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.
