Taking Your Jeep Off-Road

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
You know that part in the movie, when the action hero goes flying off the road in a vehicle and leads the camera on a bumpy, twisted ride through crazy terrain, only to emerge safely afterwards? Looks like such fun, right? Puddle running, leaping into the air, crashing through underbrush... Well, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that none of that happened the way it looked. Paths are carefully plotted out, debris removed, vehicles outfitted with thousands of dollars of equipment, and on top of all that, they're driven by professionals! But as the glimmer of Hollywood bedazzles our eyes, keep in mind that off-road driving is enjoyed by countless enthusiasts, and as the nice weather rolls around we wanted to discuss this enjoyable hobby. It's not quite so impossible as you may think.

The Place
Before we get started, let me make it clear that you can't just pull off the highway and go nuts...search out places that are specially designated to allow off-road drivers. The US National Park Service reminds us that in order to safely enjoy this hobby, you need to follow a few simple rules in terms of where to do it. It's not every park that allows Off Road Vehicles (ORVs), but when they do, it is clearly marked and regulated. Get your permit, look for the picture of the Jeep (and make sure it is not covered by a red circle with a slash through it). Be mindful of animals - many more are endangered than you may think. Get your permit, know the entrance and exit points, be courteous and be ready for a safety & equipment check by a Park Ranger.
That brings us to the next point...

The Parts
Jeeps are solid, well-built vehicles. Many are equipped with 4-wheel drive capabilities and perform excellent in mixed terrain and/or unseasonable weather. However, if you plan on really hitting the bumps and mud, you may find it beneficial to install some aftermarket parts. Although we are not affiliated in any way, you might want to check out the Drive Off Road Blog (http://www.driveoffroad.com/blog/) for some great tips and advice on what to add and where to add it. Basics we've already covered in this blog are; bigger profile tires, winches, and additional lighting and bumper options. You'll also most likely want a GPS system and, depending on where you'd like that GPS to lead you, invest in aftermarket gearing, skid plates (to protect the underbelly) and additional suspension. That brings us to the talent portion...

The Schools
There are actually a number of places scattered throughout the country that will train you on how to drive off-road. You do NOT just get in the car and go for it, unless you want to be injured. Again, we're not affiliated with them, but check out Overland Experts (at http://www.overlandexperts.com/). They are run out of Connecticut and offer classes in many levels (both professional and amateur). Even better, you don't need to bust up your beauty to enjoy them, they have specially outfitted vehicles for you to use!

Let's Go!   
We are not licensed and insured to instruct off-road driving, but with the resources available, I'm sure you can find a way to get into this amazing hobby. In case you find yourself having to wing it, the barest bones instruction goes like this; put both hands on the wheel, keep your thumbs UP and out of the wheel (that way, if you hit something and the wheel shoots to one direction you won't break them), consider using the left foot to work the brakes and keep that right foot smoothly planted, rolling on and off the gas as smoothly as possible. I urge you to do your research and consider outfitting your vehicle to handle the workload, but don't shy away from the trails; there's a whole world out there, far from the blacktop, where fun rides lead to stunning vistas and favorite memories can be made.
Until next time, stay safe!
J.M. for Lahti's Jeep

6 Vital Jeep Accessories for Spring and Summer!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
Ahh...New England.  Land of palm trees and sunshine...oh wait.  Nope.  That's not quite right.  In fact, as I write this we are recovering from a foot of snow that was dumped on us a few days ago, and this is the First Day of Spring!  Oh well...we love our weather here at Lahti's Jeep in Central Massachusetts, but luckily this post will be useful to everyone (except perhaps our friends in Alaska).

As I said, as of today, Spring is officially here!  The weather may not know it, but after a hearty New England winter, we are all ready for some serious sun.  So I'm giving everyone a head start, and we're going to discuss 6 amazing accessories that will help everyone get the most out of their Jeeps later this Spring and into Summer.  Ranging in price from about $25 to around $800, we think you'll find something in this post that matches any budget.  Given that most of the locals are still sore from shoveling, this will give us something to look forward to and maybe start putting some cash away for, so when that blazing sun hits you'll be ready.

First up, the tube cooler!  This ingenious device straps to your rollbar and neatly packs away a six pack of your favorite canned beverage (Note: Never drink and drive).  Most can be had for around $25 and keep your drinks somewhat cool and very accessible, depending on which bar you choose to strap it to.  You can also pull it down and carry it like a backpack (or large purse), when you step out of your Jeep at the beach.

Then we have the mesh sun screen top, which doesn't flap or bubble in the breeze, allowing you to get just the right amount of sun, while driving in peace and quiet.  These can usually be had for under $50, but may require installing a retaining channel on your windshield first.  Still, it's a nice way to see the sights without being completely burnt to a crisp.

With a trail shade canopy, you can park and set up a picnic from the back of your Jeep, without much fuss.  Chill out in the shade while grilling up lunch, enjoying cool breezes and 270 degree visibility.  If you don't want to mount it to the spare tire, this item can be taken on a hike and staked down or attached to whatever you find handy (trees, for example).  Under $75.

For just under $200, you can get a fold-out tailgate table, that turns the inside of your tailgate (comes with mounting hardware) into a two-tier buffet center.  Just park the Jeep, whip out the picnic basket, unfold the table from its neat and clean, briefcase-sized travel position, set up lunch and dig in!  The 12 gauge aluminum table wipes down quick and clean, letting you get back on the road fast, without splinters in your backside from messy, sticky picnic tables.

When I was a kid, we took a trip to some crazy national park in Canada.  It was cold, it was dark and right around bedtime we started hearing some ridiculous animal sounds (I guess it could have been a raccoon, but I personally believe it was 2 or 3 large black bears.  Needless to say, we spent the rest of the night huddled for warmth in the back of the minivan.  If we had this handy tailgate tent, our speedy retreat would have involved a lot fewer steps!  Depending on the brand, sale prices, etc., this easily set-up tent can usually be had for for under $400.  Stay close to safety and carry your house on your back like a Jeep turtle - negating the need to unpack each and every god forsaken item before you crash for the night.

Last but not least, and the priciest item I'm highlighting today, a portable fridge/freezer can work wonders.  I can almost hear you asking, "But I have a little, rinky-dink 12-volt cooler already...why do I need this?"  This is not a "powered cooler", this is an actual refrigerator/freezer!  The reasons people are shelling out almost $800 for this little baby are many.  Firstly, it comes in a 50-quart size.  How big is that you ask?  Think 72 12 oz. cans. You read that right, 72.  Forget about the waterlogged sandwich or shifting ice - no longer an issue.  The front-opening lid, and strong, patented hinge allows you to actually get to all your goodies inside.  Got a 2 liter bottle of cola?   No problem - guaranteed to fit.  Electrical cables getting tangled and lost?  Nope.  Built in cable retention.  Matter of fact, it comes with two cables, one DC for the road and one AC for at-home use.  This sucker can go from the backyard to the boat to the Jeep, all in a weekend!  Packing away your perishables is no longer an issue.  Now you just need to pick where to go, stop at the store and head out!

Well I hope this brightens your day a bit and gets those creative juices flowing.  Spring is here, believe it or not, and pretty soon we'll all be complaining about the heat.  Here's hoping you have a great summer on the way, and I hope these items come in handy to let you take advantage of all the open road has to offer.
Until next time, stay safe out there!
- J.M. for Lahti's 

Winter is Here...How to Drive in Snow

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
Here in beautiful, central Massachusetts, predicting the weather can be tricky.  You may have heard the old adage, "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait 5 minutes."  We've had some crazy storms in the past few years and other times when we couldn't find enough snow to fill a snowcone. Let's face it, there's a reason why we drive Jeeps, right?  Well...actually there's a LOT of reasons to drive a Jeep, but today we're talking about the one that involves safely maneuvering through tons of white, frozen water.  Let's discuss our options, useful accessories and strategy; that way we don't have to worry about snow and ice and can focus on avoiding the zombie hoard.

The Basics - Easy on and Easy Off
When I first started riding a motorcycle, more than a decade ago, I came very close to serious injury many times.  The engine was huge and my experience level non-existent.  Oh, and I was in Los Angeles - home of the ten-lane freeway.  After pulling wheelies by mistake, splitting lanes (legal there) or shooting through intersections a little too close to the red light, I received some very helpful advice from a riding buddy.  "Easy on, easy off." When a flick of the wrist is all it takes to go from 0-60, it can be easy to misjudge the necessary throttle.  Easy on, easy off probably saved my life.  As it turns out, it is exactly the same advice needed to navigate safely down snowy roads.

At the beginning of movement, let grace be your guide, as you press the gas pedal and move from a standstill, to a slow roll, to a traction-building traveling speed.  It goes without saying that you don't want to be at top speed any time traction is an issue, but driving on snow requires a special balance - the wheels can't spin too fast or it won't cling to the road, or too slow to have friction between the snow trapped in the tire ridges and the snow on the ground.  Wheel spin is pretty much your enemy.  In terms of stopping, leaving space between you and any obstacle in your path is a must.  Err on the side of caution - too much space first.  You can always decrease space if necessary, but you can't get it back once you've gone too far.  Just because we are equipped with some pretty amazing 4-wheel drive technology doesn't mean we can stop on a dime.  Far from it.

Tires
Ugh...this is a tough one.  I mean, as Jeep owners, we LOVE our tires.  Raised, bumpy, off-road specialzed...you name it, we love it.  But snow changes things...Narrow tires are king when you're trying to get traction in snow.  More vehicle weight (and, therefore, downward force)  is concentrated in the smaller surface area and traction levels go up.  I know some jeep owners that switch over to winter tires that are not at all like the tires they roll through the summer on.  This is a valid option.  Matter of fact, my friend gets years of use out of his tires by doing this.  "But I like my biggies!" you say?  Well don't despair...narrow tires only get you through if the snow is up to the axle and no higher.  At that point, floatation rules take over and your nice, big tires will do a heck of a lot more good getting you to market.  You have to be the judge - how much snow you're likely to get, how bad winter will be and where you will be driving are all factors to take into account when planning for old man winter's onslaught.

Straps, Cables and Chains, Oh My!
We talked in the last blog spot about the benefits of a winch, so we'll leave that out of this post, but your options for increasing traction on tires are many.  It's not really tough to figure out which way to go, it's a matter of price and perceived risk - how much snow will you be dealing with.  Straps, cables and chains are all useful for extending the tread and traction of your tire, in order to capture more snow and give you better leverage at pulling through the stuff.   Figure out your price point and ability to get the things into place and you're off and running, because when it comes down to it, anything is better than nothing when it's needed.  However (and this is important), when you are dealing with ICE, all bets are off.  In fact, certain options make travel much, much worse in the wrong conditions.  For instance, cables often come equipped with small, tubular traction boosters that give the cable a more aggressive footprint in snow.  Guess what happens when you hit ice wearing these?  That's right, roller skates.  They will literally act like ball bearings and you can kiss traction goodbye.  That's why, regardless of which method you choose to purchase and keep in the back (untangled and ready for use, of course), you have got to be able to get them on and off easily.  Practice.  Work on it.  Master it.  If you even think black (or any other color) ICE is a factor, get those things off your tires and drive as slowly as possible.

Just a few more tips and you're on your way!  Firstly, if you have four-wheel drive engaged, remember that it's really only effective at slower speeds.  It won't help you if you're burning down the highway in hazardous conditions, not that our drivers do that, but thought I should mention it.  If you don't find it necessary to hit 4H or L, great!  You can save some gas, as long as you're able to safely control the vehicle.  Keep in mind, driving in snow if you're in a rear-wheel drive vehicle means you're driving from the rear.  Adjust your turning and maneuvering accordingly.  While we're on the subject, get your headlights and maybe even flashers ON, if you're caught in a blizzard or anywhere there's limited visibility and/or frequent road hazards.

We love our customers.  We want you coming back to Lahti's Jeep for a long, long time.  So drive carefully, wave to other Jeep owners (or everyone you see, if you'd like - they'll get a kick out of it), be prepared to tow your non-Jeep driving friends out of sticky situations and enjoy winter.
Until next time, stay safe out there!
- J.M. for Lahti's 

2012 Jeep Wrangler - Awarded Best Car for the Money!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
Today I'd like to briefly explain some of the details that led to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler being awarded Best Car for the Money in the Offroad SUV category, by U.S. News.  We are honored to add this title to the growing list of commendations this vehicle has earned, but if you don't follow the magazine, you may not understand what factors were involved in the decision.  Let me extrapolate a bit here.  It's not like you needed another reason to love Jeeps, but hey - you may want to convert a friend, or need something to announce to relatives at a particularly awkward holiday party...so here we go.  Rankings are based on a consensus of top automotive experts.  You can always find more information here: U.S. News: Best-Cars-for-the-Money

• Performance: This covers handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other "qualitative performance measures".  The Jeep scored very good (8.3 out of 10), thanks in large part to a new, 3.6 liter, V6 Pentastar engine, pumping out more horsepower and torque.  It's an 83 horsepower boost over the previous model, which was a less fuel efficient 3.8 liter.  Power?  Meet Performance.
   
• Interior: Covering interior comfort, features, cargo space, styling and build quality, the Jeep scored decently (6.4), but we already knew Jeeps aren't for everybody.  And with the recent upgrades made to the interior, we're very proud of the luxurious ride and appointments you can expect from a Jeep.  You know what?  We wouldn't change a thing!
  
• Exterior: Measuring eye-catching appeal and perceived build quality, we knocked it out of the park (8.3), but this isn't news.  I mean, look at it!  Now that's a Jeep!
  

In addition, Safety, Reliability, Overall Recommendation and awards were taken into account.  Jeep does pretty well overall, ending up with a with a solid premium entry at a great price.  Best SUV for the Money?  You bet.  Isn't it time you saw yourself in a Jeep?  Dealerships like Lahti's are keen on clearing out inventory towards the end of the year and the beginning of the next.  You've been good to others this past holiday, why not get yourself what you really want now?  Come by, take a test drive and rest assured that you have made a wise choice.
Until next time, stay safe out there!
J.M. for Lahti's

Merry Jeeps-mas!!! Gifts for Jeep Lovers!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
Today we're going to have some fun!  The holidays are here and you know what that means...new gear!  One the best things about driving a Jeep is the community of awesome people and businesses that have built up a community around a fabulous brand.  Let's just sit back and talk Jeep for a bit, who knows, maybe we can solve that pesky present holdout issue?  Of course, there's always the "one for them, one for me" approach.  You may want to employ that as we get going...

Holiday Deco
Ornaments?  Oh yes, there are Jeep ornaments gallore.  Styles include: traditional bulb, flat cut velvet and more.  Don't be afraid to deck that tree!  There's also a decent collection of holiday cards for mailing to friends and family, reminding them that you're a Jeep lover and they should be too!

Stocking Stuffers
Stocking stuffers are small gifts that don't cost an arm and a leg.  We found Jeep stockings to hang by the chimney, as well as great little gifts to stuff them with.  Jeep mugs, key rings, magnets, jewelry (think Jeep dogtags), belt buckles, bottle openers, phone cases, novelty license plates, bumper stickers and more.  Many of these items can be had for under $15.

Small Gifts
In the under $25 category you'll find t-shirts, gym bags, hats, pocket knives, coaster sets, toys and games.  When you progress up the ladder to the $50 gifts, sweatshirts, towel sets, novelty signs and remote control Jeep toys join the mix.  I even found a Jeep Holiday Baking set, complete with cookie cutters, an apron and a novelty tree!

Gear Level Gifts
As you ease closer to $100, things become less novelty and more utility.  You can get some pretty sweet gear for 100 bucks.  Things like heavy duty floor mats, metal tool boxes, seat covers, window rolls and jack mounts.

Above and Beyond
From there the sky's the limit.  If you want to surprise your Jeep lover with a new bull bar or light kit, by all means go right ahead!  With a little creativity you could assemble quite a gift pack...maybe combine some of the items we talk about here with off-road driving lessons or a trip to a great driving location.  Have you considered a pack of car wash tickets to keep that Jeep looking sparkly through the salt and slush season?  You could also plan a Jeep-cation for later in the year, or load up the skis and hit the slopes (and snow banks).

If you support the Shop Local movement, come on in to Lahti's Jeep and we can talk Jeep gifts for as long as you'd like.  If you are doing your shopping on line, there's tons of great places to find Jeep gear. AllThingsJeep.com comes to mind, but just about any off-road or car part supplier worthy of the title will usually have a section designated to Jeep parts and accessories.  Remember, half the fun is in the hunt!  Get out there, page through the catalogs or sit at home in your PJs, scrolling thru the internet for the perfect gift.  Just have fun with it!  Until next time, we're wishing a very happy, safe, rubber-side-down holiday season to everyone.
- J.M. for Lahti's

Three Aftermarket Items for Jeep Lovers

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
When it comes to accessorizing, Jeeps in general and the Wrangler or will give any A-list celebrity a run for the money.  As with any incredibly popular product (iPhone, Barbie, Harley-Davidson), a number of accessory options develop, as people want to personalize and equip their belongings.  There are so many options available some people don't know where to start.  Before you pick the right wheels, tires, bikini top or stereo package, there are a few important items you may want to give thought to.

Spare Tire Cover -There are 100s of versions of these, everything from your favorite cartoon characters to company logos to custom made versions that have whatever you want on them.  Looks aside, however, the real benefit to these are that they protect your spare from the elements.  Rust, road debris or salt from winter roads are not what you want reaching your spare.  As a side note, when you have your inflated to proper air pressure, be sure to include your spare in the cycle. 

Bumpers - There are a number of alternate bumper/protection add-ons that you can choose for your Jeep, depending on what you plan on doing in it.  There are thick, projecting loops known as "Bull Rings" that can include a skid plate, both of which may be useful in protecting the front of your vehicle should you choose to do some off-roading.  Other versions can include light guards to stop limbs or other debris from hitting the grill or corners of the Jeep, should you be trekking through high brush that could whip or snap while riding.  Rear versions may modify or strengthen the spare tire mount, allow for towing or reinforce the corners of the vehicle.  Take your time, look through the options and determine both what will be useful and what will give you peace of mind. 

Recovery Gear - One particular front bumper version is known as a winch shelf.  This is a bumper with a container built into it to house a particular recovery tool known as a winch.  This is a powered coil of wire that may be rated to different strengths, in terms of pulling power.  Should your Jeep get bogged down in mud, water, snow or sand and require recovery, simply shift to neutral (or keep in drive for particularly difficult snags), pull the cable out, attach or loop around a stationary object, and turn on the winch.  It is designed to slowly move your vehicle forward without causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle or the surroundings. There are even versions that have remote controls to make it easier to use. 

That's all for now, sports enthusiasts...but there's lots more where these came from!  Enjoy your Jeep, keep in touch and have fun shopping for accessories.  Remember, it's hard to put a price on peace of mind, and you can go as far as you want to down this road...we'll highlight more products in the future.  Thanks for reading, stay safe out there!
J.M. for Lahti's

Emergency Car Kit - Don't Leave Home Without It!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
This past week we were hit with snow and sleeting rain here in central Mass.  True, the storm never reached epic proportions this far from the coast, but then again, most people living in the tri-town area have to commute for work.  A friend was stuck driving home from work after the snow had changed to sleet.  His trip includes time on the 495 and Rt. 2.  He saw cars on the side of the road, others having a lot of trouble making safe progress, even an overturned flatbed truck.  This is when we are happy that Jeeps seem to have just the right amount of weight to be stable, as well as the four-wheel drive to maintain traction and secure driving.  Once he got past a certain point on Rt. 2 he had no problems.  That's New England for you...concentrated messy areas surrounded by large areas of natural beauty. 

So we know Jeeps rock...and we know winter's tough around here.  But there is something we can't account for: chaos.  Another friend flipped his truck going 20 mph and hitting black ice which carried him over an embankment.  It was very early in the morning and normally no one is on the road at that time.  Luckily a police car was right there at the time, because the officer had just had a very similar problem!  You may have heard of the woman who went off the road and wasn't discovered for a week.  She survived on a packet of peanut M&Ms and melted snow!  I love my Jeep and have no doubt that it would take a lot to get me off the road and in trouble, but what ifs can be scary.  That's why I have an emergency kit in my car!  Here's some ideas for items to include in yours.  Believe me, it's a weight off my mind, just knowing it's there!  You can make your own for under $100, but in the event of an emergency it will be PRICELESS.

Container:
- Toolbox (to keep everything together and tidy)

Shelter:
- Emergency Blankets
- Ponchos
- Handwarmers
- Duck (duct) Tape


Illumination/Fire:
- Glowsticks
- Flashlight w/batteries
- 50 Pk of Tea Light Candles
- Sterno Cans
- Lighters
- Waterproof Matches

Automotive:
- Tow Straps
- Fix-A-Flat

Nourishment:
- Freeze Dried Food Packets
- Bottled Water
- Five Hour Energy Drinks


Medical:
- Advil
- First Aid Kit
- Potable Water Tablets
- Hand Sanitizer
- Any vital medication

You can add to these suggestions, of course.  Perhaps an axe, rope, tent or saw?  Whatever makes you feel comfortable, but I think this is a great start and isn't so expensive that it can't be replaced if lost. If you or someone you care about is going to be on the road this winter, this might make an excellent holiday gift.
Until next time, stay safe!
J.M. for Lahti's Jeep