4x4 DVD - Crawling Action And CJ History - Media Review - 4 Wheel Drive & SUV Magazine

Strap in and hold on for an exciting ride through the rockcrawling world in the latest DVD from RP Films, Haulin' or Crawlin' II. The first installment in this series was an instant success for RP Films, so it didn't take long for a second DVD to hit the shelves. This follow-up is even more action-packed than the first. It features some of the most amazing and technical rockcrawling skills we have seen to date.

Peter Mazzoni and spotter Nick Socha show us just how they earned the 2004 National Extreme Championship and wrapped up Rookie of the Year honors as well. They make it look easy crawling over sections that most people wouldn't even attempt on their own two feet. Becca Webster and spotter Frank Johnson prove that just because you are a girl doesn't mean you can't play with the big boys. Becca's driving skills keep improving every year, and she has become a fan favorite competing in the popular CalROCS series. It's hard to miss her bright silver, Red Bull-sponsored, #698 buggy during the events.

The film continues on, covering other notable teams such as Kelly and Lance Clifford, Mark Berger and Garrett Ness, and Dustin Webster and Jody Everding, among others. Toward the end of the film there is an excellent look at some local Northern California drivers bashing and busting their way through boulder after boulder. Ultimate carnage is a great way to climax a film, that's for sure.

Robert Ackerson has compiled a wealth of knowledge covering the lifespan of the great Jeep CJ from 1945 through 1986. For over 40 years, the CJ has been a staple in the four-wheel-drive and adventure community. This book reveals everything you wanted to know about the creation of the first pilot-model Bantam 4x4, through the strong military years of the Jeep CJ, and into the decline of the name in the mid '80s. We would like to share a few of the author's words with you. Here he describes in a photo caption a little about the first known Jeep and the only one left of its kind:

"The Pygmy, which was tested at Holabird in 1940 and is currently owned by the Alabama Center for Military History, is the only known survivor of the Bantam, Willys, and Ford prototype Jeeps. Its existence offers Jeep enthusiasts an unparalleled window on the past and the opportunity to appreciate its contribution to the Jeep's design. Many aspects of the Pygmy - including location of its gas tank under the driver's seat and two-piece windshield with tubular steel frame - found their way onto the MB and GPW models. One of the most apparent Pygmy contributions to Jeep history was the integrated design of its grille and headlights."

The technical information and photography throughout this book are incredible. Robert Ackerson has done his homework and brought the Jeep community a great CJ bible. Be sure to set aside a good amount of time when you get your copy - this book is packed with Jeep education.