I find that anytime I consider replacing an existing vehicle and run the numbers, it just isnt cost effective. The real question is can the JKUR do what you need it to do with a reasonable about of mods. If not than its more of meets needs doesnt meet need decision. If it can than it is more of a want decision. From your words, I suspect you would have some buyers remorse if you make the move right now. More specifically I sort of looked at a similar decision of going from a 2 door to a 4 door but decided the benefits didnt out way the cons/cost for me. If I applied the same consideration but instead it was between the 2 door and the Gladiator, I would again not make the change for a variety of reasons - the improvements are nice and the extra space would be great, but just not worth it in my case. Yours may be different.

 

To me it's 50k spent for a paid off 2016 JKU overlanding rig vs 70k in debt for a JLU or JT overlanding rig.
It's not cost effective for me.

I refuse to piss away the money I have spent in mods to a dealer who would be more than willing to run me through.

 

Yes, My JKUR will overland and 4x4 as much as I want. A JT will do it better especially on the highway and have more room. Everything will be new and updated. The thought of driving my JK from here to Idaho is not something I would want to do but a JT will do it easier. My JK has not had a issue since I have owned it. A new JT would have a warranty for several years. I only overland a few times a year and at 70 my years are numbered with it. Just looking for a solid reason to do the JT or not. It's all my decision and I have the money to do it.

 

Well worth it if you can afford it mostly because of the room you'll gain if you're going to use it. This is one of the reasons why i sold my 13 jku a few years ago. I needed more power, i needed more room for outdoor stuff, i needed more towing/hauling capacities in my case i ended up with a 4th gen RAM 1500 crew cab 4x4 truck with a Hemi and i fitted the sucker with Kings, rock sliders, skids, bumpers, winch, 37's then to 35's cause the MPG sucked Now that truck is our family overlander and we take it on long trips and i bought another JKU cause the Jeep can go places where the truck can't cause of clearance. In your case with a JT that shouldn't be an issue,
In my case the truck can tow 10k lbs and the Jeep is only 3500lbs. Not that i'll ever need to tow that heavy but the difference in power delivery and cargo capacity and handling when fully loaded or towing 6700lbs is day and night. Something i can't do with a JKU.
If you're considering a JT, take a look at the RAM Powerwagon as well. if you think i'm crazy for saying that, ask Trailrecon about JT vs Powerwagon especially if you're really thinking about overlanding and space and all that. The PW is a Jeep on steroids bone stock, is just very big but you can fit 37's on that biatch stock, get a softopper and load that bitch up to the roof and i'll go everywhere with factory front/rear lockers bone stock. It's Yuuuge though but it'll take your ovelanding capabilities to another level.

 

Have you thought of just purchasing an overland trailer to use with your JKU? It may give you some additional options for a less expensive price then a JT.

 

This, x100. You could easily put a RTT on a trailer, all your camping gear and extraneous extras and park it for kind of a home base and then go out wheeling in a nice light Jeep without the high center of gravity that a RTT gives you. It also allows you to keep your Jeep and all the mods it has. I have considered a small trailer for just this reason. You could also put the same wheels and tires on it as your Jeep has and in theory have an extra two spare tires if you got into dire straits by having several flats. I know you'd have to leave the trailer behind and come back and get it, but if it's a bad situation, might be worth it.

 

^ This is actually along the lines I’m looking for down the road. Space in a TJ is minimal at best. If your JK is paid off, or close to it, I would keep it and get a trailer, but that’s just my input in the matter. If I need a truck, I’ll get a full sized truck, the Gladiator bed is too small for my tastes. Again, just my opinion FWIW.

 

Power Wagon was a good suggestion

@jadmt almost purchased a JT but went for the PW instead and is very happy with it

 

it is a beast and it's capabilities are pretty incredible for its size. I can't even complain about the mpg. we have a newer Honda CRV touring but the PW is our go to roadtrip vehicle because it is so comfortable.

 

For 95% of cases I say not to bother as it’s not worth it and it’s a waste of money. However at 70, do what makes you happy man. If you can afford it go ahead.

 

Ultimately I have to agree with that ^ ! We may all weight in until the cows come home and cook a 3 course meal (or become part of one🤤), but in the end your comfort is much more important!

 

The gladiator isn’t a bad option. I say do what makes you happy!

 

This is great, thank you all. I have done nothing yet and I am able to do what I want dollar wise. My Ram diesel is my summer TT tow truck but it sucks on dirt roads and I need the thing to tow 8500 pound trailer so no off road suspension for it. Dog gets the back seat for a bed and I get a ARE shell in the back. Mojave wind is a pain with a tent and that's where I'll be with the JKUR. The Power Wagon is justa monster off road and I'm not into that. The Gladiator is kind of goofy looking to me but it's the best mid size 4x4 truck. My overlanding is not base camp type so a camp trailer won't work. For Berrago I just stay in a motel. I figure some day I'll just do it and the JK will be for sale.

 

Overlanding is all about roof top tents, awnings, and refrigerators. Add those 3 things to your JKU and call yourself and overlander.

Friend of mine made good point - if you want the best midsize 4x4 pickup, get a Tacoma.
If you want the ultimate off road vehicle - get a 2 or 4 door Wrangler.

I've wheeled with multiple Gladiators. You really need big tires for that to be a viable off road vehicle. They don't do anything well otherwise.

 

Does your Jk do the job? If so I would keep it. You can take some seriously amazing trips with the $$ you save. If you need a small truck and I know this is a JEEP forum, BUT, I would look at at a low milage PROX4, you can get one for half the price of the JT. Save a lot of $ for any mods, or better yet spend it on travel!

 

I guess there's overlanding and there's overlanding which requires you at times to base camp. An RTT is a great thing if your young but getting older does not work well climbing a ladder when you have to take a piss at 3am. There are literally a ton of off road trailers out there now that make overlanding very easy. Heat, air conditioning, yep you can pretty much get it all.

Also it looks like a couple of companies have now done the 8 speed tranny sway into the JK's.

 

what company does the 8speed swap? I’d be interested for sure!

 

I considered the same thing recently. I have a paid off fully built jkur, I mean top to bottom…everything. But space is an issue when bringing the whole family overlanding which I want to do more of going forward now that the kids are more self sufficient. I do more overlanding than rock crawling these days anyway due to my friends rigs (tacomas, 4 runners etc). I ran numbers and couldn’t justify the change and a payment. I decided to be a lot more choosy with the gear I bring. I may build a small sleeper trailer for when the kids come in the not so distant future.

 

1. You’re 70
2. You can afford it
3. You (think) want one
Take a reasonably long test drive to confirm your “want”. Then I think the decision will be easier.

 

Looks like Motec offers a ten speed for the Jk.

MOTECH PREMIUM CONVERSIONS

THERE IS NO EQUAL Direct injected GM LT1 engine, combined with GM's 8 speed transmission represents the pinnacle of V8 engine conversion technology.

lswrangler.com

 

As long as you swap in a LT motor also.

 

I’m getting old I guess. I take my Jeep offroad and I camp overnight. Not really sure what “overlanding” means, although I’m sure I do it. RTT’s are nice, but mostly for show where I live. Some folks think it’s a status symbol to drive around town with all that weight on their Jeeps. To each his own, but I agree that climbing down a ladder at 3 AM to pee just isn’t what I want to do!


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Well, I went and bought a Gladiator Rubicon, white painted roof and fenders, leather, 8.4, switches, pretty much everything but no ACC. Rides great, better than my Wrangler ever could. Everything looks and feels much better than the JKUR. Yep, the JKUR is for sale.

 

Congrats.

 

I would of held out until the Hemi is offered.

 

Production of the Wrangler 392 is over. Much more battery stuff in 2023.