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Pulled the Trigger: Rubicon is Here !!

2K views 22 replies 15 participants last post by  Kenaero 
#1 ·
After much reading and agonizing I bought a silver Unlimited Rubicon this afternoon.At $38.5 K I think I did O.K. Has A/T, max tow, hardtop and Alpine system

No connectivity. Not a big deal to me.

Took it into Ocala National Forest to get a feel for it.

Some observations:

1. I have read on this forum that the stock tires on the Rubicon tend to sink into sand so either keep moving or air down. I don't know what sand they are referring to. here in the forest there is soft "sugar sand" and I started in 2 wheel till i pretty much buried the tires (8-10 in) and was at a stop. I than shifted to 4H and I was out without a problem. So i did not keep moving. Next pass i started in 4H and just drove through. Either method seemed to work.

2. Personally i have no complaints about the 130 head unit and Alpine system. I am coming from a Hyundai Genesis with the Lexicon system so i am spoiled but still very happy with the system. Good bass etc. Not the prettiest faceplate but i don't really care

3. Being new to 4 wheeling i have lots to learn. thankful for the forum and it's members. Owners manual says that to go from 4H to 4L shift A/T into neutral at about 5 MPH and shift to 4L than without hesitation reengage the auto trans. Reverse to get from 4L to 4H.

So unlike my scenario in the sand it seems like you must keep moving to engage 4L. This would mean I should choose 4L before I need it. If I wait till the terrain overcomes the 4H I am stopped and cannot get to 4L at least according to the book. I must be moving, correct?

If on a hill can I roll backward at 5 MPH shift A/T to neutral, engage 4L and than shift into drive to continue?

Or contrary to the manual can i somehow engage 4L at a standstill as I can 4H?

Need to learn all this before I tackle the harder stuff.

4. Lastly, several reviews say the Wrangler and Unlimited are very noisy and not comfortable. They say worse about the Rubicon.

I have no complaints at all. It does not ride like the Genesis or my Laramie but I am one happy guy tonight.!!
 
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#9 ·
Yeah, was gonna say, u will learn here fast... no pic? Didn't happen! Lol.

Nice ride!

You are here...in the world of Jeep. :)

It has begun...
 
#10 ·
So now the madness begins.

No lift or tires in my near future.

I am considering nice black steel bumpers and maybe a winch.

Do I need a winch no I want a winch.

Light bars, possibly but I'll move slowly.

I know this belongs else where but briefly any thoughts on bumpers or winches. Brands?

I'll keep you all posted.

Where the hell am I going to find a boulder field in Florida?? I have to try the goodies in my Jeep.
 
#11 ·
I know exactly how you feel about winches. I want a winch, but have no reason whatsoever to want a winch. I don't even own jumper cables. lol :D

And no it's not because I want the look of a winch. I just want to tie things to it and drag them around. Things like old stuff, pieces of trees, and maybe my jeep. hahaha.
 
#14 ·
The short list. A solid shovel(no fold up) and an axe about 26-28". An inexpensive pair of tools that can mean a whole lot off road. Spider webshade or equivalent. 30' towstrap. Air compressor and tire gauge. Sun block, always in glovebox. For the most basic short list.
 
#17 ·
This. And a first aid kit. A basic socket wrench set ($50 at Home Depot or Lowe's). And some bug repellent!
 
#15 ·
Congrats! Do yourself a favor and hit some trails with the Jeep as-is. You'll learn more about what you really want/need to get. The Rubicon is supremely capable in stock form. Get some basic recovery and first-aid equipment and get her dirty! As for switching to 4L: you can do it stopped but it's easier at 5 mph. And don't worry about that crunching sound!

A winch is a good tool for noobs (like me!)
You can mount one to the stock bumper and transfer it to a steel bumper when the time comes.
 
#18 ·
After much reading and agonizing I bought a silver Unlimited Rubicon this afternoon.At $38.5 K I think I did O.K. Has A/T, max tow, hardtop and Alpine system No connectivity. Not a big deal to me. Took it into Ocala National Forest to get a feel for it. Some observations: 1. I have read on this forum that the stock tires on the Rubicon tend to sink into sand so either keep moving or air down. I don't know what sand they are referring to. here in the forest there is soft "sugar sand" and I started in 2 wheel till i pretty much buried the tires (8-10 in) and was at a stop. I than shifted to 4H and I was out without a problem. So i did not keep moving. Next pass i started in 4H and just drove through. Either method seemed to work. 2. Personally i have no complaints about the 130 head unit and Alpine system. I am coming from a Hyundai Genesis with the Lexicon system so i am spoiled but still very happy with the system. Good bass etc. Not the prettiest faceplate but i don't really care 3. Being new to 4 wheeling i have lots to learn. thankful for the forum and it's members. Owners manual says that to go from 4H to 4L shift A/T into neutral at about 5 MPH and shift to 4L than without hesitation reengage the auto trans. Reverse to get from 4L to 4H. So unlike my scenario in the sand it seems like you must keep moving to engage 4L. This would mean I should choose 4L before I need it. If I wait till the terrain overcomes the 4H I am stopped and cannot get to 4L at least according to the book. I must be moving, correct? If on a hill can I roll backward at 5 MPH shift A/T to neutral, engage 4L and than shift into drive to continue? Or contrary to the manual can i somehow engage 4L at a standstill as I can 4H? Need to learn all this before I tackle the harder stuff. 4. Lastly, several reviews say the Wrangler and Unlimited are very noisy and not comfortable. They say worse about the Rubicon. I have no complaints at all. It does not ride like the Genesis or my Laramie but I am one happy guy tonight.!!
Congratulations!
 
#21 ·
Congratulations!
I'm looking to buy very similar rubicon this week, only options are auto and hardtop.
I noticed on your sticker that your base price is $35,195. That's awesome. If you were to order that exact same rubicon today, the base price is now $35,995!
Mine base price is $35,595. It's crazy how they jack up the price several times throuout the model year.
 
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