Episode 790 – Criminal Mischief Update!
What’s Your Take On Jeep’s Seven EJS Concept Vehicles For 2023?
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept
front-hinged tubular grille guard
Dark Harbor Blue / Orange seats
Flat Fenders w/ removable covers for the daytime running lights.
Jeeps says these flat fenders are the first to be legal in all 50 U.S. states.
JPP 2.0-inch suspension lift, 37″ BFG KM3’s, bronze 17-inch wheels.
Reversible rear-mounted tire carrier – Improves departure angle / Doesn’t compromise the rear backup camera either.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept
Tuscadero Pink Paint job (high demand)
Basic 4xe – New grill from 20th Anniversary Edition
37″ BFG KM3 M/T tires on 17″ AEV wheels
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept
Solar Flash Yellow
37″ BFG KM3 and 17-inch HRE FT1 wheels w/ full-size spare mounted on the modified tire carrier in the bed.
Tubular grille guard that’s hinged at the front to fold down and become a bench.
The roof-mounted lights are removable too, and the custom bracket supporting them can be quickly disconnected.
New sports bar concept – now available through JPP – made of carbon fiber/steel, incorporates steps on both sides and portable storage cases on top.
The bed incorporates recessed Rotopax pockets and molle panels for added storage.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept
35-inch tires, extensive auxiliary exterior lights,
New high-output Hurricane engine, a 510-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six.
Massive rooftop tent/custom carbon-fiber structure (Skyloft from RedTail Overland)
Assembled in mere seconds by hand, climate-controlled and can sleep two people.
Jeep says it also turned the Waggoneer’s rearmost sunroof into a porthole to access the roof-mounted tent.
Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept
Started life as a four-door Wrangler Rubicon 392, but it’s been reinterpreted with the Scrambler ethos.
The original CJ-8 Scrambler was Jeep’s first convertible pickup truck.
Rides on huge 40-inch tires mounted on 20-inch wheels.
Newly available air suspension (called AccuAir) – can be raised between 1.5 and 5.5 inches at any time via either a control switch inside or using a compatible smartphone device.
1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept
Two electric motors with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
A couple of clues to its hybrid nature are the blue front and rear tow hooks.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept
Operates through a manual transmission.
Peak output up to 625 horses and 850 pound-feet of torque.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Trail Manners
Since we talked about an organized trail run in episode 786 Trial manners are next on the list of things to consider when wheeling.
Having good trail manners makes your wheeling that much better and will probably get you an invite back to the group for more wheeling.
NOTE: If you wheel with people that are rude, and do some of these things then stop wheeling with them. You aren’t obligated to wheel with anyone
1) If you have a solid foundation for being kind & courteous, you are already ahead of the game with trail manners. Most people you meet along the trails are very courteous and polite
2) Some things to consider:
A) When wheeling you will come across another group that you pass as
they are traveling in the opposite direction
a. Say hello to your fellow off-roaders. I can’t tell you how many
times we run across people who are mad, angry or
maybe they are just stressed out.
b. If your group is smaller- pull over and let the larger group pass.
This may include backing up to a safe location to let them pass.
c. If you are the bigger group, then the other group should pull over.
It’s easier for the smaller group to pull over
B) When passing other jeepers/off-roaders – let them know how many are
behind you in your group
a. Use hand signals to signify 1, 2, 3, etc. # behind you. It doesn’t
always work as I have realized that some Jeepers have no clue why
we are holding up our fingers.
b. So we started letting the first driver of the opposing group know
how many are in our group. If you are in a group, the leader will more than likely handle this, but if you are leading, think about that communication. It’s just good manners.
C) When you decide to take a break, or stop for lunch, park off the trail –
Get off the road completely.
D) If it’s a lunch stop – make sure you don’t crowd or invade someone
else’s serene spot
E) Yielding to horses: check to see what the yield laws are in your state. In California, the equestrian (horse and rider) has the right of way on all roads and trails. PERIOD. Even hikers have to yield to horses. If you wheel where riders are present, slow down. Maybe even stop and shut off your louder engines. Approaching a horse/rider at any speed can
be dangerous for them but also could cause major damage to your jeep.
Always stop and wait for the rider to direct you to stop, or move
you through. Most often riders out on the trails have pretty solid and trail-worthy horses, but every once in a while a younger horse may spook and
that’s a disaster you don’t need or want to be involved in.
a. Horses are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail here on the west
coast. This trail starts on the Mexican border and ends at the
Canadian border. Many of our jeep trails cross the PCT so we are
always aware there may be equestrians on the trails.
F) Trash pick-up: Make sure that everyone in
the group is picking up their trash before you leave a lunch spot or break area.
a. All off-roaders should be stewards to take care of the trails and help keep them open. If you are wheeling with litterbugs, pick up their trash and then promise me you will never wheel with them again LOL
Most of what I covered is common sense, be kind to others and they will be kind to you. Most everyone we have encountered has been wonderful and very nice. It’s what we love about Jeeping. If there’s a group (or person) that doesn’t think this way, that’s OK for them, but you need to set a higher standard for yourself and those you run with.
https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
Criminal Mischief
Back on January 13th, 2023, the 2021 Jeep Talk Show Gladiator was “keyed” in the Sam’s Club parking lot.
There was no prior altercation one on one or vehicle-on-vehicle.
The damage was from the front fender to the front fender.
I noticed the damage after getting back home.
I contacted the police, then I contacted Sam’s Club for video evidence.
All evidence collected was given to the police department.
The investigator said he could not sit on the stand and swear that the “close up” of the person in the security footage was the same person on the driver’s license of the person that owned the truck that keyed my Jeep.
Now you’re up to date, until this week when I received a call from the investigator.
The suspect updated his driver’s license and his PHOTO! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!
The case is being forwarded to the District Attorney!
I am pressing charges because NO ONE should feel they can do this to someone’s property! Put a note on a window, wait for the person to come out, and tell them the problem you have. This 68-year-old man let his emotions get away from him and now TWO and a half months later he is going to have a very bad day. Followed by worry and a trial.
But we have to see what the DA is going to do with the case. This is all new ground for me.
Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!
XKGLOW LED High Wing Tail Light for Jeep Wrangler JK – $230
Low profile design.
Dark smoked polycarbonate lens.
Bright, attention-grabbing LEDs.
Running, brake, and turn signal functions.
Easy plug-and-play installation.
Fits Jeep Wrangler JK / JKU.
Will only work with hard tops.