Jeep Talk Show

Paul Roth of Big 7 Kits (formerly JeepCables.com) is back on the Jeep Talk Show talking rebranding, premium battery cable kits, and why better cables solve starting problems, Christmas tree dash lights, and weak grounds on XJs, TJs, JLs, JTs and beyond. From his still-running 1999 Cherokee shop truck to Stellantis white-gloving it for a special event, Paul shares how quality oxygen-free copper kits and proper grounds keep older and newer rigs running strong while expanding into Ford, Dodge, and diesel platforms.
Timestamps
00:00 – From DIY Fix to Global Jeep Cable Business
01:35 – Rebranding from Jeep Cables to Big Seven Kits
02:54 – Stellantis Collaboration and Jeep Showcase Highlights
06:43 – Jeep Design Features and Upcoming Scrambler Plans
08:56 – IFS Debate and Off‑Road Performance Challenges
12:29 – Community Help and Introducing the Product Line
16:51 – Overview of Jeep Cables and Big Seven Kits Offerings
23:57 – Basic Cable Kit Components and Alternator Placement
25:31 – Alternator Installation Concerns and Partnerships
27:52 – Headlight Systems, DRL Issues, and Market Expansion
33:58 – OEM Cable Design Choices and Cost Considerations
36:07 – Wire Materials: Aluminum vs Oxygen‑Free Copper
38:18 – Product Line Expansion: Diesel Kits and Headlight Harnesses
41:14 – Choosing Between XJ and Gladiator: Engine and Performance Considerations
44:26 – Cam and Oil System Issues, Baxter Performance Solutions
47:24 – Product Focus, Diesel Expansion, and Tesla 48V Insights
49:05 – EV Wiring and Tesla's Over‑Engineered Design
50:50 – Social Media Presence and Contact Information
51:38 – Closing Remarks and Legal Disclaimer
Key Highlights
Why the switch from JeepCables to Big 7 Kits and how it better serves Jeep, Ford, and Dodge owners
The full story of Paul's 99 Cherokee getting the white-glove Stellantis treatment and meeting design leadership
How factory cables corrode, cause voltage issues, and why pure copper Big 7 kits outperform OEM
Headlight relay harnesses, extra grounds, and real-world electrical troubleshooting (including radiator-as-ground failures)
Expanding into Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax diesel cable kits plus why high-output alternators demand better wiring
If you liked this chat with Paul, hit like, drop a comment about your own cable or Christmas-tree-dash stories, subscribe for more Jeep Talk Show episodes, and check out big7kits.com (or jeepcables.com) while you're listening.
Support the Show & Shop Jeep Gear Thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed the conversation with Paul Roth, consider checking out some of the great products and upgrades we discussed.
Big 7 Battery Cable Kits (XJ, TJ, JK, JL, JT and more) https://www.big7kits.com/
Daylight Headlight Relay Harness https://www.jeepcables.com/
Diesel Big 7 Kits (Powerstroke, Cummins, Duramax) https://www.big7kits.com/
Supporting the show through our Amazon links helps keep the interviews, trail talk, and wrenching content coming. Shop everyday gear and parts at jeeptalkshow.com/amazon.

Jeep Talk Show – Tragic Oregon Jeep Discovery, California's Tire Ban (2029/2033), Shopping Cart Roundtable & More
Well hey Jeepers, welcome back to another jam-packed episode of the Jeep Talk Show with Tony and Josh. We open on a somber note with the recent discovery of a crashed 2005 red Jeep Wrangler off Highway 6 in Oregon's Tillamook area. Loggers/ODF personnel found the vehicle (linked to a September 2025 missing persons case out of Beaverton) along with skeletal remains believed to be those of Eddie Hair (Hare) and Scott Smith, both in their late 60s. Official identification is pending (dental records/personal effects), but the registration and circumstances point strongly to the two men who never returned from an outdoor/wheeling trip. We discuss the tragic accident angle, the "red Jeep curse" running joke since 2020, and some classic banter about James Dean and why red Jeeps seem to stick in people's memories.
Then we dive deep into California's brand-new Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (approved by the CEC in mid-August 2026). Starting with tires manufactured on or after January 1, 2029, replacement passenger and light-truck tires sold in California must meet a maximum rolling resistance of roughly 9.0–9.1 N/kN (with a minimum wet-grip requirement). Phase 2 tightens it further to about 7.1–7.2 N/kN beginning January 1, 2033. Industry estimates suggest this could eliminate ~70% of current tire models from California shelves.
Listener voicemails follow (including DR in Utah checking in after a long absence and sharing updates on the Jeep Scrambler/IFS talk plus personal notes, and Nicky G with a string of classic dad jokes).
Then it's Round Table time: When (and why) do you put the shopping cart/basket/buggy back? Tony fires off a rant about free labor and shaming stickers; the crew (Glenn, John Lee, Rick, Bob, Travis and others) share honest takes ranging from "always, respect/karma/old-school raising" to "only if it's right next to me—I'm not working for the store." Robots, Walmart in-home delivery, and future trail-side parts robots even make an appearance.
We close the "F*CK You, You F*CK" segment with a heated takedown of drivers who come to a near-complete stop to turn into a strip-mall, Burger King, or driveway—white-knuckle, wedding-cake-in-the-trunk style. Pit maneuvers and cow-catcher fantasies ensue.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Oregon Jeep Crash Linked to Missing Persons Case
02:46 – Red Jeeps and the Fatality Legend
05:57 – California's Upcoming Tire Rolling‑Resistance Ban
16:40 – Potential Phase Three and Mud‑Tire Restrictions
17:44 – Political Backlash to California Tire Regulations
18:52 – Policy Logic vs Feelings Debate
22:54 – Tire Market Impact and Personal Reflections
27:04 – Rant on California Environmental Policies
27:40 – Potential Legal Pushback Against California Policies
28:49 – Company Relocation and Exodus from California
29:39 – Show Promotion and Listener Engagement
32:33 – Fun Trivia and Jokes Segment
33:06 – Closing Remarks for Joke Segment
33:41 – Grocery Basket Etiquette and Future Automation
44:37 – Robotic Delivery and Basket Automation
47:36 – In‑Home Delivery Services and Their Impact
49:56 – Upcoming Episodes and Audience Engagement
53:59 – Final Closing and Call to Action
Key Highlights
Tragic update on the missing Beaverton Jeepers and the red 2005 Wrangler found off Hwy 6
Full breakdown of California's new tire efficiency standards and what it means for AT/hybrid tires, mud terrains (exempt), prices, and the broader market
Honest Round Table on shopping-cart etiquette
Classic JTS rant energy on terrible drivers
Got thoughts on the California tire rules (especially if you're in CA), the Oregon story, cart habits, or those crawl-to-turn drivers? We want to hear from you. Leave a comment, hit the video voicemail, email, or join the live Round Table.
Support the Show & Shop Jeep Gear Thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed the conversation with Tony and Josh, consider checking out some of the great products and upgrades we discussed.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (the iconic AT tire called out in the Phase 2 discussion)
View on Amazon
Tire Tread Depth Gauge
View on Amazon
Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Products From the show! https://jeeptalkshow.com/products Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon

Welcome back to the Jeep Talk Show! In this episode, Tony sits down with Tom Zielinski — lifelong off-roader, event creator and operator, Tread Lightly! board member, former racer, and one of the most connected people in the off-road and automotive event world.
Tom shares stories from the "alleged" early days of sneaking into gravel pits, the motivation behind serving on the Tread Lightly board, why he still rides the bumper a little too close on the trail, and how Detroit traffic and Houston Beltway driving shaped his need for speed. They talk V8 Gladiator dreams, meeting at Easter Jeep Safari, the magic (and occasional chaos) of Moab, and why new people at EJS come away wide-eyed.
Tom also opens up about appearing on the Automotive Advantage podcast with Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Chesler, how he builds real industry relationships ("be in the mix every day, don't be an idiot, follow through"), the origin story of his events (born from dealership sponsorship frustration and a bit of youthful guilt), and the importance of Off-Road 101 education.
Key Highlights
Tom's path from power-sports dealerships and mentors to creating major events
Why Holly Oaks works so well and how new Jeepers become "one of us"
Tread Lightly, trail stewardship, and the difference between appropriate "shenanigans" and damaging public lands
The heartwarming side of guiding first-timers and industry newcomers at Moab and 4Fest
Real talk on building contacts, saying yes (sometimes too often), and staying behind the curtain while delivering
**Timestamps 00:00 Introducing Tom Zelensky and His Off‑Road Journey
00:52 – Trail Etiquette: Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
01:38 – Houston Beltways: Toll Roads and Unrestricted Speed
02:32 – From Detroit Trucks to Jeeps: Embracing Speed
03:10 – TRX Launch and Dreaming of a V8 Jeep
03:46 – Rumors of a Hemi‑Powered Gladiator
04:10 – Connecting at EJS: Meeting Tom and New Friends
04:46 – Moab Adventures and Jeep Overload
06:13 – First‑Timer Experiences and Detroit Four Fest Highlights
07:22 – Crowd Perceptions at Easter Jeep Safari
07:55 – Community Dynamics and Curmudgeons at Off‑Road Events
09:19 – Networking at EJS and Introducing the Automotive Advantage Podcast
11:39 – Overview of the Automotive Advantage Podcast and Its Hosts
13:02 – Recap of the Automotive Advantage Interview and Upcoming Projects
14:28 – The "Magic" of Networking and Staying in the Mix
17:05 – Half‑Day Work Ethic and the Importance of Follow‑Through
17:52 – Motivation Behind Events, Business Insights, and Off‑Road Education
22:02 – How Our Off‑Road Events Were Born: From Idea to Execution
25:14 – Adventure Spirit, Off‑Road Parks, and Public Lands Ethics
27:58 – Educating Off‑Roaders and Preserving Trail Access
29:27 – Advocacy for Public Lands and Shared Responsibility
31:05 – Inclusivity and Respect for All Recreational Activities
31:42 – Upcoming September Events: Cars at the Station and Detroit Four Fest
33:45 – One‑Zero‑One Off‑Road Classes and Registration Details
37:11 – Engaging New Off‑Roaders: Locker Demonstration and Learning Moment
39:38 – FOURFEST at Holly Oaks: Suburban Off‑Road Park and International Attendance
41:02 – Jim Morrison, Jeep Leadership and Bob's Health Update
43:46 – Supporting Tread Lightly: Trail Clean‑Ups and Community Service
44:46 – Toledo Jeep Fest Plans and Inflatable Camper Warning
45:41 – Final Thoughts, Trail Encouragement, and New Friendships
46:23 – Video Stabilization and Brief Commentary
46:51 – Legal Disclaimer and Liability Notice
Links
Detroit 4Fest / registration: https://4festevents.com
Tread Lightly!: https://treadlightly.org
Jeep Talk Show: https://jeeptalkshow.com
Support the show, hit the trails responsibly, and we'll see you out there (or at Holly Oaks in September)!
Support the Show & Shop Jeep Gear
Thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed the conversation with Tom Zielinski, consider checking out some of the great products and upgrades we discussed (or that fit the off-road lifestyle we talked about).
ARB Air Lockers / Differential Lockers
View on Amazon
Recovery Gear / Soft Shackles & Kinetic Ropes
View on Amazon
Off-Road Jack / High-Lift Style Jacks
View on Amazon
Trail-Friendly LED Lighting / Light Bars
View on Amazon
TPMS Sensors / Tire Pressure Monitoring
View on Amazon
Your purchases through these links help support the Jeep Talk Show at no extra cost to you. For more recommended Jeep gear and to shop the full list, visit View on Amazon Thanks for keeping the show rolling and the trails open!
Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Products From the show! https://jeeptalkshow.com/amazon Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon

Jeep Talk Show – Tire Tread Depth Reality Check + How to Properly Tow Your Jeep (XJ, JK, JL, JT & Gladiator)
Tony and Josh are back with another no-BS episode. We start by correcting the record on tire tread depth after some listener pushback, then dig deep into the right (and wrong) ways to tow a Jeep so you don't melt your transfer case or destroy your drivetrain. After that Tony shows off a pile of new website tools he's built for the community — Jeep of the Week, networked show timer, JTS Honor Badge generator, live chat, Best Of archive, Discord discount codes, and more.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro Banter and Show Opening
00:27 – Tire Tread Depth Standards and Safety Discussion
05:17 – Towing an XJ Jeep: Methods and Considerations
11:13 – Flat Towing Options for Various Jeep Models
12:30 – Setting Transfer Case and Transmission for Safe Towing
14:47 – Essential Pre‑Tow Checks: Steering, Parking Brake, and Lockers
15:40 – Foot Brake and Driver Position Safety Tips
16:18 – Flat‑Towing Setup: Parking Brake, Lockers, and Dolly Use
18:27 – Hybrid Towing Options and Cost Considerations
19:56 – Gladiator Towing Cherokee: Capacity and Gear Planning
20:40 – Show Timer Integration and Remote Recording Setup
22:06 – Show Timer Feature Overview and Segment Selection
23:15 – Launch of "Jeep of the Week" Feature and Community Engagement
26:03 – Jeep of the Week with Video Voicemail: Listener Participation
27:38 – Reviving the "You Bought and What?" Affiliate Segment
30:01 – Planning the Return of the Affiliate Segment
31:07 – Unified Jeep Talk Show Chat and Boss‑Key Feature
34:24 – Introducing Custom JTS Honor Badges
37:07 – Best‑of Episodes and Review System Launch
41:53 – Contact Page, Discount Bot, and Community Outreach
43:16 – Discord Discount System for Members
44:21 – Call to Action, Social Media Promotion, and Legal Disclaimer
Key Takeaways
Legal minimum tread in most U.S. states (including Texas) is 2/32". The widely recommended replacement point for everyday/wet driving is 4/32". Many shops and safety groups push 5–6/32" for trucks, SUVs, and wet/snow climates.
Safest way to tow any Jeep (TJ/YJ/JK/JL/JT/Gladiator): all four wheels off the ground (flatbed or wheel-lift + front dolly).
Minimum setup if you must two-wheel tow: transfer case in Neutral, automatic transmission in Park (or manual in gear), steering unlocked, parking brake off, lockers unlocked. For longer distances, remove driveshafts.
Atlas transfer cases have distance limits when flat-towed — pull the shafts if you're going far.
Calls to Action
Submit your ride for Jeep of the Week: jeeptalkshow.com (Listener Jeeps link in the top menu) Join the Discord & grab discount codes: jeeptalkshow.com/discord (type `/discount`) Best Of archive (top 50 episodes ranked by downloads): on the website Create your own JTS Honor Badge and drop it in the gallery Leave a 5-star rating & review on YouTube, Spotify, or your podcast app Questions or episode ideas? jeeptalkshow.com/contact
Support the show on Patreon for exclusive perks: jeeptalkshow.com/contact
Support the Show & Shop Jeep Gear
Thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed the conversation with Tony and Josh, consider checking out some of the great products and upgrades we discussed (and a few classics from past "But You Bought and What?" segments).
Tire Tread Depth Gauge (penny-test alternative)
View on Amazon
Heavy-Duty Tow Dolly / Car Carrier
View on Amazon
ARB Air Locker / Electric Locker related accessories
View on Amazon
Jeep Recovery Gear / Soft Shackles & Tree Savers
View on Amazon
Bane Mask (yes, that one)
View on Amazon
Every purchase through our links helps support the Jeep Talk Show at no extra cost to you. Browse the full list of products mentioned across episodes at jeeptalkshow.com/amazon.
XJTalk.com LLC and the Jeep Talk Show podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests and contributors are their own and do not represent professional advice, endorsements or recommendations. We strongly advise consulting a licensed or certified mechanic or automotive professional for any repairs, modifications or maintenance to your vehicle. By listening to or using any information provided on this show, you assume full responsibility for your actions and any resulting consequences.

Tony sits down with Nick from Tackform (tackform.com) to dig into the world of rugged, vehicle-specific phone, tablet, radio, and device mounts built for Jeeps and serious off-road use.**
Nick has been designing and producing phone and device mounts since 2012. The company started in the consumer space, expanded into motorcycles and commercial trucks, then pivoted hard into pickup trucks and SUVs—especially the Jeep community. They specialize in modular, all-metal systems using 20 mm (and larger 26-series) ball-and-socket arms, slim track and Assault Track (Picatinny-style) dash brackets, MagSafe/magnetic holders, spring cradles, and wireless charging options.
Key topics covered
Why vent mounts and suction cups fail hard on Jeeps (and why solid, no-drill OEM-hole solutions matter)
Building custom dash kits for Gladiator, JL, JK, and working backward toward TJ/YJ/XJ
Wireless inductive charging cradles (including their new 25-watt version with Peltier cooling plate to fight heat)
Magnetic mounts for GMRS handhelds and Midland MXT series mics
Starlink mounting options (and why the 26-series ball is better for the heavier load)
Load ratings, vibration control, billet CNC aluminum vs. injection-molded parts, and why they constantly iterate
Funny customer requests and the realities of scanning new vehicles for perfect fitment
The modular "Lego" ecosystem that lets you mix phone holders, radios, switch panels, and cameras
Nick walks through how Tackform approaches engineering for real-world abuse, why they prefer billet for many Jeep brackets (easier to iterate), and the challenges of getting hands on brand-new vehicles for scanning and prototyping.
https://www.tackform.com
Find them on Instagram (tackform.systems / @tackform), Facebook, and their YouTube channel for install videos.
00:00 – Show Opening and Guest Introduction
01:17 – Phone Mount Market and CarPlay Subscription Issues
03:03 – Developing Wireless Charging Phone Mounts
04:29 – Configurable Dash Kit Builder Overview
05:34 – Custom Power Wiring and Hidden Installation
06:39 – OEM Mounting Points and Integrated Power Ports
08:13 – Jeep Modification Culture and Device Mounting Trends
09:13 – Starlink Mount Solutions for Jeeps
11:01 – Ball-and-Socket Mount Architecture and Load Limits
13:53 – GMRS/CB Radio Mounts and Magnetic Attachments
15:43 – Product Development Process and Continuous Innovation
17:17 – Gathering and Evaluating Unusual Product Ideas
17:49 – Creative and Quirky Mount Ideas
18:45 – Safety Limits for Mount Extensions and Airbag Zones
19:19 – Vehicle Acquisition, Scanning, and Prototype Timeline
21:51 – Vibration Management and Material Rigidity in Mount Design
22:56 – Testing Deflection and Vibration on Plastic Tray Mounts
24:04 – Engineering Specificity and Design Optimization
24:44 – Balancing Design Complexity and User Needs
25:22 – Material Choice: Billet vs Injection Molding and Iterative Design
26:49 – CNC Machining vs Tooling: Cost and Volume Trade‑offs
28:44 – Aesthetic Design and Billet Manufacturing Appeal
29:40 – Adapting to New Vehicle Models and Resource Constraints
32:10 – Vehicle Scanning Process and Development Cycle
34:20 – Community Involvement and Simplified Kit Options
35:09 – Customer Commitment and Apology
35:57 – Highlighting Best‑Selling Phone Holder Products
37:23 – Wireless Charging Cradle with Peltier Cooling
39:08 – Phone Overheating, Wireless Charging, and Shade Solutions
40:53 – Inductive Charging in Autonomous Vehicles and Future Outlook
42:27 – Future of Vehicle Mounts, Subscriptions, and Emerging Technologies
43:46 – Tech Evolution and Subscription Model Critique
44:16 – Overview of Best‑Selling Products and Product Range
44:55 – Grab Handle Mounts and Product Variety
45:26 – Manufacturing Capabilities and Equipment Flexibility
46:17 – Managing Overseas Suppliers and Quality Control
47:05 – Automation Costs and Custom Manufacturing in the US
49:14 – US Manufacturing Facilities and Automation Examples
50:03 – Plans for Behind‑the‑Scenes Video Content
54:54 – Closing Remarks and Appreciation
Tackform All Metal Dash Mount Phone Holder Compatible with 2024 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL, 4xe and Gladiator JT
View on Amazon
Tackform TRAXX Slim Track / Assault Track Dash Mounts (MagSafe options) for JL and Gladiator
View on Amazon
Tackform Link Grab Handle/A-Pillar Mount with Magnetic Phone Holder Compatible with MagSafe, 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator JT | All-Metal | CNC Billet Aluminum | Black
View on Amazon
Tackform Magnetic CB / GMRS Microphone Holders and related Jeep dash kits
View on Amazon
Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon