Chrysler has announced for the 2010 model year, that it will replace the traditional owner’s manuals with abbreviated 60-to-80 page guides and DVDs. The switch will save a claimed 930 tons of paper, which amounts to 20,000 trees. A free printed manual will also be available to new vehicle owners, if desired.
While this will certainly free up some space in the glove box, it means that most new Jeep owners will need to do a good bit of running back and forth from the TV to the driveway. Either that or they'll need to invest in a portable DVD player so they can watch and learn from the driver's seat.
One good thing is that Chrysler will offer video tutorials on some facets of the vehicle, which should make the learning curve of tasks such as removing a soft top a bit easier. Still, however, I think I'd request a hard copy of the manual just in case I can't find a TV on the trail.