Camp Jeep, Up Close And In Control
About this episode
Live from the Houston Auto Show, the In Wheel Time Podcast features an engaging conversation with Nick Hoy, the track manager for Camp Jeep. He shares insights about the thrilling off-road experiences available at the event, including various obstacles designed to showcase Jeep's capabilities. The hosts discuss the evolution of Jeep technology, including features like electronic sway bar disconnects and advanced suspension systems. With anecdotes about Jeep culture and personal experiences, this episode highlights the excitement of off-roading and the community surrounding Jeep enthusiasts.
The line forms where the growl echoes. We’re set up beside Camp Jeep at the Houston Auto Show, and the first thing you notice is the 30-degree hill and the calm voice of a pro driver explaining exactly how a Wrangler keeps its cool. We brought the track manager, Nick Hoy, into the hot seat to decode the six-obstacle course, the Wrangler 392’s idle climb, and why a single button for sway bar disconnect can be the difference between spinning and sticking.
From there, we open the hood on modern off-road tech without the buzzwords. Nick walks us through the electronic lockers, Off-Road Plus, and the front-facing camera that turns a blind crest into a confident line. It’s a clean progression from the old days of manual hubs and pliers in the mud to quick, precise controls on the dash. We talk Gladiator, poke at the Grand Cherokee’s air suspension and skid plates, and admit that not every model is meant to crab-walk a rock garden. Still, capability shows up across the Jeep lineup, and the indoor course proves it in minutes.
We shift gears into memory lane with Jeff’s Car Culture: a countdown of the best-selling American vehicles of all time. The Model T’s assembly-line revolution, the Chevrolet Impala’s long reign, Silverado and Ram solidifying the truck era, and the F-Series towering over all—each nameplate marks a chapter in how America drives and works. The list is a conversation starter, and yes, the Oldsmobile Cutlass earns its spot.
To turn inspiration into miles, we map five spring road trips that reward any capable car or SUV: the flowered overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road drama, the quiet curves of the Natchez Trace, shoulder-season serenity on Pacific Coast Highway, and a burst of Texas bluebonnets along the Willow City Loop. These routes pair perfectly with a fresh set of tires, a full tank, and a curious mind.
If you’re at NRG Center, follow the signs to Camp Jeep for a guided ride, then swing through the indoor display to poke around the screens and seats—including the head-turning TRX. Listening from afar? Tap follow, share the show with a fellow gearhead, and leave a review with your pick: which Jeep would you take up that 30-degree hill?
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elevation changes
"Anyway, that track has elevation changes. Goes around corners and does all sorts of suspension things."
Elevation changes are when the ground goes up and down on a track. This can make driving more challenging and show how well a car can handle different heights.
Elevation changes refer to variations in height on a track, which can significantly affect a vehicle's handling and performance. These changes can challenge a driver's skill and showcase a car's suspension capabilities.
suspension
"Goes around corners and does all sorts of suspension things. Yes."
Suspension is the system in a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the tires on the ground. It helps with handling and comfort while driving.
The suspension system of a vehicle is designed to support the weight of the car, absorb shocks from the road, and maintain tire contact with the ground. It plays a crucial role in handling and ride comfort.
hill climb
"...and then we've got the hill climb. It's 13 feet tall, 30 degrees up and down."
A hill climb is when cars race up a steep hill. It shows how powerful and well-handling a car is on a slope.
A hill climb is a motorsport event where vehicles race up a steep incline. It tests a car's power, traction, and handling, as drivers must navigate steep gradients and often challenging terrain.
traction
"...showing off the traction, the brakes, everything like that."
Traction is how well the tires grip the road. Good traction helps cars go faster, stop better, and turn safely.
Traction refers to the grip between the tires and the road surface. Good traction is essential for acceleration, braking, and cornering, especially in challenging conditions like wet or uneven surfaces.
Jeep Wrangler
"So we have the Wrangler Rubicon, Gladiator Rubicon, and Wrangler 392."
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a tough off-road vehicle designed for adventure and rough terrains, making it popular among off-road enthusiasts.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a specialized off-road variant of the Wrangler, known for its enhanced capabilities on rugged terrain.
Jeep Gladiator
"So we have the Wrangler Rubicon, Gladiator Rubicon, and Wrangler 392."
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a pickup truck that can handle tough off-road conditions, similar to the Wrangler but with a truck bed for carrying things.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a mid-size pickup truck that combines the off-road capability of the Wrangler with the utility of a truck bed.
Hemi
"So the 392 has a 6-4 hemi in it."
Hemi is a type of engine that has a special shape inside, helping it run more powerfully and efficiently.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design with hemispherical combustion chambers, known for producing more power and efficiency.
disconnecting sway bar
"So it is held together by magnet once you disconnect it. Basically it just allows the front tires more room to travel independently."
A disconnecting sway bar is a part of the car's suspension that can be turned off. When it's off, the wheels can move more freely, which helps the car grip the ground better when driving on rough surfaces.
A disconnecting sway bar is a suspension component that can be disengaged to allow for greater wheel articulation. This is particularly useful in off-road situations, as it enables the wheels to move independently, improving traction on uneven terrain.
Jeep
"You know, the Jeeps today are so much easier to handle all of that stuff than they used to be. Yeah. Because if you remember correctly, I had a Jeep one time and it had the locking hubs..."
Jeep is a car brand famous for making vehicles that can go off-road, like the Wrangler. They are built to handle rough terrains and are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Jeep is a brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles, particularly the Wrangler, which is designed for both on-road and off-road driving. The brand has a strong heritage in off-road capability and adventure.
locking hubs
"...I had a Jeep one time and it had the locking hubs, but you had to get outside and go out there and lock up on lock up. Total pain."
Locking hubs are parts on some four-wheel drive vehicles that let you choose whether the front wheels are connected to the engine. This helps save gas when you don't need four-wheel drive.
Locking hubs are mechanisms on four-wheel drive vehicles that allow the driver to engage or disengage the front wheels from the drivetrain. This feature is useful for maximizing fuel efficiency when four-wheel drive is not needed.
electronic sway bar disconnect
"So with the Rubicon, you get the electronic sway bar disconnected like you talked about."
This feature lets you easily turn off a part of the car that helps it stay stable, making it better for driving on bumpy or uneven ground.
An electronic sway bar disconnect allows the driver to disengage the sway bar electronically, improving wheel articulation and off-road capability.
four-low gearing
"There's an off-road plus button which will change the gearing so you can go a little bit faster and four-low."
This is a special setting that helps the car go slower but with more power, which is great for driving on rough trails or steep hills.
Four-low gearing provides increased torque and control at low speeds, making it ideal for challenging off-road conditions.
locking axles
"And then you also get the locking front and rear axles."
This feature helps both wheels on the same side of the car turn together, which is useful for getting through tough spots when driving off-road.
Locking axles allow both wheels on an axle to turn at the same speed, providing better traction in off-road situations.
air cleaner element
"They took the air cleaner element out of it, shook it out, left it to dry out there, cranked it right back up in a way she went."
The air cleaner element helps keep the air going into the engine clean. If it gets dirty, it can make the engine run poorly.
The air cleaner element is a part of the engine's air intake system that filters out dirt and debris from the air before it enters the engine. A clean air filter is essential for optimal engine performance.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"Oh, yeah. The Grand Cherokee is a big one."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV that can handle rough roads but also has comfortable features inside, making it good for both adventures and everyday driving.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that combines off-road capability with luxury features. It is known for its spacious interior and advanced technology.
skid plates
"All of them are going to have the steel skid plates underneath, so you don't have to worry about the undercarriage getting damaged or anything like that."
Skid plates are strong metal plates that protect the bottom of a car from getting damaged when driving on rough surfaces or rocks.
Skid plates are protective plates installed on the underside of a vehicle to shield it from damage when driving over rough terrain. They are especially important for off-road vehicles.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"But everything besides the Grand Wagoneer can do this. That's more luxury."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large SUV that offers a lot of space and luxury features. It's designed for both comfort and off-road driving.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. It features a distinctive design and is often equipped with advanced technology and comfort features.
Ram 1500 TRX
"We even have the new TRX on the floor for you guys to check out. He saw that."
The Ram 1500 TRX is a special version of the Ram truck that is built for both tough work and fast driving. It has a powerful engine that makes it great for off-road adventures.
The Ram 1500 TRX is a high-performance version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck, designed for off-road capability and equipped with a powerful supercharged V8 engine. It combines rugged utility with impressive speed and performance features.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"For number six on the list is the Oldsmobile Cutlass. First introduced in 1961 the Oldsmobile Cutlass was the most popular car in America by 1977. They sold 632,000 plus units that year."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a car that was made by the Oldsmobile brand from 1961 until 1999. It was very popular in the 1970s and sold millions of units, making it one of the best-selling cars in American history.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile from 1961 to 1999. It became one of the best-selling cars in America, particularly popular in the 1970s, with over 11 million units sold throughout its production run.
Dodge Ram
"Next one, Dodge Ram."
The Dodge Ram is a type of pickup truck made by the Dodge brand. It's known for being tough and good for carrying heavy loads, making it a favorite among truck buyers in America.
The Dodge Ram is a line of pickup trucks produced by Dodge, known for their durability and performance. They have been popular in the American market for many years, often recognized for their powerful engines and towing capabilities.
Chevrolet Silverado
"Number four on the list who would think of it but it's the Chevrolet Silverado. It's available in a full size truck, chassis cab truck or medium duty truck. It was originally a top trim level Chevrolet CK truck introduced in 1975 before coming its own in 1999 which remains in production today."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that started as a higher-end version of another truck in 1975 and became its own model in 1999. It's known for being a good all-around truck.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that was introduced as a top trim level in 1975 and became its own model in 1999. It is known for being a versatile and capable truck.
Chevrolet Ck
"...m duty truck. It was originally a top trim level Chevrolet CK truck introduced in 1975 before coming its own i..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish car that many people think of when they imagine a sports car. It’s been around for a long time and is known for being powerful and fun to drive. People talk about it because it’s a classic American car that many enthusiasts love.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its high performance and distinctive design. First introduced in 1953, it has evolved through various generations, becoming a symbol of American automotive engineering and style. The Corvette is often discussed for its blend of speed, handling, and affordability compared to other sports cars.
GMC Sierras Gmcs
"its own in 1999 which remains in production today. Although the Sierra's GMC's branded sibling, the Silverado is great all around truck. A 14,075,000 units for the Chevrolet Silverado."
The GMC Sierra EV is a new electric truck that runs on batteries instead of gas. It’s designed to do everything a regular truck can do, like tow and carry heavy loads, but without polluting the air. People are excited about it because it shows how trucks can be more environmentally friendly.
The GMC Sierra EV is an all-electric version of GMC's popular Sierra pickup truck, designed to offer the capabilities of a traditional truck while being environmentally friendly. It features advanced technology and impressive towing capacity, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market. The Sierra EV is often discussed for its potential to change perceptions of electric trucks and its role in the transition to sustainable transportation.
Ford Model
"Ford Model T. Who would have thunk it? Model T was the first mass produced automobile and it's third on the list."
The Ford Model T was the first car that was made in large numbers, which made it cheaper and easier for regular people to buy a car.
The Ford Model T was the first mass-produced automobile, revolutionizing the automotive industry and making car ownership accessible to the general public.
Chevrolet Impala
"Chevrolet Impala is number four now. It's a good number."
The Chevrolet Impala is a large car that is comfortable to drive and has a lot of space inside, making it a good choice for families.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, popular among families and as a fleet vehicle.
muscle car
"The Impala was the first car to use SS designation making it a pioneer in the muscle car craze of the 60s and 70s."
Muscle cars are fast cars that were really popular in the 1960s and 70s. They usually have big engines that make them go really fast.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles that typically feature powerful engines and a focus on speed and acceleration, popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Ford F series pickup
"We do live in Texas is the Ford F series pickup truck. Blowing the list out of the water."
The Ford F series pickup is a popular type of truck in America. It's been made since 1948 and is known for being the best-selling vehicle in the country.
The Ford F series pickup is a line of trucks that has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades. It has been in continuous production since 1948, showcasing its popularity and reliability.
best selling American automobile
"The F series is the best selling American automobile of all time. The truck has been in continuous production since 1948."
This means that the Ford F series pickup truck is the most popular car sold in America, more than any other car or truck.
The term 'best selling American automobile' refers to the vehicle that has sold the most units in the United States over time. The Ford F series pickup holds this title, reflecting its widespread popularity among consumers.
Ford F
"... 22. So we're calling it 40 million units of the Ford F series pickup. How about that jazz?"
The Ford F-100 is an older model of pickup truck that people loved for its strong build and reliability. It was made for many years and is now considered a classic, which means some people restore and collect them. It’s often talked about because it represents a big part of American truck culture.
The Ford F-100 is a classic pickup truck that was part of Ford's F-series lineup, produced from 1953 to 1983. It is significant for its role in establishing the F-series as one of the best-selling vehicle lines in the United States. The F-100 is often discussed for its vintage appeal and as a symbol of American automotive history.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"...from the start to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wow. Goes through a lot of ridgelines, overlooks, valleys, you got dogwoods, red buds."
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a large park in the U.S. that is famous for its beautiful mountains and nature. Many people visit to enjoy the scenery and go hiking.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and scenic drives, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Honda Ridgeline
"Wow. Goes through a lot of ridgelines, overlooks, valleys, you got dogwoods, red buds. ..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a type of truck that is designed to be comfortable and easy to drive, almost like a car. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, and it even has a special storage area in the bed for tools or gear. People talk about it because it’s a good option for those who need a truck but also want something that feels nice to drive.
The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck known for its unique unibody construction, which provides a smooth ride and car-like handling. It stands out in the truck market for its versatility, offering a spacious interior and innovative features like an in-bed trunk. The Ridgeline is often discussed for its practicality and comfort, making it a great choice for both work and leisure.
convertible
"...to go in the motorcycle or on your convertible. Then going on to the Sun Road, going to the Sun Road."
A convertible is a car that can have its roof taken off or put back on. This lets you drive with the top down when it's nice outside.
A convertible is a type of car that can be driven with or without a roof. This feature allows for an open-air driving experience, making it popular in pleasant weather conditions.
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