With the introduction of the first Grand Cherokee, Jeep defined and created the luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) market, but in spite of this grand tradition the model is currently experiencing some difficulties. Jeep not only defined what an SUV was, it was the SUV market in the USA with the inception of the Cherokee and later on Grand Cherokee. This is no longer the case. The growing list of strong competition has intensified, and along with high fuel prices, this has lead to some serious challenges to Chrysler in spite of Jeep’s combination of legendary 4×4 capabilities, on and off-road refinements, and technological innovations.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was one of the pioneering SUVs that ushered in the modern SUV market in the early 1990s. When it debuted, the Grand Cherokee represented a bigger and more refined version of Jeep’s smaller but popular Cherokee. The company’s designers wanted the Grand Cherokee it to be maneuverable enough for city driving, roomy enough for the whole family, stylish enough to take out on the town and rugged enough to reach those remote camping areas. The Grand Cherokee certainly met all of these requirements and, we feel that Jeep continues with this tradition in its current Grand Cherokee version.

The 2005/2006 version of the Grand Cherokee, which is the model’s 3rd generation, is one of the best SUVs made, and as one critic put it “arguably the most desirable”. With some of the outstanding available features of full-time four-wheel drive, independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, a five-speed transmission, and an available 5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 with MDS, which deactivates up to 8 cylinders when not needed for better gas mileage performance, the Grand Cherokee is featured packed. Safety features include Electronic Stability Program, SmartBeam ™ headlamps that automatically and quickly adjust high-beam brightness and intensity, All-Speed Traction Control System, and advanced multi-stage air bags with an Occupant Classification System. The look and feel of the body was also updated to give it an edgy angular look, which looks new and contemporary while retaining that Grand Cherokee style with the famous 7-slot Jeep grille. Chrysler also gave the Grand Cherokee an updated suspension system that delivers better corning turning performance and a tighter turning radius.

In spite of these top-of-the-line features, Grand Cherokee sales in the USA for 2006 (ending December 31, 2006) were 139,148 units, which were down from 213,584 in 2005. This represents a decline of 35%. Jeep’s smaller SUV, the Liberty, also saw its numbers drop dramatically in 2006 with unit sales of 133,557 versus unit sales of 166,883 for 2005, a 20% decline. While it doesn’t necessarily make Chrysler feel any better, they were not alone in decreased sales in the SUV segment. Other USA car manufacturers also experienced declines. Ford experienced a 25% drop in its SUV sales for the USA, while GM’s truck sales were down 9.6% (2,499,269 for 2006 versus 2,765,809) (detailed performance reports for GM’s SUVs was not available). The decline in SUV sales, especially mid-range models, was affected by the dramatic price increases in gasoline during 2006. This along with luxury SUV models by BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, and Porshe, and mid-priced SUVs by Mitsubishi, Toyota and others experiencing a surge in popularity is creating a sizable challenge to Chrysler. With its outstanding features, Jeep tradition, and the Daimler-Chrysler technology behind it, we look for the Grand Cherokee to make a strong return in the future.

Accidents can happen anytime, even if you are an extremely cautious and defensive driver! Most accidents actually occur within a 25 miles of the home, according to a Florida highway spokesman. Sometimes, they happen right in your own driveway. Just ask my sister-in-law who hit her friend’s car in her driveway while backing up! No matter where they occur there are a series of steps that should be followed after an accident.

The Consumer Protection Association of America continually develops a list of recommendations for drivers so that they’ll actually know what they need when a traffic accident occurs. This fine organization takes major steps to increase public awareness regarding traffic safety. Some of the steps are preventative and should be followed now before you’re involved in an accident.

One, have an emergency kit in your glove compartment or storage area. The kit should include a cell phone, pen, pad of paper, and a disposable camera (this is very important). With today most of us carry a cell phone, which takes pictures. As long as you insure that your cell phone is with you and carries a charge this should suffice for the cell phone and disposable camera in the kit. These items are for recording the key information regarding the accident and the scene. You should also have a card with information concerning any medical allergies or conditions you have that require special attention, as well as emergency contact information. It is also recommended by other agencies that you have a number list ed on your cell phone under ICE (in case of emergency), where the attending policeman or EMT can simply hit speed dial on your cell phone to reach your emergency contact. You should also have traffic cones, warning triangles and emergency flares in your trunk.

Two, you need to insure that safety is first! When you are involved in a minor accident and there are no serious injuries, make sure that the vehicles are moved to the side of the road. Do not stay on the road and become an obstacle to oncoming traffic. If you do this, it may result in the occurrence of more and more serious traffic accidents because of your vehicles creating an obstruction in the road. My wife was rear-ended by another woman on an exit ramp and they both left their vehicles on the ramp believing it to be safe and that it was important for the police to see the exact position of the vehicles. In spite of the fact that both vehicles were clearly visible for a minimum of 300 yards and they both had their flashers on, another drive came up and rear-ended the SUV that had originally struck my wife! My wife called me on the cell phone and told me what was going on and I told her to get those vehicles off of the road right away! If the car or cars is not movable, make sure that the other motorists are warned by turning on the hazard lights and setting out flares, traffic cones or orange triangles to divert traffic. If you cannot move the vehicle, do what you can to alert the traffic and then move away a safe distance in case of any further accidents.

When you are involved in an accident with serious injuries make sure that no one is in immediate danger (from fires, falling tress or telephone poles, etc). After you have made sure of this, attend to those hurt. It is important that you not move anyone that has been seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger. Further injury can occur from movement. It is always a good idea to let the emergency response teams attend to and moved the injured whenever possible to help prevent this.

Three, exchange all of the important information with the parties involved. You’ll need to obtain the other driver’s name, addresses, phone numbers (home and work), insurance company, car insurance policy number, driver’s license number, license’s plate number, and make sure to write down a description of each car, the year, make, model, color and any apparent damage. Also, write down what occurred during the accident as soon as possible. Pay special attention to the position of the vehicles, sequence of events and the cause of the damage.

I recommend that you write down all information readily available to you without the cooperation of the other driver such as the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, driver description and brief description of other occupants. Also, obtain any witness information at this time. As long as no one is hurt, most witnesses will soon depart the accident scene, and you want to make sure that you have their information. After obtaining this info, then approach the driver about their information like driver’s license number, insurance information and contact information. This makes sure that the other driver cannot bolt from the scene while you are distracted without obtaining information and it lets them know that you are all business.

Four, take photos of the accident scene and the cars involved. Use your disposable camera or cell phone to document the damage to all the vehicles and the scene of the accident. If there are important points to demonstrate such as long skid marks, hidden entrance/exit, etc. make sure to document these as well. Make sure that the vehicle photos illustrate the total context of the accident so that they will back up your claims. If there are witnesses, make sure to ask them for their name and phone number, and ask if they’ll help you in case of problems with the other driver disputing what actually happened.

Five, file an accident report as soon as possible and obtain a copy of it as soon as it is made available. In some areas law enforcement officials do not respond to traffic accidents unless injuries are present. You should always call the police and request that an officer come to the scene to right up the police report. They will obtain the information from the other drive, if they are uncooperative with sharing the information with you, and they will write down their observations of the scene of the accident, which will further support your claims. If you cannot get a policeman to the scene where your accident occurs, find out how you go about filing an accident report and do so right away. You may have to go to the local police station or you may be able to download accident report forms on-line depending on your locale. A police report usually helps speed up the claims process.

Six, understand your insurance coverage before an accident. The more you know about your insurance coverage the easier the claims process and procedure will go. Does your policy cover towing or a replacement rental car fee? If yours does not and the accident was the other driver’s fault immediately make a claim for this with their insurance company.

The question everyone is typically concerned with is “Who is going to pay for this?” If it is the other driver’s fault you should insist that they pay for the damage. If they agree, get them to acknowledge this in writing if possible. The other drive may be agreeable to pay for the damage now, but after a little time goes by and they are not in your immediate presence they may have a change of heart and decide to try and stiff you (this is why you need witnesses, documentation, etc.).

I recommend calling someone if available to assist you in the accident management process. They will be much calmer and more objective in seeing that everything is carried out. I arrived prior to the police at my wife’s previously mentioned accident when our van was rear-ended. I checked and made sure that everyone was okay. Then I made sure that the vehicles were a safe distance from the road. Next, I obtained all of the vehicle information (make, model, color, license plate number), photographed the vehicles and the accident scene. I then obtained the driver information from the other two drivers involved. After I obtained the car insurance information, I immediately contacted the other driver’s car insurance company and had them open a claim for the damage that had been done to our van. I did all of this before the policeman completed writing his report. I then talked to the police officer and obtained his name and learned the content of his report. When I determined that I was satisfied the content accurately portrayed what my wife indicated had happened, I asked him for the report number so I could obtain a copy as soon as possible. My doing this streamlined the whole process for our claim and it moved through like clockwork.

If you drive a Jeep and you need some replacement parts, you can get them for low prices at Xtreme Terrain Concepts, which specializes in Jeep items. They can be found at www.xtremeterrain.com

RC nitro monster trucks may very well be the fastest growing segment in the world of RC vehicles. The reason for the surge in popularity probably stems from the fact that RC nitro monster trucks have steadily improving in performance over the years. In fact, the latest models can actually outperform many RC cars.

RC nitro monster trucks can be bought either ready to run or in a kit that allows you to actually build it yourself. Both types are quality vehicles, built for strength and durability.

In fact, RC nitro monster trucks can handle an amazing amount of hard driving and even though they appear top-heavy and ready to roll over at any moment, the truth is that they rarely do roll over. This is because the wheels of RC nitro monster trucks are designed to provide a low center of gravity.

For many people, the appeal of RC nitro monster trucks is that they mirror the abilities of their real-life counterparts. The enjoyment of watching monster trucks comes from watching them ride roughshod over any kind of surface, including other vehicles. Well, RC nitro monster trucks can be let loose on the kinds of terrain that would leave other RC vehicles spinning their wheels. And, yes, if you ever get the opportunity, you can drive your RC nitro monster trucks right over your friends’ little RC cars.

Although you might think that all RC nitro monster trucks are 4-wheel drive, you’d be mistaken. There are 2-wheel drive RC nitro monster trucks available, and even some that give you the option of switching back and forth. Just as in real life, the 4-wheel drive model allows for driving over areas that are rougher or steeper than the 2-wheel drive model could handle.

So why would anyone want 2-wheel drive RC nitro monster trucks then? Well, while the 4-wheel drive allows for more flexibility in where you can take it, the transmission system is also more sophisticated. Since engine maintenance is routinely required to keep any RC nitro vehicle running in peak condition, expect to spend more time and effort with a 4-wheel drive transmission.

But this drawback shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing from among the various models of RC nitro monster trucks. Engine fine-tuning has never been easier for nitro RC vehicles. A bigger concern will probably be price. RC nitro monster trucks may have gotten their name from their appearance, but they could just as easily have earned it from the size of their prices.

Here’s the skinny: don’t expect to purchase one of these babies for less than $300. And, frankly, only expect that price from an older brother looking to sell his RC vehicle so he can raise money to buy a real vehicle. Seriously though, although unexpected bargains have been lucked into on eBay or by someone listing one for sale on a message board, brand new RC nitro monster trucks typically list for well over $400.

Why lift your Jeep? More height means more clearance for dealing with obstacles while offroading. It allows you to run larger tires, which also helps with conquering offroad challenges. Still another reason is that many folks just feel that a lifted Jeep with larger tires looks better, and I certainly agree with them. The added height and larger tires just give a Jeep a better more pronounced profile

No matter the reason for lifting your Jeep, there are a number of ways to go about it. Before you pick which one is right for you, you’ll need to make some decisions along the way. First, you’ll need to decide on what you’re looking to accomplish with the lift. Is it simply for show, or is it for go? Serious rock crawling anyone? Second, determine just how high you want to go. Looking for a little height for some mild wheeling or are you really serious about this height thing? Third, you’ll need to select the type of lift to use. Finally, install the lift or have it installed.

The basic methods for lifting a Jeep are Suspension Lift Kits, Body Lifts Kits, Shackle Lifts, Spring-Over-Axle Conversions, and Coil Spring Spacers. Jeep shackle lifts and coil spring spacers typically result in a maximum increase of 2 inches. Coil spring spacers are just what they say: spacers that are inserted under the base of the coil spring, resulting in lifting the springs higher. Shackle lifts are comprised of leaf spring shackles that are longer and lift the frame higher from the leafs. Both of these kits are rather inexpensive methods, but if you’re looking for more than a couple of inches, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Spring-Over-Axle conversion kits allow you to change the location of the leaf spring from beneath the axle to sit on top of it. They’ll usually result in a lift of 4 inches or more. This can be increased by the size of springs you use with the over axle kit. Use of these can cause cantering, and steering linkage and driveline issues which must be addressed. It can become a little complicated for the less mechanically inclined among us (I’m one of them!). It will definitely change the handling of the rig. While the spring-over-axle conversion kits are rather inexpensive when compared to suspensions lifts, there is a good bit of time and money spent on fixing the issues it creates, which needs to be taken into consideration when assessing the costs of your various options.

With Body Lift Kits you basically unbolt the body from the frame, and place manufactured blocks between the Jeep’s body and the rolling chassis. This raises the body of your Jeep but doesn’t directly increase the clearance of your undercarriage. The body lift does allow you to run larger tires, which will increase your Jeep’s clearance.

Suspension lift kits will directly increase the clearance of a Jeep. They call for installing taller suspension components (higher lift springs and longer recoil shocks). These systems deliver lift, better articulation, and better offroad handling. Unfortunately, they are the most expensive of the lift options, but they deliver the best handling performance.

When it comes down to choosing a lift, you’ll need to determine why you’re lifting the vehicle, and how much you’re willing to pay for it. If you’re only looking to add a couple of inches and you want the lift just for looks, a body kit, coil-spring-spacers or lift shackles may be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re looking to build a Jeep that is more offroad capable then you should look at suspension lift systems.

Many serious offroaders combine the suspension lift with a body lift for additional height. Installation of any of these lifting methods will usually change the handling of a vehicle. They all raise the center of gravity and will, therefore, affect side-to-side handling and cornering. This can be addressed by adding wider tires along with the lift. Depending on the type and size of kit you install and the model of your Jeep, you may need to install a dropped Pitman arm, longer control arms, longer brake hoses, a transfer case drop, and/or a CV drive shaft and slip yoke eliminator kit (due to a change of the angle of the drive train on TJs and some Cherokees). It’s important to not cut corners when lifting your Jeep. Why spend the money on a lift just to compromise the handling performance and face potentially serious wear and tear issues with key components? Do it right the first time and it will serve you in the long run.

Whatever system you select, the one thing for sure is that the added height will help give your Jeep that rugged tough look most of us seem to prefer.

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 4×4 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 http://www.xtremeterrain.com

Three wheelers, also known as ATCs, trikes and ATVs, were manufactured primarily to be used as recreation vehicles. Riders love to hop on their ATVs and ride on their property especially if it is a large one. There are some important facts related to three wheelers which should be mentioned in order to provide a little more information about recreation vehicles of this type.

Since three wheelers are recreational vehicles, they are frequently only allowed to be used on one’s private property. This will vary depending on the location as some public property in various states may allow the operation of three wheelers.

One who is thinking about operating a three wheeler should also be aware of certain safety factors which relate to three wheeler use. Since the ATC only has three wheels, it is more likely to turn over on rough terrain and sharp turns than its quad counterpart. In order to operate the three wheeler in the safest manner, the operator should go at speeds which are slow enough to adequately maneuver around corners and turns. In addition, the three wheeler driver should use common sense when operating the vehicle and recognize its limitations as well as hazards in certain situations.

Three wheelers are a fun recreational vehicle for the whole family to enjoy. However, there are certain individuals who may be too young to operate the vehicle or ride on the vehicle. One should check their local laws regarding all-terrain vehicle operation regulations and see if there are any age limitations with regard to drivers or riders on three wheelers. In addition, parental supervision should be complied with as this is a heavy, motorized vehicle which could cause injury if not used properly and in a responsible manner.

In the past, three wheeler sales were quite impressive. However, these days that number has been greatly diminished if not obliterated as manufacturers do not readily make these vehicles any more. Due to liability reasons, manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles have chosen to manufacture quads, or four wheelers, instead as they are more sturdy and tend to turn over much less than three wheelers.

Three wheelers provide a great recreational sport for those who like to have a little adventure out in the great outdoors. Although these vehicles are not readily for sale anymore, one can choose to ride any of their all-terrain counterparts and still feel the wind in their hair on the trails. By reviewing the previously mentioned facts, one can determine for themselves if owning and riding a three wheeler is what they would like to do. It is important to review the facts prior to hopping on one of these adventurous vehicles.

A man named Gottlieb Daimler built the first ever-motorized truck back in 1896. He was a German automotive pioneer who also invented the very first motorcycle, as well as the world’s first taxi. Daimler’s truck consisted of a four horsepower engine, a belt drive, one reverse speed and two speeds for going forward.

In early times, the intended use and purpose of a truck was for industrial reasons. They were used to haul things, and as new needs developed, so did new types of trucks. In early times of war, trucks were used to move ammunition and troops from one place to another, as well as to transport the injured and causalities among the soldiers.

Trucks were also invented that could be used for commercial purposes such as logging, farming, and later to mix and pour materials such as concrete. Later on, huge trucks were invented for the sole purpose of hauling other trucks and vehicles from their place of manufacture to sales centers all over the world.

Today, trucks are used for a myriad of reasons, and many different types of people own and drive them. Farmers everywhere use trucks to haul hay and small farm equipment, to move cattle as well as supplies. Those in the landscape and lawn maintenance industries also use trucks; wherein trailers are attached to the trucks in order to get lawn equipment from job to job.

Trucks are not only used for job related tasks, boating enthusiasts also utilize them. There are not many reliable cars that are going to be able to pull a large, recreational type boat, and where would you put the skis, ice chests and other necessities if the trucks’ spacious bed were not available?

Trucks are made by a number of vehicle manufacturers. There are the regular size passenger trucks that seat only two people, and the large extended cab trucks that can seat five people comfortably. There are the plain trucks that come with just the basics, and trucks that come fully loaded with every available option.

Some people enjoy the sport of four wheeling, and so they purchase trucks that allow them to drive over rough terrain and through bogs of mud! These trucks are equipped with 4-wheel drive, while other trucks not intended for this purpose would come standard with 2-wheel drive.

When in search of a truck, you will need to examine your needs, and also determine exactly what the truck will be used for. If you have a large family, then a truck would probably not make a good primary vehicle for you. However, if you need a solid piece of transportation that can be utilized to haul things around, and that you can attach a trailer to, a truck might just be a worthwhile investment.

Motorhome renting in Tuscany is a popular choice for travel for several people. Tuscany is beautiful destination in Italy, which is a hot favorite for many travelers Motorhomes are the large motor vehicles that can be used for both living and traveling. Because of the significant advantages of the motorhomes, many people search for RVs (Recreation Vehicles) in Tuscany, and to meet the needs of a short period, renting will be the best option. And, motorhome renting has become a competitive business in Tuscany.

Motorhome renting means providing the furnished motor vehicles for a particular period, receiving a particular amount of levy for the usage. You can enjoy all the privileges for a comfortable journey as well as living. The motor home will be so arranged to give equal importance to both travel requirements and living. The living arrangements include beds, cooking arrangements, and toilet facilities. Some of the lenders provide entertainment facilities such as TV, DVD or radio and air-conditioning in the campervan.

In Tuscany, the CamperVan renting has become the common option for travel mainly because of the specialties in the landscape of the land. Tuscany is famous among the international as well as local tourist, because of many reasons such as strategic importance, historical significance and its serene beauty. However, the differential beauty of the varied terrain will be the prime attraction Tuscany, for a nature lover. And, to explore the beauty of Tuscany, a motorhome renting will be the best way out.

The motorhome renting in Tuscany is well appreciated due to the unique feature of unlimited freedom in travel that you often look for. Certainly, the travel options will be varied with each individual. But, it will definitely splendid if you can chart your program and choose the path. Moreover, in the conventional travel, you have to look for the availability of accommodation and food, and have to limit the travel, accordingly. A Recreation Vehicle RV will evolve as the best solution for a perfect travel since you can be the boss of the travel and can drive into any jungle, without botheration of food and accommodation as the vehicle itself is the host to cater you the necessary comfort.

However, you have to look into several factor while the selection of the motorhome renting in Tuscany. The condition of the vehicle, and the capacity of the living space are the major factors, while the selection. The service of the rental company and the additional facilities such as airport travel also has to be considered.

The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle unveiled by Daimler-Chrysler at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. It opened with and continues to receive rave reviews! So many in fact that it was rumored that Daimler-Chrysler was considering a limited production run of the vehicle. Those rumors have died down, but the Hurricane continues to draw the interest and attention of 4×4 afficianados, and hey, why not?

As Daimler-Chrysler has said: “Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4×4 ever built,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. “It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts’ Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand.”

Why build such a vehicle? The Hurricane broadly successfully and dramatically illustrates Daimler-Chrysler’s ingenuity, technical ability and wherewithal. Still, the Hurricane does have practical applications out in the real world. As a Daimler-Chrysler spokesman put it, “Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead…..The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability.” It’s not hard to imagine that we’ll eventually see a military vehicle built off of this original design.

The Hurricane possesses an extremely powerful power system with not one but two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver an impressive 335 horses for a total of 670 hp. The Hurricane set-up uses the Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System which allows it to run on 4, 8, 12 or all 16 cylinders enabling it to adjust for speed, power and torque giving the driver ultimate power train control. The Hurricane is responsive and can go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds!

The power is transferred through a central transfer case with split axles and has a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The suspensions, both front and rear, are short/long arm independent with 20 inches of travel, featuring coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

One of the most impressive features of the Hurricane is its zero turning radius, which enables the vehicle to turn virtually in a circle in place! This is all thanks to a skid steer capability and toe steer, which is the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. The Jeep concept vehicle has two types of 4-wheel steering: the traditional method with the rear tires turning opposite of the front wheels and an innovative one in which all four wheels turn in the same direction. This actually allows the Jeep Hurricane to move sideways without changing where it is pointing.

Topping off all of this is the Hurricane’s fantastic ground clearance of 14.3 inches and impressive approach-departure angles of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees. It really is a go anywhere do anything vehicle.

The Hurricane also features an innovative way to combine body, power-train and suspension. The suspension along with the power-train is mounted directly to the one-piece carbon fiber reinforced body, eliminating the weight and need for a frame. The vehicles belly is protected and connected by an aluminum spine, which acts as a huge skid plate mechanism. This is a lightweight and structurally strong set-up.

The general public wasn;t the only ones who loved what they saw. The Jeep Hurricane won Autoweek’s “Most Fun” Concept award at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. As we noted earlier there were rumors that Daimler-Chrysler was toying with the idea of a limited production, but those rumors have died down amid the company’s statement that this was indeed a concept vehicle and that’s all (at least for now). Kids, however, will be able to enjoy the Hurricane as Fisher-Price has introduced an all-new Jeep Hurricane toy. In addition, for learning about and ordering the latest innovation in Jeep aftermarket parts, great websites like http://www.xtremeterrain.com will illustrate what is new and offer a selection of affordable and high quality parts.

My wife’s idea of roughing it is staying at Motel 6 instead of the Hyatt during our vacations. But now with the Campa All Terrain Trailer, perhaps I can convince her to stay a little closer to nature with a “four-star” luxury tent.

The Campa All Terrain Trailer (ATT) is a highly mobile, self-contained living unit which provides campers and avid outdoorsmen the opportunity to navigate hard-to-reach areas that are typically inaccessible by standard trailers. The units, manufactured by Campa USA (www.campausa.com), are deemed a new generation of trailer systems which offer a wide variety of options.

“Accessing remote areas has always been an issue for campers with towing units,” states Chris Cole, president of Campa USA. “But we provide a solution that allows our customers to literally go where others can’t.”

The trailers can be customized with many eye-popping features such as a three room, six person sleeping tent, hot water shower system, custom kitchen unit, 12 volt electrical system, two 22 gallon water tanks, solar power and a matching tow vehicle lug pattern.

Cole added, “Our systems are fully modular and can be customized to fit any particular situation. Everyone does not camp in the same area. Weather, terrain and topography vary from place to place so we can custom-build a unit to address any specific need.”

The all terrain systems fill a niche within the camping industry and are also being used for other applications. Disaster Reconnaissance Systems (DRS), which are similar to the ATT’s, have generated interest on the state and federal levels for disaster and emergency response.

“Our units are extremely versatile and the ways they can be used are really limitless. Many people from a wide range of industries have expressed interest,” noted Cole.

The company’s core following, however, still comes from the camping sector. But if recent feedback from customers is any indication of how the product will be received by other industries, brisk sales will undoubtedly follow suit. [PRWEB]