IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW, PURCHASE DECISION

[PyrPatriot]

The unsprung weight is still hauled by the engine and bigger tires mean a change in ratio, more tire width means more work for the engine.
Payload is more about what the vehicle can hold up than what it can pull. Towing is to me where the heavier wheels and tires would matter because you are having to actually get them rolling and haul them up a hill.
In any case, a skinnier tire rolls easier on the road. The aggressive tread some move to sucks power from that engine when on the highway. Engine load contributes to the heat generated - and thus has to be removed by the cooling system.
When you change tires for LOOKS you are giving up an advantage that was engineered into the vehicle.
Tire size - including WIDTH was figured in due to rolling resistance. And the weight does factor when you are pulling up a hill. It takes more energy to change the speed and direction of a heavier tire and more energy to get it rolling and keep it rolling especially if it's wider. And that's what BOTH Sport S and Rubicon people are doing for looks. (so make a choice - do you want it to look better in your eyes, or do you want MPG and long life for the truck?)
I care how mine looks but having built and repaired vehicles for decades and having factory training - I also consider the technical aspects of changes. So I'll think carefully before making any major changes to tires, wheels, height, and other accessories.

By the way, maybe we overland folks need a forum - no one seems to even admit they exist - sort of like who cares, oh, yeah, by the way, I guess they do offer that one, too - but really who cares? - but for those who give a rip about the lowly red-headed step child level, my JT Overlandwent FOUR HUNDRED MILES - yes, that's 400 - miles on a single tanks of gas.
And it was windy as hell today as the Canadians exported their biggest natural resource - cold air, and it hit hard dropping temps about 20 degrees, with 20 mph or so winds. I drove about 30 miles to a doc appointment after filling the tank and already am at 18.6 mpg on this second tank.
So for those complaining about gas mileage - You, too, could get MPG if you really wanted it but choose looks over function.
That's my opinion. You can't have both.

Anyway, I guess no one wanted to read that article about what it took to get the capacities and MPG and all - it's NOT just weight, not just this or that, it's a package that had to be designed to work together.

I get 17-18mpg driving city roads, hills and traffic. Highway it is 23mpg. I havent gotten 400mi out of a tank since I got the JT. First tank read 440mi on the range it it got 400 before I bothered filling it up. Low gas light didnt go on even. After that it seems I am filling up less and less despite waiting for the fuel light to come on. Havent filled up 20gal since I bought it

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[jurfie]

And it was windy as hell today as the Canadians exported their biggest natural resource - cold air

Actually, our biggest natural resources we export are oil, natural gas, lumber, maple syrup, beaver tails, hockey players and politeness (not necessarily in that order).

 

[Tim]

The unsprung weight is still hauled by the engine and bigger tires mean a change in ratio, more tire width means more work for the engine.
Payload is more about what the vehicle can hold up than what it can pull. Towing is to me where the heavier wheels and tires would matter because you are having to actually get them rolling and haul them up a hill.
In any case, a skinnier tire rolls easier on the road. The aggressive tread some move to sucks power from that engine when on the highway. Engine load contributes to the heat generated - and thus has to be removed by the cooling system.
When you change tires for LOOKS you are giving up an advantage that was engineered into the vehicle.
Tire size - including WIDTH was figured in due to rolling resistance. And the weight does factor when you are pulling up a hill. It takes more energy to change the speed and direction of a heavier tire and more energy to get it rolling and keep it rolling especially if it's wider. And that's what BOTH Sport S and Rubicon people are doing for looks. (so make a choice - do you want it to look better in your eyes, or do you want MPG and long life for the truck?)
I care how mine looks but having built and repaired vehicles for decades and having factory training - I also consider the technical aspects of changes. So I'll think carefully before making any major changes to tires, wheels, height, and other accessories.

By the way, maybe we overland folks need a forum - no one seems to even admit they exist - sort of like who cares, oh, yeah, by the way, I guess they do offer that one, too - but really who cares? - but for those who give a rip about the lowly red-headed step child level, my JT Overlandwent FOUR HUNDRED MILES - yes, that's 400 - miles on a single tanks of gas.
And it was windy as hell today as the Canadians exported their biggest natural resource - cold air, and it hit hard dropping temps about 20 degrees, with 20 mph or so winds. I drove about 30 miles to a doc appointment after filling the tank and already am at 18.6 mpg on this second tank.
So for those complaining about gas mileage - You, too, could get MPG if you really wanted it but choose looks over function.
That's my opinion. You can't have both.

Anyway, I guess no one wanted to read that article about what it took to get the capacities and MPG and all - it's NOT just weight, not just this or that, it's a package that had to be designed to work together.

I absolutely would have bought an Overland if it were offered with the wide track axles and 4.10 gears. I don't really need a Rubicon but the 8.4 radio, 115v inverter in the cab, and LEDs were must haves that can't be had on the Sport S Max Tow.

I've been "biting my tongue" for a while in the forums. I feel like the Rubicon is looked down upon by the "real' Jeepers. It seems as if the popular opinion is to buy the Sport S Max Tow and build it up since it has big payload and towing numbers. The truck is basically turned into a Rubicon with aftermarket parts. So the door sticker still has 1,600 pounds payload and 7,600 pounds of towing on it but the reality is a bunch of payload and performance was eaten up by the aftermarket bumper, winch, lift, wheels, tires, skid plates, etc. I also don't know why the 600 pound towing advantage the Sport S has over the Rubicon matters as much as it apparently does to some. If you really need that extra 600 pounds for towing you should be looking into a much larger more powerful truck. To me the Gladiator is lifestyle truck that can do some work once in a while when needed.

 

[Reasons]

The unsprung weight is still hauled by the engine and bigger tires mean a change in ratio, more tire width means more work for the engine.
Payload is more about what the vehicle can hold up than what it can pull. Towing is to me where the heavier wheels and tires would matter because you are having to actually get them rolling and haul them up a hill.
In any case, a skinnier tire rolls easier on the road. The aggressive tread some move to sucks power from that engine when on the highway. Engine load contributes to the heat generated - and thus has to be removed by the cooling system.
When you change tires for LOOKS you are giving up an advantage that was engineered into the vehicle.
Tire size - including WIDTH was figured in due to rolling resistance. And the weight does factor when you are pulling up a hill. It takes more energy to change the speed and direction of a heavier tire and more energy to get it rolling and keep it rolling especially if it's wider. And that's what BOTH Sport S and Rubicon people are doing for looks. (so make a choice - do you want it to look better in your eyes, or do you want MPG and long life for the truck?)
I care how mine looks but having built and repaired vehicles for decades and having factory training - I also consider the technical aspects of changes. So I'll think carefully before making any major changes to tires, wheels, height, and other accessories.

By the way, maybe we overland folks need a forum - no one seems to even admit they exist - sort of like who cares, oh, yeah, by the way, I guess they do offer that one, too - but really who cares? - but for those who give a rip about the lowly red-headed step child level, my JT Overlandwent FOUR HUNDRED MILES - yes, that's 400 - miles on a single tanks of gas.
And it was windy as hell today as the Canadians exported their biggest natural resource - cold air, and it hit hard dropping temps about 20 degrees, with 20 mph or so winds. I drove about 30 miles to a doc appointment after filling the tank and already am at 18.6 mpg on this second tank.
So for those complaining about gas mileage - You, too, could get MPG if you really wanted it but choose looks over function.
That's my opinion. You can't have both.

Anyway, I guess no one wanted to read that article about what it took to get the capacities and MPG and all - it's NOT just weight, not just this or that, it's a package that had to be designed to work together.

Well said sir.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I'll chime in here and just say this. You guys and gals are truly blessed to just have the money to get a gladiator no matter what trim level, right now the base sport is even out of my league. But I'm being patient and hopefully next year once I get my finances in order I can be blessed with a decent low optioned sport s and I'll love that truck like it's a Lamborghini. Untill then I'll sit here and drool over everyone's gladiator and watch you guys fight over who has the best trim level lol. Count your blessings.

You and me both bro. Hoping next year MAYBE around my birthday...

 

[jurfie]

I could care less whether someone has a Sport, Sport S (with or without Max Tow), Overland, or Rubicon. I've been a Jeep owner for years, and I wheel my JK on everything from well-graded FSRs to ATV trails to "I wonder where that goes" trails that are just barely a trail. My first Jeep was a YJ Islander on 33s (which were huge at the time). Then I had a TJ Sahara on 35s. I currently own a JK Rubicon on 35s and plan on buying a JTR (hopefully next year) that will probably be on 37s.

If you want a Sport or Overland because it suits your needs/wants/budget/tastes/whatever: fill your boots. If you want a start with a Rubicon because you like the idea of having those added capabilities from the factory, even though you might swap them out down the road...or even if you'll never go off pavement but want to look the part...who cares? I'll still give you a Jeep wave.

The Rubicon is more than "just a sticker". Can you build up a Sport or Overland to perform better than a Rubicon through aftermarket parts? Sure. Can a Sport or Overland still go most places a Rubicon can (or at least where most Jeep owners will take them)? Yup. Is the Rubicon an extremely capable rig right off the lot? Absolutely.

Does the Max Tow have the highest payload and towing capacity? Yes. But as stated by many posters above, the numbers on the door jamb may say one thing, but the reality is that as soon as you add a pine tree air freshener hanging from the mirror, those numbers are reduced. Part of the fun with Jeeps is modifying them to suit your needs/wants/budget/tastes/whatever; if payload/towing is a priority, then build it accordingly. If crawling is your priority, then know that you are going to lose some payload/towing capacity. If looking awesome is your priority, then payload/towing be damned!

No truck is good at everything, there are always compromises. Buy what you want, modify it how you like, or leave it stock...if you own a Jeep, you're a "real" Jeeper.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Actually, our biggest natural resources we export are oil, natural gas, lumber, maple syrup, beaver tails, hockey players and politeness (not necessarily in that order).

I love it! And you are of course factually correct. LOVE the maple syrup. A couple of guys I know bring some, uh, well, maple, em, we call it "tree sauce", to some of our car shows. And the Canadians always bring the best beer.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I could care less whether someone has a Sport, Sport S (with or without Max Tow), Overland, or Rubicon. I've been a Jeep owner for years, and I wheel my JK on everything from well-graded FSRs to ATV trails to "I wonder where that goes" trails that are just barely a trail. My first Jeep was a YJ Islander on 33s (which were huge at the time). Then I had a TJ Sahara on 35s. I currently own a JK Rubicon on 35s and plan on buying a JTR (hopefully next year) that will probably be on 37s.

If you want a Sport or Overland because it suits your needs/wants/budget/tastes/whatever: fill your boots. If you want a start with a Rubicon because you like the idea of having those added capabilities from the factory, even though you might swap them out down the road...or even if you'll never go off pavement but want to look the part...who cares? I'll still give you a Jeep wave.

The Rubicon is more than "just a sticker". Can you build up a Sport or Overland to perform better than a Rubicon through aftermarket parts? Sure. Can a Sport or Overland still go most places a Rubicon can (or at least where most Jeep owners will take them)? Yup. Is the Rubicon an extremely capable rig right off the lot? Absolutely.

Does the Max Tow have the highest payload and towing capacity? Yes. But as stated by many posters above, the numbers on the door jamb may say one thing, but the reality is that as soon as you add a pine tree air freshener hanging from the mirror, those numbers are reduced. Part of the fun with Jeeps is modifying them to suit your needs/wants/budget/tastes/whatever; if payload/towing is a priority, then build it accordingly. If crawling is your priority, then know that you are going to lose some payload/towing capacity. If looking awesome is your priority, then payload/towing be damned!

No truck is good at everything, there are always compromises. Buy what you want, modify it how you like, or leave it stock...if you own a Jeep, you're a "real" Jeeper.

That "yellow sticker" tells a story. My overland sticker shows only 1036 for "payload" and yet is rated what, 1100 in factory lit?
So apparently the tonneau cover, premium stereo and other stuff weigh about 64 pounds - now if _I_ lose a few pounds like my wife keeps asking - I can haul more, right? LOL Please don't tell here that!

I wanted a Jeep other than Grand Cherokee this time - not that they aren't capable - I've seen my wife's GC do amazing stuff and the towing rating is 200 pounds higher than my truck! But still, I can do so much with it - or enjoy it as it is.
I love this truck - a lot. It handles great and it rides great and can tell it can handle some rough stuff.

One might tell from these I've been a Jeep fan for a few years, decades........

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I absolutely would have bought an Overland if it were offered with the wide track axles and 4.10 gears. I don't really need a Rubicon but the 8.4 radio, 115v inverter in the cab, and LEDs were must haves that can't be had on the Sport S Max Tow.

I've been "biting my tongue" for a while in the forums. I feel like the Rubicon is looked down upon by the "real' Jeepers. It seems as if the popular opinion is to buy the Sport S Max Tow and build it up since it has big payload and towing numbers. The truck is basically turned into a Rubicon with aftermarket parts. So the door sticker still has 1,600 pounds payload and 7,600 pounds of towing on it but the reality is a bunch of payload and performance was eaten up by the aftermarket bumper, winch, lift, wheels, tires, skid plates, etc. I also don't know why the 600 pound towing advantage the Sport S has over the Rubicon matters as much as it apparently does to some. If you really need that extra 600 pounds for towing you should be looking into a much larger more powerful truck. To me the Gladiator is lifestyle truck that can do some work once in a while when needed.

Are you kidding? I've gotten messages from others who are afraid to post in the forums here because "it's always all about Rubicon" and they are afraid to discuss Overland. I feel it's all about Rubicon, nothing else matters and for those with Rubicon, nothing else is a REAL Jeep - especially the less capable towing and payload-wise Overland. Seriously, I've received messages asking me things in private because they are intimidated by the it's not a real Jeep if it's not Rubicon crowd.
The thing about the Sport S and max tow is that if you DO build it up - you LOSE that payload and towing capability to some extent (note I said "to some extent")
I went Overland because when I bought - you could not get certain things in the sport - like body color roof, the large screen system and certain other things.
I figured that seriously, 6,000 pounds towing is no slouch and you do it in COMFORT! Even if I never wanted to max out the towing - 6,000 pounds will be 1400 pounds more than my loaded car hauler. How many here honestly tow over 5,000 on a regular basis - so does the 7650 become practical, or bragging rights? Will some folks ever even come close to towing over 6,000 pounds (some will - I've seen pics of your boats! Yikes! Yeah, you need it!)
Sorry but I did actually laugh when I read - >>I feel like the Rubicon is looked down upon by the "real' Jeepers.<<
Really? I feel exactly that way about Overland and from messages I have received in private, I am NOT alone!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'll chime in here and just say this. You guys and gals are truly blessed to just have the money to get a gladiator no matter what trim level, right now the base sport is even out of my league. But I'm being patient and hopefully next year once I get my finances in order I can be blessed with a decent low optioned sport s and I'll love that truck like it's a Lamborghini. Untill then I'll sit here and drool over everyone's gladiator and watch you guys fight over who has the best trim level lol. Count your blessings.

I do, trust me - but in my case it was a family tragedy that did it - put me over the top. I sold my Chevy for a decent amount but still - wow, that's a $60,000 Jeep truck - holy cow.
My father was killed by a sleeping driver last summer. He worked much of his years in a factory, I saw his first pay levels and I'm shocked they actually were able to pay off their house. Even in the end his pay wasn't stellar.
But after Dad died I learned that mom had been a financial wizard. (she died of cancer in '15.
She wasn't able to work due to health issues and such, the factory closed down and move to another state and Dad was unemployed, finding odd jobs and such until he landed a "maintenance" position at a discount store - he worked until he was about 82.
Mom should have been working at some huge bank or on Wall Street or something as she managed money SO well........ Dad died owing no one anything and all debts paid. He didn't do too bad on his own with the money - he wanted to be sure my brothers and I weren't shocked by tax surprises and such so he went to a financial manager for help.
Selling my Chevy pickup, selling my 70 Javelin (it was a well-known car optioned very uniquely and in excellent shape with only 32,000 miles and I spent thousands on it over the years) and taking some of what Dad left when he died - that's how I did it.

If my father was alive today I'd likely not have this Jeep. So I thank my parents for it - and for that matter, all that I have because their teaching and bringing me up to value things, always pay who you owe as fast as you can, that sort of thing - they are the reason I'm ok (well, that and my shop and restoration business doesn't hurt)

Growing up as I did in a family where the family car was that hundred dollar car Dad could afford after the other broke down and he couldn't afford to fix it, working my way through college (literally, as a mechanic, working 4 pm until 10 at night then college the next day at 8am) and hearing Mom talk of cleaning houses for 25 cents a week when she grew up - and knowing how Dad was raised with no money - I have an appreciation for all levels, all who can or cannot afford a new vehicle of any sort.

 

[ZTMAN]

I did not want to start a debate about one model vs the other, but rather what options you had that in retrospect you really did not need, and vice a versa.
I will be the first to say I do not need a Rubicon. I am never going to do any heavy off roading. I drive around our camp trails that most Malibus could navigate. But there comes a point that if you start to add options on an S that are standard on a Rubicon, it may make sense to get a Rubicon.
In any event, I am off tomorrow to go look at basic Sport S's, Some with a few options, and some stripped down Rubicons.
I currently have a JKU WW, K package, which means no power doors or windows. Has served me well over the last three and a half years, but just want something different.

 

[Proximo]

Love all opinions on here. @jurfie nailed it, to each their own, no need to get defensive, there will always be people in life that know more than you (or think they do). Personally, my old ass doesn't have the recall memory power to state facts to back up any of my BS. Love what you guys do, @WXman is probably my favorite. I do have a question for the Rubicon defenders. Why, when stating the reduced payload/towing of the Max on 35's, did you not include the reduced payload/towing of the Rubi on 35's 37's with heavy bumper/winch. I mean, if you are comparing and weighing options, both should be in the research study. Just saying

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Don't need heavy towing, don't need the heavy off-road Rubicon specifics - no mention of an Overland? The in-between?
If you don't want a basic, don't need the payload or towing, but don't need a Rubicon because you don't do off-road - I found the balance in between. Good mileage, could drive it coast to coast no problem, GREAT comfort.
LOL - sooooo funny.
No wonder no dealers around here stock 'em. There's really no reason for them.

 

[Proximo]

Sorry @ShadowsPapa didn't mean to dis your Overland (tho you seem to be used to it). Honestly, I never considered one when I ordered, so I don't know much about it. Only heard it's the Sahara luxury with all the bells and whistles, w/o the Rubi off-road stuff. Had a 2door JK Sahara and loved it. A sleeping 3rd shifter driving home at 6am turned left in front of me while I was doing 55mph. I broadsided him in his right front fender (no braking) and launched him 50yrds into a field. Police said my aftermarket steel bumper saved our lives because our engine would have been in our lap. Anyways, I'm rambling on. Hopefully you don't take offense to your Overland being left out of my question, but it was directed to the Rubi defenders

 

[Jizza420]

Hi jeepers from Maple Valley, WA. First time post'r.

I the basic.black, no options. If I can do it again...Max tow and aux.

Tis all.

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