I'm looking for a new vehicle to haul my sorry butt around to the various trad places that I go. :eek: Even tho not many, I'm looking for something better than my 9mpg Dodge 1500. Also planning to tote either a small boat or pop-up camper. :thumbsup:
ask ron leclair he has one and it is one nice vehicle if you ask me
That's right! I forgot about Ron getting one....
Thanks Rob!
Toyota tucoma 4 cyl. 4 spd. 4x4
Check out consumer reports, then buy a Tacoma.
I think I would have to agree with bloodyarrow and Orion on the Tacoma -- 4 cyl 4x4. I am not knocking Jeeps, I just believe Jeeps have more cons than pros.
My son, now serving in Korea, left his Jeep with me until he returns. I know you are talking about the newer wrangler. He has a Rubicon model, and although he has put alot into it, it is a gas guzzler. It can tow a house, but you also pay for it two-fold with poor gas mileage. It is small, and you run out of storage room quickly.
It is a very good off-road vehicle, and it is a "looker", but with alot of disadvantages. Just my 2 cents. So I'd do some more homework before buying.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IMG_0778.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IMG_0777.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IMG_0776.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IMG_0775.jpg)
I've found my love in a 4x4. Big and Ugly and tows Hummer and Jeeps out of the back country quite nicely!
1961 Unimog Radio Truck Since this photo was taken I've added 1600 by 20 tires (52 inch tall) and a 20,000# Tulsa PTO winch up front and a 15,000# Tulsa PTO in the rear.
Turret Trap door above the front passenger seat is just too cool!
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/Unimog4.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/MikeOrton_2006/Unimog3-1.jpg)
Nice real nice,the price of gas don't matter when you're rollin down the trail in that my friend,ya got a nice ride there,I have a 2002 Wrangler,I know short on space for gear but it makes up for it FUN!They are work horses, almost 150,000 miles on mine now and I still like it and I drive it like I stole it.
I love my Jeep Wrangler, but in reality it (and the newer ones, but not as much) are gas guzzlers... maybe not as low as 9MPG but not as good as smaller pickups. I had a Toy 4X4 pickup and it was like a mule, went everywhere I wanted it too, even if I should have not. Flooded it once in about 4 feet of water... keep going and never had a problem.
Jeeps are great fun, but really unreasonable vehicles. Very little storage (not sure about the new 4 doors but doubt there is the space of a small truck). Jeep aerodynamics are like pushing a sheet pf plywood down the highway... not efficient. If I was not a glutton Jeep lover, I would have another Toyota 4x4 truck... great,great trucks... I really miss my trucks bed. Hard to haul wood, dirt, tools, tree stands, or anything really in a Jeep
HTH
John
BTW Nice rigs.... love the Unimog!
Edited out all my non-topic stuff:
I'll keep my ole''90 Jeep Wagoneer.
I drive a power stroke my brother has a jeep i used his jeep one day thinking i could save on fuel but i should have drove my stroke i would haved saved money. That is wy i was looking at the yoyo's.
But i'll rethink that now good info to know Woodduck
I'm in the market for a new rig to replace my Dakota QuadCab,,, was actually going to the dealers to look at a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon,,, I'll let you know what I think after I check it out.
I love my Wrangler Unlimited. I got it last summer so it's been to deer camp. Mine has the trailer package, 5,000lb capacity, I pulled my 13' V-nose trailer loaded with all the gear for two men, stands, quad and such and it pulled it just fine. I'm thinking about getting a smaller travel trailer so I won't have to haul my 30' trailer with my diesel :scared: :eek:
Last month we drove it to Tennessee because the gas was cheaper than diesel fuel, it rides very comfortable and has cruise and satelite radio. Jeeps are more than just off road vehicles nowadays.
My Jeep is a 6 speed V6, it gets 18/19 hwy, 17 town.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Rubicon%201.JPG)
Hey Woodduck,
What kind of gas mileage do you get on that 90's Jeep Wagoneer? I have always loved how they look but with monthly gas prices approaching a car payment I have to ask about fuel efficiency.
Brian
I would not base much on who gave who what($$$$) Every large corporation in America doles out millions every year to groups like that. It's all PR, nothing more. It's called "covering your bases".
I'm looking at a different ride too. Consumer reports is a good guide and some stuff in there might surprise you. The Jeeps do not test well overall.Neither do the small GM trucks. I've been driving a non 4x4 for a while and want to go back to 4x4. My last was a Toyota 4x4 with 4 cyl and std tranny. Great mileage and would do whatever I asked it to do. What will likely happen though is the Mrs. will get a new , smaller hi mpg ride, and I'll inherite her Expedition. She drives more than I do per week and I will at last be back in a 4x4.
On the Jeeps with canvas tops-- I sell and install them as part of the trim shop business.The tops last about 6-7 yrs if taken care of. Zippers go bad, they shrink to the point you can barely use them. Lots of issues. New one is gonna cost about $700, so factor that in the cost. I done one just yesterday, 6 yrs old and the zippers were all screwed up and would not work. Just a thought.
My 2006 Wrangler Rubicon looks a lot like Larry's son's jeep. I also have a 2007 Commander, and have owned Jeeps for almost 30 years now, including Cherokees. I bought the 06 Wrangler when the 07s were announced with a V6 minivan engine. The 4.0 liter straight 6 is bulletproof, and the V6 unproven.
My son just bought an 04 Wrangler unlimited, and loves it. It holds his family of 4, plus a large Lab.
All of the disadvantages outlined here are true. Mileage is poor for its size, and the tank is relatively small, but for all its disadvantages, owning a Jeep is a choice a lot like choosing traditional equipment over modern compound bows. The Jeep has a history and tradition that no toyota will ever have.
Gerry
I bought a small truck once! Owned for about two months and traded it on a full size truck. What you make up for in gas you lose in room and comfort.
Dale you'll miss your pickup!
Chuck
I had an 05' 4 cyl. wrangler and got 22 to 24. It was week as water and the soft top leaked from the day I got it. I had a 99' 4.0 hard top that I loved and averaged 18 miles to the gallon. Get the hard top! I also had a 2001 tacaoma 4 cyl. got 20 miles to the gallon with oversized tires and it towed my pop-up fine. I even toted a pallet of commercial tile, about 1600 pounds, 50 miles with no prob. In short if you buy a small truck get a toyota. If you buy a jeep get a 6 cyl. hard top. Both of them do what you need in the woods. They are gonna get the same gas miledge in my expieriance. If you have a jeep you need a rack for dead animals unless you wanna smell em all the way home, The truck is more versitile. Imho I would get a 4 door short bed taco with the TRD package for the locking rear diff.
Hey Dale, I have an 07 4-door wrangler. Looks just like Ron's.
I was getting 20 mpg with the stock mickey mouse tires, when I put 33's on it milage dropped to 17.5mpg. V6 and 6 speed, tow pack. with 4.10 gears.
By the way it hauls my 62in bow easily in the back seat or in the rear cargo area.
I love it for that. I can put all my stuff: trees stand , bow etc. and still take someone with me. Put a hitch hauler on it for deer and trash runs. I usaully put the hardtop on during deer season so I can leave my gear in it all season, more secure that way.
Please head this advice:o7 has a lotta bugs, get an 08. Get skid plate for oil pan, it is very very exposed. Did I mention the skid plate is exposed?
Hope this helped ya.
Oh, I forgot. If you forget the hitch hauler, you can put a deer in the back.
jeeps are cool,chicks love jeeps :) Not very practical for a commuter vehicle,not a lot of room for stuff in the 2 door versions.I just don't like the fact that dodge is making them now.All the dodges I've had have been unreliable.The newer 4 door versions look like they have more room and the new modular top system is an improvement.
CB
I edited all non topic stuff:
Got 145,000 on my jeep :bigsmyl:
I put a Hitch-Haul that's made in Georgia by a good ole boy, so my Evangelist Baptist neighbor from GA told me.
I like to keep my jeep as low as I can and it's easier for an oldefarte like me to snatch and pull a deer on the back. So I didn't put a lift kit on; just bigger tires.
2002 Tacoma 4x4, 6 cyl, double cab. 21 mpg hwy. 97,000 miles on it. Replaced one light bulb and a set of tires. Expect it to last another 100K easily with few problems. Hard to argue with that.
Love my Jeep - '67 CJ5. Not an every day rig though. :D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/Blutck/Jeep002.jpg)
I just sold my toyota xcab 4x4 to a buddy, after buying it new and driving/hunting it for 19 years. It is still in great shape and he'll use it on his place until he's tired of seeing it, just like me.
I got a 2000 tacoma 4x4 xcab now, more powerful v6, locking rear end, auto trans, I'm not gonna know what to do with all that.
In other parts of the world where they dont fool with stupid stuff like EPA restrictions they have a truck called the Hilux, made by toyota. Heavy suspension, diesel engine, four door, 4x4. This machine will literally go anywhere you have the balls to drive it. I have some experience with these in Afghanistan, and they are awesome. I just wish we could get them here.
Make mine a toyt.
I'm with you woodduck..
Go check out the taco's. I have a 2000 Tacoma, 4 cyl, 4x4, auto, regular cab with 180,000 miles on it and it still going strong. The only major problem ive had is with the exhaust manifold they cracking in the center, so I fixed that problem by puting a pace setter header on it. I get 24 mpg highway with a volant cold air intake, header, no catalytic converter, flow master muffler and 31-10.50x15 tires. I got about 26 mpg before I did all that stuff, but at least it sounds cool.
GO TACO'S !!!!!!
Maybe I'm confused (again)... :) I thought this thread was about recommending a quality hunting truck... Now it seems to be drifting into politics. :rolleyes:
I smell a lockdown... :readit:
Back to the jeep...FOCUS.
OK I own one in a silver color like Ron's. Bought a soft and hard top for it. So far it has withstood a 70mph crash and lived to tell about it. It has survived an elk hunt in Colorado and drove comfortably the 22 hours from the Ill flatlands. It has survived my two kids thus far aside from gummy worm stains and spilled chocolate milk (ages 4 and 6).
Gas mileage is as stated above. I pull a pop-up with no problems and I modified a hitch haul so that when I open the back swing gate I have room. I traded a 2500 Chevy Diesel truck for it and have never looked back. For bowhunting it rocks! Plenty of room for gear and I use the hitch haul to haul out critters...so far used it three times and those dead deer arrived just as secure to my shop than if they were in a pickemup.
WOW I came home to a pile of posts!! THANK You all!!
I'm kinda "pickup-ed out". Maybe because the Ram 1500 can seat 6. My kids grew up in this truck.
I could stuff most everything I wanted in there too. It's been quite loyal and frankly a good truck. My 2 older kids are now starting to drive. Soon I wont need the big truck anymore.
If any truck is worth anything- a trad guy most likely owns it. Hence my thread. For instance I'm sure if Ron has one and likes his, most likely it's a good dependable vehicle. If the secretary at work that has never been in the woods has one and loves it- it doesnt mean as much to me.
When I took one for a ride, my main worry was the reliability of the V6. You cant tell in 15 minutes. I dont plan on a Rubicon, but the Sahara with the 6 spd manual is what I'm looking for. Both tops are also mandatory for me.
FWIW- the other vehicle I am considering is a Toyota but not the pickup truck. I also like the FJ Cruiser. But it's a bit more expensive than the Jeep, but I do know the quality of Toyota trucks.
Again Thanks for the responses!
My wife drives an 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 inline 6 cylinder and she loves it. Has 103,000 miles with no problems whatever. She gets about 20 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the highway.
I drive a 98 Toyota Tacoma ext cab 4X4, 4 cylinder, auto. it has 185,000 miles and no problems. I get 20 to 22 mpg in town and on the highway and that is with 32 x 11.50 mud tires. So it seems that most of the recommendations are pretty good ones hope you can find what you are looking for.
I have an 05 Rubicon. It's a hunting rig and a toy. The Rubicon comes with a 586 rear end this equals bad gas mileage!!!! Mine see's maybe 8000 miles a yr so not an issue. I have a bunch of Wranglers that I use for fleet vehicles they are bomb proof. Repairs costs have been 1/2 what they used to be prior to the wranglers. Don't but the Rubicon option if you are going to drive this thing everyday. Otherwise the jeep is hard to beat for an american made truck. No question the Toyotas are a supreme mobile by far. But a loaded wrangler is much cheaper than a loaded Tacoma.
I've driven a buddy's FJ Cruiser. The ride and handling was superb, which was quite surprising for a truck-like rig. Visibility out the back corners was poor, though, and I hate blind spots. It's also more fond of gas than my 6 cylinder Tacoma, but I'm sure it would be as rugged and dependable as any other Toyota.
Knife River- the 1st thing I thought of was the poor visibility on the back of the Cruiser. I too HATE blind spots!
Did somebody say deer hauler?
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/deer_carrier.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Deer_carrier2.JPG)
Did somebody say trailer hauler? Here it is hooked to my utility trailer. The Jeep hauled it 1,000 miles round trip, loaded to the gills on the way home with gear and deer. It has the rag top in this picture but I like the hard top best.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Rubetrail.JPG)
Woodduck, no where in my reply do I even mention the word "Care" much less infer it. My point was that all large corporations give money to groups like the ones you mention and I know in two of those cases so does Daimler/Chrysler (the makers of your Jeep) Anything beyond that is simply your mind working overtime.
I guess I'm kinda partial to the jeep product. I have a 2000 TJ with an off-road package sporting a 9000i Warn winch, a 2001 XJ and a 2007 KJ. The first two I use mostly for hunting and off-road activities and around town while the KJ is used more for trips, etc. although I may use it for hunting. All have skid plates and tow hooks [there are more skid plates under the Liberty than the others]. I have also owned three other Cherokees, a Grand Wagoneer and two CJ's. Nothing like the feel of traction and power you get with a jeep in four-wheel low range. I've been on Jeep Jamborees and in some pretty tough places extracating my vehicle, and that's where the jeep product is at its best. I'll concede to some degree the milage issue, but when I'm off road I want to be certain that I'm going to make it back home.
Tox Collector
I might also mention that my two children grew up with jeeps. My daughter owns a Liberty and my son drives a Grand Cherokee.
Edited, by me, to be topic related, only:
I'll let you talk 'trad bowhunting only' in your 'new vehicles' of choice...
I am still loving my jeep.
For a new one, I'd get the one Ron got or at least one with longest wheelbase.
'Preciate that comment about my mind, working overtime, though, cool. :cool:
I got my first Jeep back in the early 70's. I had a neat little 4cly Jeep Scrambler in the early 80's..remember those?
My Son is on his 2nd Jeep and his son, my grandson, has one also...so I guess you could call us a Jeep family. :goldtooth:
My 1st car, I had a 58 Willy's station wagon, flathead6. Crawl up and down trees if ya asked it to. Couldnt go 50 mph tho. Pulled out the back seat an put in 3" of rubber foam for a bed and curtains. LOL! Favorite 8 track was the Doors People are Strange...
I've driven CJ's and Cherokee's and now my son has a Grand Cherokee Laredo, 6 cyl 150,000. It's just getting broken in!
My point is that I have a small history with Jeep.
I worry about the new motor. However when I read about Trad guys having success with their new Wranglers, It definitely points me to the direction of the Jeep. Again I appreciate all your posts! Thanks!
I have a 92 Jeep Cherokee that will go places my 2000 Ford F150 can't. Plenty of storage but at 200,000 miles & 2 teenagers it's about time for a rebuild. When I replace my pickup it will be with another enclosed short wheel base 4 wheel drive vehicle.