Episode 986 – Filing a Flight Plan
Jeep Profit Slides
As a child, you may have fond memories of playing on a slide. What about when that slide was as hot as the surface of the sun, and instead of sliding you melted down the slide and left skin behind?
This is more like that. North America Stellantis fell 15.4%. They say this is due to production disruptions and costs related to new labor agreements. We’ve been accused of beating up on the UAW so let me point something out here.
Certainly, your profit may go down if you are sharing that profit with your workers. I believe the hope is that if you have happier workers their job performance will improve and the company will make additional profits.
Globally Stellantis profits are down 10%.
If you’re hoping that EVs will help bolster profits I don’t see it. EVs are more expensive to make and require deep investments, and everyone besides a Chinese company and Tesla is losing money selling them.
Range anxiety, where to charge on trips, and longevity of the battery packs, I think, are contributing to would-be EVs purchasing their first. I believe that until an EV is made that is just so much better than an ICE vehicle it will be slow to be adopted by the majority of the public. Or if the price of the EV was very low.
What makes a Jeeper?
Webster says the first known use of Jeeper was in 1927 and is used as a mild oath.
Do you mean like when I was in Boy Scouts and I would pledge an oath? That was everyone, right?
AI says “Jeepers may refer to a hardcore fan of Jeeps. Jeepers are known for being active and exploring the land.”
A phrase used in Scooby-Doo by Daphne to shout in surprise when something shocking occurs
A mild exclamation of surprise, similar to “Oh my god” or “Bloody hell”
I think a Jeeper is someone who either goes off-road or has the desire to go off-road. They select a Jeep model that can be modified for rigorous off-road use. They feel they are part of a family of Jeep owners and believe there is no man left behind, on or off-road.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Filing a “flight” plan
We have talked about what to do to find a run or group to go out with others but what if you just want to get out and you don’t know anyone OR maybe you are experienced and are tired of waiting for others?
Well, you CAN go out alone (we don’t recommend it) but you need to take precautions to make sure IF things go wrong you can be found or get help if needed.
So filing a flight plan is just what it sounds like. Pilots file them when they fly anywhere and so should you.
A flight plan has a few elements and is very easy to put together. I Have a “master” sheet with the info needed and I simply “fill in” the info needed for each trip. This actually can be filled out whether you go alone or with others – it’s a great habit to get into.
Flight Plan:
1) Date of trip (start and end) is it one day, a few days?
2) Time departing
3) Time expected to return
4) Destination: (trail route/coordinates) Actual coordinates are the best
5) If going with others: contact info of the leader
6) If overnight: hotel/campsite info and location
7) GMRS channel
8) Ham frequency
9) Your contact info: phone # of all in your vehicle
10)Emergency contact – who can “they” call if needed
Now, this needs to be given to someone who is home or a friend or someone you can trust will monitor that you didn’t return.
Make sure you notify the holder of the flight plan so they know you returned and they don’t send out the National Guard.
NOTE: All of us know our local wheeling trails and this may seem silly to do because “we are in our backyards”, but you never know and things can and do go wrong. I highly suggest this for any new trails or areas you are not as familiar with. Again, always try to go out with someone, but if you do go alone, letting loved ones know what your plans are for the day makes good sense, and trust me IF you ever need serious medical attention, you will be happy someone knew where you were and how to find you.
https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver
Trails 411: https://www.jeep4x4school.com/
Fabrication Freezy, with Larry, JeepingMo
LeMons
When you think of a road racer what comes to mind, is the Mustang, Camaro, or Corvette. Maybe a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Now I know what you’re thinking, it’s a show about Jeeps.
Well, I have been thinking of building a car for the 24 hours of lemons.
And what I am targeting is a 2wd XJ, so what an XJ.
If this was a couple of years ago the $500 car requirement would be easy.
Now any of the safety equipment like the cage brakes and tires don’t count towards the $500.
So why lemons? I would like to do some racing, and Ultra 4 is far too expensive. If I an an unlimited budget that would be my first choice, racing on the rocks would be fun.
But the $100k plus that I think it would take is not in my budget, maybe at some time if I can find the sponsors.
I am going to try and find a 2wd XJ that needs work, it will need to be gutted and a cage put on it. It will still be a jeep, with no rocks or trails but it should be a fun way to race on the cheap.
Now I did think of doing the Gambler 500, but what I could find they are only in Colorado and Oregon. If there were more of the gamblers I might go that direction.
So jeepers if you know of any budget-friendly races that I can modify some type of Jeep and do some races please let me know. If you know where a 2wd XJ is that maybe you want to sell cheap or donate reach out to me.
Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!
Yorktown Tool Roll® – Original $199
Comes in black, coyote, Orange, and Chartreuse
Made in the USA
If you are in the trades you know how important good quality tools, and how you store and move tools to and from the job is. If you want something that isn’t going to let you down have a look at Atlas 46.
You can see the specs of this tool carrier in the show notes for this episode 986, or at Atlas46.com
Flat Lay Pouch: 16″ x 19″ x 3″
4 x Tool Pouches: 16″ x 3″ x 3″
All Purpose Pocket: 16″ x 5″
Smallest Wrench Slot: 5.5″ x 1.375″
Largest Wrench Slot: 8.875″ x 2.375″
https://www.atlas46.com/online-store/Yorktown-Tool-Roll%C2%AE-Original-p88260008