Community Forums

Lilfoot · 09-14-2017, 10:37 AM

We're undecided about a toad; specifically whether we should consider an off roadable vehicle like a Jeep or stick to a practical commuter car. For all those 4X4 toaders do you off road much? We'd probably be more interested in gentle/med off roading. Is there much at that level out there & is it worth getting a Jeep for? Thank you!

Old Scout · 09-14-2017, 10:42 AM

Its a "Jeep Thing".....if you don't get it--then don't get one...you will be sorry if you do...go for bland and stay on the black-top [smile]

Lee L · 09-14-2017, 10:54 AM

We wouldn't be without our Jeep. And, Yes ... there are tons of places for "gentle/med" offroading. Turn off on any Forest Service or BLM maintained road and enjoy the sightseeing. For a real treat, spend some time in the Moab, UT area and explore the thousands of miles of offroad trails from mild to "There is NO WAY I will try that!". We don't do anything that anyone would consider "extreme" but we really love getting off the beaten path and poking around the back country.

One of our first stops in any new area is a visit to the local BLM office/Ranger Station to pick up a map and plan our routes.

ptw · 09-14-2017, 11:09 AM

We love our Jeep! Picture taken in Uinta National Forest, Utah.

mfire1339 · 09-14-2017, 11:18 AM

We JEEP

TJ · 09-14-2017, 11:41 AM

We tow a 2014 Honda CR-V AWD. If road conditions are so bad that we can't drive it to where we want to go, we don't go. My experience with Jeep products is that they are not very comfortable to ride in on a daily basis. YMMV

jerry davis · 09-14-2017, 11:51 AM

We've towed a Wrangler Sahara for 5 years now. Is it a bit rough? Yes. Is it a perfect smooth road car? No. However it's great fun for exploring anywhere on any surface. And so easy to hookup....transfer case in neutral, transmission in park, pull the key out of the ignition and go!

lass · 09-14-2017, 01:05 PM

I picked up a GC Summit and it gives me most of the 4 wheel off road features along with the luxury interior of a premium car. It is a compromise for true off roading but really nice on the highways. The trailhawk would also be a way to go.

dix39 · 09-14-2017, 01:44 PM

Another 4WD option would be a Samurai or Tracker, although they aren't available new. That's what we've been towing for the last 15 years. Compared with a Jeep, they're smaller, lighter, and get better gas mileage. It's not that I'm "anti-Jeep", I've had several, it's just that for towing I prefer smaller, lighter, and better gas mileage. IMHO, the Sammi is more "off road" while the Tracker is more suitable for on/off road. With manual shift either can be towed without modifications by placing hubs out, trans in gear, and transfer in neutral. I added drive line disconnects to ours because we tow them coast to coast annually at 70 or so mph.

Best of luck.

Steve

Stuart W · 09-14-2017, 02:38 PM

We Jeep, 4 door with the rear seats down has a lot of room for our two Australian Shepherds

Qwert66 · 09-14-2017, 02:43 PM

We do medium off-roading and still enjoy a comfortable ride with our Chev Trailblazer LTZ 4wd. Easy to tow 4 down, neutral, selector sw to hidden position and go. No steering wheel locks, fuse pulling, limited tow mileage etc.
Unfortunately they are no longer available or we would purchase another one on the spot as ours has 260,000mi under power and another 60,000 towing. Comes in at 4,800# so is under the 5k towing limit of some rv's.

Stripe34 · 09-14-2017, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilfoot

We're undecided about a toad; specifically whether we should consider an off roadable vehicle like a Jeep or stick to a practical commuter car. For all those 4X4 toaders do you off road much? We'd probably be more interested in gentle/med off roading. Is there much at that level out there & is it worth getting a Jeep for? Thank you!

If you like to hike, they're invaluable because they can take you to just about any trailhead.

They are great for exploring the national & state forest roads that would beat up a standard passenger car too much.

I'm surprised how comfortable ours is as a commuter vehicle. I've also been surprised at how much the dog likes riding in it.

Our only regret is that we didn't get one years ago.

joes2901 · 09-14-2017, 02:56 PM

I tow a 2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4, V6, auto and it runs with the Jeeps in Death Valley off-roading. It is much more comfortable when driving on the highway, and the truck bed can carry much more than a Jeep. When I drop the tail gate and start the BBQ the Jeepers with their PB&J sandwiches complained it was not fair when I broiled some kalbasa and toasted the bread.
I use a DSC (drive shaft disconnect) for 4 down towing and a lazy man's hookup system from Roadmaster with US Gear brake system.

sledwest · 09-14-2017, 03:05 PM

We have owned 12 jeeps from a 1949 cj3a to a 2012 jk . All have left me on the side of the road! 4 of them we have towed behind our mh. I found all to have awful road manners,water leaks,air leaks,road noise, low on power,bad fuel mileage and to small.We now tow tahoes or suburbans. That being said would i buy another??? Maybe,they are fun,its a jeep thing!! As stated above if i cant get the suburban there i should'nt be there.