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Decision-Making on JTR or stick w/ a real truck?

2Jeeps&PatriotX1

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New member but been following the threads for a couple of months. I know coming in here is like going to a coke dealer and asking if his coke is the best resulting in biased answers but it's worth a shot.

I'm on the fence of ordering a 2021 JTR w/ tow package. Please feel free to tell me if I'm wishful thinking and to forget about getting a JTR, let alone a JT.

Wanting a Rubicon because I do actually wheel my vehicles offroad (i.e. lockers, having front discos, oversized fender flares) and want paint-matched hard top/flares, remote proximity sensors, 8.4 screen, leather. But here is where I run into my concerns (PAYLOAD):
-Rubicon of course has a reduced towing and payload capacity.
-I tow a low-center of gravity offroad camper that comes in at 3395lbs loaded, 400lbs tongue weight (see pic below).
-I was wanting to make the following mods - steel bumper (at time of order), warn synthetic winch, rebel offroad half rack, rotopax (diesel & water), soft tonneau cover offered through Rebel, mopar 2" lift, 37s w/ new wheels & matching spare, removal of the rear bench seat and for purposes of staying on topic let's just say I chose to install the goose gear setup for my 2 large dogs, along with a dual ARB, of course my recovery gear and RTT down the road.
-Now throw in the fact that I was wanting the Ecodiesel (live in CO, had one in our '15 GC Limited, and turbos are king out here at higher elevation - mostly tow from 5400-12000' elevation and the 3.6 in our current GC sucks towing through the mountain passes) which drops the towing & payload capacity even more (although I haven't been able to find concrete confirmation other than 1 TFL article referencing towing at 6k).

If I calculate my needs correctly, I come up with:
Trailer tongue weight - 400lbs
(2) adults - 300
(2) dogs - 140
front steel bumper - 60
Winch & Plate - 100
Rebel half-rack - 150
(2) 2-gallon rotopax diesel - 30
(2) 2-gallon rotopax water - 24
37" spare w/ wheel - 15 above stock
Removal of rear bench - (93)
Goose gear seat delete - 39
ARB compressor - 10
Total = 1,175lbs

Too many OEM items to give up going from a Rubicon to a Sport S w/ max tow but based on this it would be too much payload for the Rubicon and that's not even taking into account a full tank of diesel or a RTT down the road.

If I skipped the rack & rotopax, that only saves me 204lbs.

I can't stand the 3.6 in the wife's current GC trail hawk for towing, which is why we take my F150 super crew w/ the 3.5 RB on all trips but I was hoping to downsize the # of vehicles we have and go from my F150 and my LJ wrangler (that rarely leaves the garage and is left behind on every trip) to a capable JTR.

My last resort (which I really don't want to do because of the hassle it can create), is to forget about a JT and just upgrade my F150 to a new F250/350 and tow a flatbed trailer with my LJ and camper loaded to our designated and then park the truck and trailer, offload and tow the camper a short distance behind my LJ up the trails to our remote camping destination.

Jeep Gladiator Decision-Making on JTR or stick w/ a real truck? IMG_1542.JPG
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anavrinIV

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If you're worried about the scales there's not much to be done.

If you want to keep the rear from sagging under too much weight maybe some helper bags? I don't know if there is a set specifically for the JT but if you're handy you could come up with something the help take the extra payload
 
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2Jeeps&PatriotX1

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If you're worried about the scales there's not much to be done.

If you want to keep the rear from sagging under too much weight maybe some helper bags? I don't know if there is a set specifically for the JT but if you're handy you could come up with something the help take the extra payload
what bothers me is it's hard for me to spend $60k on a JT and not even know what the actual specs are going to be because FCA hasn't announced anything. I would have no problems adding airbags to the rear when towing the camper.
 

PyrPatriot

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what bothers me is it's hard for me to spend $60k on a JT and not even know what the actual specs are going to be because FCA hasn't announced anything. I would have no problems adding airbags to the rear when towing the camper.
Specs will be less than a gas JTR because diesel engine is heavier
 

Proximo

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Has anyone on here swapped out Rubi springs for max tow springs?:idea:
 

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2Jeeps&PatriotX1

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Specs will be less than a gas JTR because diesel engine is heavier
Which I figured, but it would be nice to know the actual amount vs just guessing. It could make or break my decision even if I eliminated some of my bed rack and gear. Getting the 3.6 isn't an option and why the wife’s GC is being traded in for a different manufacturer’s suv next summer. But if FCA doesn’t release the specs soon on the diesel, I’ll be forced to move onto plan B considering I wanted to take delivery in 2020 for tax reasons.
 

PyrPatriot

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Which I figured, but it would be nice to know the actual amount vs just guessing. It could make or break my decision even if I eliminated some of my bed rack and gear. Getting the 3.6 isn't an option and why the wife’s GC is being traded in for a different manufacturer’s suv next summer. But if FCA doesn’t release the specs soon on the diesel, I’ll be forced to move onto plan B considering I wanted to take delivery in 2020 for tax reasons.
Extrapolate the % decrease from the JLUR.
I'd double check with the latest FCA numbers but the sister forum had this
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...r-weight-tow-capacity-max-payload-specs.1440/

Model | Weight | Towing Capacity | Max Payload
4-door JLU Wrangler Rubicon (3.6L): 4390 lbs | 3500 lbs | 1235 lbs
4-door JLU Wrangler Rubicon (3.0L diesel): 4620 lbs | 3500 lbs | 1180 lbs

Don't see how towing can be the same

Per Jeep website
For the 4dr 3.6
Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) (lbs.) 5,800
Payload (lbs.) 892
Towing capacity (lbs.) 3,500
 

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I don't know maybe its just me and I traded my Ram 1500 for the JT but if I was going to be hauling all that stuff and towing a trailer and thinking maybe there might be some other stuff I might need to bring depending on where going. I don't think I would want to be sitting there with a calculator all night every trip trying to determine what I can and can't bring. I would just go get me a Ram, Ford or Chevy Full Size. Not to count your gas mileage is going to be kaput
 

hjdca

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Get the right truck for the right job..., "a jack of all trades" like the JTR always has compromises. Towing, and lots of weight, is not the JTRs strong points, but, much better than the JLU. If you expect the truck to do this a lot, then, you will be disappointed vs. a full size Truck with a stronger motor.

You might be a prime candidate for the JTR Diesel when it comes out, but, it is not out yet..... I am not sure if the tow rating will increase, but, you will have a lot more torque for towing.
 

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kelkolb

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I honestly wouldn't worry about the payload that much. You're not talking about being hundreds of pounds over. Most VIN specific payload limits that I've seen for JTR's have been in the 1100-1200lb range which is where you are. The diesel will haul it significantly better than the 3.6 as well. The only potential risk you're running into is if you get in an at fault accident and the insurance company decides to check. But I really can't imagine they're going to want to put each person, dog, item etc on a scale to check. The trailer is where they'd get you but you'll be well under there.

EDIT* If you're that worried, maybe look into a sport S max tow and add the lockers and maybe fenders. With that you'd definitely be safe and just as capable.
 
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2Jeeps&PatriotX1

2Jeeps&PatriotX1

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I didn't want it to get into a debate, but I would be ordering the diesel which we still dont know payload specs yet. Not worrying about the tow decrease from 7k to potentially 6k. I don't need the rack or rtt on the JT was just thinking of additional options.

I already have a fully capable full size truck thats been wheeled all throughout CO, AZ & WY areas and I love it (3.5 ecoboost, plush ride even w/ 6” lift and 35” MT tires, interior options, cabin size) and I know Id be sacrificing the cabin size for sure.
 

cgflyer

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New member but been following the threads for a couple of months. I know coming in here is like going to a coke dealer and asking if his coke is the best resulting in biased answers but it's worth a shot.

I'm on the fence of ordering a 2021 JTR w/ tow package. Please feel free to tell me if I'm wishful thinking and to forget about getting a JTR, let alone a JT.

Wanting a Rubicon because I do actually wheel my vehicles offroad (i.e. lockers, having front discos, oversized fender flares) and want paint-matched hard top/flares, remote proximity sensors, 8.4 screen, leather. But here is where I run into my concerns (PAYLOAD):
-Rubicon of course has a reduced towing and payload capacity.
-I tow a low-center of gravity offroad camper that comes in at 3395lbs loaded, 400lbs tongue weight (see pic below).
-I was wanting to make the following mods - steel bumper (at time of order), warn synthetic winch, rebel offroad half rack, rotopax (diesel & water), soft tonneau cover offered through Rebel, mopar 2" lift, 37s w/ new wheels & matching spare, removal of the rear bench seat and for purposes of staying on topic let's just say I chose to install the goose gear setup for my 2 large dogs, along with a dual ARB, of course my recovery gear and RTT down the road.
-Now throw in the fact that I was wanting the Ecodiesel (live in CO, had one in our '15 GC Limited, and turbos are king out here at higher elevation - mostly tow from 5400-12000' elevation and the 3.6 in our current GC sucks towing through the mountain passes) which drops the towing & payload capacity even more (although I haven't been able to find concrete confirmation other than 1 TFL article referencing towing at 6k).

If I calculate my needs correctly, I come up with:
Trailer tongue weight - 400lbs
(2) adults - 300
(2) dogs - 140
front steel bumper - 60
Winch & Plate - 100
Rebel half-rack - 150
(2) 2-gallon rotopax diesel - 30
(2) 2-gallon rotopax water - 24
37" spare w/ wheel - 15 above stock
Removal of rear bench - (93)
Goose gear seat delete - 39
ARB compressor - 10
Total = 1,175lbs

Too many OEM items to give up going from a Rubicon to a Sport S w/ max tow but based on this it would be too much payload for the Rubicon and that's not even taking into account a full tank of diesel or a RTT down the road.

If I skipped the rack & rotopax, that only saves me 204lbs.

I can't stand the 3.6 in the wife's current GC trail hawk for towing, which is why we take my F150 super crew w/ the 3.5 RB on all trips but I was hoping to downsize the # of vehicles we have and go from my F150 and my LJ wrangler (that rarely leaves the garage and is left behind on every trip) to a capable JTR.

My last resort (which I really don't want to do because of the hassle it can create), is to forget about a JT and just upgrade my F150 to a new F250/350 and tow a flatbed trailer with my LJ and camper loaded to our designated and then park the truck and trailer, offload and tow the camper a short distance behind my LJ up the trails to our remote camping destination.

IMG_1542.JPG
My JCR full rack only weighs 87 lbs...so that saves you 70ish lbs in payload right away. I love the ecodiesel, had a 2015 Ram 1500 and put 140,000 on the ecodiesel, but he diesel in the JT will only have 5,000 lb tow rating based on cooling. They can't fit a big enough radiator in the JT as they could in the RAM, but it is an awesome engine...however, 37's on the 4.10 rear won't tow and perform the way you want based on the tables. Helper springs or lift kit can help with sag, but doesn't help with wheel bearings which are also rated to your max payload, so exceeding max payload can result in early wear/premature failure of bearings. That seems like are REALLY heavy off road trailer!? My 35's and aftermarket wheels weigh less than the stock Rubi wheels with 33" tires btw. But, I would guess there are A LOT of people overloading their vehicles every day. Look at the Rebel Offroad builds or TrailRecon. Those Jeeps are PACKED and I don't remember ever seeing them talk about upgraded components meant to accommodate payload. I am certainly not an engineer and am only sharing from my own experience and reading on the forums. Oh and for the money, skip the MOPAR lift and go aftermarket...Metalcloak is an incredible company and you can get their Game Changer lift for the same as the MOPAR lift.
 

Artsifrtsi

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Look at the Rebel Offroad builds or TrailRecon. Those Jeeps are PACKED and I don't remember ever seeing them talk about upgraded components meant to accommodate payload.
The Rebel Jeeps are all (I think all) upgraded to DANA 60's... one tons.
 

kelkolb

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The Rebel Jeeps are all (I think all) upgraded to DANA 60's... one tons.
That doesn't have any effect on payload ability though
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