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Jeep Talk Show

A Show About Jeeps!

Episode 898 – New Jeep CEO!

Antonio Filosa new Stellantis CEO

Stellantis on Thursday named a new CEO of its adventure brand. Antonio Filosa, chief operating officer in South America, is replacing Christian Meunier as Jeep’s CEO effective Nov. 1. Meunier, according to a news release, will “take a long break to focus on personal interests” after leading the brand since May 2019.

Filosa joined the Fiat Group in 1999 as head of purchasing in Latin America. He has worked as plant manager of the Betim facility in Brazil and as the head of Argentina as well as the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands in Latin America. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from Italy’s Politecnico di Milano.

Jeep Avenger, 40,000 orders!

Jeep’s first electric SUV has now earned over 40,000 orders since launching at the Paris Motor Show. Fueled by Avenger sales, Jeep brand sales within the segment (B-SUV) advanced 33.5% compared to last year.

Powered by a new electric powertrain with a 400V electric motor, the Avenger offers up to 400 km (248 miles) WLTP range, which bumps up to 550 km (342 miles) in the city.

At 160.6″ (4.08 m) long and 60″ (1.53 m) tall, the Avenger is about 6″ shorter and more compact than the Jeep Renegade.

With 100 kW DC fast-charging capabilities, the electric SUV can add 24 miles of range in just five minutes. The brand says the Avenger stays true to its DNA with 100% Jeep capabilities, enabling traveling in any conditions or terrain.

Newbie Nuggets with Wendy

Recovery gear – part 1

When we think of Recovery gear, most newbies think a winch is the first thing you need. Actually, there is more to it than just buying a winch.

1)   You have to decide what type of wheeling you are going to do. This is a process that when you start out, it might just be simple easy roads and you think you don’t need any recovery gear – nothing will happen.

2)   Besides a good tool kit, you do need a few basic items for any type of wheeling. When we have a student we always cover a few things about recovery gear, especially if they are going out alone – which we never recommend.

3) D-rings vs. soft Shackles. This is a debate among wheelers but let me give you some info on both and then you can decide what you want to carry.

  1.   D-rings are great for attachment points on the rig. Aftermarket bumpers can have sharp edges on their recovery points that could tear a soft shackle over time.

1. You’ll need a tool to unscrew or screw on tight enough – I don’t have the strength to make them as tight as they need to be. Now you’re looking for a tool while everyone is asking how to connect to your D-rings

2. Low weight rating: Typically, around 8,000lbs

3. Buy American-made with raised letters (Not stamped) with the weight rating. The stamped ones are typically from China and not as strong

B.. Soft Shackles – are a great alternative to the D-Ring

1. Easy to use – I love how simple they are and I don’t need a tool to get them opened 

2. Rated around 45,000lbs for the better ones.

  1. Buy American
  2. You should have at least 2 – 3 for most recoveries

4)   Summary: You actually need 1-2 D-rings and 3 soft shackles for a good recovery kit. You will use them both at times, but mostly you will use the soft shackle the most.

  1.   Leave the D-rings permanently attached to your bumper and just feed the soft shackle through it.

5)   Tow Strap: You need a good quality strap. This is used to pull someone off a rock, out of sand, or just stuck and they need a little tug. Most recoveries are to move the jeep about a foot or less.

  1.   American-made is the best
  2.   Rated: around 20,000 lbs or more.
  3.   Buy a 20 or 30 ft length – you can always fold it in half if it’s too long
  4.   Buy closed loop at both ends – no open-ended or any metal pieces like hooks – that’s a potential breaking point

6)   Tree saver: this is what you will use around a tree or a large boulder. It essentially protects the tree from being rubbed and the bark getting destroyed from the pull if you wrap your winch line around the tree.

  1.   American made
  2.   Rated around 20,000 lbs or more.
  3.   They typically come in 8’ lengths
  4.   Closed loops on both ends
  5.   Can be used to extend your tow strap if you need more length. Sometimes we’ll use two laces together to get around a larger tree.

7) Recovery bag to store all your gear – one place easy to get to and easy to find just what you need

https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

First Aid

We recently spoke about first aid kits in your Jeep.  We’ve discussed it before, and we’ll discuss it again.  There are certain things that aren’t fun, but they are necessary.

What do you have for first aid in your vehicle?

What do you never use but have for worse-case scenarios?

Where do you stow your first aid kit?

What are the basics in your first aid kit?

What do you think about JTS coming up with a recommendation list for a first aid kit?  Maybe there’s already one out there?

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

Protect Life First Aid Kit for Home/Businesses | HSA/FSA Eligible Emergency Kit |Travel First Aid Kit for Car | Small First Aid Kit Bag/Survival Medical kit | Hiking First Aid kit Camping/Backpacking $24.95

200 piece kit

Hard-shell case

Plasters & bandages

Emergency Whistle

Saline & Antiseptics

Instant Cold Pack