Episode 738 – Is the Comanche Coming Back?
This Week In Jeep
The Rumor Mill Says The Comanche Is Coming Back
What if it’s time for the Jeep Comanche to return? The Ford Bronco came back to rival the Jeep Wrangler, the Ford Maverick was a neat car that’s now a popular tiny truck, and the Chevy Blazer destroyed its heritage with the abomination we see on the roads today. Now rumors suggest the Jeep Comanche is next, and speculation in the automotive world is running wild. It’s possible that the Jeep Comanche could make its return soon. Across each vehicle brand, people want a single-cab truck, and companies are taking notice. Plus, the tiny truck world is exploding as the Ford Maverick breaks sales records. Also, there are solid rumors pointing towards Toyota and Chevy getting back in the small truck game. However, the Maverick is the top option to beat as of the end of 2022. It’s the perfect time for the Comanche or a single-cab Jeep truck to stun the competition. While the Jeep Gladiator is great for those with towing and hauling needs, it’s big for a mid-size truck. And as many of you may know, the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator isn’t the best for rock climbing and narrow trails without the truck are well-modified. But a smaller truck could be better equipped for climbing and adventuring as we’ve seen for decades with the Wrangler and its short wheelbase.
So how would Jeep make this little truck? What platform could it be based on if the automaker was to move forward with this? Well, the Jeep Comanche could be based on the Jeep Renegade, like the Ford Maverick is based on the Ford Escape. Now if we go back in the time machine to 2020, we can take a look at the J6 concept Jeep that was unveiled at the Easter Jeep Safari, which arguably gave Greg Henderson of Official Use Only the inspiration behind the 2022 Quadratec build for SEMA.
Also, if you remember, the original Jeep Comanche was based on the Cherokee XJ back in the day, so we can’t count a Cherokee-based option out just yet.
Now I know here on The Jeep Talk Show, we have long bashed the Renegade for its diminutive size and lack of any serious offroad chops. However, for many out there, it’s considered an incredibly capable little off-roader that can venture right off the showroom floor and into the wild. Hell, Jeep dragged one through the world-famous Rubicon trail, so it has to be able to do SOME wheeling. Anyways, the Jeep Comanche could have an edge on the incredibly well-selling Ford Maverick by using a traditional body-on-frame build. This would clearly make it far more durable for off-roading and would dramatically increase its suspension travel potential. But as we all know, this is far more likely to be a unibody design. Vehicles like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have a unibody build, (much like the XJ did back in the day,) which helps them handle more like SUVs and less like trucks. Ok, so the possibility of the compact single-cab Jeep truck is real. We know what platforms it could be based on and who its direct competition would be. But what about the engine that would power this compact single-cab Jeep truck? Rumors suggest that the Jeep Comanche could borrow from the Jeep Renegade. But when has the Renegade gotten any fresh updates? It has had the same 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque for a while now, and I’m honestly surprised we haven’t seen an update yet, as we are way past the usual mid-cycle refresh that Jeep has had a track record of doing. There are ideas about a new PHEV setup with 240 hp available. But a hybrid truck or Comanche 4xe would probably arrive first. But, we are still waiting on the Jeep Renegade 4xe that is also rumored to arrive in the US soon so there may be some intended market testing embedded in there somewhere as well. And other countries would likely have a turbo diesel model of the Jeep Comanche should it come to fruition, so that would be interesting to see. To truly be competitive, however, the powertrain and chassis of the Jeep Comanche would have to be capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs to match the Hyundai Santa Cruz and outmuscle the Ford Maverick. Will any of this actually happen? It’s too early to tell, but the rumor mill is saying that we might hear more as early as the first quarter of 2023.
NJ Jeep Dealership Catches Fire
The Ocean Township of New Jersey was rocked around 9:15 pm the day after Christmas 2022 when a Jeep dealership broke out in flames. Both police and firefighters were dispatched to the Seaview Jeep dealer on Route 35 to investigate reports of smoke and an active alarm. Police arrived on the scene first and confirmed the smoke condition. Further investigation led to the confirmation of a working structure fire in the back end of the service area. A full first alarm was called at this point.
The first engine company stretched a hose line to the B side of the building where police were reporting the heaviest amount of smoke was coming from. An extra 2.5-inch hose line was also pulled off the engine. Crews made a quick knock on the fire inside, but a second alarm was called anyway. Asbury Park Fire Department Tower 89 arrived next and went to the roof to provide ventilation. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is currently under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
What’s your favorite item you have on board when you wheel?
If you have been wheeling for any length of time, you know we all have lots of tools, gadgets, recovery gear and who knows what else on board if you wheel a lot. If you are new to wheeling, well buckle up because you WILL be adding items as you wheel more. Whether you hear a suggestion on the Jeep Talk show or you notice what your buddy has and want one – Yeah It’s a Jeep Thing!
You can visit Jeeptalkshow.com and look at episodes #426 and #533 for a list of items to carry on board. While you are there, check out past episodes on all sorts of info to help the newbie and the experienced Jeeper.
I thought it would be fun to pose the question to you the listener and our JTS team: If you had to pick only ONE item, what is your favorite item/tool, etc., that you have to have on board when you wheel and why? Call into the show or email us and let us know – I’m always open to hearing about other things that I might need to add to our jeep.
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one item but my favorite is the soft shackle. I have done plenty of recoveries and training and I have to say the soft shackle is my favorite item. It’s easy to use, especially for me (a woman). I don’t have to get a “tool” to loosen a D-ring (clevis). The metal shackles are good for some things, but for most recoveries, I use soft shackles. Plus they are safer to use over the metal D-rings in case something breaks. Make sure you get an American-made product along with the highest rating you can find (i.e. 45,000lbs) and you will need 3 on board. Trust me on this. I like the Gear America product but we have used Rugged Ridge and Factor 55.
It’s the New Year and that means it’s time to review the gear you have on board and make sure everything is still in good shape. Did you use some of it and there are tears or frays in winch lines, straps, etc? What about tools, did they all make it back in the jeep? I know we had to add wire, nuts/bolts, and ratchet straps after our last breakdown on the trail. We try to put things back in their place after every jeep trip but sometimes life gets in the way.
Reach out and let us know what your favorite item is and maybe I’ll mention it in one of my Newbie Nugget segments. I love when listeners give me suggestions on topics.
I appreciate you listening and thanks for another great year on the JTS team. I’m looking forward to 2023 and getting out there and wheeling with and meeting more listeners.
https://factor55.com/product-category/soft-shackles/
https://ruggedridge.com/search/?q=soft%20shackels
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
Engine Oil in very cold weather
In very cold weather, it is important to use engine oil that is suitable for low temperatures. Thicker oils, such as multi-grade oils with a higher viscosity rating (e.g., 10W-30 or 5W-30), are generally better at maintaining their flow properties in cold temperatures and can help protect the engine against wear.
It is also a good idea to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity range for cold weather operations. Some vehicles may have specific recommendations for very cold weather (e.g., below -20°F/-29°C).
In addition to using the correct oil viscosity, it is also important to ensure that the oil level is correct. Cold weather can cause the oil level to drop, so it is a good idea to check the oil level regularly and add oil as needed.
Finally, it is a good idea to allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before driving in very cold weather. This will help the oil circulate and reach all parts of the engine, which can help protect against wear and improve the vehicle’s performance.
Jeep engine warm during very cold temperatures:
Use a block heater: A block heater is an electrical heating element that is installed in the engine block. It helps to warm the engine oil and other internal engine components before starting the engine, which can make it easier to start in cold weather and can help reduce wear.
Use a remote starter: If your Jeep is equipped with a remote starter, you can use it to start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before driving. This will allow the engine to warm up and the oil to circulate, which can help improve the vehicle’s performance in cold weather.
Park in a garage: If possible, try to park your Jeep in a garage or other enclosed area to protect it from the cold. This will help to keep the engine and other components warm, which can make it easier to start and can help improve the vehicle’s performance in cold weather.
Use a battery blanket: A battery blanket is a device that wraps around the battery and helps to keep it warm. In very cold temperatures, a battery can lose its charge more quickly, so keeping it warm can help to extend its life and improve the vehicle’s starting performance.
Use an oil pan heater: An oil pan heater is a device that is installed in the oil pan and helps to warm the engine oil before starting the engine. This can help to improve the vehicle’s starting performance and can reduce wear on the engine in cold weather.
By following these steps, you can help keep your Jeep engine warm during very cold temperatures and improve its performance in cold weather.
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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