Episode 610 – Why Jeep Failed A Crash Test

This Week In Jeep

Jeep’s Report Card From Latest IIHS Crash Test

In episodes 554 and 557 we talked about the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and their annual testing of the most popular vehicles sold in the US market.

Earlier this year the IIHS released the results from the driver-side small overlap crash test, where the 2021 Wrangler flopped over on its side, not once. But twice. Literally, the only vehicle to do this. Way to Jeep, go big or go home! Obviously, the IIHS gave the Wrangler some poor grades for that, but the rumor (at the time) was that the 2022 model would already have some changes that might address that. Regardless, the IIHS this week released the results from the 2022 Wrangler in the “side impact test.” The IIHS changed its side-impact test last year when the organization started using a heavier barrier traveling at a higher speed to simulate a side-impact accident. The new one now weighs 4,200 pounds, instead of the 3,300 pounds like in earlier tests. This extra weight also means more mass, and this is all by design to better approximate the weight of modern SUVs. The barrier has also been redesigned to act more like an SUV or pickup, which now account for more than 80% of car sales. And, it now strikes at 37 mph, not 31 mph as previously used to approximate better the faster speeds that people are driving. The IIHS gives a vehicle a good rating when the vehicle cabin retains its shape, crash test dummy measurements do not indicate a high risk of injury and the airbags and seat belts prevent the dummies’ heads from hitting any interior components. The tests reveal that the incredibly popular Jeep Wrangler earned only marginal ratings. Which isn’t “poor” …the worst rating a vehicle can get. I think. Maybe they have one below that for like really messed-up vehicles. Like the complete annihilation of a car, crash test dummy parts are strewn everywhere… I mean, that’s beyond poor right? So a “marginal” rating is pretty good in my book. The Jeep did however get a poor rating in one category. Head injuries. And out of all the categories, this isn’t the one to fail in, but hear me out… I think the Wrangler needs to be judged by a slightly different scale on this one, but I’ll let you be the judge. The only reason the Wrangler got this rating was that it lacks rear-seat side airbags. Seriously. Because the “WRANGLER” lacked “rear-seat side airbags.” Apparently, the rear passenger dummy’s head struck the roof’s vertical support and the door window frame, earning the poor rating in head injuries, and dragging our beloved Wrangler’s overall rating down to marginal despite good crash ratings otherwise everywhere else in this test. IF not for that one dummy in the back, Jeep may have won some awards. Of the 20 small SUVs tested by IIHS back in October 2021, only one earned a good rating. So it’s not like Jeep is the only kid left sitting at the school dance. That “one” vehicle?… It wasn’t a Jeep, but that means Jeep is at least on par with the rest of the automakers when it comes to safety. Speaking of keeping important stuff safe… Out of the 18 vehicles tested in this latest particular crash test, the Wrangler was among only a couple of others that had the best score for preventing injuries to the driver’s pelvis, the most common injury in crashes.

What Is The Jeep Meridian And Why You Can’t Own One In The USA?

The 2022 Jeep Meridian is a three-row version of the Compass SUV with a lot of additional features and a bunch of chrome. This premium-level SUV is powered by FCA’s 2.0L diesel putting out roughly 170 HP and 250-pound feet of torque to the 18-inch dual-tone Y-spoke wheels. It’s going to have all the bells and whistles, including a 360 camera mode, a large 10.25 instrument cluster alongside a 10-inch free-standing touch screen tab-like infotainment system. The touchscreen infotainment system gets Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity built-in, as well as multi-zone automatic climate control. Apart from that the cabin also gets a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate and six airbags. The Jeep meridian also hosts the latest in LED lighting technology both inside and out. So why can’t you own one? Well, you can, if you live in India. Jeep India is releasing this new Jeep in the Indian market only, and will not be available here in the US.

Illegal Off-Roading Leads To Instant Karma

So a buddy of mine who is always wheeling and dealing like a gypsy just traded a vehicle for a mid 90’s Jeep Cherokee XJ. And at the time of this recording was in the same city, with the same vehicle that’s in this story, and for a second, I thought it might have been about him, because the timing was right, and this sounds like something he just might do. Thankfully, it wasn’t him, and the people involved got a big dose of Karam when they decided to take their Jeep offroad where they weren’t supposed to. Early Monday morning in Redding California, Officer Leonard and K-9 Otto were patrolling near the Redding Civic Auditorium around 2 a.m. when they found a Jeep Cherokee that had been involved in an accident and was on its side. Police contacted four occupants of the vehicle, who were determined to be two juveniles and two 18-year-old adults, all from the local area. One of the occupants of the vehicle was a man, 18, who was unconscious at the time of the contact, according to police. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The front passenger was also injured, but the extent of the injuries was deemed to be non-life-threatening.

According to the report drugs and alcohol use were not suspected factors in this accident, and there seemed to be only one vehicle involved. You see information gathered on the scene, lead the police to believe that the driver had driven onto a lawn near the Civic Center and started to drive in circles. In the course of “doing the doughnuts” is when the Jeep XJ flopped onto its side. No charges have been pressed at the time of this recording… likely because the parents have killed all the children or grounded them until pigs fly. 

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

What to expect on a Jeep run

Newbies ask all the time, once I find a jeep group or run, what can I expect and what do I need to be prepared for it. Here’s an overview we did in episode 436 and I have added a few things

Once you decide to go on an organized jeep run, and you find a local run you want to try, there will be information shared about the run to help you decide if the run is for you and your setup.

1)   The day and time to meet will be posted, along with the meet-up location. This could be centrally located to that group, OR it’s located at the beginning of a trailhead.

2)   The difficulty level and upgraded equipment needed. Is it an easy (green circle), medium, (Blue square), or a hard (black diamond) trail.   

3)   A time is given to when to arrive and when the group leaves. Being new I highly recommend you arrive early, rather than late. You may need the extra time to air down, etc. and you get to learn more that way

4)   Once you arrive, if this is a club event or special event you may be asked to sign a waiver. This is also a time to meet-n-greet other jeepers and their rigs.

5)   If you’ve met at the trailhead, you will also need to air down your tires – depending on the trail (easy vs hard). Remember, sometimes we air down just to make the ride more comfortable for you and your Jeep, not necessarily for the traction. You can check out episode 431 to get some additional info on the tools needed to air down.

6)   About 5-10 minutes before departure time, the trail leader will call a driver’s meeting. The leader will review the trail difficulty and go over any rules of the run. Like not drinking, or making sure when there is a turn you wait for the driver behind you to make sure he/she sees you made the turn, and any other general info. They will also announce the radio channel on the GMRS, HAM, or CB. Having a radio is essential to jeep runs. They also will review a brief idea of the time frame for lunch.

Couple of things to keep in mind: If you are new, they will ask and probably place you in the lineup behind a more experienced driver. This is a good thing; don’t be shy about your experience or lack of it. This is how you will learn. When on the trail, if you or a passenger need to stop (like for the bathroom), you just need to let them know via the radio. Most leaders will stop along the way for jeepers to take a break throughout the run, so if you can hold it till the next stop – I would suggest that option.

During the jeep run, you may want to pay attention to the driver in front of you as he/she tackles obstacles, ruts, gullies, etc. Do you like their line? Would you make changes to their line for your jeep or comfort? This IS a great training ground for you to learn and feel comfortable with your jeep. If there is an obstacle, get out and watch. I’ve said it many times; it’s the best way to gain knowledge.  Keep in mind while you’re watching that some people will take a more difficult line just for the added challenge. YOU always have the option of picking your own line. 

At some point during the trip, the group will stop for a lunch break. This can be the best part of the trip, depending on the destination. We’ve had lunch under a big canopy of trees, by a stream or river, on a mountain top with views forever, just to name a few. It’s also a great time to meet other drivers and sit around and enjoy the company of fellow jeepers and listen to their stories and exaggerations. 

There are some other things to consider packing for your trip in addition to the basic tools we reviewed in episode 426. You will want to add chairs to your rig – what type and how many will depend if you wheel alone or with passengers. Some lunch spots will have rocks to sit on, but you may be better off with a chair.

Folding or smaller chairs are generally best due to limited space in your jeep. You will also need a small cooler or ice chest to keep the food and beverages cold. What about traveling with your dog? You will need water and a bowl for your dog and a leash. Not all people enjoy our dogs in their business. Lots of people jeep with their dogs and please bring baggies to clean up after your dog. Inevitably, the dog will do its business in the middle of the group sitting and eating their lunch.

What do you need to bring for your kids – like snacks, games & or toys? Consider that adults sitting around conversing during lunch may not be the kids’ idea of fun. Something else to pack extras like paper towels and hand wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, light jackets, and any other extras you may want/need for the day. Extra water and snacks are a good addition too.  It’s really about making your trip comfortable for you.

After lunch, the group will continue on their way to the end of the run. This is where you will air up your tires. Hopefully, you have an air compressor or other equipment like a Powertank to air up, if not, there is generally a fellow Jeeper who is willing to help you air back up. Airing up tools should be on your list of “things to add to the jeep” as you start to venture out on runs. This is also a good time to do a quick check under your rig, just to make sure you didn’t leave any parts on the trail or dangling underneath the jeep. Once you are aired up, typically everyone heads out on their own way, or they may all ride back to where you met in the morning.  

I hope this helps those new to organized runs with what to expect when you show up.

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

Gorilla Tape on Gorilla Glass? Heavy Duty Mounting Tape

In use temp range -40F to 248F

Vertical mounting

 

REXING V1 – 4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam

REXING GPS Logger for REXING V1

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

Rhino USA Tire Plug Repair Kit (86-Piece)

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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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