It might be a long way from the outback or actual off road driving but Chrysler is becoming very innovative in its marketing efforts to allow potential clients to experience the Jeep’s trail rated difference!

In early October at the South Florida International Auto Show, Chrysler set up what they called “Camp Jeep”.  To those less term enriched, Jeep made a driving exhibit to give test drivers the real-life experience of driving a Jeep off road. This was no minor feat for Jeep. To build their course at the Miami Beach Convention Center, they had to haul in over 220 yards of mulch and spend almost six days developing the obstacle course. The trail featured a water obstacle and an 18-foot “hill” as well as other driving challenges. All to show potential clients just what a Jeep can do out on the trails.

If this wasn’t enough, Chrysler is going it one better at their upcoming "Full Throttle Test Drive Event" at the Wild Rivers Water Park in Irvine, CA (Los Angeles area) this Saturday (Oct. 28) and Sunday (Oct. 29). Chrysler will be featuring its full line of vehicles on three different specialty courses, one of which will be a 4x4 off-road adventure course.  Consumers will get the chance to test the off-road capability of Chrysler’s Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Commander on the course.

This event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and is free. Food and drinks will be available. People interested in attending are being encouraged to pre-register for a general arrival time on Saturday or Sunday by calling 888-809-7088 or visiting http://www.ridedrivewin.com/pr. Pre-registration is not required to attend. You do need to be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license to participate in the vehicle driving tests.

Is it worth the expense to construct these man-made obstacle courses? Chrysler must think so and some marketing studies would seem to indicate that it is as well. According to market research, 40% of the people that attend these types of auto shows will buy a vehicle within a year of the event.

We applaud Chrysler for their innovative way to demonstrate their vehicles’ performance and to give people a chance to see for themselves what they feel like out on the trails.  We look for more marketing innovations out of Chrysler as they make a push to further strengthen their off-road image.

At XtremeTerrain.com we have everything you need for your Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and any other Jeep make or model: Interior and exterior accessories, suspension and performance parts, restoration and body parts, travel accessories, and much more.  Quality aftermarket parts can be purchased easily at our online shop at our always low prices. Just go to On Sale Jeep Parts

Do You Need a 4x4

Sooner or later, most serious campers get to thinking about the "need" to own a four-wheel drive.  So, right up front, here’s my answer: A definite "maybe"!

You see, it’s all to do with your personal outdoor lifestyle.  Many outdoorsy types mistakenly believe that, since camping takes place in "the bush", they obviously need the off-road ability of a four-wheel drive.  Not true.  Well, not necessarily true anyway.
       
Confused?  Let’s go back a step or two.
       
Firstly, there are a few relevant questions that only you can answer.  For example: Will you and your family be camping alone in fairly remote areas?  If so, how often?
       
But don’t rush it; answers need to be honest.  I mean, we all start out believing that we’ll frequently head off on hairy-chested expeditions.  The reality is, though, because of family or economic considerations -- or genuine lack of experience -- things rarely turn out that way.  That’s the main reason you see all those late model 4WDs in the used car lots.  After all, there’s little point tying up maybe $15,000 more than the equivalent 2WD would cost, only to find later that you just don’t need a vehicle with all-wheel traction.
         
On the other hand, if you prefer to get well away from the tourists and holiday hordes, or prefer camping with your family in splendid isolation, then for you a 4WD might be essential.

The answer can only be found in an honest appraisal of your camping history, the highs and lows throughout that history, and the direction in which you and your family really would like your outdoor activities to go.
       
Mind you, a 4X4 can certainly extend your horizons considerably. Whether alone or with another family or two, the extra wilderness areas that become available make additional investment much easier to justify.  With their higher ground clearance, significantly increased traction for those tricky access trails (particularly after rain or snow), and improved load carrying and towing abilities, the average 4WD won’t be beaten for serious -- or mildly adventurous -- camping.
       
That’s not all.  These days a 4X4 does not have to be your "second car" since levels of comfort in most models are now on a par with conventional -- even luxurious! -- family station wagons.  Reliability, ruggedness and resale value of the 4WD also help ensure that any cost premium becomes purely academic.
       
But, having said all that, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that, scattered across the country there are thousands of superb campsites, including national and state parks, reserves, and commercial campgrounds. The vast majority of these are easily accessible, which is more reason still to be absolutely certain, up front, that you’ll get reasonable return for your higher dollar investment.

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