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2013 AEV Brute Double Cab

These are the guys who bring an M777 howitzer to a knife fight. In terms of overall rugged utility, the all-new 2013 Brute Double Cab from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is about as overkill as they come, and we can't seem to get enough of the beasts that this company produces. Unlike most aftermarket firms, always striving to lower cost and increase volume (but at the expense of quality), Michigan-based AEV takes pride in its OEM-quality design, engineering, manufacturing and testing. Everything is as good, or better, than the stuff from the factory, and they have been doing it this way for more than 15 years.
Launched at the recent 2012 SEMA show was the 2013 AEV Brute Double Cab. Its debut marked the company's expansion to a four-door Brute on the newer JK platform (drawing inspiration from the Land Rover Defender 130). I recently spent a few hours with the new truck in sunny Southern California, though unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was limited to pavement-only driving impressions.
Driving Notes

Jeep, Ram EcoDiesels recalled for fuel pump failures

Stellantis is recalling nearly 140,000 Jeep and Ram models equipped with its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel six-cylinder to address potential high-pressure fuel pump failures that can render vehicles undrivable.  Per the company's defect report, 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2014-2019 Ram 1500s shipped with a pump that can fail prematurely. While little detail about the issue was provided, it appears as though Stellantis expects the failures to come on gradually, rather than spectacularly, meaning drivers may notice noise from the pump or even a check engine light before the vehicle becomes undrivable.  "A HPFP failure may introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system potentially causing fuel starvation," the report said. "Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of motive power, which can cause a vehicle to crash without prior warning." Stellantis says it is aware of more than 200 incidents of premature pump failure within the recall population, however no accidents or injuries have been associated with the problem. Customers should begin receiving notices in late July or early August.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel Inside and Out

Watch this R/C Jeep Wrangler plow snow

There's no denying the fact that the Jeep Wrangler is one tough and rugged vehicle, and there is apparently little lost when the SUV is shrunk down for a 1:10th scale radio-controlled version. Proving that the Axial SCX10 Jeep Wrangler is not your run-of-the-mill R/C car, YouTube user Andrew Dykiel posted a pair of videos showing it clear about an inch of snow from his sidewalk and driveway during a snow storm last month.
Starting at $379.99, the Axial SCX10 costs more than most budget snowblowers, but other than paying a neighbor kid to shovel your snow, this might be the best way for a car guy to clear snow without the need for hot chocolate and ibuprofen. Better yet, it's electric, so it's zero-emission answer to snow removal! Scroll down to see how this R/C Jeep can help "shovel" snow from the warmth of your sofa. We've also thrown in a bonus video showing the mini Jeep negotiating the Rubicon Trail.