JT still just a Jeep

[FrankInNordale]

I'm sure I'll get lit up for this, but I cannot understand why there such apprehension, question, or at least a perceived disappointment in the JT's capabilities as a truck?

Yes, inherently with the JT designation we think truck, but we all understand that's just window dressing, right? The JT is essentially just going to be a Jeep Wrangler with a pickup bed. It does not appear its even going to be marketed or produced in a way that you would typically see for a truck. From what we are told its being made as a lifestyle vehicle for niche market. Meaning a Jeeper who needs that little extra room and a "pickup truck bed" is the most desired for and common sense way of accomplishing that.

If you're expecting a truck, expectations need to be tempered. I'm seeing some disappointment in the forums with things like towing capacity and bed length. There are a number of trucks out there in the market place for those who need large beds or towing capacities. I understand increased towing capacity has always been on the wish list and it looks the JT will deliver, but again, it goes back to the JT being niche market Jeep let alone a niche market SUV/LT.

Based on what we have heard and seen to date I think the JT is going to be an awesome addition to the Jeep brand for those who need that little extra space, the overlanding crowd, and those who simply have always had a soft spot for the original Gladiator, but if you're looking for a traditional light truck you're going to be disappointed.

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[TexTJ209]

I'm sure I'll get lit up for this, but I cannot understand why there such apprehension, question, or at least a perceived disappointment in the JT's capabilities as a truck?

Yes, inherently with the JT designation we think truck, but we all understand that's just window dressing, right? The JT is essentially just going to be a Jeep Wrangler with a pickup bed. It does not appear its even going to be marketed or produced in a way that you would typically see for a truck. From what we are told its being made as a lifestyle vehicle for niche market. Meaning a Jeeper who needs that little extra room and a "pickup truck bed" is the most desired for and common sense way of accomplishing that.

If you're expecting a truck, expectations need to be tempered. I'm seeing some disappointment in the forums with things like towing capacity and bed length. There are a number of trucks out there in the market place for those who need large beds or towing capacities. I understand increased towing capacity has always been on the wish list and it looks the JT will deliver, but again, it goes back to the JT being niche market Jeep let alone a niche market SUV/LT.

Based on what we have heard and seen to date I think the JT is going to be an awesome addition to the Jeep brand for those who need that little extra space, the overlanding crowd, and those who simply have always had a soft spot for the original Gladiator, but if you're looking for a traditional light truck you're going to be disappointed.

Huh? It's not going to be simply a Wrangler with a bed. Completely different frame, rear suspension setup from a Ram 1500, and a leaked but not 100% confirmed 6500lb towing capacity...which is in line with the rest of the mid size truck market. Colorado maxes out at 7000lbs(ZR2 is only 5k), Tacoma is 6800, Frontier is 6500. And the bed length is in-line with every other mid size truck...anybody who's thinking this thing was gonna be a full size 1500 class truck is an idiot. Chrysler killed the full size Jeep truck in the late 80s so as to not compete with Dodge, and it's never coming back as long as FCA owns Jeep.

Agreed with you 100% though, anybody complaining about capabilities is clearly not paying attention or is misinformed. It's on the lower end of the mid size truck towing market by a whole 500lbs compared to the maximums of others, but it packs a ton more capability than the others as well just by nature of being derived from the JL.

Definitely agree with your last statement as well, I think it's going to fill that role extremely well. Once I finally manage to bring one home, that's the exact role it will fill, with my Duramax handling the heavy hauling role.

 

[FrankInNordale]

Huh? It's not going to be simply a Wrangler with a bed. Completely different frame, rear suspension setup from a Ram 1500, and a leaked but not 100% confirmed 6500lb towing capacity...which is in line with the rest of the mid size truck market. Colorado maxes out at 7000lbs(ZR2 is only 5k), Tacoma is 6800, Frontier is 6500. And the bed length is in-line with every other mid size truck...anybody who's thinking this thing was gonna be a full size 1500 class truck is an idiot. Chrysler killed the full size Jeep truck in the late 80s so as to not compete with Dodge, and it's never coming back as long as FCA owns Jeep.

You're right about differences with the frame and suspension; I should have been a little more specific.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Yea I think a LOT of the misconceptions are people are hoping 1) its an affordable work truck, which its not going to be. its going to be more of a lifestyle truck like the ZR2 and 2) That it will have full size capabilities, which its not as its a mid-size truck and will be in line with other mid-size trucks. There is no way FCA will want it eating into Ram sales, and because of that they will make sure its not competing for the same buyers.

 

[Wraith]

Yea I think a LOT of the misconceptions are people are hopeing 1) its an affordable work truck, which its not going to be. its going to be more of a lifestyle truck the the ZR2 and 2) That it will have full size capabilities, which its not as its a mid-size truck in a will be in line with other mid-size trucks. There is no way FCA will want it eating into Ram sales, and because of that they will make sure its not competing for the same buyers.

Completely agree

 

[SS_Syndicate]

Yea I think a LOT of the misconceptions are people are hoping 1) its an affordable work truck, which its not going to be. its going to be more of a lifestyle truck like the ZR2 and 2) That it will have full size capabilities, which its not as its a mid-size truck and will be in line with other mid-size trucks. There is no way FCA will want it eating into Ram sales, and because of that they will make sure its not competing for the same buyers.

I agree with you and will admit that I have and still sometimes do totally fall into both categories here... The thing is, A heavily loaded JLU Rubicon is pulling $55k on the sticker (at least the one Mel and Lisa Wade just got did). If the JT ends up being the presumed $5-7k more expensive, it will be placed right in-line with the F150 Raptor, and more expensive than a many full-sized trucks (including the RAM Power Wagon). Granted, the JT, Raptor, and Power-Wagon all suit different needs/desires, but it's not like the JT is looking small (or at least smaller enough to make a huge difference on the trail). At some point, we have to examine if the less capable (as a truck), and likely higher $ is truly warranted by a seven-slot grille and removable top.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

I agree with you and will admit that I have and still sometimes do totally fall into both categories here... The thing is, A heavily loaded JLU Rubicon is pulling $55k on the sticker (at least the one Mel and Lisa Wade just got did). If the JT ends up being the presumed $5-7k more expensive, it will be placed right in-line with the F150 Raptor, and more expensive than a many full-sized trucks (including the RAM Power Wagon). Granted, the JT, Raptor, and Power-Wagon all suit different needs/desires, but it's not like the JT is looking small (or at least smaller enough to make a huge difference on the trail). At some point, we have to examine if the less capable (as a truck), and likely higher $ is truly warranted by a seven-slot grille and removable top.

Yea I agree the Jeep needs to be careful not to price it in the Raptor Pricing. With that said Raptor pricing went up this year. So a decently equipped 4 door version is $57,700 with the 801A package or $64,200 with the 802A package. I think FCA needs to keep the full loaded Rubicon Diesel version of the Gladiator under $55K otherwise they are going to have issues. Also with the Raptor Ranger coming there is no way Ford will have that in the same price point as the F150 Raptor so I see that selling for about $10K less for a similar equipped truck, so the Gladiator will have to compete with that.

 

[FrankInNordale]

The pricing is concerning, however, I think folks can get into a JL if they add only "needed" options. A base Rubicon with destination charge is $41,690 which is by no means a drop in the bucket, but when you look at what is included at that price point its a good vehicle. The only "needs" I have are the led light group because I feel its a safety thing and the trailer tow group because I do have a need to pull small trailers, everything else is a want. That brings my total price to $43,380, still not that bad. I guess what I am saying is that there is an "affordable" Jeep out there for those who have an honest conversation with themselves about what is a need vs. necessity. I hear great and understandable arguments for cold weather group and hard top because of the weather, but for $1,700 is it really a "need?" Does one "have to" get a color matched hardtop and fenders for approx. $2,500?

Hopefully when the JT finally comes out we can have the same conversation. Check that, hopefully when the JT comes out we can have a good laugh at our own expense about how Marchionne was just JK-ing around about the "intentionally expensive" part. JK-ing you see what I did there, yes very lame. LOL I just hope I can get into a similarly equipped JT Rubicon for $50k or under. Its literally my dream Jeep so I'm going to find a way to make it happen.

 

[SS_Syndicate]

@FrankInNordale

If someone had an honest conversation about needs they will likely no longer be in the market for any Jeep product..... The entire brand relies on splurge desires.

 

[Produkshun]

The pricing is concerning, however, I think folks can get into a JL if they add only "needed" options. A base Rubicon with destination charge is $41,690 which is by no means a drop in the bucket, but when you look at what is included at that price point its a good vehicle. The only "needs" I have are the led light group because I feel its a safety thing and the trailer tow group because I do have a need to pull small trailers, everything else is a want. That brings my total price to $43,380, still not that bad. I guess what I am saying is that there is an "affordable" Jeep out there for those who have an honest conversation with themselves about what is a need vs. necessity. I hear great and understandable arguments for cold weather group and hard top because of the weather, but for $1,700 is it really a "need?" Does one "have to" get a color matched hardtop and fenders for approx. $2,500?

Hopefully when the JT finally comes out we can have the same conversation. Check that, hopefully when the JT comes out we can have a good laugh at our own expense about how Marchionne was just JK-ing around about the "intentionally expensive" part. JK-ing you see what I did there, yes very lame. LOL I just hope I can get into a similarly equipped JT Rubicon for $50k or under. Its literally my dream Jeep so I'm going to find a way to make it happen.

I have a similar interest in using a JT Rubicon to pull an Airstream 20, 22, or 23 FB. A big factor will be the final GVWR numbers as I’d really like to install a bed mounted 3500w genbox and tonneau on the JT.

Also, What’s wrong with going for the dual top option?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Renegade]

I’ll agree with the OP on this. It will indeed be a Wrangler-based pickup. Can’t wait!

 

[Wraith]

I have a similar interest in using a JT Rubicon to pull an Airstream 20, 22, or 23 FB. A big factor will be the final GVWR numbers as I’d really like to install a bed mounted 3500w genbox and tonneau on the JT.

Also, What’s wrong with going for the dual top option?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

About the only suggestion any of us can give with any certainty is to wait patiently like the rest of us. For myself, my next vehicle will be a truck and just hoping the JT is worth the wait and something I can afford to own. My close friend has a Tacoma and taking it on trips to Moab really sealed the deal that a truck was my next purchase. The utility alone had me sold so I just continue to patiently wait to see what is in store from Jeep and then ill make a decision then. I think the JT will satisfy the want/need for a Jeep and a pickup all in one and I doubt any of us intend to use it as a hardcore work truck. Towing and payload should be acceptable for most of us who want the added utility of a pickup but had little to no need for a full size. Time will tell and I am optimistic that Jeep will get it right especially wanting to sell upwards of 100K annually. Cheers!

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