Episode 778 – GM Won’t Build a Jeep?
GM says it won’t build a Jeep
GM says it won’t build a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler rival, at least not with a gas engine
General Motors president Mark Reuss has confirmed that the automaker isn’t working on a direct rival to the trucks, at least not one with a gasoline engine.
“I’m not gonna do a Bronco,” Reuss told The Drive on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Reuss said GM doesn’t want to be “late to the party” and that adding another gas guzzler to the lineup would hurt its corporate average fuel economy rating.
The Ford Bronco is a gasoline-powered truck-based SUV.
The Ford Bronco is a gasoline-powered truck-based SUV. (Ford)
Due to the resistance created by their boxy designs, high ride heights, and wide tires, the Bronco and Wrangler are far from the most efficient vehicles on sale, although the Jeep is available as a plug-in hybrid with 22 miles of all-electric range.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has a 22-mile all-electric range.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has a 22-mile all-electric range. (Jeep)
GM currently doesn’t offer a model that’s close to either of them in the United States, relying instead on its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups to provide serious off-road capability in a midsize package.
An Underwater Field of Jeeps
Dive underwater and you’ll find an assortment of vehicles, including Jeeps, bulldozers, forklifts… even cases of Coca-Cola. There’s no denying how harmful this can be to the environment, but it’s still quite the sight.
Just off the coast of Espírito Santo, an island in the Vanuatu archipelago of the South Western Pacific, there is a massive underwater dump.
The World’s Longest Jeep Parade
Organizers of the first Bantam Jeep Festival wanted to do something memorable, so why not set a Guinness World Record? More than 1,000 Jeeps (1,106 to be exact) traveled the three-mile parade route, seeing a record in the process.
It was guessed that owners from at least six states visited the parade, and the Butler Pennsylvania mayor estimated that 35,000 fans visited the city during that 2011 weekend.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
What to expect on an organized trail run
So you’ve finally decided to join a group on a trail run. You might be wondering what you should expect. When you’re deciding whether to join this group on this run, there is some important information you’ll need to know so you can determine if your jeep set-up and your driving abilities fit this run.
Here are some things that you may want to know before you go:
1) The description of the run will list the date, time, and location of the meeting.
- A) Meet at the trailhead or Drive to the trailhead
- B) Be on time – arrive early
2) Sign the waiver (if it’s a club run)
3) Depending on your ability/jeep set-up, the coordinator may place your jeep in line around other “experienced” jeepers. They may leave everyone as they arrive. Either way, it’s all good.
4) Air Down – Even on a fire road
- A) Make sure you have a way to air backup
- B) For info on airing down, check out episodes 431 and 452 or you can watch our YouTube videos. It really depends on the trail and your tire brand as to what you actually air down to.
5) Drivers meeting – usually about 5 minutes before the run starts
- A) Leader will review the trail difficulty and go over any rules of the run.
- B) Like no alcohol, or making sure when there is a turn onto another trail you wait for the driver behind you to make sure he/she sees you and knows to make the turn, and any other general info. They will also announce the radio frequency and a brief idea of the time frame for lunch.
6) Intermediate/difficult run:
- A) discuss obstacles
- B) you can ask for a spotter if wanted/needed
Once the drivers’ meeting is adjourned, you’re off and running
Couple of things to keep in mind:
1) Pay attention to the driver in front of you as he/she tackles obstacles, ruts, gullies, etc.
- A) Did you like their line? Would you make changes to their line for your jeep or comfort?
- B) At the obstacle, get out and watch – a great way to learn
2) Lunch break: enjoy the views/company
- A) Bring chairs, an ice chest for food/ beverages
- B) What do you need for kids
- C) What do you need for the dog (water, poop bags, etc.)
- D) Bag with extras like paper towels and hand wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and 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 the trip comfortable for you.
Once the run is over you’ll air up your tires.
1) 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.
2) Once you are aired up, typically everyone heads out on their own way.
I hope this helps those new to organized runs with what to expect when you show up.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
Out of switches!
DSD TECH 2 Channel Bluetooth 4.0 BLE Relay Module for iPhone and Android(12V) 16.99
Relay, wire, and DSD Bluetooth app from the Apple or Google Play store.
The downside, having to run the app on your phone to turn your light on or off
Dedicated OLD phone for controlling switches?
Auxbeam 6 Gang switch panel is $150 on Amazon.
In our next episode, we have a special guest interview with Jon Foerster, founder, and CEO of – Dash Poncho, a leading manufacturer of Jeep accessories and gear.
Jon will be sharing their story of how they got started in the Jeep industry, the challenges they faced, and how they’ve grown their business over the years. They’ll also be giving us a sneak peek into some of their latest products and projects.
If you’re a Jeep enthusiast or interested in the business side of the industry, you won’t want to miss this interview. Tune in to our next episode to hear from Jon of Dashponcho.com and learn more about their business and the Jeep accessories market.
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
Male Urinal with Glow in The Dark Lid (2 Bottles) 32 Oz Urine Bottles for Men – Pee Bottles for Hospitals, Emergency, and Travel $11.99
2 of them for you and a friend!
They do make them for females, or as I like to call them “no hose” models.
The only reason I know anything about these is from my learning-to-fly days. They were available for those long flights. No one wants to have to land to go to the bathroom. I guess DEPENDS is an option these days.