Community Forums

golden · 01-12-2012, 02:40 PM

We are getting ready to buy a 4wd to tow behind our Itasca Suncruiser gasser. The two choices we have decided on are the Jeep Wrangler Sport and the Grand Vitara Limited. Both can be towed with all wheels down and the curb weight for both is ok. We intend to go off roading quite a bit while rockhounding, thus the two choices. Additionally, since we will only have one car, this will obviously be used for normal highway driving. I imagine the Suzuki would be more comfortable but the Jeep might go places the Suzuki shouldn't. I don't want to go in places that might be dangerous, but rather stay to roads where my current Saturn Vue wouldn't go. I think the Suzuki could fill the bill and I know the Jeep definitely will. They are comparably priced so that isn't a factor.

For those of you who have, or have had, either, I'd appreciate your comments regarding these vehicles.

justaroamer · 01-12-2012, 02:46 PM

If you are off roading, I would go with the Jeep hands down. Take our Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 4 down using a Blue Ox. Extreme trails in CO, MT are no problem. You will limit yourself with the Suzuki as to where you go and you may see the same trail from both directions and miss what is ahead after you turn around.

Dan DeBruin · 01-12-2012, 02:49 PM

The new 2012 Wrangler with the new engine would be my choice. Looked at the Suzuki for the same reason as you but the milage sucked as bad as the old Wrangler. The Suzuki had a few more amentities if you got the base Wrangler but if you upgrade you can get the same..... and you would have a Wrangler! Just my 2cents

golden · 01-12-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justaroamer

If you are off roading, I would go with the Jeep hands down. Take our Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 4 down using a Blue Ox. Extreme trails in CO, MT are no problem. You will limit yourself with the Suzuki as to where you go and you may see the same trail from both directions and miss what is ahead after you turn around.

I really like the Rubicon but it is far heavier than I can tow (GVWR of 22K lbs and GCVR of 26K lbs). Interesting you mentioned CO because we spend four months every summer in SW CO and it is one of the driving (no pun intended!) factors for the desire for the 4wd.

tncruiser · 01-12-2012, 03:36 PM

i say the jeep,but that might be cause i i try to buy American where ever possible
my jeep is 79% American content only vehicle with higher content is the 2012 ford explorer and yes i have one of those too
brianj

Texas TC · 01-12-2012, 03:51 PM

I have had four Jeeps, flat towed three of them. They are great little vehicles for towing and fun to drive. However, I will tell you they are heavier than you might think. When having my new Journey weighed at a CAT scale, I had the 2011 Wrangler Sport in tow. Of course it was weighed separately from the coach but gave me the actual weight of the vehicle. Full of fuel, my stock '11 Wrangler Sport weighed 4280# which is a bit more than I had expected from reading advertised dry weights. Just thought I would let you know the actual weight while you are making your decision. If you can afford that much weight, I would definitely go with the Wrangler.

Steve N Sal · 01-12-2012, 03:56 PM

I guess you'll have to determine which type of driving you are going to be doing more of. Off roading of any type the jeep would be my choice.

LVJ58 · 01-12-2012, 08:13 PM

Along with others I would agree Jeep is a good choice, however we've been towing our 03 Suzuki XL7 now for 7 years with zero problems. We've done a bit of off-roading in the Quartzsite area. The decision for me would be a flip of the coin.

Good luck with your choice and travel safe

wa8yxm · 01-13-2012, 08:20 AM

The add with this thread when I viewed it was "the 2012 JEEP linup" ad. Very good ad picker on this one.

I too favor Jeep.. all other companies are pretenders to the throne that is JEEP's.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 01-13-2012, 08:31 AM

I'm on my second Jeep and if I ever get a new toad it will be a Jeep. The removable front roof panels are great for sight seeing.

hardy1000 · 01-13-2012, 08:37 AM

I am on my second Wrangler and have flat towed both. I have an 09 Wrangler Unlimited (4 door) Rubicon DW and I really like. The new 2012 Wranglers have more HP and get better milage.

golden · 01-13-2012, 04:21 PM

We got the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Thanks to all for their comments.

Xjaywalker · 02-06-2012, 02:47 PM

We too are looking at the Jeep Wrangler for a TOAD. Curious though, I see a lot of people went with the 4 door. Is there a particular reason? Aside from the obvious of more passenger room and cargo space. Does the 4 door have the same off road ability?

bronk · 02-06-2012, 03:05 PM

We currently have a Jeep Wrangler for a toad. I opted for an older model (2001) because I didn't want the hassle of having to remove fuses, start and run at regular intervals and other limitations related to the new models. Yes, the 4 door Jeep has really pretty good off-roading abilities, and certainly is more "roadable" than the older models (longer wheelbase, etc), but I prefer the two door model for off-roading and ease of towing. Also, the weight is greater for the larger models. But in the end, it is whatever works best for you.

Bronk