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

There are many forms of activities for your Jeep that does not involve a paved road. Driving through the mud, water, sand, gravel or snow has become a favorite pass time for many which includes rock crawling. This sport requires modification of your vehicle for higher clearances. Mud-bogging challenges drivers to plow through muddy areas as far as possible without getting stuck down in it. Dune bashing requires that you beat up the sand with your vehicle. These are just a few of the activities one can do with a Jeep.

The CJ-7, Civilian Jeep, best known for its all-wheel drive automatic transmission option allowed beginner off-road daredevils to easily navigate rough ground. Although the Laredo and Renegade models had chrome packages they were perfect for off-road as well as going out on the town. The CJ-7 is well known and loved for mud racing.

Another excellent Jeep for down and dirty fun is the JK, YJ and TJ otherwise known as the Wrangler. This 4X4 SUV brought back the ever-loved Jeep style used during WW2. Released in the late 80’s the Wrangler has been re-fashioned several times up until 2007. Like the CJ models, the Wrangler uses a live axle system which allows all four wheels to move together for better traction and power.

The next Jeep model that hit the dirt in 2003 was the Wrangler Rubicon 4X4. This Jeep sported over ten inches of ground clearance and provides a 44 degree angle of approach and a 40 degree angle of departure. Simply speaking you’ll be able to get over larger obstacles. Sporting a V6, the Rubicon is priced to sell way below most sport utility vehicles. The Rubicon was specifically built with the off-roader in mind. Options included in this package are the front and rear dana 44 axles, a transfer case with a low-range and 31 inch tires.

Unlike most sport utility vehicles, SUV’s, the Jeep is easy to adapt or lift for off road high-jinx. Adding a roll-bar for safety and larger tires for clearance and traction the Jeeps narrow body, short wheelbase and smaller frame make it ideal for anybody who wants to get in the mud. Another feature that comes standard with Jeeps is the removable doors and top which is a key selling point for off road enthusiast.

How do you choose the best Jeep for your off-road needs? Simply make sure the vehicle has the name Jeep attached to it. Without any modifications your Jeep is ready to hit the roughest, messiest, longest terrain you can throw at it. Whether you’re looking to hit the dunes in your home town or the Baja 500 your Jeep will get you where you need to be. The only question left is whether you’re a good enough driver to make it over that hill.