June 3, 2025

Why aren't you moving? The ambulances, beaches, and V8s changing our roads

00:00

Ever wonder why some people don't move for ambulances? Or what makes Port Aransas the perfect beach getaway? Or perhaps why the Dodge Durango still commands respect after 14 years with the same design? We tackle all these questions and more in this fascinating exploration of automotive culture and travel destinations.

We kick things off with a detailed breakdown of ambulance manufacturing and classification. These life-saving vehicles are constructed in two distinct phases by different manufacturers - from the initial chassis to the specialized emergency equipment integration. The four types of ambulances in the United States each serve specific purposes, from advanced life support to patient transfers. And yes, before modern ambulances, converted Buick and Pontiac station wagons served as emergency transport, with medics hunched over in cramped quarters. Our passionate reminder: when you see those flashing lights, move aside immediately - someone's life literally depends on your actions.

Looking for the perfect coastal getaway that isn't overcrowded? Port Aransas offers the ideal middle ground between massive tourist destinations and tiny beach towns. With 18 miles of drivable coastline on Mustang Island, exceptional birding opportunities, and surprisingly good marlin fishing thanks to the nearby continental shelf, this Gulf Coast gem has something for everyone. Family-friendly amenities include Roberts Point Park for the little ones, while nature enthusiasts will love the 1,250-foot boardwalk at the Leonabel Turnbill Birding Center. Just 3.5 hours from Houston, it's an accessible escape with both a ferry ride and beautiful coastal driving.

We wrap up with our hands-on review of the 2025 Dodge Durango RT. Despite maintaining essentially the same design since 2011, this muscular SUV continues to impress with its bold styling, bronze wheels, and powerful 5.7-liter V8 pushing 360 horsepower. With an impressive 8,700-pound towing capacity and comfortable SRT seating, it's clear why this three-row SUV still attracts buyers despite newer competition. Check it out if you're shopping for a vehicle with traditional American muscle and substantial utility.

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00:00 - Ambulance Manufacturing and Types

04:14 - Get Out of the Way

04:54 - Port Aransas Beach Getaway

09:08 - 2025 Dodge Durango Review

WEBVTT

00:00:04.746 --> 00:00:09.734
time now for jeff's car culture you bet this is going to be informative for you.

00:00:09.734 --> 00:00:14.037
We all you see ambulances going down the road, people sometimes in the back of an ambulance.

00:00:14.057 --> 00:00:20.184
No, sometimes they don't get out of the way and it's very frustrating and it kind of ticks me off that somebody's in there for a reason.

00:00:20.184 --> 00:00:28.486
So ambulances are made all over the world, with different countries, different regions having their own manufacturing, their own specifications.

00:00:28.486 --> 00:00:31.192
Typically, ambulances are made in two stages.

00:00:31.192 --> 00:00:37.442
The first manufacturer takes the chassis, the second modifies the vehicle to include the necessary emergency equipment.

00:00:37.442 --> 00:00:45.055
In the United States, ambulances are classified into four types, each with different specifications and purposes.

00:00:45.055 --> 00:00:53.487
Several companies manufacture ambulances in the US, including American Emergency Vehicles, Braun Industries and Horton Ambulance, among others.

00:00:53.487 --> 00:00:55.411
Those are the primary ones in the US.

00:00:55.411 --> 00:00:56.743
There's several across the world.

00:00:56.743 --> 00:01:06.909
These companies play a crucial role in providing emergency medical services with the necessary vehicle, ensuring that the patients receive prompt and effective care during their medical emergency.

00:01:06.909 --> 00:01:15.960
The customization options offered by these manufacturers enable the EMS providers to design ambulances that meet their unique needs and their budgets.

00:01:16.884 --> 00:01:23.311
The first stage of manufacturing involves the initial construction of the chassis, which forms the foundational structure of the ambulance.

00:01:23.311 --> 00:01:31.177
This stage typically entails the fabrication of a light or medium-duty truck, chassis, cabs or full-size van.

00:01:31.177 --> 00:01:42.349
Reputable automobile companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Ford, Toyota are often chosen for this purpose in providing the reliable base for the subsequent modifications.

00:01:42.349 --> 00:01:49.552
The second stage of manufacturing involves modifying the chosen vehicle meet the specification requirements of an ambulance.

00:01:49.552 --> 00:01:54.150
This stage is carried out by a second manufacturer known as the second stage manufacturer.

00:01:54.150 --> 00:01:54.879
Go figure, Mike.

00:01:54.879 --> 00:02:02.304
They take the incomplete vehicle lacking a body or interior behind the driver's seat and transform it into a full-fledged ambulance.

00:02:02.304 --> 00:02:07.635
This process can be done through two methods coach building or modular system integration.

00:02:07.635 --> 00:02:10.026
In the US there are four types.

00:02:10.026 --> 00:02:15.307
Type 1 ambulances are mounted on a truck chassis with a custom module on the back.

00:02:15.307 --> 00:02:19.151
They're used primarily for advanced life support and rescue work.

00:02:19.151 --> 00:02:24.241
They're available in four-wheel drive and are a good choice for difficult driving conditions.

00:02:24.262 --> 00:02:28.925
Oh my God, there's Danny's Dodge van that we all used to go around in Danny.

00:02:28.945 --> 00:02:29.385
I love him.

00:02:29.385 --> 00:02:30.687
He's a great guy.

00:02:30.687 --> 00:02:38.193
Type 2 ambulances are typically van-style vehicles with basic patient care features.

00:02:38.193 --> 00:02:43.296
They're used for hospital-to-hospital transport and can also be used in a 911 rescue work.

00:02:43.296 --> 00:02:48.104
They offer better gas mileage than the other types of ambulances, specifically diesel.

00:02:48.104 --> 00:02:52.822
These Type 3 are built using a van chassis, with the roof raised.

00:02:52.822 --> 00:02:54.265
Who hasn't raised a roof in a van?

00:02:54.265 --> 00:02:54.627
Come on.

00:02:54.627 --> 00:03:01.370
Type 3 ambulances are similar to Type 1, but use a van cutaway chassis instead of a truck chassis.

00:03:01.370 --> 00:03:01.830
Look at that.

00:03:02.131 --> 00:03:02.872
That one right there.

00:03:02.872 --> 00:03:04.425
That's a short bus any way.

00:03:04.425 --> 00:03:05.348
You look at it there you go.

00:03:05.479 --> 00:03:12.750
The cab and body are integrated, with a larger opening between the cab and module, allowing for easier movement in items and the personnel.

00:03:12.750 --> 00:03:16.426
These ambulances are available in two-wheel drive using regular gasoline.

00:03:16.426 --> 00:03:27.129
Now the fourth version, or the Type 4 they're talking about, is for patient transfers and smaller vehicles For smaller environments, small crowds and things of like that nature.

00:03:27.129 --> 00:03:29.769
But that's a Pontiac right there on the screen.

00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:31.183
My favorite is this last one.

00:03:31.183 --> 00:03:31.926
Check this out.

00:03:31.926 --> 00:03:33.330
That's a Buick baby.

00:03:33.330 --> 00:03:34.234
That's a Buick.

00:03:34.234 --> 00:03:38.252
Now, for all intents and purposes, be cautious around ambulances.

00:03:38.252 --> 00:03:39.907
Get out of the way when you see them coming.

00:03:39.907 --> 00:03:44.084
Leave your blood donation at the Red Cross and not on the highway.

00:03:44.425 --> 00:03:44.905
Very nice.

00:03:44.905 --> 00:03:53.194
Well, I have to tell you that back in my day it was things like the Buick, the Pontiac, any kind of a station wagon, the Cadillac.

00:03:53.235 --> 00:03:54.236
Yeah, you bet.

00:03:55.443 --> 00:04:02.770
The actual medic that's back there, of course, the patient's laying down, the medic's all hunched over because the roof is so low, yep.

00:04:03.031 --> 00:04:05.706
Exactly, but be careful when you're out there.

00:04:05.706 --> 00:04:08.909
A little bit of information, if you ever wonder, and just check it out.

00:04:14.561 --> 00:04:15.847
Driving destinations.

00:04:15.847 --> 00:04:22.254
Mr Mars, this is the second week and now we're going to go way down the coast of Port of Ransas.

00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:26.519
Hey send your candidate hey, so candidate, hey, hey, so yeah.

00:04:26.519 --> 00:04:32.007
So I thought summertime, it's beginning of summertime, the kids are out of school, everybody wants to talk about going to the beach.

00:04:32.007 --> 00:04:43.867
Sometimes you don't want to go to a big town like Galveston or Corpus Christi, but you don't want to go to a little town like Surfside or something, so you might want to look at something like Port Aransas.

00:04:43.867 --> 00:04:46.713
Now, this is located on the Gulf of America.

00:04:47.093 --> 00:04:48.095
Now let me ask you something.

00:04:48.095 --> 00:04:53.112
Pardon me for interrupting, but did you name it Port A, or is that their marketing thing?

00:04:53.221 --> 00:04:54.259
That's their marketing thing.

00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:55.507
It is Port A yeah.

00:04:56.271 --> 00:04:57.658
Yeah, port Armstrong.

00:04:57.718 --> 00:04:57.899
Could be.

00:04:57.899 --> 00:05:00.064
No, it's been like that for a long time.

00:05:00.064 --> 00:05:08.267
The first time I went down there I picked up an assignment for a magazine to go down there to get some boats of marlin fishing and I didn't know you could do marlin fishing out of Port A.

00:05:08.521 --> 00:05:10.339
I didn't know there were marlin in the Gulf of America.

00:05:10.339 --> 00:05:15.250
Well, they're not big, like you see in Mexico on TV and stuff, but they have them and they use them.

00:05:15.250 --> 00:05:17.553
They're mini marlins, mini marlins.

00:05:17.553 --> 00:05:24.771
So anyway, first thing you're going to notice and you're going to think about, of course, is the Port Aransas Beach.

00:05:24.771 --> 00:05:28.310
It's located, actually, on Mustang Island.

00:05:28.310 --> 00:05:30.026
It's 18 miles long.

00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:31.947
It is a drivable beach.

00:05:31.947 --> 00:05:39.781
It's another beach that you can actually drive your car on, you can rent golf carts, you can do beach stuff, beach stuff.

00:05:39.781 --> 00:05:53.564
Yeah, they actually have a sandcastle building contest on that beach down there, because the way the sand is with the water and the moisture content is really good for building sand castles and doing things like that building a snow fort, that's right.

00:05:53.564 --> 00:06:03.100
So, uh, the other thing if you're not really into the sand stuff and you're a birding person, you want to go to the leonabel turnbill birding center in port orandas.

00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:13.990
This is a big location, uh, it's on the centralway, so you get to see a lot of different birds, including the rosette spoonbill, the black-bellied whistleduck and the cinnamon teal.

00:06:14.250 --> 00:06:15.112
Hey, you know what?

00:06:15.112 --> 00:06:16.485
Do you know what kind of bird this is?

00:06:16.485 --> 00:06:19.266
You just shot the bird.

00:06:19.459 --> 00:06:20.706
I've seen that bird before.

00:06:21.180 --> 00:06:31.250
Yeah, the back of a car, yeah, and they got like a 1,250-foot-long boardwalk, oh boy, and you can see alligators, along with other different wildlife.

00:06:31.250 --> 00:06:33.648
Now you can also go to Fisherman's Wharf.

00:06:33.648 --> 00:06:37.870
Now, this is, of course, a place where they have a lot of boats to go out deep-sea fishing.

00:06:37.870 --> 00:06:38.802
This is where I was talking about.

00:06:38.802 --> 00:06:47.985
I was surprised that you could actually go out marlin fishing Not the big ones, but there is plenty of marlin.

00:06:47.985 --> 00:06:49.512
You don't have to go out very far because of the continental shelf.

00:06:49.512 --> 00:06:50.839
Deep water is a lot closer here.

00:06:50.839 --> 00:06:55.608
Then you can go to the Port Aransas Museum in the middle of the day, when it gets good and hot.

00:06:55.608 --> 00:07:00.790
This is housed in a 1900s kit house.

00:07:00.790 --> 00:07:02.939
It's got lots of history.

00:07:02.939 --> 00:07:03.964
Is that the kit from Sears?

00:07:03.964 --> 00:07:05.144
It didn't say which area.

00:07:05.144 --> 00:07:05.689
It's got lots of history.

00:07:05.709 --> 00:07:06.273
Is that the kit from Sears?

00:07:06.293 --> 00:07:06.999
It didn't say which fair is from?

00:07:06.999 --> 00:07:18.692
Yeah, but you know it's got a lot of history about maritime history, sport, fishing, local culture, and they actually have a fourth-order Fresnel lens from the Lydia Ann Lighthouse.

00:07:18.692 --> 00:07:23.911
That's a pretty big deal about it being that kind of a from original lighthouses.

00:07:23.911 --> 00:07:32.987
Now, if you really want to go do something out in the outside, you can go kayaking and paddle boarding.

00:07:32.987 --> 00:07:36.175
You can launch from the lighthouse lakes paddling trail now this is texas first designated paddling trail.

00:07:36.175 --> 00:07:44.750
Uh, you can also go walking around and get this thing, but it's about 6.8 miles that you can cover in this area and they also have a windsurfing contest down here.

00:07:45.673 --> 00:07:55.459
Then you can also go over to mustang island state park and, uh, 3,950 acres, five miles of coastline really a nice place to go.

00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:58.586
I went there once to shoot some pictures of a truck and it was a beautiful place.

00:07:58.586 --> 00:07:59.569
Uh.

00:07:59.569 --> 00:08:12.526
Then for playtime for the little ones, roberts point park now this is in Port Aransas area, 50-acre waterfront park and it's got playgrounds, it's got fountains, it's got all kinds of things that little kids can do.

00:08:12.526 --> 00:08:14.505
So this is a really place.

00:08:14.505 --> 00:08:25.074
If you want to go out and get out and you want to be in a town smaller than Galveston Corpus or Corpus, then this could be a good choice because it's right across the way from Corpus.

00:08:25.576 --> 00:08:40.039
Yeah, it's about 30 miles and you go over to the island through Aransas Pass there's a causeway yeah, I didn't know any of that the other end of it, coming in from Houston, which is about 3.5 hours away, there's a ferry you get to ride.

00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:45.864
It's smaller than the Galveston Ferry, it's only about 20 cars well, that's an interesting thing.

00:08:46.465 --> 00:08:47.967
Back in the day, that's what we did.

00:08:47.967 --> 00:08:51.214
We didn't have a whole lot of money and we wanted to take the kids somewhere.

00:08:51.214 --> 00:08:53.503
We always went to San Antonio.

00:08:53.503 --> 00:08:54.788
It was a great place for us to take the kids.

00:08:54.788 --> 00:08:59.205
Here's an option, a beach option that's three and a half hours away.

00:08:59.205 --> 00:09:01.006
Easy drive, Easy drive.

00:09:01.006 --> 00:09:02.389
A nice coastal drive too.

00:09:02.389 --> 00:09:07.475
Hey, the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show will continue after these brief messages.

00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:16.066
You own a car Time now for this hour's car review.

00:09:16.066 --> 00:09:20.609
I had a chance to drive the 2025 Dodge Durango.

00:09:20.609 --> 00:09:24.392
Final assembly location Detroit, michigan.

00:09:24.392 --> 00:09:30.336
Ladies and gentlemen, comes in these trim levels the GT, the RT and the SRT.

00:09:30.336 --> 00:09:44.235
I had the RT, 20th anniversary, premium, all-wheel drive 345.

00:09:44.235 --> 00:09:46.264
It's a standard SUV Three rows seats, six people.

00:09:46.303 --> 00:09:47.849
Exterior changes from last model year.

00:09:47.849 --> 00:09:52.001
It was all new in 2011.

00:09:52.001 --> 00:09:53.083
2011.

00:09:53.083 --> 00:09:55.386
Yeah, yeah, yeah, do you see how old that is?

00:09:55.386 --> 00:10:00.192
It's old, but you know what it still looks good, I like it.

00:10:01.313 --> 00:10:12.693
Exterior features Bold, aggressive, american muscle style front fascia, built-in hood scoop with Hemi graphics and 345 badging.

00:10:12.693 --> 00:10:18.350
Bronze colored wheels set this RT apart.

00:10:18.350 --> 00:10:23.823
Shape of the rear lighting reminds of the Dodge Charger design.

00:10:23.823 --> 00:10:28.455
What I liked this is an SUV with attitude.

00:10:28.455 --> 00:10:38.671
Well, that's not the one that I drove, but that's the basic one, right, right, the one that I drove has attitude and it's funny what you can do with paint.

00:10:38.671 --> 00:10:41.919
Oh, absolutely All right.

00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:43.745
What could use improvement?

00:10:43.745 --> 00:10:47.475
I would love to see an evolved redesign.

00:10:47.475 --> 00:10:49.589
I mean, this thing is what?

00:10:49.589 --> 00:10:51.033
13, 14 years old?

00:10:51.033 --> 00:10:54.460
Yeah, so there's the bronze wheels that I was talking about.

00:10:54.460 --> 00:11:02.019
Interior highlights Even though it's a 14-year-old design, the dash layout beats newer competitors.

00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:10.157
Steering wheel controls are the best SRT seating with the 345 logo on the seat back.

00:11:10.157 --> 00:11:12.852
Comfortable and supportive buckets.

00:11:12.852 --> 00:11:18.692
Rear volume Sorry, did I say rear?

00:11:18.692 --> 00:11:21.051
Yep, I didn't mean to say rear.

00:11:21.051 --> 00:11:23.227
The radio volume.

00:11:23.227 --> 00:11:26.312
And tuning knobs for the suspension?

00:11:26.312 --> 00:11:29.778
No, for the superior sound system is good.

00:11:29.778 --> 00:11:33.134
I can't even read my own writing here.

00:11:33.505 --> 00:11:34.451
I don't feel so bad.

00:11:34.451 --> 00:11:37.192
You know, you should pre-read these before you go on the air.

00:11:37.192 --> 00:11:38.034
I should.

00:11:39.628 --> 00:11:41.293
I want you to look at how I did that.

00:11:41.293 --> 00:11:43.029
What the hell is that you know?

00:11:43.029 --> 00:11:50.030
What that said it was uh, that's what it says, that's what it does Cargo room, large.

00:11:50.030 --> 00:11:59.595
What I liked about it comfort and the control functions, I think, because I'm just guessing now my fumble mumble you want to borrow my glasses.

00:12:00.275 --> 00:12:01.278
now I got glasses on.

00:12:01.278 --> 00:12:02.245
That's not the problem.

00:12:02.245 --> 00:12:09.628
Sight is not the problem, it's brain malfunction and clearly it didn't transfer to this right-hand writing.

00:12:09.628 --> 00:12:17.532
Implement 5.7 liter V8, 360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque, 8-speed automatic transmission.

00:12:17.532 --> 00:12:18.312
Get this.

00:12:18.312 --> 00:12:20.472
Tow rating 8,700 pounds, wow.

00:12:20.472 --> 00:12:22.293
Haul rating 1,350.

00:12:22.293 --> 00:12:26.575
Let's go camping, let's go racing, let's just go and do it somewhere.

00:12:26.575 --> 00:12:29.096
14 miles per gallon city.

00:12:29.096 --> 00:12:31.657
Oh boy, 22 highways combined to 17.

00:12:31.657 --> 00:12:40.240
I actually got 18.7 because, no, kimberly, I did not burn the tires off the back like so many journalists do.

00:12:40.541 --> 00:12:41.802
No hauling donkeys or anything.

00:12:41.802 --> 00:12:42.121
No, none of that.

00:12:42.121 --> 00:12:42.741
1,300.

00:12:42.802 --> 00:12:46.303
18.7 miles per gallon over 329.9 miles.

00:12:46.303 --> 00:12:56.110
What I like the well-matched power with the drivetrain, all-wheel drive with an independent suspension, rocks it Ride and handling smoothness.

00:12:56.110 --> 00:12:56.918
It's good.

00:12:56.918 --> 00:12:58.126
What could use improvement?

00:12:58.126 --> 00:13:07.172
It's a little on the heavy side but it is big 5,313 pounds, that's two and a half tons, my friend.

00:13:07.172 --> 00:13:09.370
Base trim price 54.

00:13:09.370 --> 00:13:10.626
$495.

00:13:10.626 --> 00:13:11.009
Price is tested.

00:13:11.009 --> 00:13:11.047
Trim price $54,495.

00:13:11.047 --> 00:13:15.557
Price is tested yikes $72,460.

00:13:15.557 --> 00:13:21.118
You can get in the V6 version for $41,995.

00:13:22.227 --> 00:13:22.951
You had a nice one.

00:13:22.951 --> 00:13:25.312
I've been seeing a lot more of them since you had that yeah.

00:13:26.085 --> 00:13:37.910
Competitors Ford Expedition starts at $57,025, which which, by the way, is all new for 25, but no v8s does have 440 horsepower.

00:13:37.910 --> 00:13:41.278
The chevy suburban starts at 615.

00:13:41.278 --> 00:13:54.179
It has the 6.2 liter v8 with 420 horsepower and the toyota sequoia starts at 62425 with a 3.4 liter hybrid V6.

00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:57.953
But get this turns out 437 horsepower.

00:13:57.953 --> 00:13:59.057
Oh man, yeah.

00:13:59.057 --> 00:14:01.312
So there are some competitors out there.

00:14:01.312 --> 00:14:03.513
I invite you to check them all out.

00:14:03.513 --> 00:14:06.734
But good old American grunt, there's nothing wrong with that.

00:14:06.754 --> 00:14:07.897
And they make a nice interior.

00:14:08.525 --> 00:14:18.008
Even on the pickups they do, yeah, they do All right front.

00:14:18.008 --> 00:14:19.110
There's nothing wrong with that.

00:14:19.110 --> 00:14:19.711
They make a nice interior.

00:14:19.711 --> 00:14:21.534
Even on the pickups they do, yeah, they do all right.

00:14:21.534 --> 00:14:23.597
That's my review of the 2025 dodge durango rt.

00:14:23.597 --> 00:14:23.719
Hey.

Why aren't you moving? The ambulances, beaches, and V8s changing our roads

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