I haven't read the whole thread yet. But, I do the same. If you are comfortable with what a bagger can carry, a 2 door will be luxury. Personally, I did a 4 door...so I can sleep in it. That, and wheelbase for comfort.I'm used to motorcycle camping as well, so I'm no stranger to packing conservatively.
I think it actually looks better without the wheel on the back in this case.I use my JLR as a scout vehicle and short duration over night trips. I modified my JLR for hauling compact camping gear ,stuff left over from backpacking and motorcycle camping days gone by. With the back seat removed and DIY shelf, I have plenty of space even witha 37" spare tire on the cargo floor.
It only gets crowded when I want to haul lounge chair, 6 man stand up Coleman tent and cot.
I found a RV type roof rack for $40 and 6 lbs. would haul the tent and other light weight items just fine.
My small Tiger 4x4 RV is my hub base when traveling longer periods. Flat tows my JLR easily with Cummins diesel and 1 ton chassis.
Thanks. A couple years ago when trying to decide how to handle a 37" tire and 108 lbs, I tossed it in the back for a 3 day/2 night trip into the desert. With camping supplies piled on top of the spare and a 2 gallon jug of gas, I realized a couple DIY shelves and RotorPak mount on the tailgate was all I needed.I think it actually looks better without the wheel on the back in this case.
35s are the max that I'd really ever put on a daily driver. Maybe 37s on a JL or JT with the diesel, since I'd still be getting over 20 mpg. I don't mind dragging the ass end a little bit, but honestly I'm not hitting insanely technical terrain so it's not a huge concern.I saw this video recently, where this guy takes his JT to Moab. I just can't justify having to put on 40/42s on my JT in order to not scratch the rear end. If you only plan on doing Overlanding, then obviously there is no need for BIG tires. It really just depends on what you are planning on doing with your Jeep. I think that the 2D is a great size for off-roading, it is capable of tackling most trails with ease; without the need for huge improvement. But I also don't want you to regret purchasing the 2D when you realized that you should've gone with the 4D for the extra cargo space.
I wouldn't want to hit really technical terrain in a JL with a RTT. Center of gravity gets raised, makes a rig more prone to roll-overs. The JT's longer wheelbase helps offset that, but I'd still rather go around to get to a spot than go over boulders. 35s have been fine for me. I was definitely hitting the lower control arms when I was on 32s35s are the max that I'd really ever put on a daily driver. Maybe 37s on a JL or JT with the diesel, since I'd still be getting over 20 mpg. I don't mind dragging the ass end a little bit, but honestly I'm not hitting insanely technical terrain so it's not a huge concern.
I would consider a 4 door JL as well for sure. I think my optimal setup would be a 4-door JL, with an ursa minor top. That is in the running as well, but I wanted to pose the question about the two opposing sides of the spectrum. I think the JLU represents the middle ground, and the most expensive of the choices.
I'm really curious what ursa minor's eventual offering is going to be for the JT. That could end up being a gamechanger.
You know what they say- ask 10 people their opinions and get 11 different answers. You're not crazy. Do whatever makes you happy. Just don't trade it in t dealer, they'll fleece you. Sell it on your own so you got most out of it, even if it takes a little longer.So, I'm tossing around the idea of trading my built out Gladiator for a JL--likely a 2 door, and I'm looking for input. I like the 4 doors as well, but I've always loved the 2 doors and how maneuverable and capable they are. My primary recreational use for the vehicle is camping, exploring, and overlanding, but it is my daily driver as well so I appreciate drivability and economy.
I almost feel like I *overbuilt* with my JT. I absolutely love it, but to be honest, it almost seems like too much for my purposes. I adventure almost exclusively solo. I wouldn't mind downsizing and being a bit more selective with what gear I take out with me, while getting a package that is even more capable (on trails) and economical than my JT. What got me thinking about this is the very high sale/trade offers that I have gotten--I'm being offered more for it than what I paid for it brand new off of the lot. I have a large amount of equity in the JT, and my losses on aftermarket parts would be negligible since I can carry over many of the add-ons to the JL platform (seat covers, command center, wheels and tires, Tazer, all LED lights, dual battery kit, compressor, solar setup, rooftop tent, fridge, etc, etc).
I'm aware that I'm posting this on a JL forum, but if you were in my shoes, taking the above in to consideration, what would you do? Pros and cons? I'm just looking for some other perspectives. Thanks!
For sure, for sure. But in my experience, the rare occasions when you really do need the extra space can be gut-punchers when you don't have it.I have no illusions that I'd be giving up a large amount of space, but I'm a firm believer in the old saying that goes something like "the more space you have, that harder you try to fill it." I know that I don't need half of the shit that I take in the JT, and I'd welcome the challenge to pack a bit lighter.