Four Wheeler December 2022

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in this issue

DEPARTMENTS

Large 4x4s or small 4x4s: What say you?

This issue of Four Wheeler contains a story about the 2022 Fullsize Invasion at Sand Hollow. Fullsize Invasion, often referred to as FSI, is an annual trail ride event created for fullsize 4x4s, and Four Wheeler has a long history with the event. We were there for the very first FSI in the spring of 2012, which took place on the Poison Spider Mesa Trail in Utah and was comprised of 20 rigs representing 11 U.S. states. As we wrote in the September 2012 issue, FSI was the brainchild of Jerrod Jones and John Cappa. At the time, Jerrod was the editor of Off-Road and John was the editor of Four Wheeler. Regarding FSI, John said, “We just got tired of seeing nothing but JK Wranglers at Easter Jeep Safari…

3 min

DEPARTMENTS

Inbox

XJ WITH A HISTORY I recently began restoring my dad’s ’99 Cherokee XJ. In 1999, my family drove it all the way to Alaska on the Alaskan Highway, and for years it was our main hunting rig. Now in his mid-80s, my dad no longer hunts (or drives), but since the Jeep only has 144,000 miles on it, I decided it still has a few more adventures left in it. However, after sitting undriven for many months during the pandemic, it was in need of some serious TLC. Upgrades began small and got progressively bigger. They include a professional interior detailing and a new antenna, wiper blades, air filter, and rear speakers. I also had the air conditioning fixed, the headliner board repaired, and the sagging headliner replaced. Then it was time to…

5 min

DEPARTMENTS

RPM

In the News • For 20 years running, the Jeep brand has been called the most patriotic of them all in the Brand Keys survey. And this year was no different, because “Consumers surveyed based results on brands that best embody the value of patriotism in 2022.” • J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study: Porsche was the highest-ranking premium brand. Ram and GMC ranked behind Dodge for mass-market brand, with Jeep doing a fast-inch upward. Among the brands getting the most model awards: Stellantis for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer and Ram 1500, and Ford for the Bronco Sport and Super Duty. • In case you’re committed to not only the postal service, but only stamps that are automotive in theme, know that USPS released five new…

4 min

DEPARTMENTS

Parts Rack

POWER SMART Make sure you’re in the know about your energy consumption at all times in the backcountry with the BioLite BaseCharge 1500. The Energy Odometer tracks the watt-hours used while the Advanced Smart Dashboard’s interactive display shows real-time data on power allocation, charge times, and battery life when using multiple items at once. The BaseCharge 1500 is said to be a lightweight power solution that can run a blender as it mixes up to 173 frozen beverages, wirelessly charge your mobile devices, and stack easily in the back of your 4x4 with a rugged, packable design. INFO: BioLite, bioliteenergy.com ROLLING STATEMENT Make a statement with your Jeep Wrangler with the Black Rock Series 955B Detour Matte Black Wheels from Summit Racing. The one-piece aluminum wheels have a five-spoke design that pays homage…

6 min

COVER SECTION

2022 FULLSIZE INVASION @ SAND HOLLOW

Wheeling with fullsize 4x4s is just different. Oh sure, we all hit the same trails and we share lots of common core parts like Dana 60s, mud-terrains, V-8s, and so on, but it takes something a little extra to build a fullsize, as there aren’t a lot of the “bolt-on-and-go” recipes available. That lack of standardization can make for an exciting time when you get a bunch of fullsize 4x4s together, and that’s exactly the point of the Fullsize Invasion (FSI) gatherings that have brought friends from all over the U.S. to wheel together for the main event in the red rocks of Utah. But after a decade of invading the amazing town of Moab, the Fullsize Invasion crew ventured on to see other red rocks. For 2022, the Invasion…

11 min

COVER SECTION

STILL ON DUTY

When you think of military jeeps, the legendary WWII Willys MB and Ford GPW are usually what comes to mind. However, there have been many other significant military Jeeps designed for use in the services. One of those is the Kaiser Jeep M715. The Kaiser Jeep M715 was based on the civilian-issue Gladiator. It was manufactured from 1967 to 1969, and it saw service in Vietnam and Korea. Built to handle severe-duty conditions, the Kaiser Jeep offered strong axles and four-wheel-drive. It was sort of the red-headed stepchild for a long time among Jeep enthusiasts looking to build trail machines because of its size and weight, but that has changed with the growth of overlanding and vehicle-based camping in recent years. Vehicles like the M715 (and classic civilian Gladiators from that same…

6 min