How do you deal with the thought of another full size truck?

[Paden501]

I just went through this similar thought exercise a few weeks ago when I bought my JT. I came into my JT after owning a Nissan Frontier Pro-4x w/ the crew cab and 5' bed for about 8 years. I used the truck "as a truck" quite a lot and there definitely were a few times when I wished I had that full size truck bed. However, for 90% of the loads that I hauled (including refrigerators, drywall sheets, top soil... you name it) the 5' bed and lower towing/hauling capacity on the frontier did just fine.

The main thing that challenged me w/ the Frontier was not actually heavy items... it was LONG items. Things like long cuts of baseboard or casing, electrical conduit, etc. were really hard to haul in a 5' bed. I found myself strapping those items to the factory roof-top rack more often than using the bed.

So, when I decided that I was going to get into a JT, I did have to do a little bit of soul searching about buying into another midsize truck that presumably will be even more difficult to haul those long items in (at least when the top is on ).

I guess the reason that I bring this all up is that there are some use cases where a full size truck would be ideal that don't necessarily involve towing an 11K pound boat around or putting a goose-neck camper on the back. That said, I ultimately decided that I'd get creative when those situations come up to have the trade-off of a truck that's also a Jeep.

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[Alabama Mud Machine]

I still have a full size (2018 F150 Supercrew 3.5 Ecobust). The truth is I should really still be driving the F150- it's a lease with about 15k miles left before I give it back next December. But I can hardly force myself to drive it, it's been nothing but problems, and there just isn't the same enjoyment for me driving it. The panoramic sunroof doesn't compare to no roof, and the doors don't come off (although with the issues that truck has had I wouldn't be surprised if they fall off). To be honest the F150 interior feels like a molded plastic box in comparison to my JT. Tight parking spots are no longer an issue, my fuel economy even with a Rubicon and MTs is better, and my 2 kids don't miss the massive cab of the F150-they're too busy bumping the latest Trolls soundtrack through the premium audio. My JT tows better than I thought it would, I cant even pass that duty off to the Ford- because what's better than towing the boat to and from the lake with the top off?

This is my first Jeep, and my first midsize truck. I've always driven 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks- I don't miss a thing.

My question is how do you deal with the thought that years from now when my JT finally gives up they wont be available to buy another?

You do like I want to do, and slap a 6.4 Hemi in it, and keep rolling.

Also, if they stop making them, good! I've got mine, and prices and value will skyrocket for their rarity.

 

[bluedevil1]

You do like I want to do, and slap a 6.4 Hemi in it, and keep rolling.

Also, if they stop making them, good! I've got mine, and prices and value will skyrocket for their rarity.

Not to mention all the used engines and parts from the plethora of "no off-road seeing" mall crawler JL/JLU's that will be available!

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

Not to mention all the used engines and parts from the plethora of "no off-road seeing" mall crawler JL/JLU's that will be available!

Oh, by the time my build is done, it will be as factory-adjacent as they come. D60’s, SRT 6.4 Hemi, built 8-speed Auto, 2-Low mod in the t-case, 38’s or 40’s, full coil-over setup, etc... Granted, this is all long-term goals...So, none of it will be anytime soon...But it’s my grand vision for my JTR.

 

[Empty Pockets]

This thread got me thinking. So, I checked out a “full sized” truck on the way to work this morning. It’s cool and all, but I think I’ll stick with the Jeep.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Besides, I don’t think the big one is plywood rated

 

[Pleease.]

The Honda Ridgeline sells for people who don't need a truck, but want the capability and carrying capacity and tow a utility trailer or ATV, but want a softer ride.

Uh, people who "want carrying capacity and tow a trailer" want a truck, and the Ridgeline is a very capable midsize truck, as is the Gladiator.

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