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2011 Dodge Journey with Uconnect 8.4
Today we bring you another edition of the Brandl Media Minute. Follow along with yours truly as I break down how to use the SD card slot in your new Uconnect 8.4 equipped Chrylser Group LLC vehicle. I’ll also show you how to use the USB slot to play music from your Jump Drive, iPod, MP3 player, memory card reader, or other USB device.
Stay tuned because we will be doing more Brandl Media Minute Videos explaining more of the great things these radios and vehicles can do! If you have any questions about how to operate your Keyless Enter and Go Passive Entry system, as well as your Uconnect or Media Center radio, or have suggestions on other topics we should cover, send me an email at LT@BrandlMotors.com
Uconnect 8.4 in the 2011 Chrysler 300
The Uconnect 8.4 Touch Radio comes equipped in many different Chrysler Group Vehicles, including but not limited to, the 2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Journey, and Dodge Charger. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
Jeep Wrangler Fording Water
Thursday, June 2, 2011, Alan and Jackie Ellis-When you own a Jeep® brand vehicle, it’s hard to resist the urge to take your vehicle off-road. We bought our Jeep vehicle to not only experience the adventure lifestyle, but also to go places without the benefit of a paved road. Trail Rated® Jeep brand vehicles offer that opportunity. So with the next series of articles, we’ll talk about some basic off-roading techniques and how you can safely enjoy your Jeep 4×4 on the trail. Off-roading can involve many different types of obstacles, each one presenting different challenges for both the driver and the vehicle. Water fording and driving in mud are two obstacles that are fun and exciting if done properly and safely.
Knowing how to ford water and get through mud is a useful skill for every off-road driver. Almost every off-roading area in the United States (including the desert) will eventually have a place where you will need to cross a stream, ford a large water obstacle, or drive through mud. The two primary concerns for water and mud obstacles are safety and potential damage to your vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler Fording Water
Water Obstacles: Crossing streams and water obstacles are fun and exciting! While you’ve probably seen drivers speed up and roar across a stream, it may not be the smartest thing to do in certain situations….especially through an unknown water obstacle. The first thing you’ll need to know is your own vehicle’s capability. It is important to check your owner’s manual to determine your vehicle’s maximum water fording depth. As an example, a 2010 Trail Rated® Jeep Wrangler’s maximum water depth is 30 inches at speeds under 5 mph, and a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 20 inches for standing water and 9 inches for flowing water, both under 5 mph. If you don’t have your manual handy when you get to the water, a general rule of thumb is that water up to the bottom of the bumper is a safe depth to cross to avoid damage (but some models may be lower). Water that is too deep can cause damage to the engine, transmission, differentials, and electronics.
Once you arrive at the water crossing, use a long stick to determine initial water depth, or get out and walk out into the stream if it is not too swift and can be done safely. Put your vehicle in 4WD Low, drive slowly, and be ready to back off if the water gets too deep. Watch for large rocks or holes that may appear as you cross. It’s also important to remember to keep moving at all times and not to stop mid-stream. Never cross a water obstacle without another vehicle to assist with recovery equipment if needed. After crossing, use your brakes lightly until they dry out. If necessary have your vehicle inspected to check for water in the differential or transmission.
Jeep Wrangler Hittin' Some Mud
Mud: Usually, if there is water present, there will also be mud. Mud can also take us by surprise as it can sometimes be camouflaged by other debris. Or….maybe you just want to go mudding! Either way, mud can be a fun challenge on an off-road trail. Unlike water (where you can sometimes see the depth), the depth of mud can be hard to judge. You can get seriously stuck in mud, so it’s essential to make sure you have recovery equipment and another vehicle close by to pull you out if needed.
Do not proceed if there are no tracks on the other side of the mud hole. The important thing about mud is to make sure you’re in 4WD low, avoid excessively spinning the tires, and KEEP MOVING. Beware of the middle of deep ruts where you could easily high-center. If you start to get bogged down, slightly turn your steering wheel from side to side to gain more traction while continuing forward momentum. Once you get back to civilization, use a pressure washer to clean the underside of your vehicle to get rid of excess weight and prevent corrosion.
Water and mud can be fun and challenging off-roading obstacles. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy your Trail Rated® Jeep vehicle as it was meant to be used without compromising safety and without damaging your vehicle. Do you like water and mud obstacles? Where is a great place in your area where water and mud can be enjoyed with your Jeep brand vehicle?
As always, click any of the pictures in this post to see more images of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
2012 Ram Chassis Cab Truck
May 16, 2011 4:11PM– If you’re going to review a truck, you can’t very well do it without experiencing it first-hand.
And, that’s what select journalists have done in recent weeks and will do this spring in checking out the 2012 Ram Chassis Cabs. Ram Truck executives took the new chassis cabs on the road to meet with journalists across the country. After crawling through the cabs and getting the first-hand scoop, many of them will hit the open road in the coming weeks with their own test drive.
2012 Ram Chassis Cab Truck
The 2012 Ram Chassis Cabs offer a truckload of best-in-class features, including:
- Best-in-class standard Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 19,500 lbs.
- Ram Chassis Cab brakes last twice as long as the competition under severe use
- Ram Chassis Cab trucks have 160% less brake fade than the competition
- Ram Chassis cab trucks stop in less distance in both wet and dry conditions when carrying a heavy payload
- The Ram Chassis Cab’s diesel exhaust brake is more effective than the competition’s
2012 Ram Chassis Cab Truck
- Ram Chassis Cab offers a better turning radius – by 10 feet – than competitors
- Ram Chassis Cab trucks offer the largest standard fuel tank – 52 gallons for superior operational range
- Ram Chassis Cabs offer the lowest cost of ownership in the segment, based on significant owner expenses, including fuel economy, brake wear and tire wear
- Ram Chassis Cab trucks come with the best powertrain warranty in the business: five years / 100,000 mile
Check out the video below to see the overview of the 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs. As always, click any of the images in the post to see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
Ram Truck / Mopar® sponsored TORC Series Truck
April 5, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Ram Truck and Mopar® today announced joint sponsorship plans for The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series in 2011.
The sponsorship will see five PRO-class drivers behind the wheel of a Ram truck during the 14-race series that gets underway Memorial Day weekend at Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Mich.
Ram Truck and Mopar will share sponsorship of the Traxxas Racing team fielded by Mike and Mark Jenkins along with the Menzies Motorsports team owned by Steve Menzies.
“I couldn’t be more proud to have Ram partnering with these great off-road drivers, championship-caliber teams and the TORC series itself. Off-road racers and fans are extremely passionate about their trucks just like we are. This partnership is a perfect fit for us to connect and share the passion in a fun and exciting way.”
Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand
Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC
Mopar Ram Runner
The new sponsorship has several other elements, as well:
- Ram will become the official vehicle of the TORC Series
- A Mopar Ram Runner will serve as the official pace truck of the TORC Series; Mopar now offers a Ram Runner conversion kit for the aftermarket
- Ram and Mopar will bring a significant trackside presence to each stop of the TORC series. That presence will include off-road Ram Truck test-drive opportunities for fans
“From the drag strip to the circle track, the Mopar brand has a proud heritage in racing. We are excited to extend our presence into off-road racing, where many of our Mopar fanatics reside. In fact, off-road accessories and performance parts make up more than 30 percent of our portfolio, so this is a critical market that we want to reach.”
Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar
Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand
Mopar Ram Runner
The 2011 driver lineup includes:
Traxxas Racing
- Rob MacCachren, No.21 PRO 2 class (two-wheel drive) Ram, sponsored by Ram Truck
- MacCachren brings 20 championships and more than 180 off-road event wins from various series throughout his outstanding career that began in the early 1980s. In 2010, MacCachren won the Lucas Oil Pro 2 Unlimited championship and finished second in TORC after capturing the 2009 TORC championship
- Samuel Hubinette, No. 77 PRO Light class Ram, sponsored by Mopar and Ram Truck
- The two-time Formula DRIFT champion is adding off-road racing to his ongoing drifting and stunt-driving duties
Menzies Motorsports
- Ricky Johnson, No. 48 PRO 4 class (four-wheel drive) Ram, sponsored by Red Bull with associate sponsorship from Ram Truck and Mopar
- The 2010 TORC PRO 2 champion makes the move to PRO 4 in 2011. The seven-time AMA Supercross champion founded the TORC series in 2009
- Bryce Menzies, No. 7 PRO 2 Ram, sponsored by Red Bull with associate sponsorship from Ram Truck and Mopar
- New TORC driver brings three years of racing experience in the CORR (Championship Off Road Racing) Series and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
- Luke Johnson, PRO Light Ram, sponsored by Red Bull with associate sponsorship from Ram Truck and Mopar
- The son of Ricky Johnson is one of the youngest drivers in the sport with a bright future ahead
If you didn’t have plans for spring, you do now. Clear your schedule, kiss your loved ones goodbye, and head directly to your garage. This will be your new home for a little while, that is, if you think spending some quality time creating your own Baja-style desert race truck is a challenge you’re up for.
We believe you are, and since we’re convicted by this belief we are putting Mopar® 4×4 Ram Runner accessories into production this March. Very soon you’ll be able to add a Stage 2 Ram Runner suspension kit to your desert toy. The Mopar® Ram Runner package is designed to accommodate some serious off-roading. The cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust systems will provide you with the power needed to get up and over that sand dune…and maybe a little air as well.
Mopar Ram Runner Stage 1 Kit
Parts may be purchased as a complete kit or individually, if you prefer. The full package provides tough and durable suspension, wider fender flares and increased ground clearance capable of sustaining higher speeds and tractions through rough terrain. Front and rear fenders can be replaced with fiberglass components, reducing weight and allowing for suspension travel and chassis clearance, which of course translates into… air? Yeah air. Have fun, and uh… keep it safe.
Mopar’s offered a more in depth look at their Ram Runner package in the video below. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
2011 Dodge Charger R/T
Demonstrating its winter-driving prowess, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T all-wheel drive (AWD) equipped with its segment-exclusive front-axle disconnect and active transfer case AWD system is the winner of the coveted New England Motor Press Association’s (NEMPA) 2011 Winter Vehicle Award – Sedan/Wagon $25,000 to $35,000.
2011 Dodge Charger R/T
“Dodge Charger is a great looking car with a high-quality interior. Add in its dedicated all-wheel-drive system, and the Charger feels like it was designed just for New England winters. Oh and by the way, it has a Hemi!”
-John Paul
Winter Vehicle Awards Team Leader—NEMPA
2011 Dodge Charger R/T
The New England Motor Press Association is unique among regional motor press groups. Its media members represent all six New England states, reaching one of the largest populations in America. These automotive writers and talk show hosts influence consumers who are in the market to buy cars and trucks to cope with the region’s punishing weather conditions.
2011 Dodge Charger R/T
The 2011 Dodge Chargers have already been arriving at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealers, with the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T coming soon! The focus these last couple weeks has been on Dodge, but lets not forget about Jeep! The all new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also named the New England Winter Car of 2011. Just another award to add to the case for Jeep. To read more about the Winter Driving Awards, cehck out NEMPA’s Website.
2011 Dodge Charger R/T
I’ve also added in a short video of Ralph Gilles introducing the new 2011 Dodge R/T Vehicles. To see more photos of the new Dodge R/T Vehicles, click on any of the images in the post. Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
2011 Dodge Durango Drive Away
Nearly 200 all-new, 2011 Dodge Durango SUVs — a 2011 North America Truck of the Year finalist — took to the streets of Detroit Thursday morning during a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer event. More than 150 dealerships were represented during the Dodge meeting at the MGM Grand Hotel.
The 2011 Dodge Durango is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit.
Before the dealers took possession of their Durangos, we talked to some. See below for their reactions. Click on the photo above to see more pictures of the 2011 Dodge Durango.
