Critique My Options List

[TommyGp]

Ordering a '21 Diesel Rubicon and looking for opinions on this list of options. I'm open to adding some options, but only if it's something that just can't or shouldn't be done aftermarket.

8.4” Radio Group - AEK
Aux Switches - AM2
Black 3-Piece Hard Top - HT1
Cold Weather Group - ADE
Engine Block Heater - NHK
M/T Tires - TWQ
Trailer Tow - ABR
Slush Mats - CWA
Satin Black Grille - MHJ
Black Leather - ALX9 (debating the dark saddle)
Bright Silver - PSC (might go Sting Gray...dunno yet, but definitely gray to help hide brush scratches and dirt)

Key questions/thoughts:

1. Feel free to tell me if any of these are best done aftermarket.
2. Is it worth it to get the factory bed liner? I know it's probably about the same cost as Rhino or the others, but which is better quality?
3. The cargo management system is interesting, but only for the locking underseat storage. I can easily add some uni-strut or other system later, but haven't seen an aftermarket offering for the storage that is compelling.
4. Bluetooth Speaker? Seems neat, but takes up cargo space and I have no idea how much it would actually get used.

Primary use will be my daily, but I will wheel it some. Given the price tag, I won't be crawling like I used to in my old TJ-based Juggy on D70s and 39.5" TSLs. Mostly Overlanding, sight seeing, or the occasional stomp in a mud puddle. I'm getting the Rubi because I don't think I'll regret it, and I still think the value of the lockers & T-case is there over a Willys with aftermarket mods.

I'll probably put it on 37s fairly soon, but not immediately. I anticipate some form of aftermarket front bumper, but the $400 bumper I've seen that appears to be a JK holdover from fleabay or wherever is interesting. I'll probably also get some sort of removable bed rack for hauling our kayaks.

Anywho - sorry for the long post of questions. This is the first brand new vehicle I have purchased for myself in over 22 years, and I would like to get it as close to right as possible.

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[Jay Gatsby]

LED light upgrade for sure. Yes you can go aftermarket, but they are worth the $ IMO.

 

[Rubiwoo]

looks good. I'd go with aftermarket front bumper too. After you add the cost of the winch plate, it doesn't make sense to purchase the steel bumper group. Unless what you see at the dealer already has the steel bumpers installed.

 

[gt3mike]

Proximity door locks 100%. I didn't think I wanted them, so I didn't order them, but I ended up installing them after and love them. Totally worth it to buy them with the truck and avoid the hassle.

 

[Sallaman]

Kind of minor but the slush mats are cheaper online and if you can live without the mat drain plugs there are options out there that provide better protection

 

[TrainMan]

Looks good but I'd skip the leather and cold weather group. As long as it has remote start, I'd be happy. Just leave the heat on auto. Blue tooth speaker is neat, but not something I chose.

 

[Blknblu]

If you switch tires no need to upgrade or pay extra for the new ones.

Bruce

 

[ZTMAN]

I like the factory bed liner and roll up tonneau cover, and they are reasonably priced factory options..
I can appreciate what Midi is saying about LEDs, but in colder climates, the leds will not melt snow. We are getting a Nor Easter right now. If I were out driving , I would be stopping every few miles to clean off the head lights.

 

[TommyGp]

Looks good but I'd skip the leather and cold weather group. As long as it has remote start, I'd be happy. Just leave the heat on auto. Blue tooth speaker is neat, but not something I chose.

I probably should have stated those two options are must haves for me. I trash cloth, and have gotten spoiled by my heated leather in my current truck for the last 6 years. I’ll never go back. ?

 

[TommyGp]

If you switch tires no need to upgrade or pay extra for the new ones.

Bruce

The mud terrain tire is a free option. They come standard with the ATs but you can get MTs for $0.

 

[Rubiwoo]

LED light upgrade for sure. Yes you can go aftermarket, but they are worth the $ IMO.

oh yes, forgot that. HUGE difference

 

[Surffisher2a]

Looks good but I'd skip the leather and cold weather group. As long as it has remote start, I'd be happy. Just leave the heat on auto. Blue tooth speaker is neat, but not something I chose.

I thought about that as well when I ordered mine (and my wife's JL). I went ahead with the cold weather group instead of just the remote start because it was only a couple hundred more. Living in coastal North Carolina, the temp rarely drops below freezing except overnights. I find the heated seats and steering wheel extremely nice when its just a tad chilly out. I am so glad I got the whole package on my JT (when it finally gets here).

 

[JT1]

Looks good but I'd skip the leather and cold weather group. As long as it has remote start, I'd be happy. Just leave the heat on auto. Blue tooth speaker is neat, but not something I chose.

Heated seats and steering wheel extend doors off season by a few weeks. Totally worth it for $700

 

[futzin']

YES to the Proximity. Unless you remote start, you need never remove the fob from your pocket. Love it on our Durango.

 

[Oil_Burner]

Ordering a '21 Diesel Rubicon and looking for opinions on this list of options. I'm open to adding some options, but only if it's something that just can't or shouldn't be done aftermarket.

8.4” Radio Group - AEK
Aux Switches - AM2
Black 3-Piece Hard Top - HT1
Cold Weather Group - ADE
Engine Block Heater - NHK
M/T Tires - TWQ
Trailer Tow - ABR
Slush Mats - CWA
Satin Black Grille - MHJ
Black Leather - ALX9 (debating the dark saddle)

Key questions/thoughts:

1. Feel free to tell me if any of these are best done aftermarket.
2. Is it worth it to get the factory bed liner? I know it's probably about the same cost as Rhino or the others, but which is better quality?
3. The cargo management system is interesting, but only for the locking underseat storage. I can easily add some uni-strut or other system later, but haven't seen an aftermarket offering for the storage that is compelling.

Skip the engine block heater according to this post:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/block-heater-cord-route.37524/
You can buy the cord from NAPA.

Jeep deletes the carpet mats when you get the all weather mats. If you want both, buy the carpet mats from someone in marketplace, or order the Mopor all-weather mats from Amazon.

Bedliner could not be ordered on my JTDR mid-November 2020. LineX will probably be my choice. They have a lifetime warranty but it cost more. They have a video where they pull out a factory liner from a Ford, I think it took them 20 minutes. They try to do the same to their liner and it took something like 20 minutes on just the tailgate and they had to use air chisel. If you can get the Mopar liner, that option will delay delivery as they spray the bed in Toledo.

Trail rail... read this thread:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/diy-bedrail-system.27640/
I’m personally going with Post #15 in that thread because of the flexibility it offers.

The Bluetooth speaker isn’t integrated into the stereo, you cou find an excellent one from many other suppliers at way less.

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