Before we start the project build on Lucky 13, our 2013 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, I've been driving it in its almost-stock configuration.

It's a great Jeep. The only part I couldn't stand was the new '13 Rubicon wheels. Luckily, I had a set of the old Rubicon wheels gathering dust in the garage.

A quick trip to American Car Care in Hurricane, Utah, had the OE BFGoodrich KM Mud-Terrain tires mounted on the old/new wheels. I kept the 1.5" Spidertrax spacers on the Jeep and swapped out the ugly new wheels for these.

I think they look much better. Don't you?

Dick Cepek is introducing 12 new sizes of the Fun Country radial this month. With a unique hybrid design, the completely redesigned Fun Country is one of the most impressive all-terrain tires in the history of the Dick Cepek line.

Wide lateral and offset tread grooves, together with the larger surface area, deliver excellent grip and responsive off-road traction. Stone ejector ribs and ultra-thin sipes resist stone retention and cracking. Notched shoulder edges, scalloped ribs and the enhanced buttress maximize off-road traction and prevent lug tearing, and the three-ply sidewall makes it extra tough. Computer optimized pitch sequence in the tread design reduces pattern noise for a quieter ride and even wear. 

“The new Fun Country is unlike any Dick Cepek tire that has come before it,” stated Ken Warner, VP sales and marketing, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels. “This tire is a unique combination of cutting-edge design elements and technology that give new meaning to the all-terrain category. We have dedicated attention to every aspect of the design process - footprint, tread, lugs, siping, shoulder, tire compounds and appearance – to make this one of the best tires Dick Cepek has ever made.”

The Fun Country is a SEMA Global Media Award winner. For more information and a full list of available sizes, visit http://www.dickcepek.com/tires.php?item=FunCountry. 

About Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels
Founded in 1963 by off-road enthusiast Dick Cepek, the Dick Cepek brand has always taken great pride in providing quality on and off-road products for truck, SUV and 4x4 owners. From its humble beginnings to its high-tech tire manufacturing facilities around the country today, the Dick Cepek legend lives on in the quality products that bear his name.  For more information, visit http://www.dickcepek.com

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has approved a bill (HR 819) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation.

The bill has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for further action.  A similar bill (S. 486) is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June.  The bills would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore. The legislation would reinstate a previous management strategy that better balances wildlife protections with responsible OHV access.

We Urge You to Contact Your Congressional Representative and Senators to Request Support for H.R. 819 and S. 486

    HR 819/S 486 overturns a 2012 plan by the National Park Service that banned off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to large portions of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Under that plan, about 39% of the seashore is closed to OHV recreation.  Only 42% of the seashore is open year-round while 19% is open at different times during the year.

    HR 819/S 486 restores the previous management strategy that provided responsible recreational access while protecting local wildlife.

    HR 819/S 486 protects local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds that have been seen a negative economic impact because of reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts. 

DON’T DELAY!  Click here to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senators to request support for H.R. 819/S. 486.  Ask your House member to support H.R. 819.  Ask your Senators to support S. 486.  Under Federal Officials, Identify Your Congressional District Representative and U.S. Senators: www.semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga  

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

Baja Designs’ Scientists constantly research the latest technologies for ways to make their LED lights better. Their new Moisture Block cord is an innovative new technology that solves one of the biggest problems that plagues LED lights – water in the light. Moisture Block completely stops water from wicking its way up the cord and into the lights.

“Our lights have to be impervious to pretty much everything - dust, rain, snow, water crossings and collisions to name a few,” says founder and Chief Engineer Alan Roach. “Our new Moisture Block cord system is a fail-safe way to make sure that our lights are 100% waterproof no matter how harsh the conditions are and even if the customer cuts off our waterproof connector,” says Roach.

The Moisture Block functions exactly to its name, completely blocking moisture or water from working it's way through the cord and into your LED light. Even if you cut the connector off, your light is still waterproof and you won‘t void your warranty. Moisture Block, another great innovation in lighting from the Scientists of Lighting at Baja Designs.

www.bajadesigns.com

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act” (HR 1676) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California. 

Under the bill, the Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days a year for training exercises but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved for recreational use.  The bill will now be considered by the House Armed Services Committee. 

HR 1676 protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).   The legislation provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities.  The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts and is home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will continue to urge lawmakers to enact the legislation into law.  Favorable action on HR 1676 by the House Armed Services Committee is expected in the coming weeks.  SAN will keep you informed as that occurs.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

If you're looking for custom made off road seats with options included, take a look at PRP SEATS. 

PRP manufactures seats to your specifications and build in the quality and ruggedness required for the punishment you deliver off road.

For UTVs:

 Polaris RZR Seats: 

RZR 800, 900, 570, 170, Rangers

Kawasaki and Yamaha:

Teryx, Teryx 4 and Rhino

Can-Am Commander and Maverick

John Deere RSX 850i

Arctic Cat:  Wild Cat, Prowler

Bennche

Kubota RTV 900

For the Sand Rail, Rock Crawlers and Jeeps:

Premier High Back

Competion

Competion Pro

Podium Seat

Preemy seats for the little ones

Roadster

Daily Driver

Enduro ( Recliner )

www.prpseats.com

Time is running out! Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival online registration will end this Sunday, May 19.  After this date, you will no longer be able to register online or modify your existing registration.

Jeepers should consider signing up to get a great deal with the discounted package. The package includes the Jeep Invasion, Playground/On-Site Trails, Mystery Road Rally, and Ruff 'n Tuff; and will NOT be available on-site. The deal offers a 20% discount! 

On-site registration details will be posted on the website after May 19.  But why wait in line?  Register now!

http://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/

RUBICON EXPRESS has announced a number of options to lift your 2 or 4-Door JK Wrangler, in the form of their 2” and 2.5” Economy Kits.

The RE7132 2” Spacer Kit comes complete with polyurethane spacers, bump stops and shock extensions that allow use of the OE shocks, a cost effective, easily installed package for those looking to fit a 33” tire.

Rubicon’s RE7133 2.5” Kit also features polyurethane spacers, bump stops, rear sway bar links and a rear track bar bracket, a great solution to clear 35” tires or allow more weight upfront with a replacement bumper and winch added. The RE7133 Kit is available without shocks, with shock extensions, and with either monotube or Twin Tube shocks to fit your budget or desire to add other components.

The RE7132 and RE7133 JK Spacer Kits are available now wherever RUBICON EXPRESS suspension products are sold.

For more information, contact:

RUBICON EXPRESS
400 W. Artesia Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(866) 553-7706
www.rubiconexpress.com

Polaris loaned us a new RZR XP 900 4 LE. We've been having a blast getting acquainted.

The XP 900 4 LE has the same powerful 875cc DOHC twin that powers the other XP 900s. We've found that, unlike our older XP 900 tested two years ago, this one hits the governor at 75 mph.

The electronic power steering (EPS) makes steering easy and smooth and the 107.4" wheelbase, coupled with Walker Evans coilovers and the impressive suspension design, allows the XP 900 4 to walk over and up anything it can clear.

I'm not sure there are enough adjectives to describe the 4-seater Polaris. This thing is fun!

Look for the full feature on the Polaris RZR XP 900 4 LE in 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.

www.polaris.com

There are nails, and then there are nails. This one was huge: way beyond 16-penny size. It went right through the tread block and proceeded to puncture the Kevlar in this new-style Goodyear MT/R. The MT/R is tough, to be sure, but it's not impervious.

 A Safety Seal tire plug was inserted where the nail had been, and the tire was re-inflated. Problem solved.

LRG (LargeRimGroup), an innovator in wheel design and manufacturing, has released the LRG103, a 12-spoke with updated styling that separates it from other offerings.

In its black/milled finish, the LRG103 with highlighted ribs and simulated rivet heads along the rim stands alone. In chrome, the LRG103 is exquisite with its shining reliefs and details. Both versions feature covered lug nuts for a smooth, integrated appearance.

Utilizing new casting technology, the results are not only a more attractive but also a stronger, more durable one-piece aluminum wheel.

48 part numbers in 17”, 18”, 20” and 22” diameters, 9”, 10” and 14” widths, multiple bolt   patterns and backspacing are offered to fit every popular truck and SUV.

The LRG103 is now available at wheel and tire shops and off-road retailers nationwide.

For more information, contact:

LARGE RIM GROUP
400 W. Artesia Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(855) 577-5633
www.lrgrims.com

I've driven Lucky 13 a bit since the installation of the Spidertrax 1.5" spacers.

The Jeep's stability has been much improved. Its looks have been, too (although those new Rubicon wheels don't help matters).

Lucky 13 won't stay like this long. But, if you have a Jeep Wrangler and want to keep it fairly stock, installing quality wheel spacers is almost a must-do.

I've never liked the way JK Wranglers look off the showroom floor and until recently couldn't figure out why. After all, the Rubicons come with 32" tires that aren't small (Toyota TRD Off-Road Tacomas come with 31" tires). What makes them look goofy? The tires are too far under the fenderwells.

There was a set of Spidertrax's excellent, high quality 1.5" JK wheel spacers on a shelf in my shop. It was installation time!

Spidertrax spacers are 6061T6 aluminum and built in the USA. I've never had a problem with them. This particular set was on the TrailRunner JK until wheel and axle changes relegated them to the shelf.

The 1.5" spacers did the trick. Lucky 13's tires are no longer stuffed inside the wheelwells. They don't stick out past the fender flares, but fill the wheelwells.

If you're planning on running your JK on OE wheels and tires, consider this simple modification. It helps the JK look much better while improving stability.

www.spidertrax.com

A visit to Classic Motors in Richfield, Utah, netted Lucky 13, the 2013 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that's the latest addition to our family.

There are plans for this Rubicon, but they aren't firm yet. One thing's for sure -- the Jeep's on- and off-highway capabilities won't be compromised.

The first change will be swapping the '13 wheels for a set of older Rubicon wheels I have in the garage.

Dave Schlossberg, jefe of Synergy and Poly Performance, brought his Synergy JK  to Southern Utah to do some 'wheeling.

Dave was fearless and we had a good time exploring the slickrock and getting the veteran 2007 JK Wrangler wedged into cracks.

Watch for more in 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.

www.synergysuspension.com

ATX Wheels today announces the newest addition to its product line-up, the “Blade” (AX192).

The Blade is a deep-lip, eight-spoke wheel that features a unique a steep-angled spoke design and simulated bead lock rim treatment. The style is new for 2013.
This wheel is available in 5 and 6 lug applications and is great for Jeep, truck and SUV Applications.

Available Sizes:

17x8.5

18x8.5

20x9

About ATX: ATX Series wheels are designed and engineered to meet the demands of off-road and outdoor enthusiasts. ATX is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aftermarket wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks.

More information: To see the styles ATX has on offer, including more new products for 2013, visit www.atxwheels.com. For more media information, including high-resolution images, please contact pr@wheelpros.com.

Our 2008 JK Wrangler Rubicon, Project TrailRunner, is back on the trail with numerous changes.

From a 5.3 aluminum block GM V8 and 6L80 6-speed automatic tranny to Currie Rock Jock 60 front and rearends, the TrailRunner isn't the Jeep it was a few months ago.

Watch for the detailed feature on this capable Wrangler in 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has received the 2013 National Trails Corporate Award from American Trails in recognition of its significant, sustained service to trails planning, implementation and recreation across the country.   American Trails is the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of trail interests and supporting cooperation and communication between all types of trail users today.

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT program recently celebrated its fifth anniversary in funding projects serving the diverse needs of the OHV community.  To date, Yamaha has awarded more than 200 GRANTs and more than $2 million in funding and equipment in pursuit of the program’s mission of promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable access.

“Yamaha is truly honored to be recognized by and to have received an award from American Trails,” said Mike Martinez, general manager, Yamaha ATV and SxS division.  “The goals and mission of Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative are the blueprint for the work that has been accomplished via the program.  It is exciting to see the efforts of all involved recognized by an organization committed to trails on a national level.  Yamaha shares this award with the more than 200 individual GRANT recipients across the country.” 

Also recognized at the American Trails International Symposium in Phoenix this week was repeat OHV Access Initiative GRANT award recipient Colorado’s Responsible Recreation Foundation for their “Stay the Trail” program. 

“We want to take this opportunity to thank those in the OHV community, like the Responsible Recreation Foundation, who reach out for partnerships and resources to help ensure a safe and sustainable future for OHV riding,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV and SxS division. “Without the efforts of those on the ground -- getting the job done each day -- we wouldn’t see our mission become a reality.” 

Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels.  The current OHV Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at www.yamahaohvaccess.com. 

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs). Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies and other members of the OHV community in the United States. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

·         Trail development, restoration and maintenance

·         Trail signage and map production

·         Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance

·         Land stewardship, trail safety and education 

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available here. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today it has expanded its Spicer® ring and pinion gear options for Dana 44TM (226 mm) and Dana 60TM (248mm) rear axles to include additional ratios, while ensuring top-of-the-line part quality through the manufacturing processes.

New ratios available for the Dana 44 and 60 axles include 4.56, 4.88, and 5.13, adding to existing ratios of the Dana 60 axle that range from 3.54 to 7.17 and the Dana 44 axle that range from 3.07 to 5.13.

“By incorporating a thorough, innovative manufacturing process to develop our gears, we are able to offer a level of quality that is unmatched by other suppliers producing gearing technologies,” said Bill Gryzenia, vice president and general manager of the Dana Aftermarket. “In addition to maintaining a supply of reliable, genuine quality products, we are developing additional ratios to better meet our customer demands.”

Dana engineers its precision-machined 3-axis gearing technologies in the U.S., using controlled processes that include heat treatment, face hobbing, shot peening, lapping, and a special coating for initial break-in. Heat treatment enables Dana to secure optimal hardness of the steel used, while face hobbing accurately cuts the gears to achieve desired spacing between gear teeth, reducing noise, vibration, and harshness and ensuring a quieter ride. Shot peening maximizes durability and strength, nearly doubling the life of non-genuine parts, while lapping creates an improved contact pattern.

Based on customer feedback, Dana has created a new Spicer® gearing kit option to include the ring and pinion only for these applications.

Dana also is offering customers its Spicer® differential bearing kits that come with the necessary components to complete the installation. Parts included in the differential bearing kits can repair vehicles that are equipped with Dana 30, 35, 44, 60, 70 and 80 axles.

www.dana.com

Powered by race hardened, high precision internals developed from 56 years of competition experience, Auto Meter GT Series gauges are equipped with cutting edge, white LED illumination to maximize visibility in all conditions.

Fitted matte black bezels minimize cockpit glare while aircraft inspired dials constructed from real carbon fiber clearly communicate mission critical data.  Available in multiple configurations for optimal deployment in applications ranging from 4x4s, hot rods, muscle cars, diesel trucks and modern street/race machines, GT Series gauges from Auto Meter are ready for battle.

Who's watching your six?

www.autometer.com/

Legislation (HR 1459) has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to require the President to complete an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before designating more than 5,000 acres as a National Monument.  The bill would ensure public involvement in the process and discussion of multiple factors including economic impact.  Current law provides the President with authority to declare land of “historic or scientific interest” to be a National Monument which can lead to road closures for motorized recreation, among other activities. While this authority has only been used 137 times in 100 years, vast amounts of land have been set aside in the process.  There needs to be a collaborative approach to land-use decisions, including input from local citizens, elected leaders and other stakeholders.

We Urge You to Contact Your U.S. Representatives Today to Urge Their Support for H.R. 1459

- Under the law, the President can designate monuments through Executive Order without input from the local community.

- H.R. 1459 would ensure that local recreation enthusiasts are included in the decision-making process for any National Monument over 5,000 acres.  The bill would require an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Monuments of smaller sizes would not require a NEPA review, but would expire after 3 years if not ratified by Congress.
    
- H.R. 1459 limits the President to one monument designation per state, per four-year term. Any additional designations would be subject to approval by the U.S. Congress.
    
- H.R. 1459 ensures a more collaborate public approach to land use decisions and would include a discussion on the positive economic impact of motorized recreation activities, which accounts for over $257 million in annual economic impact nationwide.
     
In 1996, President Clinton set aside 1.9 million acres of land in Southern Utah as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.  President Obama is now under pressure to establish a 1.4 million acres “Greater Canyonlands National Monument,” closing 1,050 of off-road vehicle trails and monitoring another 1,450 miles for future closure.

DON’T DELAY!  Click here to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to request support for H.R. 1459.  Under Federal Officials, Identify Your Congressional District Representative: www.semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga

Legislation (H.B. 2664) to approve a regulation allowing off-road vehicles to operate on trails included in the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area has been introduced in the West Virginia House.  These trails are currently restricted to ATVs, dune buggy-type vehicles (referred to as "utility terrain vehicles" or "UTVs") and motorcycles.  Having already been approved by the House Transportation Committee, the bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.

DON’T DELAY!  Please contact House Judiciary Committee members to request support for H.B. 2664.

To e-mail all Committee members, copy and paste the email address block below:

tim.miley@wvhouse.gov; tmanchin@manchininjurylaw.com; john.ellem@wvhouse.gov; patrick.lane@wvhouse.gov; mike.ferro@wvhouse.gov; barbaraf@wvhouse.gov; mhunt@markahunt.com; linda.longstreth@wvhouse.gov; mike.manypenny@wvhouse.gov; justin.marcum@wvhouse.gov; clif.moore@wvhouse.gov; john.pino@wvhouse.gov; meshea.poore@wvhouse.gov; stephen.skinner@wvhouse.gov; isaac.sponaugle@wvhouse.gov; danny.wells@wvhouse.gov; cindy.frich@wvhouse.gov; bill.hamilton@wvhouse.gov; eric.householder@wvhouse.gov; woody.ireland@wvhouse.gov; john.mccuskey@wvhouse.gov; john.oneal@wvhouse.gov; john@overington.com; john.shott@wvhouse.gov; kelli.sobonya@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Tim Miley (Chair)

Phone: (304) 340-3252

Email: tim.miley@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Tim Manchin (Vice Chair)

Phone: (304) 340-3392

Email: tmanchin@manchininjurylaw.com

Delegate John Ellem (Minority Chair)

Phone: (304) 340-3394

Email: john.ellem@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Patrick Lane (Minority Vice Chair)

Phone: (304) 340-3275

Email: patrick.lane@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Michael Ferro

Phone: (304) 340-3111

Email: mike.ferro@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Barbara Fleischauer

Phone: (304) 340-3169

Email: barbaraf@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Mark Hunt

Phone: (304) 340-3366

Email: mhunt@markahunt.com

Delegate Linda Longstreth

Phone: (304) 340-3124

Email: linda.longstreth@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Mike Manypenny

Phone: (304) 340-3139

Email: mike.manypenny@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Justin Marcum

Phone: (304) 340-3126

Email: justin.marcum@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Cliff Moore

Phone: (304) 340-3189

Email: clif.moore@wvhouse.gov

Delegate John Pino

Phone: (304) 340-3170

Email: john.pino@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Meshea Poore

Phone: (304) 340-3106

Email: meshea.poore@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Stephen Skinner

Phone: (304) 340-3248

Email: stephen.skinner@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Isaac Sponaugle

Phone: (304) 340-3154

Email: isaac.sponaugle@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Danny Wells

Phone: (304) 340-3287

Email: danny.wells@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Cindy Frich

Phone: (304) 340-3125

Email: cindy.frich@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Bill Hamilton

Phone: (304) 340-3167

Email: bill.hamilton@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Eric Householder

Phone: (304) 340-3274

Email: eric.householder@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Woody Ireland

Phone: (304) 340-3195

Email: woody.ireland@wvhouse.gov

Delegate John McCuskey

Phone: (304) 340-3183

Email: john.mccuskey@wvhouse.gov

Delegate John O’Neal IV

Phone: (304) 340-3164

Email: john.oneal@wvhouse.gov

Delegate John Overington

Phone: (304) 340-3148

Email: john@overington.com

Delegate John Shott

Phone: (304) 340-3187

Email: john.shott@wvhouse.gov

Delegate Kelli Sobonya

Phone: (304) 340-3175

Email: kelli.sobonya@wvhouse.gov
 

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has endorsed a proposal by Rep. Paul Cook that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) base at Twentynine Palms, California.  Under the compromise, the Marines would have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley Off-Highway (OHV) Recreation Area for up to 42 days a year for training exercises but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved in perpetuity.

“SEMA thanks Representative Cook for crafting legislation that addresses the needs of local residents, the OHV community and the Marine Corps,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.  “It represents a commonsense, shared-use compromise that fairly protects the interests of all stakeholders.”  
 
Johnson Valley is the largest OHV area in the US, totaling nearly 189,000 acres.  It is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts, as well as mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters.  The area is also home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers event.

The legislation protects OHV activities by establishing the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area” under the continued management of the BLM.  The legislation also provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network/SAN is urging lawmakers to adopt the solution and enact the legislation into law.  SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for OHV vehicles and, through the SAN, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these vehicles.

Before being elected to Congress, Rep. Cook served a 26-year distinguished military career in the Marine Corps before retiring as a colonel.  He has lived for years in the area that includes Johnson Valley and the Twentynine Palms base and represented those communities at the local level, in the California state legislature and now in Congress.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30

My friend and I spent a day exploring northwest of Mesquite, Nevada, in his bone-stock 2012 JK Wrangler Rubicon.

Mesquite is at the very edge of the Mojave Desert, so the terrain and fauna are similar to the California high desert.

As the Rubicon was stock, we weren't going rock crawling, but we ran into some challenging descents and climbs where roads and trails had washed out. We also found the OE Rubicon has very little ground clearance. There was no rock it didn't want to hit.

The desert is beautiful northwest of Mesquite. I plan on many trips back to explore an area few have visited.

After spending all the time detuning the TrailRunner JK, we found uptravel was severely limited with the stock flares, even with smaller 35" tires. Back to flat flares we went, but the 35s looked strange with so much clearance.

37" tires were reinstalled. We have more uptravel with Bushwacker flat flares and 37" tires than we had with OE flares and 35s. As my detuning experiment didn't work, it was time to beef up the Jeep.

Currie Rock Jock 60 front and rearends just arrived. John Williams of Impulse Off-Road kindly let us use his shop and expertise this weekend and next week to install the new axles.

The Rock Jocks have 4.88 Yukon gears and Yukon Grizzly Lockers front and rear. They feature Currie's new fabricated cover up front and cast cover in the rear. We went with a 6x5.5 bolt pattern because 5x5.5 wheels are getting harder to find.

TrailRunner will soon be back on the trail with more beef underneath.

www.currieenterprises.com

www.yukongear.com