Following an overwhelmingly positive consumer response to the recently introduced Grand Cherokee concept and related "Name My Ride" contest, the Jeep brand has announced it will produce not just one, but three new limited-edition Jeep vehicles: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models. … [Read more...]
Desert Rendezvous 2012 Hits SoCal March 23-24 2012
The SoCal Desert Rendezvous started as an idea a few friends tossed around while around a campfire one night. Why were all the overlanding-type events being held in other states or geographic regions, and why were we traveling all that way when we had all of this right here at home in SoCal? Thus began the Rendezvous Conspiracy… … [Read more...]
Jeep Introduces New Production-intent Concept Grand Cherokee at Houston Auto Show
The Jeep® brand has introduced a new, production-intent concept version of its award-winning Grand Cherokee, a unique model with distinctive yet stealthy exterior cues designed to attract new Jeep Grand Cherokee enthusiasts and customers. Showing the vehicle publicly for the first time this morning at the Houston Auto Show, Jeep also … [Read more...]
Towing Shackles & D-Ring Fabrication and Installation on Jeep JK
In the fall of 2009, I bought a Jeep Wrangler and joined the, “I Live, I Drive, I Am” crowd. The vehicle purposely has very few “bells and whistles” because I found that in order to buy one bell, I had to buy a package of six whistles which I really didn’t need. Among the first additions that I made was the installation of Nerf running boards … [Read more...]
Rola NV2 Hitch Mount
If you’re looking for a versatile, fuss-free, compact and comparably light rack that will keep its paws off your bike’s paint, then the Rola NV2 hitch mount bike rack is for you! … [Read more...]
Cooling System Upgrade for your Jeep Wrangler
This upgrade was done on a Jeep CJ but you can do the same to your YJ, TJ or just about any Jeep. After installing a new performance 360 in my CJ, the factory-style radiator struggled to keep the temps down. Even in 80°F weather, the temps rose to 220°F+ quickly and never went south. I had previous tried a popular budget upgrade, using a … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right Mods for Overland Travel
I’ve been overlanding since 2007. Not a long time but long enough to get a good idea of what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need in the terms of vehicle modifications. The good news is most stock high clearance Jeeps can do overland travel in their stock form. There are a few things that in my opinion can make it easier to traverse the more … [Read more...]
Balls On Your Tow Hitch
Recently, as I have been driving around town, I have been noticing a trend. Many trucks (and larger SUVs) have their balls showing. Not the offensive, chrome plated kind swinging from the bumper, but the actual (chrome plated) kind still in the receiver, ready to tow a trailer. I have three good reasons you might want to take out your balls. … [Read more...]
70 Years and Counting: A Look at the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
Freedom. Excitement. Purpose. Adventure. Icon. For seventy years no singular word has more fully encompassed the impact of the Jeep Wrangler than that of "Icon". It has carried heavy artillery through combat zones, has served as a purpose vehicle for America's heartland, and has led expeditions into the unknown. The iconic Jeep Wrangler has … [Read more...]