp fresh air, and the beauty are enough to make anyone call in sick and get out and wheel these mountains. Well, hold your horses, because you do need to prep before you get out there.

First and foremost is that once winter hits for us, it is mandatory to carry chains in all vehicles, even 4WD with snow tires. No, we have never had to put them on and with mud/snow tires I probably would never need them, but it’s the law. So suck it up buttercup, you have to buy chains.

Now when you decide to go out, think about checking the local weather app. Yep, the sky is blue right now, but during winter that can change in a heartbeat. It can be sunny down off the hill and by the time you arrive to wheel a black diamond it is snowing and colder than you imagined. Do you have food onboard? Not just snacks, but bars and energy drinks. You need water too. Up here the air is so dry that your body is dehydrating with every breath. And don’t forget the kids and dogs need stuff too.

Bring extra layers of jackets, lightweight and heavyweight for everyone. You may be broken down and the heater isn’t working. I can tell you your wife and kids will not be happy campers if they can’t stay warm.

Gloves are a must – not one, but two or three pairs. If you have to dig yourself out, or stack rocks or whatever, the snow is WET! You will be soaked and happy you had another set of dry, warm gloves to use. Bringing a waterproof hat could come in handy too. This last storm we had started as a frizzle (rain mixed with sleet) and it was wet. Imagine being outside your vehicle for whatever reason. Getting soaked is not fun and you probably won’t dry out quickly because there isn’t any sunshine when it’s stormy out.

Communication is key – do you have a HAM or GMRS radio? Most cell phones don’t work in the mountains and if you are in an earthquake, or tornado, etc., the cell towers could be down. Think about getting some other type of communication on board before you need it and learn how to use it too.

Flashlights with extra batteries are a must. You’d be surprised how often they come in handy. Any regular trail run can turn into a long overnight ordeal if you get stuck enough and don’t have help.

Tools: in episode #426 I talked about the tools to always have on board. With those, you need to also make sure you have recovery gear, tow strap, soft/hard shackles, maybe a Trax board, and a shovel, just in case, etc. You may be able to help someone else that’s stuck on the trail, or you may need to get yourself unstuck.

Snow can be fun to drive on but it does make the hard obstacles much more difficult. You can’t see the lines as easily and it’s easy to slip off rocks and get wedged in such a way you need help getting unstuck

The most important thing is DO NOT GO OUT ALONE.  A few weeks back, Josh shared a news story of two experienced jeepers out alone in the snow and the jeep rolled over the side. Even as experienced jeepers, going out alone is not a good idea in weather situations. Unless you like being a headline, then go ahead go out alone and we will probably talk about it on a future segment of the JTS next spring when they find your Jeep. LOL

If you get a chance to wheel in the snow, I highly recommend it. It will be an experience you won’t forget. Go prepared and have a great time.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas – hope your holiday includes wheeling.

Josh’s favorite snow wheeling pic (2013)

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

You can see what I’m up against with my bumper.

When I received my Motobilt bumper ordered through Northridge4x4.com (don’t forget about our coupon code jeeptalkshow) I had self-etching primer and flat black paint.  I used brake cleaner to remove all the oil that was on the metal. Wiped down, and dried.

I put the primer paint on. A couple of coats.

Let it dry then on with the black.

The bumper looked great, but the paint started peeling during the install. Since then vast portions of the paint have come off.

Jeeps built for off-road don’t have to look good, but I think you can do both, and people who know how difficult it is to wheel the jeep and keep it looking good will notice.

What did I do wrong?

Sanding!  I made sure to sand the rear bumper and it’s doing good.  The great thing about this bumper is I can remove it and the winch and mount will stay on the Gladiator.  The nuts are a bit difficult to get to because of the winch, but I’ll be taking the bumper off, sanding it, and back on with the primer and paint during the Christmas break.

Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!

Rugged Ridge Floor Liner, Front/Rear/Cargo; Black, 

2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK 4 Dr (P/N: 12988.01)  

$193.49 ($163 with rebate) ($183 on RR)  https://amzn.to/30BYXzK

Those WeatherTech or Husky Floor Liners are great, but who wants to fork out that kind of cash for floor mats? Here’s an affordable option that won’t let you down. Rugged Ridge. Their molded floor liners provide complete protection for the cabin floor of your Jeep while keeping it looking factory fresh. Each liner is perfectly contoured to your vehicle’s floor for precise and secure fitment. The raised lip around the edge captures all spills, water, and debris keeping your interior pristine. The Chevron-shaped, patented, Deep Tread Technology channels liquid away from your shoes or boots keeping them dry. Made of a durable original equipment-quality thermoplastic material that can withstand the rigors of daily usage. These Rugged Ridge Floor Liners provide year-round carpet protection keeping your Jeep’s floor dry and clean from dirt to rain, sand to snow, and every muddy thing in between. Rugged Ridge Floor Liners also have Limited Lifetime Warranties, providing customers with repair or replacements subject to certain common exclusions.

 

 

Camp Fireside Chat

 

Gas prices are going up, again, (thanks Joe) so it’s time to talk about MPG’s. What are some of the things that you’ve done to (or with) your Jeep to improve its mileage?

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Links Mentioned in this Episode

NEXEN Tires USA https://www.nexentireusa.com/

Trails 411- POWERING Your Adventure https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

The 4×4 Radio Network http://4x4radionetwork.com/

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