Sport S Max Tow Build vs Rubicon Stock

[TheITGuy]

It looks like I can get most of the options I want in a Sport S except for the remote start, proximity keyless entry, lockers, rock rails, and LED lights. Remote start, rock rails, electronic disconnect, and lockers can be added after market relatively easily, and I can live without the proximity keyless entry if I can't get that dealer installed. How much of a PITA would it be to swap all of the Sport S' exterior lights to LEDs? The other question is can I add remote start, electronic disconnect, lockers, rock rails, and LEDs for under $6.5k? Also, does the Sport S have the off-road pages, or it that only on the Rubicon?

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[Fcmalie]

You should be able to get remote start as a part of the convenience package on a Sport S, my wife's wrangler has that and the garage door opener installed.

Proximity keyless entry is doable, but j think it was pretty expensive, there is a forum thread about it one the Wrangler forums.

We got LED headlights from highbeamoffroad.net they have headlight, fog, and I believe taillight LED replacements with lifetime warranty. Or you can just replace the bulbs like some here will, just make sure to adjust well to not blind anyone.

Don't think rails are out yet, but you might be able to get Rubicon take offs fairly cheap. I haven't looked at lockers or disconnects.

 

[TheITGuy]

I see now that the cold weather group also includes remote start. I probably won't get a JT until next year, so there should be plenty of after market accessories available by then.

 

[Homer]

Trailer towing?
HELP!
I just got home with my Rubicon Gladiator loaded fairly good.
I ordered the towing package, it is NOT a package just a hitch and nothing else.
NO 7 pin or even a 4 pin connecter, I bought this thing to tow. WHAT NOW does anyone have a Gladiator set up to tow with a break controller?​

 

[G8R]

Trailer towing?
HELP!
I just got home with my Rubicon Gladiator loaded fairly good.
I ordered the towing package, it is NOT a package just a hitch and nothing else.
NO 7 pin or even a 4 pin connecter, I bought this thing to tow. WHAT NOW does anyone have a Gladiator set up to tow with a break controller?​

I think the package is more than just a hitch. Mine includes the hitch, both 7 and 4 pin connectors, increased cooling and a 240 amp alternator. But you are correct about a break controller. It should have one.

 

[relapsekg]

Yeah the 7 and 4 pin are next to the licence plate.

 

[Homer]

Yeah the 7 and 4 pin are next to the licence plate.

Thank all of you.
Just finished installing the controller inside.
now off to putting LED light on factory steel bumper that won’t block the camera. Trying to find mounts to reach over the wench.

 

[eternus]

It looks like I can get most of the options I want in a Sport S except for the remote start, proximity keyless entry, lockers, rock rails, and LED lights. Remote start, rock rails, electronic disconnect, and lockers can be added after market relatively easily, and I can live without the proximity keyless entry if I can't get that dealer installed. How much of a PITA would it be to swap all of the Sport S' exterior lights to LEDs? The other question is can I add remote start, electronic disconnect, lockers, rock rails, and LEDs for under $6.5k? Also, does the Sport S have the off-road pages, or it that only on the Rubicon?

I've created a Google Spreadsheet (based on the Excel spreadsheet by @RTDNECO) which is great way to check off features and see whats in each package.

You'll see that the "remote start" can be purchased, or goes to $0 when you select the Convenience Package or Cold Weather Package (which you've already noted.)

If you're waiting a year, you'll likely see a bunch of Rubicon take-off items here in the forum marketplace or through the dealership, if you asked for it. I expect to get the Rubicon suspension, tires/wheels and maybe rails from either of those resources when I purchase my Sport S. LED headlights are a super simple install from 3rd parties, as are just about all lights around the vehicle. I'm personally avoiding lockers... I don't rock crawl, but those can be had and installed for around 3k for front and rear. Basically, look at what is available for a Wrangler and expect the cost to be around the same.

If you're new to Jeeping, you might also want to learn about the whys of lockers. If this will be a daily driver with some trails, but no rock crawling... you will likely do just fine without them. The Offroad Evolution guys bought a Sport to modify for Moab this past spring but took it wheeling before doing any mods. They strongly endorsed the Sport's capability without the Rubicon fancy things.

The one thing you didn't mention, and that doesn't have an aftermarket solution, is the electronic swaybar disconnect. I can still add it aftermarket myself, but staying in the vehicle to do seems like it could be nice when driving on washboard stuff.

I also have a thread started about "Rubiconing" your Sport that is a good place to check in.

 

[Limitless]

I've created a Google Spreadsheet (based on the Excel spreadsheet by @RTDNECO) which is great way to check off features and see whats in each package.

You'll see that the "remote start" can be purchased, or goes to $0 when you select the Convenience Package or Cold Weather Package (which you've already noted.)

If you're waiting a year, you'll likely see a bunch of Rubicon take-off items here in the forum marketplace or through the dealership, if you asked for it. I expect to get the Rubicon suspension, tires/wheels and maybe rails from either of those resources when I purchase my Sport S. LED headlights are a super simple install from 3rd parties, as are just about all lights around the vehicle. I'm personally avoiding lockers... I don't rock crawl, but those can be had and installed for around 3k for front and rear. Basically, look at what is available for a Wrangler and expect the cost to be around the same.

If you're new to Jeeping, you might also want to learn about the whys of lockers. If this will be a daily driver with some trails, but no rock crawling... you will likely do just fine without them. The Offroad Evolution guys bought a Sport to modify for Moab this past spring but took it wheeling before doing any mods. They strongly endorsed the Sport's capability without the Rubicon fancy things.

The one thing you didn't mention, and that doesn't have an aftermarket solution, is the electronic swaybar disconnect. I can still add it aftermarket myself, but staying in the vehicle to do seems like it could be nice when driving on washboard stuff.

I also have a thread started about "Rubiconing" your Sport that is a good place to check in.

good points.
multiple jeep / FCA family here. trims from sport s to rubicon; and hard rock
parts can be obtained, need to be mechanically inclined.
to start with base sport s and build; cost can not only exceed rubicon trim but may become 2x your jeep that you started with.

 

[TheITGuy]

@eternus thanks for the info. This would be my first Jeep, but I've gone rock crawling with some of my wife's family in Colorado a few times. I've heard there's some trails in the Black Hills where you can rock crawl and the wife has been talking about wanting to go for a few years now.

@Limitless too true about needing to be mechanically inclined. I can install the bumper, winch, lights, and rock rails myself, but the lockers, sway bar disconnect, and suspension upgrades are beyond my capabilities. It looks like I can get the necessary parts for around $6k, but I'd either need to pay to have it all installed or try to coordinate time with one of my mechanic relatives. Instillation costs will for sure put me over the price of the Rubicon. Installing everything myself with the help of a relative will only cost me a couple cases of beer and a couple pizzas, but would in all likelihood take months to complete.

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards the Rubicon, if only for the convenience of not having to spend months hassling relatives to come help me work on my Gladiator .

 

[cajun charlie]

Same here with my JT.

I think the package is more than just a hitch. Mine includes the hitch, both 7 and 4 pin connectors, increased cooling and a 240 amp alternator. But you are correct about a break controller. It should have one.

 

[Bobzdar]

Trailer towing?
HELP!
I just got home with my Rubicon Gladiator loaded fairly good.
I ordered the towing package, it is NOT a package just a hitch and nothing else.
NO 7 pin or even a 4 pin connecter, I bought this thing to tow. WHAT NOW does anyone have a Gladiator set up to tow with a break controller?​

Rubicon package includes hitch, 240amp alternator and heavy duty engine cooling.

All gladiators have the 7 pin connector, tow package or not.

 

[Bobzdar]

You should be able to get remote start as a part of the convenience package on a Sport S, my wife's wrangler has that and the garage door opener installed.

Proximity keyless entry is doable, but j think it was pretty expensive, there is a forum thread about it one the Wrangler forums.

We got LED headlights from highbeamoffroad.net they have headlight, fog, and I believe taillight LED replacements with lifetime warranty. Or you can just replace the bulbs like some here will, just make sure to adjust well to not blind anyone.

Don't think rails are out yet, but you might be able to get Rubicon take offs fairly cheap. I haven't looked at lockers or disconnects.

By the time you add that stuff to the sport, it'll cost you that much if you have them installed and you'll have eaten into the extra payload and towing of the sport s. Plus, it won't be under warranty.

 

[Michael Harris]

It looks like I can get most of the options I want in a Sport S except for the remote start, proximity keyless entry, lockers, rock rails, and LED lights. Remote start, rock rails, electronic disconnect, and lockers can be added after market relatively easily, and I can live without the proximity keyless entry if I can't get that dealer installed. How much of a PITA would it be to swap all of the Sport S' exterior lights to LEDs? The other question is can I add remote start, electronic disconnect, lockers, rock rails, and LEDs for under $6.5k? Also, does the Sport S have the off-road pages, or it that only on the Rubicon?

I have off road pages on my Overland

 

[Chance_P]

You'll never get close to the resell of an actual Rubicon if you dump all of that money into a sport.

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