It has been an eventful week for us as the February issue of Diesel Power Magazine (published by Primedia who also does Offroad, JP and Four Wheeler magazines) has begun to arrive on the doorsteps of subscribers and at some news stands. The extensive coverage of the initial stages of a planned 18-month buildup of a 2008 diesel Grand Cherokee prominently features 4xGuard products, including the Rear Guard HC and a prototype version of Side Guard HC. Coverage of the installation of the Front Guard HC and Belly Guard HC will be part of an upcoming issues. This is obviously great advertising--our first coverage in a major national magazine.
The stage was set for our involvement in the buildup of this vehicle when we were contacted many months ago by a representative of Jeep to see if 4xGuard had any interest in participating in the project. Later we hosted the editor of Diesel Power as he drove across the country with his new acquisition (the brand new rig and its newly installed complement of a Superlift suspension, ARB bumper with winch, and four 4xGuard products) and as the article indicates personally installed a set of prototype Side Guard HCs (the paint was hardly dry...it was that close to not having them ready!). Meeting with such a high-level person in the magazine industry, discussing the future of vehicles such as the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee, and learning more about the behind-the-scenes elements of vehicle testing and the magazine industry, were certainly highlights in the history of our small business.
We are equally very pleased that a number of other off-road businesses have called or e-mailed us this past week to congratulate us on the magazine coverage of 4xGuard. This aspect of the industry, the camaraderie among those manufacturing and distributing off-road accessories, is certainly one of the things we most enjoy about the business. There are truly so many folks we have come to know that are not only great people in a technical, business sense, but "simply" good people. We are proud to be a small part of that community.
Our next post will focus on new products, either envisioned, planned or in various stages of development.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
WKs and carrying over sized spare tires
Joel's comment and suggestion touches on one of the two most common questions we are asked: I am going with over sized tires and where can I carry my now larger spare? (the other question is how does the Superlift 4 inch ride and handle?) First let me say that moving the spare inside is probably unworkable due to tire size exceeding the available space, moving it on the roof is not IMO aesthetically pleasing and potentially increases center of gravity issues, and building a (heavy) rear swing away is not financially in our best interests due to the costs involved and relatively small market.
When I contemplated trading my 2-inch lift for what was then a "soon to be available" 4-inch kit my biggest concern was indeed carrying a much larger spare tire. I never wheeled without a good spare that matched the set on the ground. The Superlift instructions--at least my old version--says "the factory spare tire/wheel can be used in emergency situations." I questioned this statement on principal and concern for my rig's driveline, but soon thereafter had a chance opportunity to meet a Jeep engineer involved in designing the WK/XK platform. This gentleman confirmed Superlift's statement--"just don't drive at high speed for miles down some freeway!" For me that was enough and the rest is history. I now run 305 series tires and carry a 265 series spare, which is deflated so it will fit in the OEM location. (And when the fellow doing my oil changes brings this condition to my attention I enjoy telling him "leave it flat--it keeps the weight down and improves gas mileage.") Anyway my point is I feel this "solution" is preferable to the alternatives. Besides I have never had a tire failure using the Goodrich or Goodyear 3-ply sidewall tires (though I recognize it is certainly possible and thus have tapped my wooden desk top a few times.)
Sorry about the response, but is there anything else that you would like us to work on, Joel?
When I contemplated trading my 2-inch lift for what was then a "soon to be available" 4-inch kit my biggest concern was indeed carrying a much larger spare tire. I never wheeled without a good spare that matched the set on the ground. The Superlift instructions--at least my old version--says "the factory spare tire/wheel can be used in emergency situations." I questioned this statement on principal and concern for my rig's driveline, but soon thereafter had a chance opportunity to meet a Jeep engineer involved in designing the WK/XK platform. This gentleman confirmed Superlift's statement--"just don't drive at high speed for miles down some freeway!" For me that was enough and the rest is history. I now run 305 series tires and carry a 265 series spare, which is deflated so it will fit in the OEM location. (And when the fellow doing my oil changes brings this condition to my attention I enjoy telling him "leave it flat--it keeps the weight down and improves gas mileage.") Anyway my point is I feel this "solution" is preferable to the alternatives. Besides I have never had a tire failure using the Goodrich or Goodyear 3-ply sidewall tires (though I recognize it is certainly possible and thus have tapped my wooden desk top a few times.)
Sorry about the response, but is there anything else that you would like us to work on, Joel?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Year...New Blog
Hello and welcome to a new "blog" for 4xGuard. We hope through this form of communication to achieve several objectives:
As with any New Year one typically is inspired to take stock of the past, in this case particularly 2007 and 4xGuard. What first comes to mind is the fantastic growth of the company and sales of its products, and the opportunity to interact with so many great people, both customers and others in the industry. In fact it is the people more than anything that keeps us going. Not to brag too much but we have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback, and are becoming to feel like a "player" as our name and products are becoming more and more recognized in the community of Grand Cherokee/Commander enthusiasts. We are truly amazed at how the business has evolved in just a couple of years, and looking forward to what this new year brings our way.
Through your comments I would like to hear what products you would like to see us develop, what improvements we should make to those we currently have, and how we can better serve WK/XK owners through products offered by other manufacturers. You all know my bias: the WK/XK with proper accessories is one of the most capable off-road vehicles and is, in my opinion, the best overall in terms of versatility and performance. And I truly think the future bodes well for these vehicles as more and more recognition of their attributes make their way into the marketplace. We want to be a part of making that happen, and through your comments you can help us. So visit this blog on occasion, and tell us your thoughts...it will be fun and informative.
- Let folks know of the latest information relative to our products,
- Tell about our 4-wheeling adventures (most of which are business related), and
- Answer common questions that come to us relative to "unleashing" the WK/XK platform.
As with any New Year one typically is inspired to take stock of the past, in this case particularly 2007 and 4xGuard. What first comes to mind is the fantastic growth of the company and sales of its products, and the opportunity to interact with so many great people, both customers and others in the industry. In fact it is the people more than anything that keeps us going. Not to brag too much but we have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback, and are becoming to feel like a "player" as our name and products are becoming more and more recognized in the community of Grand Cherokee/Commander enthusiasts. We are truly amazed at how the business has evolved in just a couple of years, and looking forward to what this new year brings our way.
Through your comments I would like to hear what products you would like to see us develop, what improvements we should make to those we currently have, and how we can better serve WK/XK owners through products offered by other manufacturers. You all know my bias: the WK/XK with proper accessories is one of the most capable off-road vehicles and is, in my opinion, the best overall in terms of versatility and performance. And I truly think the future bodes well for these vehicles as more and more recognition of their attributes make their way into the marketplace. We want to be a part of making that happen, and through your comments you can help us. So visit this blog on occasion, and tell us your thoughts...it will be fun and informative.
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