There is a long tradition in this country of applying names to inanimate objects. Tin Lizzie, you may recall, was the nickname given to Ford’s Model T. Some people still use the term when referring to their car.
During World War II, pilots and troops would regularly give a name to their vehicle or aircraft. Probably the best-known name from that era is Enola Gay, the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Pilot Paul Tibbets named his aircraft after his mother.
Why four-wheelers name their vehicles
Four-wheelers are no different. Naming their off-road vehicles is done for sentimental and practical reasons. Owners become really attached to their vehicles, after all that time spent together.
That vehicle is an extension of the driver. The make and model, how it’s decked out “ even the condition it’s in “ are a reflection of its owner.
Do you have your vehicle wear a name tag or not?
A unique name or moniker provides instant recognition. You learn something about the vehicle and, often, the owner. Vehicle names come in handy in social settings. Four-wheelers may not recall personal names, but they can remember vehicle names.
Pickle – will get you out of a pickle.
Color played a big role in the names I chose for my Jeeps. The green one is Pickle, the yellow one is Parkay, and the silver Jeep is Ashley. My red Land Cruiser is called Titanosaurus, due to its size.
Seems everyone knows those nicknames. If I call the mechanic to ask if Pickle is ready, he knows which vehicle I’m talking about. And, no, he won’t make any wisecrack about burgers and fries.
This naming business is serious stuff. October 2 has been designated National Name Your Car Day. So now you have a good reason to celebrate at least once a year.
This is Parkay (not butter, banana, or mustard).
How to name your vehicle
There is no official process for this. First, though, you should determine its gender. You need to know whether to refer your vehicle as a ˜he’ or a ˜she’. To determine its gender, put the vehicle up on the rack and look underneath.
To determine its gender, put the vehicle up on the rack and look underneath.
Once you have that settled, you can move onto a name. These traits will help you decide:
- Color (Red Devil, Snow White, Pickle)
- Vehicle behavior, personality, quirks
- Model name (some variation, like Ruby Belle for a Rubicon)
- Size or shape (engine or vehicle: Big Red)
- Reputation, especially if negative (Stinky, Oily, PITA)
The sky’s the limit on names, but keep it clean. Kids and others with sensitive ears will often be nearby.
Short names are preferred. You want a name that quickly rolls off the tongue. And it should be unique, just like you. Try to avoid one already in use.
Spouses sometimes offer a name, such as Money Pit or The Other Woman. Appropriate, considering that you’re always buying something for your vehicle.
Many four-wheelers develop a trail name over time. Why shouldn’t your Jeep “ your trusted partner “ also have a name?
Sharpen that pencil and start brainstorming. Craft a clever and memorable name for your 4WD vehicle. Then hit the trails proudly with your Betsy, or whatever you decide to call her.
###
Did you miss the previous articles?
- 2020-01-21 Tough Love
- 2019-12-12 6 Nifty Gifts for the Outdoors Person in Your Life
- 2019-11-14 Inspect Your Vehicle “ 100 Times+
- 2019-10-13 Are You Keyed UP?
- 2019-09-22 Where is Your Winch Controller?
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2020 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
March 2020
March 14, 2020 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
March 15, 2020 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
March 20, 2020 Death Valley Adventure
March 21, 2020 Getting Started Off-Road “ San Diego area
March 22, 2020 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ San Diego area
March 28, 2020 Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course
March 28, 2020 Self-Recovery Clinic
March 29, 2020 Winching Clinic
April 2020
April 01, 2020 San Rafael Club Run
April 05, 2020 Easter Safari
April 18, 2020 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
April 19, 2020 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
April 25, 2020 Getting Started Off-Road “ San Diego area
April 26, 2020 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ San Diego area
May 2020
May 02, 2020 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
May 03, 2020 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road “ LA area
May 09, 2020 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic
May 16, 2020 Winching Clinic
May 23, 2020 Memorial Day Club Run
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend. You can forward them the email. If you received a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe for yourself, go to: www.4x4training.com/w/contact-us.html and follow the instructions to join our mail list.
Want to Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4×4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
Copyright 2020, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.