Why is Overland the only model to have 18's?

[j.o.y.ride]

Overland to me is the perfect platform. More so than Rubicon, here's why.

On the visual side, it looks nicer inside than the Rubicon and Sport, and on the outside you can paint match fenders and roof. Some like the black fenders and roof, but I think the paint matching looks significantly better.

On the mechanical side. So the Rubicon has 17" wheels. But they're 7.5 wide. I do have them on my Overland right now bc were cheapest as a takeoff, but for more serious offroading you're going to want wider wheels. So you get the Rubicon with 17s and then... take them off.

The gearing on the Rubicon is 4.10 which is better for bigger tires than the 3.73 but still not ideal for bigger tires. If you wanna do 35s long term 4.56 is better or 4.88 for 37s. So you buy the Rubicon and get 4.10 gears... to take them out.

Then there's the e-locker vs air locker debate. Air lockers have a slight mechanical advantage on how it engages, probably irrelevant, but if you're stuck on that obstacle and engage the elocker it takes tire rotation to engage, air locker does not. The e-lockers on Rubicons have been failing also. So I give advantage air locker.

You get a taller initial height on the Rubicon, but any lift will have you... say it with me... take them off.

My Overland was $9k less than the Rubicon offerings. That $9k buys a LOT of the stuff you'd be taking off the Rubicon. Only buy a Rubicon if you're not going to tinker, otherwise it's a waste imo.

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[Jeeperjamie]

Overland to me is the perfect platform. More so than Rubicon, here's why.

On the visual side, it looks nicer inside than the Rubicon and Sport, and on the outside you can paint match fenders and roof. Some like the black fenders and roof, but I think the paint matching looks significantly better.

On the mechanical side. So the Rubicon has 17" wheels. But they're 7.5 wide. I do have them on my Overland right now bc were cheapest as a takeoff, but for more serious offroading you're going to want wider wheels. So you get the Rubicon with 17s and then... take them off.

The gearing on the Rubicon is 4.10 which is better for bigger tires than the 3.73 but still not ideal for bigger tires. If you wanna do 35s long term 4.56 is better or 4.88 for 37s. So you buy the Rubicon and get 4.10 gears... to take them out.

Then there's the e-locker vs air locker debate. Air lockers have a slight mechanical advantage on how it engages, probably irrelevant, but if you're stuck on that obstacle and engage the elocker it takes tire rotation to engage, air locker does not. The e-lockers on Rubicons have been failing also. So I give advantage air locker.

You get a taller initial height on the Rubicon, but any lift will have you... say it with me... take them off.

My Overland was $9k less than the Rubicon offerings. That $9k buys a LOT of the stuff you'd be taking off the Rubicon. Only buy a Rubicon if you're not going to tinker, otherwise it's a waste imo.

Wait until you put on bigger, wider tires and tell me how much better those paint matched fenders are. If it's a pavement princess, just keeping it mostly stock then the painted fenders are great. Wider tires and going off road, they will get rock chips and scratches like crazy. The rock chips from your wider tires slinging rocks against them. To each there own, but I love the black fenders and top. They show less scuffs and scratches,plus when you rip a fender off on a trail you can find one on your local swap and shop selling site for around $100 for a set.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Overland to me is the perfect platform. More so than Rubicon, here's why.

On the visual side, it looks nicer inside than the Rubicon and Sport, and on the outside you can paint match fenders and roof. Some like the black fenders and roof, but I think the paint matching looks significantly better.

On the mechanical side. So the Rubicon has 17" wheels. But they're 7.5 wide. I do have them on my Overland right now bc were cheapest as a takeoff, but for more serious offroading you're going to want wider wheels. So you get the Rubicon with 17s and then... take them off.

The gearing on the Rubicon is 4.10 which is better for bigger tires than the 3.73 but still not ideal for bigger tires. If you wanna do 35s long term 4.56 is better or 4.88 for 37s. So you buy the Rubicon and get 4.10 gears... to take them out.

Then there's the e-locker vs air locker debate. Air lockers have a slight mechanical advantage on how it engages, probably irrelevant, but if you're stuck on that obstacle and engage the elocker it takes tire rotation to engage, air locker does not. The e-lockers on Rubicons have been failing also. So I give advantage air locker.

You get a taller initial height on the Rubicon, but any lift will have you... say it with me... take them off.

My Overland was $9k less than the Rubicon offerings. That $9k buys a LOT of the stuff you'd be taking off the Rubicon. Only buy a Rubicon if you're not going to tinker, otherwise it's a waste imo.

There's zero rocky trails around here - I'd have to travel hours to get to any. Not a fast weekend trip there, run the trail, and get back. So the odds of my wanting a wider stance and 14" wide tires - no chance. Mud and snow and rough fields and Iowa roads that suck.

Even two dealers have commented on after seeing a hydro blue with the matching roof - how much better they liked it and would try to do more of that. They'd neither one ever seen one in person until mine.

As far as another comment on Rubicon fenders - well - look at all the Rubicon fenders for sale because people are taking them off and putting on after-market fenders! So do that with the Overland - and paint them to match.
There's not much use in buying a rock crawler that can climb an 80 degree incline across rugged rocks around here. Wasted, all show - never used. But I agree I can build up the Overland a lot. I will have about $1300 in winch, bumper, skid plate when that part is done, 1200 in Rubicon tires and rims until I replace the stock overland tires - thus putting off a tire purchase for a while, about 500 in springs and shocks and 3/4" lift beyond the Rubicon springs, MAY buy a plow for it - and I'd still be under the 9K difference.
My purpose is mud, snow, ice and towing. Don't need a Rubicon for that but it will still look like a tougher truck than most have for similar purposes.
I know - those who have Rubicon laugh at anyone else because it's the ONLY way anyone should ever go - not sure why people think they have to knock others for their choices. And frankly, a more than a few of the "tough trucks" never really see the action they are built for.

 

[DLAW]

Overland to me is the perfect platform. More so than Rubicon, here's why.

On the visual side, it looks nicer inside than the Rubicon and Sport, and on the outside you can paint match fenders and roof. Some like the black fenders and roof, but I think the paint matching looks significantly better.

On the mechanical side. So the Rubicon has 17" wheels. But they're 7.5 wide. I do have them on my Overland right now bc were cheapest as a takeoff, but for more serious offroading you're going to want wider wheels. So you get the Rubicon with 17s and then... take them off.

The gearing on the Rubicon is 4.10 which is better for bigger tires than the 3.73 but still not ideal for bigger tires. If you wanna do 35s long term 4.56 is better or 4.88 for 37s. So you buy the Rubicon and get 4.10 gears... to take them out.

Then there's the e-locker vs air locker debate. Air lockers have a slight mechanical advantage on how it engages, probably irrelevant, but if you're stuck on that obstacle and engage the elocker it takes tire rotation to engage, air locker does not. The e-lockers on Rubicons have been failing also. So I give advantage air locker.

You get a taller initial height on the Rubicon, but any lift will have you... say it with me... take them off.

My Overland was $9k less than the Rubicon offerings. That $9k buys a LOT of the stuff you'd be taking off the Rubicon. Only buy a Rubicon if you're not going to tinker, otherwise it's a waste imo.

I was on the opposite side of your assessment here. I agree with everything, it's just that I DON'T really want to tinker with the major things, like axel, suspension/lifts, and all the 4x4 goodies. Plus, I really liked those standard black Rubicon wheels.

I will tinker with the little easy stuff. Bumper, Fenders, Doors/Mirrors, Hood Clasps, Lights, winch, bed rack, storage organization, Hot Heads, Trail Rail, seat covers, weather mats, decals....these are the things on my mind to install. None of which have anything to do with the debate between trims.

Plus....if spent less up front, let's say I saved $4,000 on a lower trim, and then wanted to spend some of that on the big stuff like a suspension and bigger shoes, that would be a much more difficult sell for my wife. It's psychological at that point!

Narrator: "5 years later, he had a 6 inch lift and 40 inch tires"

 

[jmdwifi]

Leather wrapped dash, and the bolt holes in the grab handle are covered. There are options you can't get on the Overland, like the trail camera and electric locking differentials.

I saved over 10 grand, have a camera and used the taser for a few other thing to boot. Happy

 

[WXman]

Overland to me is the perfect platform. More so than Rubicon, here's why.

On the visual side, it looks nicer inside than the Rubicon and Sport, and on the outside you can paint match fenders and roof. Some like the black fenders and roof, but I think the paint matching looks significantly better.

On the mechanical side. So the Rubicon has 17" wheels. But they're 7.5 wide. I do have them on my Overland right now bc were cheapest as a takeoff, but for more serious offroading you're going to want wider wheels. So you get the Rubicon with 17s and then... take them off.

The gearing on the Rubicon is 4.10 which is better for bigger tires than the 3.73 but still not ideal for bigger tires. If you wanna do 35s long term 4.56 is better or 4.88 for 37s. So you buy the Rubicon and get 4.10 gears... to take them out.

Then there's the e-locker vs air locker debate. Air lockers have a slight mechanical advantage on how it engages, probably irrelevant, but if you're stuck on that obstacle and engage the elocker it takes tire rotation to engage, air locker does not. The e-lockers on Rubicons have been failing also. So I give advantage air locker.

You get a taller initial height on the Rubicon, but any lift will have you... say it with me... take them off.

My Overland was $9k less than the Rubicon offerings. That $9k buys a LOT of the stuff you'd be taking off the Rubicon. Only buy a Rubicon if you're not going to tinker, otherwise it's a waste imo.

The problem is, all of that is subjective.

You don't want wider wheels necessarily. A 7.5" wheel is perfect for keeping rock rash off the wheels. You don't want deeper gearing either. 4.10 is perfect for larger tires thanks to the 8-speed trans which is a game changer. Keep in mind those 4.10s also come in an axle that's wider, stronger, and has 32 spline shafts. You'll never need to touch those axles unless running HUGE tires. Not so with the Overland. I've never heard of the e-lockers failing. They're actually pretty reliable and do not require wiring in an air compressor. And there is not $9k difference. $2k is the difference if you're comparing apples to apples.

On the flip side, there are myriad reasons why Overland is the worst trim in the lineup. 35% less payload than Sport is a BIG one. The lowest tow rating in the group is another biggie. Being forced into paint match fenders, whereas Sport and Rubicon give you the option. 18" wheels ride more harsh and tires are more expensive. We could go on all day...

If you MUST have a leather dash, I guess Overland is your option. But for 99% of guys out there I have never seen why Overland is even on the order sheet. It has none of the work specs of the Sport, none of the off-road specs of the Rubicon, and almost no features you can't get on other trims. It seems like the black sheep of the lineup. If 1,000 lbs. of payload works for you, why not just buy the Wrangler and save $$$?

 

[Matt84]

Keep in mind those 4.10s also come in an axle that's wider, stronger, and has 32 spline shafts. You'll never need to touch those axles unless running HUGE tires. Not so with the Overland.

All Gladiators have heavy duty Dana 44 axles with 32 spline shafts.
3/4 an inch on each side is the only difference I have seen, unless you have something that proves otherwise.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The problem is, all of that is subjective.

Being forced into paint match fenders, whereas Sport and Rubicon give you the option. 18" wheels ride more harsh and tires are more expensive.

They do not ride more harsh. I've had BOTH on my truck and frankly, don't feel a difference. So how can you say without doubt as if it's fact that the 18" ride more harsh? Ask those of us who have had both on our trucks with no other chances.
This is where forums can be risky for information - a lot of conjecture, and blanket statements. Maybe in GENERAL they "tend to" but not in this case.

Forced into paint match fenders? Really? It was a choice - we had to CHOOSE that option. The STANDARD was black roof and black fenders. That's why the dealers - both of them - said they had never seen one with body color. They have both sold Overland versions, but generally people didn't choose the paint match OPTION.
Maybe NOW, maybe for 2021 it's different, but when we bought, it was an option we had to choose, black was standard.

>>If 1,000 lbs. of payload works for you, why not just buy the Wrangler and save $$$? <<
That's among the stupidest thing I've read today! Seriously? What a joke. Try hauling sheet goods, 10' 2x6s, stacks of concrete blocks, antique engines, car engines, go deer hunting and stuff that buck into your Wrangler. Good grief. I can haul things NO WRANGLER owner can. A lot of us haul BIG things that won't fit into an SUV. How about stuffing a few fenders, hoods and other body panels into your Wrangler and then a couple sets of headers and 4 wheels. That's the sort of things I haul - but still I'm a fool for buying a truck instead? Wow.

This is why I hate forums in general (and this one has its own group) - there's no allowing for personal choice - people with Overlands get nothing but bull shit on this and other forums. We aren't manly enough, we make poor choices, and on and on.

Fine, overland owners are complete morons, sissies and idiots. That's what at least a half dozen members here suggest but don't often say (although some have indeed said our trucks are ugly because they don't meet their manly standards)

So someone has thought of yet another way of calling those who chose the Overland fools and idiots.
I don't need 40" tires, 6" lift and armor plating to prove who I am and what I can do or know. I buy to fill my needs, not impress someone else. Don't need a 60K mountain climbing truck to do that. (not in Iowa, I need to get through snow and ice and mud and very rough roads and fields, and frankly, pull my trailer - and I don't need 7,000 plus trailer towing ability to tow 4800 pounds of loaded trailer. (car on Aluma tilt bed trailer)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

All Gladiators have heavy duty Dana 44 axles with 32 spline shafts.
3/4 an inch on each side is the only difference I have seen, unless you have something that proves otherwise.

That is correct. Too much speculation or "someone said" or "I read somewhere but can't find it now" out there. The only difference is width.

I'll issue this challenge again - so far it's been unanswered - show us the tech specs, the exact article that says they are different. Not what someone else said. Show the tech info - not from a forum member or internet speculation - but Jeep specs, or a 4x4 magazine that shows the exact specs and differences.
That would settle if for good - assuming the article was factual and not repeating bad info like many do.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

That's a bummer, no let me rephrase that, it's dumb!

its a temporary spare so it wouldn’t match regardless. all jeeps are supposed to be able to go off-road and stock you’re definitely clipping that wheel and tire occasionally. If you want you can probably find a whole extra set of those 18s for $2-300.

 

[DaleG]

They do not ride more harsh. I've had BOTH on my truck and frankly, don't feel a difference. So how can you say without doubt as if it's fact that the 18" ride more harsh? Ask those of us who have had both on our trucks with no other chances.
This is where forums can be risky for information - a lot of conjecture, and blanket statements. Maybe in GENERAL they "tend to" but not in this case.

Forced into paint match fenders? Really? It was a choice - we had to CHOOSE that option. The STANDARD was black roof and black fenders. That's why the dealers - both of them - said they had never seen one with body color. They have both sold Overland versions, but generally people didn't choose the paint match OPTION.
Maybe NOW, maybe for 2021 it's different, but when we bought, it was an option we had to choose, black was standard.

>>If 1,000 lbs. of payload works for you, why not just buy the Wrangler and save $$$? <<
That's among the stupidest thing I've read today! Seriously? What a joke. Try hauling sheet goods, 10' 2x6s, stacks of concrete blocks, antique engines, car engines, go deer hunting and stuff that buck into your Wrangler. Good grief. I can haul things NO WRANGLER owner can. A lot of us haul BIG things that won't fit into an SUV. How about stuffing a few fenders, hoods and other body panels into your Wrangler and then a couple sets of headers and 4 wheels. That's the sort of things I haul - but still I'm a fool for buying a truck instead? Wow.

This is why I hate forums in general (and this one has its own group) - there's no allowing for personal choice - people with Overlands get nothing but bull shit on this and other forums. We aren't manly enough, we make poor choices, and on and on.

Fine, overland owners are complete morons, sissies and idiots. That's what at least a half dozen members here suggest but don't often say (although some have indeed said our trucks are ugly because they don't meat their manly standards)

So someone has thought of yet another way of calling those who chose the Overland fools and idiots.

Pretty spot the hell on! I like white trucks with tan interior.....pretty much one choice. My Overland hauls 1200 lbs of construction materials in the bed and the springs didn’t compress more than 1/2-3/4 of an inch. It rides great on 18’s with 285/75/18 Falkens and a Mopar lift...it will spend 90 percent of its life on Florida roads and beaches, a few trails and such....so no REAL need for a Rubicon. Its what I wanted, not what some know it all jackass on a forum thought I needed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

its a temporary spare so it wouldn’t match regardless. all jeeps are supposed to be able to go off-road and stock you’re definitely clipping that wheel and tire occasionally. If you want you can probably find a whole extra set of those 18s for $2-300.

Well said in few words.
I bought a single Overland wheel, next time I buy tires I may buy 5 matching, who knows. OR I may go ahead and buy ONE OVerland take-off tire if I can find one.......

I'd like to find a SINGLE Rubicon wheel so I would have a matching spare wheel and tire for when I'm running those. (hint-hint LOL)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Pretty spot the hell on! I like white trucks with tan interior.....pretty much one choice. My Overland hauls 1200 lbs of construction materials in the bed and the springs didn’t compress more than 1/2-3/4 of an inch. It rides great on 18’s with 285/75/18 Falkens and a Mopar lift...it will spend 90 percent of its life on Florida roads and beaches, a few trails and such....so no REAL need for a Rubicon. Its what I wanted, not what some know it all jackass on a forum thought I needed.

I can't see myself owning white - although I have - my first AMX was all white with hood and deck lid decals (loved that car) - but your truck, the JT, with that tan interior - looks sharp. I have to admit it's changed my mind on how the JT looks in white. Color is a personal thing - so don't thinkg that, well....... you know. I also agree tan looks better in that than the other choices would.

 

[punk'n]

................................ If 1,000 lbs. of payload works for you, why not just buy the Wrangler and save $$$?

One reason why I didn't buy a Wrangler...

And I didn't even scratch my painted roof or fenders hauling it

 

[jurfie]

Overland owners don't need to explain their decision to anyone. Last I checked, there's a Trail Rated badge on the fenders of Overlands as well, which means they meet Jeep's criteria for offroad-abilities and are capable of running the Rubicon trail stock.

And you can still build up an Overland into a seriously sweet-looking and capable rig, just like any other JT.

Wear your Overland badge proudly, Overland owners!

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