Community Forums

Hikerdogs · 03-01-2014, 05:34 AM

We're in the process of purchasing a new toad and it's definitely going to be a Jeep Wrangler. We had a 2004 Wrangler up until a couple weeks ago. It was rear ended and totaled when we were towing it behind the motorhome to Florida.

The new one will be either a 2014 Sahara or Rubicon. Personally I'm leaning toward the Rubicon, but we have to test drive both before making a final decision.

We'll replace our Roadmaster Sterling tow bar with a Sterling All Terrain. The Sterling was also destroyed in the accident. It was one tough tow bar. Even though we were hit hard enough to do $10,000.00+ damage to the Jeep and bend the tow bar it still held everything together.

We'll buy a Roadmaster 9060 second car braking system since we have some of the related equipment in the motorhome. If we were to buy a completely new braking system I would consider M&G or SMI Air force 1. Neither of these companies made a system to fit a Wrangler when we first outfitted our 2004.

osok · 03-01-2014, 05:54 AM

There is a reason more Jeep Wranglers are being towed than any other single vehicle. The are tow friendly, medium to light weight and fun to drive. You can drive it to the opera or top of a mountain. I prefer top of mountain.lol

laj · 03-01-2014, 08:07 AM

looking as well at a 2014 wrangler. don't mean to ask a ford & gm question or hijack the thread but what do you all prefer. auto or stick. have had all sticks in past, don't really know much about how good the autos are. medium off road use, no rock climbing and as normal road. thanks.

Hikerdogs · 03-01-2014, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laj

looking as well at a 2014 wrangler. don't mean to ask a ford & gm question or hijack the thread but what do you all prefer. auto or stick. have had all sticks in past, don't really know much about how good the autos are. medium off road use, no rock climbing and as normal road. thanks.

Our 2004 was an automatic, and our 2014 will have an automatic transmission also. The wife doesn't care for a stick shift, and quite frankly I don't see the advantage of one either. 30 years ago I would have definitely opted for a stick shift. The automatics have come a long way and in many cases are stronger than a stick. Many manufacturers have a heavier load rating and towing capacity for a vehicle equipped with an automatic than with a similarly equipped one with a stick

The auto trans in our 2004 was a 4 speed and handled off roading just fine. We're not into rock climbing or trails that "you can expect some body damage", but it handled anything short of that with ease. The new auto trans is a 5 speed so I expect the same or better performance.

Mekanic · 03-01-2014, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acerv47

Will a late model Wrangler screw up my back even more than it is already? Getting different opinions on whether to buy or not!

Are the people telling you not to buy people that have owned jeeps in the 1960s and 1970s?
Many times I run into people like that and I ask them if they have driven one of the newer designs built after 1997. in 1997 the TJ model came out with is coil spring at every corner. Jeep called it Quadra-coil suspension. It was a QUITE a BIG CHANGE from the leaf spring CJs of old. Sure the new ones will not ride as good as a Honda Accord. But Jeep TJs and JKs are not cars. They are quite reliable vehicle that get you home or where ever you want to go no matter the weather.
I'd test drive one and find a road that is not so perfect. that is the only way you are going to know what the vehicle is like.

laj · 03-01-2014, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs

Our 2004 was an automatic, and our 2014 will have an automatic transmission also. The wife doesn't care for a stick shift, and quite frankly I don't see the advantage of one either. 30 years ago I would have definitely opted for a stick shift. The automatics have come a long way and in many cases are stronger than a stick. Many manufacturers have a heavier load rating and towing capacity for a vehicle equipped with an automatic than with a similarly equipped one with a stick

The auto trans in our 2004 was a 4 speed and handled off roading just fine. We're not into rock climbing or trails that "you can expect some body damage", but it handled anything short of that with ease. The new auto trans is a 5 speed so I expect the same or better performance.

thanks. that's exactly what I was wondering.

Redridge · 03-01-2014, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acerv47

Will a late model Wrangler screw up my back even more than it is already? Getting different opinions on whether to buy or not!

I have a BMW X5 diesel, the Rubicon is very comfy... it drives like a Cadillac compared to the X5. The only thing about the Jeep is getting in and out... it can be awkward to some... I would test drive one.

hogdriver · 03-01-2014, 06:36 PM

I tow a 2012 Rubicon JK with a Roadmaster Sterling towbar connected to welded tabs on my aftermarket bumper from LOD industries. I can hook up in 2-3 minutes. The JK is a great toad. Mine weighs about 4400 lbs. I also use the Roadmaster Brakemaster air brake, which I think is great with a DP because it is simple, has few moving parts, no electrical hookups and offers proportional braking just like the RV.