Author Topic: To Rubicon or Not To Rubicon - That is the question (Read 1031 times)

missouri dave · « **on:** April 20, 2005, 05:32:53 PM »

I'm looking at two different jeeps for my daily driver. I don't off road much. That would be more to get me back on the road than anything else. Both are 2004's in great shape. Both have the six cylinder and the manual tranny. One is the rubicon and one isn't. The rubicon is a good bit more than the other. I could probably afford it but my question is , is it worth it? At some point in the future I'd like a small utility trailer to tow behind it(for projects around the house). Does anybody know the standard jeep tow rating? The rubicon is 3500 pounds. Thanks for the help.

fe352v8 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2005, 07:04:20 PM »

If you go to jeep.com you can compare all the wrangler models, I think the unlimited is the only other one with a 3500 lbs., tow capacity, the others are around 2000 lbs. Depending on your intent and the price difference there is a ton of aftermarket suspension up-grades. Whatever you do get a good stereo, noisy beasts on the highway.

life is nojoke but funny things happen

jon

Special Ed · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2005, 02:37:41 AM »

If it were me, I'd be grabbin' the Rubicon. It's got a bullet-proof drive train under it compared to the std. Wrangler. It should also hold a higher resale value in the long run.

gregg454 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2005, 03:35:07 AM »

Ed I think is right about holding its value. Then again
Only you know if its worth it to you. If i recall correctly.
Dana 44 instead of a Dana 35 rear. That i think is the only
gain in beef up drive train. A 4 to 1 transfer case
and Elec. selectable lockers Front and Rear. 31 inch tires
Those are the upgrades that stick in my head?? From what you
have said a stock jeep will do what you need done.
You got to do the homework and make the chose.

Special Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2005, 04:24:22 AM »

Dana 44's front & rear, lots-o-good stuff!
http://www.jeep.com/wrangler/models/rubicon.html
Yea, I would LOVE to have one!

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2005, 06:48:31 AM »

The Rubicon is built for off-raod use in mind. If you're not going to be in those situations why bother and spend the extra money? The stock TJ is pretty capable off-road as it is. As for towing, I wouldn't worry, the basic utility trailers are good behind them. 44's yup, nice, but for a daily driver un-neccessary. Again, paying for things you don't need or will never use. Keep in mind these are not your aerodynamic road machines. Fuel milage isn't to great either (17 mpg ave)

3500 lbs? Not sure where this is fom but the Rubicaon is listed as having a base weight of 3740 and towing cap of 2000. Non-Rubicon TJ's are listed at 3457 lbs and the same 2000 towing cap.

http://www-5.jeep.com/vehsuite/VehicleCompare.jsp?vehicle=WRANGLER&pid=u&adid=u&rid=u

For your intended purpose, a Rubicon makes about as much sence as buying a Viper convertable in Anchorage, Alaska

ribbonstone · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2005, 04:09:09 PM »

Part of it is wheelbase...the new unlimited Wrangler, with it's longer wheel base, is rated for 3500lbs. On a stright line, no problem towing that with the "normal" Wrangler, but when you turn the trailer tends to want to keep going straight (or flip the jeep).

Truthfully, Jeeps aren't great tow cars for heavy trailers..can yank them out of a ditch, but not the best choice for towing a large heavy item down interstate.

longwalker · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2005, 07:02:50 AM »

Here is a curve ball, How about a Cherokee. I purchased one in 1998 it has pulled trailers and the like very well. I think you would like it better on the highway and it will take you alot of places.

Every vehical is a compromise. If you want to crawl over rocks the rubicon is right.

longwalker