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Looking for Wrangler Trim Recommendations

1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  bbarron88 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I love the forum, have learned so much reading through your posts!

My family and I are looking for a turn key set up if possible.

What we need is a 4 door Wrangler to use as a 3rd vehicle for recreation. We tow a small travel trailer 18' 3,000 lbs. to the high deserts and mountains of SoCal, Nevada, and Arizona. We currently own a '01 Suburban 4x4, which has done the trick for 10 years now. However, it falls short many times out on the trails. No crazy rock crawling, just trails, hills, open desert and we do encounter mild rocks. The biggest problem with the Suburban is the weight and length in soft mud and sand and narrow/rocky areas.

Is there such a setup already offered by Jeep, or am I looking at buying a base model and having it fixed up by a local garage? I have 0 time and capability to do it myself, so buying one ready to go is preferred.

Any Recommendations?
 
#2 ·
I have the 2015 Rubicon with the 3500lb tow package. It will handle all the trails, mud, snow and sand you can throw at it "right out of the box"...until you want to do serious rock crawling, then you will likely need some upgrades.
 
#4 ·
Any Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will do what you ask on trails except for pulling an 18' travel trailer. I don't see that as being a great idea for a Jeep Wrangler, if even possible really.

Use the Suburban to pull the 18' trailer with the Jeep on it.
 
#5 ·
Have to agree here. You don't really need a Rubicon for your usage as long as it's an unlimited and has max tow package (3.73 gears).

Even then it's only rated for 3500lb tow. I personally wouldn't cut it that close for long road trips and mountain driving especially. The wrangler isn't really a tow vehicle and would disappoint you when you are used to the suburban.

I'd actually think about a Grand Cherokee with a V8. I've seen them prove to be very capable off road and are a much better tow vehicle.

That or get a smaller lighter trailer. Or larger RV and tow a 2 dr wrangler.
 
#8 ·
The 3500lb rating is for flat driving. If you are rising that trailer up a mountain with a wrangler you will be limited and beating on your new jeep. Can it do it? Sure, but it's far from ideal and is not the good for the jeep. The JKU only weighs 4200lb,not much stopping force there either. Personally I wouldn't with mine, but it's your call.

I would have to research grand Cherokee years to give a good recommendation. I owned a 96 back in the day. If you don't want the luxury, then a regular Cherokee is stripped down but not sure if they come with a V8. With a small lift and tires I've seen them keep up with Wranglers no problem on easy to moderate trails. When you get into the rocks on difficult is were they will fall short with less articulation, clearance and more weight.

If you really want a wrangler your best bet is get an RV and tow it, but that may not be in your budget.

Disclaimer...I haven't towed much with my wrangler, but did with my Cherokee and a lot with 1/2 ton trucks.
 
#9 ·
Am I the only person that thinks towing a 18 FOOT TRAILER with a JK is insane and dangerous?



My 2009 JKU was unhappy towing a 12' utility trailer with a one tan Ford axle on it. I wouldn't even want to try an 18' trailer, loaded or not.
 
#10 ·
Am I the only person that thinks towing a 18 FOOT TRAILER with a JK is insane and dangerous? My 2009 JKU was unhappy towing a 12' utility trailer with a one tan Ford axle on it. I wouldn't even want to try an 18' trailer, loaded or not.
Hilarious!! Even before I saw that pick I had decided that the best route is to sell the trailer to pay for mods fixing up a sport to meet my needs. We'll be fine tenting it until I build it up to where it will tow a tent trailer.

I'm sure that was a joke but just in case... next time you need to tow with a flat use some jack stands under the back to prevent it from teetering. Once you get the load up near the hitch you'd be fine on FLAT ground for a short distance!

Love that picture!
 
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