Great Holiday Gifts for Jeep Lovers

The holidays are in full swing! Have you been trying to find that perfect gift for the Jeep Lover in your life? 

Let us help with some great ideas to wrap up this holiday!

PERFECT GIFTS FOR A JEEP LOVER:

1. Merry Jeep-Mas wrangler holiday necktie

2. Recovery Gear Kit

3. Life is Good® Holiday Mug Set, Santa / Heart

 

4. Portable Cargo Tote

5. Jeep Cell Phone Skin

 

6. Jeep Dog Toys

 

7. Women's Jeep Military Hat

 

8. Jeep Roadside Safety Kit

 

9. Jeep T-Shirts

 

10. Jeep Sportz Tents

 

Why would you like to see under your tree this year? 

Lahti's Jeep would like to wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday and New Year!

Which Celebrities Own Jeeps?

When you think of celebritys' and their cars, you tend to think Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, etc. Well, some celebrities with great taste have been seen whipping around in Jeeps! 

I know, Jeeps are just too hard to resist. They give an aura of badass, heavy duty and just pure awesomeness!

Here are some A-Listers with their Jeeps:

Lebron James

Lindsey Lohan

Tyrese Gibson

David Beckham

Jay-Z & Beyonce

Justin Timberlake

Reese Witherspoon

Which Celebrities do you know of that drive Jeeps?

Fun Jeep Facts

Originally called GP for military General Purpose vehicle, Jeep became the new name in the late 1940's from the cartoon Popeye's "Eugene the Jeep". 

The SUV Cherokee model was meant to depict the civility and the ruggedness of the Native American Cherokees.

The military GP's (Jeeps) were initially produced by three companies- Willys, Ford and Bantom

The word Jeep is used as a common term for any 4-Wheel Vehicle in several countries across the world.

The company reverted to the classic round headlights for the TJ after people raised an outcry against the square lights.

The fenders on the earliest Jeeps were flat and not rounded like the later ones were. That's where the name "flatfender" originated from.

An old battered Jeep survived two beach landings and ended up receiving a Purple Heart.

Do YOU know any fun facts about Jeeps? Share with us!

Where Will You Take Your Jeep This Fall?

Have you ever taken part in a Jeep Jamboree? They happen all across the country all year long. The weather might be getting a little colder (it sure is in here in New England, so it’s time to turn those summer excursions into fall adventures). Whether it’s to a Jeep Jamboree, to your favorite off-roading spot, or on a dream trip, we want to know: Where will you take your Jeep vehicle this fall?


Below is a list of Jeep Jamborees happening around the country (and some autumn-flavored photos from our Jeep fans for inspiration).


24th Maine Mountains | Oct 3 - Oct 5 | Bethel, Maine
24th French Lick | Oct 3 - Oct 5 | French Lick, Indiana
15th Moab | Oct 17 - Oct 19 | Moab, Utah
20th Gateway to the Cumberlands | Oct 24 - Oct 26 | Williamsburg, Kentucky
24th Ouachita | Oct 24 - Oct 26 | Hot Springs, Arkansas
4th Cullman Alabama | Oct 31 - Nov 2 | Cullman, Alabama
1st Death Valley | Dec 5 - Dec 7 | Death Valley, California


Click here for more information on each Jamboree

Check in next month for more Jeep information, tips, facts, etc! 

- Lahti's Jeep

Trivia! 10 Things You Didn't Know about Jeep!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
Summer is winding down here in New England. Just for fun, we thought we'd put together a list of interesting Jeep trivia that you may not have come across. If you know a hardcore Jeep fan (other than yourself, of course) and want to check their knowledge, try dropping some of these on them...enjoy!

Q. What year was the Willys MB Jeep introduced?
A. 1941

Q. What year was the first civilian model introduced?
A. 1945 (this makes Jeep the oldest ORV/SUV brand on the market)

Q. How did the Jeep get its name?
A. This is actually a topic of much dispute. There are several theories, including: "GP" (possibly standing for "General Purpose" or "Government Purpose") became Jeep, or perhaps it was a nickname picked up from the "Jeep" character in Popeye comics popular at the time. The term "Jeep" was originally used to describe any small vehicle or gadget.

Q. How did Willys-Overland prove the Jeeps off road capabilities to government officials?
A. In 1941, they took various government officials and soldiers for a ride, driving up the steps of the U.S. Capitol building.

Q. If the term "Jeep" had other meanings, how did it come to be known for this brand of vehicle?
A. The Willys-Overland company was the only company still making Jeep vehicles continuously after WWII, and was granted the registered trademark in 1950.

Q. What three companies originally were granted permission to make Jeeps for the Army?
A. Bantam, Ford and Willys-Overland

Q. What was the original price per Jeep for the Willys-Overland military contract?
A. $648.74

Q. Where is the Jeep headquarters? (Hint - It hasn't moved since inception)
A. Toledo, Ohio

Q. What has General Motors and Chrysler Jeep been battling over for years?
A. The right to use seven slots in the grill of the Humvee vs. Jeep.

Q. What makes the Jeep Wrangler so practical as an off road vehicle?
A. It is one of the few remaining four-wheel drive vehicles with a solid front and rear axle.

We hope you enjoyed this little batch of Jeep Trivia. Now you have something to talk about on that next great American roadtrip! Have fun exploring in your Jeep!
Until next time, stay safe out there.
- J.M. for Lahti's

Roadtrips - The Best Drives in New England

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
It's late July and we're at the height of summer here in beautiful New England. For a lot of people, that means Road TripTime! It's true that we have some crazy weather here, and winter is not easy...but we are also blessed with some of the most scenic drives in the country. Let's run through a few, so this coming weekend you can pack a basket, grab your shades, fill the tank and hit the road. Don't forget to bring some tunes and maybe even a camera, because these rides will not disappoint. Also, this is a great time to scout out locations you want to return this fall for leaf peeping!

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Our first stop is the 36-mile stretch of road, nationally known as a sportsman's paradise (and let's face it, it's fun to say!). The Kancamagus Highway, also known as Rt. 112, winds through the spectacular White Mountain National Forest and is designated an American Scenic Byway. Definitely a favorite in the Fall, this drive will delight any time of the year, as long as you don't mind leaving it all behind. Take a step back in time to see unspoiled forests, falls, mountains and gorges, all relatively close to civilization. There's lodging, camping and nature activities galore, but even if you never leave the driver's seat, you won't be disappointed. Put this one on your list, for sure. Check directions from where you're coming from; for those of us leaving the dealership, you'll need to get on Rt. 2 East and find your way to Interstate 93N, keeping an eye open for Exit 32, NH112. Enjoy!

Route 6, Massachusetts
A number of our Jeep Lovers are also Beach Lovers, and if you count yourself among them, don't miss the opportunity to ride this 112 mile stretch of road, that meanders through Cape Cod. The National Seashore is ripe with panoramic views, quaint towns and tons of beaches.  Unlike the Kancamagus, this ride is a summer favorite, so be prepared to share the road. However, should you brave the pavement in the height of summer, you'll soon discover why so many people have joined you in your quest. There is something for everyone on Cape Cod. Activities, concerts, fine dining, antiquing, museums and don't forget miles of tidal pools, marshes and sand dunes. A complimentary digital download of the Cape Cod Travel Guide is available at www.capecodchamber.org (no affiliation). After perusing the pages, I'm willing to bet you'll fill up the Jeep and hit the road ASAP. Locals know, a fast-paced trip down I 495 S will pop you right into the mouth of Rt. 6. The rest is summer fun.

Route 100, Vermont
We've given you some great options for North and East. If you don't mind heading West for a bit, you'll be happy to discover Route 100 in Vermont. Another Fall favorite, you can get some great road trip miles under your belt by hitting this one up now. Clocking in at 138 miles of Green Mountain beauty, Route 100 rides all through the state, with old-growth vistas and some of that Yankee heritage we're so ripe with up here. If you're really adventurous, you can take this road all the way to Quebec, but that's beyond the scope of this post. Check out a number of stops on the National Register of Historic Places (including an authentic 19th century village - Weston, VT), see the rushing White and Black Rivers, and keep your notepad handy for places you want to book a ski trip this winter. Route 2 West (AKA the Mohawk Trail - another fine drive) to 112N to 100 (North or South, this is a long road) will get you there. Don't forget to sample some Maple syrups!

Ocean Drive, Newport, RI
Heading South? What this 10-mile stretch of road lacks in distance, it makes up for in opulence. Newport, RI, known as the playground of the rich and famous at the turn of the century, makes for a great daytrip. See how the industry barons lived by touring some of the mansions, relax and grab lunch, but don't forget Ocean Drive! This little loop is a great way to cap off an afternoon, providing some amazing views of the Atlantic and giving you time to ponder how you'll make your millions. A GPS will be helpful here, but to ease confusion, take I 495 S most of the way down. Those willing to do a bit of looking can find a number of ways to get there, however (Hint; I 395 S and MA 146 S will do the trick as well).

Ok, that's enough to get you started. We've covered the main points of the compass and checked out some neighboring states, as well as a few here at home. Use this as a launching pad. There's so many great drives in New England, we couldn't possibly cover them all here. So invest in a full tank of gas and see where your Jeep will bring you. You can't go wrong with a fresh batch of memories and a better understanding of the opportunities to delight your senses, right here in New England. Let us know what you think, or if I missed a favorite of yours, and until next time, stay safe out there!
- J.M. for Lahti's

   

How to Drive in Rain

Greetings Jeep Lovers!
Here in beautiful New England...well, let me restate that. Yes New England is beautiful, but I have to say, we've had more than our share of rainy, gray, wet days this summer. Thunderstorms for weeks straight, all through late May and most of June! This is not normal and I think we need to discuss it openly to stay safe. You see, it's true that rain means green grass, pretty flowers and mud - lots and lots of mud. So it's great for mud-boggers like us, but at the same time, rain (and it's cousin, fog) can be hazardous and really does require following a few tips to navigate.

First off, slow the heck down! Have you ever seen a car whiz by you on the highway, flying through the rain like it somehow provides more traction than tar on a sunny day? They're crazy! The truth is, hydroplaning is easier than you think - especially here in New England where the roads are sometimes less than 100% flat and even. Riding along at normal speeds can sometimes land you smack dab in the middle of a pretty deep puddle, which both affects your handling as well as shoots water all over oncoming traffic or sidewalk pedestrians. If you find yourself having to slow down, don't slam on those brakes - just ease off the gas. If doing so finds you tailgating the bumper of the car in front of you, you haven't been following the 3-second rule. Why not err on the side of caution and leave a 5-second buffer between you and the car in front? Everyone wants to go to the party - no one wants to stay and clean up, remember?

Speaking of tough weather; remember those snow blades that served you well all winter long? Well, it turns out the reason those work so well in the winter is because they are softer rubber. That means as soon as the temp warms up out there, you have to replace them with something more suitable. Check out the wiper section, because if a storm blows up constant, steady rainfall is not likely. You'll be driving through downpours that shift to mist and vice-versa. Your wipers need to be up to the task, especially if you take a bucketful to the windshield by that "ace driver" on the other side of the street who's going too fast and hits a puddle.

We Jeep owners love our tires, so I'm barely going to touch on how important it is not to be riding around on baldies - that's just silly. And you'll pay the price both in stopping power as well as get-up-and-go - you're just as likely to sit-and-spin. Baldies don't provide channels for the rain to kindly remove itself from under your traction space - not fun. If worst comes to worst and you're in a skid, ease off that gas, try to downshift and turn in the direction of the skid. And don't try to ford an impromptu river if you can't see the ground under it - you could completely lose traction. Even going through large, deep puddles can seriously affect braking power, so gently ride those brakes a bit afterward, to try to dry them off using the heat and friction.

Just a few more tips and I'll leave you to chase after sunnier days and summer road trips...Use your defrost to keep windows clear. If you've already defrosted and still can't see through them, it may be time to wash them. Turn on those lights we love so much. Fog-lights in particular are practically a safety requirement in New England; they can truly be lifesaving at times when the roof rack spots will just blind you in the fog. Last but not least, don't be afraid to pull over and have a snack, text a friend or read a book if things get too heavy. It's New England, folks...if you don't like the weather wait five minutes. Chances are that extreme downpour isn't a permanent fixture of the landscape. Enjoy the peace while it lasts, you'll probably save time and car damage by riding it out on the side of the road and picking up where you left off after.

Again, this is targeted towards the young and inexperienced (or anyone from the west coast who's not used to actual weather), so feel free to share the info with your kids or whoever you feel would benefit from it. Hopefully it will be a hot, sunny summer from here on, but just in case, until next time, stay safe out there!
- J.M. for Lahti's