Golfshrink
Well-Known Member
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- #1
Despite working my way through all the threads on this forum on the “manual vs. auto” topic, I’d Like to spin this thread toward the issue of TOWING with the various drivetrain options. Clearly, there’s little agreement on the topic of which drivetrain is superior in general, however I’m looking for whoever might be willing to weigh in on my personal hypothetical drivetrain dilemma?
For reference, my towing will be light duty by most standards and consists of a teardrop camper that weighs about 1500 lbs fully loaded. The trailer has brakes and pulls beautifully behind my auto trans FJ Cruiser. However, it does give the FJ a pretty good workout in the mountains and bucking a strong headwind on the interstate at 75mph.
I’m looking at JLR’s and would likely be running 34/35” K02’s...and would like to avoid the need to regear if possible. I’ve narrowed my choices down to either the 1) manual with the required 3.6, or the 2) 2.0T with the required automatic. I’ve driven both and continue to struggle with the choice. It really comes down to this...
My heart tells me to get the stick. I think it will be more fun for everyday driving and I have little to no heavy traffic, start/stop traffic to deal with. It will work fine with the type and amount of “wheeling” I’d be doing and I like the lower price and simplicity. However, I, pretty confident after driving the stick that the gearing, even with the 4.10 of the Rubicon, won’t be ideal for towing, probably never using 5th or 6th gear, and reverse being a painful experience when backing into tight spaces. And, I fear even my light duty towing will expose the 3.6’s low RPM torque deficiencies. However, a significant factor leading me to the manual is that my wife strongly prefers it...which could be the deciding factor if I’m still on the fence when it comes time to order.
My head tells me to get the 2.0T with the automatic. The combination of the added low end torque of the 4 banger, coupled with the advantages of having a torque converter in the mix, as well as the advantages of the turbo at altitude makes this drivetrain seem ideal for towing our little camper. I’m also one of those where the fact that e-torque is NOT, in the mix on the 2020 Rubicons, is a selling point. I just couldn’t get excited by that complex hybrid system being a part of a utilitarian vehicle like I want my Jeep to be.
To keep it in perspective, we tow the camper on a couple of long trips (week+) and several weekend trips a year so towing isn’t a daily occurrence and it will be a daily driver otherwise. However, the Jeep is specifically being purchased as a replacement for our FJ, as a tow vehicle, and I realize the Wrangler isn’t an ideal tow vehicle, so I’m splitting hairs trying to optimize the Wrangler’s drivetrain competence in this capacity.
I appreciate anyone’s perspective on this issue and particularly welcome those who have towed with the combos I’m considering and can provide some comparison.
For reference, my towing will be light duty by most standards and consists of a teardrop camper that weighs about 1500 lbs fully loaded. The trailer has brakes and pulls beautifully behind my auto trans FJ Cruiser. However, it does give the FJ a pretty good workout in the mountains and bucking a strong headwind on the interstate at 75mph.
I’m looking at JLR’s and would likely be running 34/35” K02’s...and would like to avoid the need to regear if possible. I’ve narrowed my choices down to either the 1) manual with the required 3.6, or the 2) 2.0T with the required automatic. I’ve driven both and continue to struggle with the choice. It really comes down to this...
My heart tells me to get the stick. I think it will be more fun for everyday driving and I have little to no heavy traffic, start/stop traffic to deal with. It will work fine with the type and amount of “wheeling” I’d be doing and I like the lower price and simplicity. However, I, pretty confident after driving the stick that the gearing, even with the 4.10 of the Rubicon, won’t be ideal for towing, probably never using 5th or 6th gear, and reverse being a painful experience when backing into tight spaces. And, I fear even my light duty towing will expose the 3.6’s low RPM torque deficiencies. However, a significant factor leading me to the manual is that my wife strongly prefers it...which could be the deciding factor if I’m still on the fence when it comes time to order.
My head tells me to get the 2.0T with the automatic. The combination of the added low end torque of the 4 banger, coupled with the advantages of having a torque converter in the mix, as well as the advantages of the turbo at altitude makes this drivetrain seem ideal for towing our little camper. I’m also one of those where the fact that e-torque is NOT, in the mix on the 2020 Rubicons, is a selling point. I just couldn’t get excited by that complex hybrid system being a part of a utilitarian vehicle like I want my Jeep to be.
To keep it in perspective, we tow the camper on a couple of long trips (week+) and several weekend trips a year so towing isn’t a daily occurrence and it will be a daily driver otherwise. However, the Jeep is specifically being purchased as a replacement for our FJ, as a tow vehicle, and I realize the Wrangler isn’t an ideal tow vehicle, so I’m splitting hairs trying to optimize the Wrangler’s drivetrain competence in this capacity.
I appreciate anyone’s perspective on this issue and particularly welcome those who have towed with the combos I’m considering and can provide some comparison.
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like I said above more than anything get what you and your wife want.
