Rubicon vs Moab

[Roky]

Hello, I’m the next few days I am looking to buy a wrangler jlu. I will be using it for heavy deep snow and other off-roading conditions (parts of rubicon possibly etc.) my price range is around 52 msrp and naturally the Moab and rubicon seem like good options. I like the leather and steel bumpers on Moab standard and the rubicon for that price point doesn’t have that. Also the v6 is normally in the Moab which I like. The rubicon however has lockers which I’m not sure their necessity and a slightly different ride height with bigger tires. I don’t loook to do to many modifications to either. If anyone has any input that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The way I see it, if you just take away the names of each model, and decide which Jeep best fits your needs, no matter what it’s called, for you at least, it will be the most capable Jeep you can get.

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[Sean L]

Like I said, name aside, itihas the most intense tires of all models yet with less intense parts than a Rubicon would have. Nothing wrong against any of them.

A good Mud Jeep all right. So far I haven't felt any desire for the 4.10s but the KM2s off a Moab would be a great booster for me.

 

[IronScott]

If you get a Moab, make sure you switch tires before driving in snow. MT tires can be deadly in snow/ice.

The Rubicon's KO2 tires have the 'severe service' emblem, meaning they are rated for snow/ice traction (not as good as a dedicated snow tire, but better than most all-seasons or AT tires without the emblem).

I think any tire can be deadly in snow and especially ice. A blanket statement against all MTs is a bit misleading, IMO.

 

[The_Phew]

I think any tire can be deadly in snow and especially ice. A blanket statement against all MTs is a bit misleading, IMO.

Siping is the main tire feature that provides snow/traction (combined with rubber compounds that stay compliant at low temperatures). MTs universally don't have siping, so my 'blanket statement' is at least accurate.

In deep snow, the tread blocks on MTs will at least keep you moving. But in light snow/ice, MTs might as well be drag slicks.

 

[IronScott]

Siping is the main tire feature that provides snow/traction (combined with rubber compounds that stay compliant at low temperatures). MTs universally don't have siping, so my 'blanket statement' is at least accurate.

In deep snow, the tread blocks on MTs will at least keep you moving. But in light snow/ice, MTs might as well be drag slicks.

Then why are certain MTs rated for snow? I have KM3 and they are M+S. Not trying to be argumentative but want to get the facts straight.

 

[The_Phew]

Then why are certain MTs rated for snow? I have KM3 and they are M+S. Not trying to be argumentative but want to get the facts straight.

From Tire Rack's marketing blurb on that tire:
"While Off-Road Maximum Traction tires are branded with the M+S symbol and able to churn through deep snow, their typical oversize applications and the absence of snow-biting sipes in their large smooth lugs can challenge their on-road wintertime traction on packed snow and icy surfaces."

Every time we get a light dusting of snow, the shoulders and ditches are literally littered with lifted bro-dozers running MT tires. Not understanding the limitations of MT tires in light snow/ice must kill hundreds (or thousands?) of people per year.

 

[IronScott]

From Tire Rack's marketing blurb on that tire:
"While Off-Road Maximum Traction tires are branded with the M+S symbol and able to churn through deep snow, their typical oversize applications and the absence of snow-biting sipes in their large smooth lugs can challenge their on-road wintertime traction on packed snow and icy surfaces."

Every time we get a light dusting of snow, the shoulders and ditches are literally littered with lifted bro-dozers running MT tires. Not understanding the limitations of MT tires in light snow/ice must kill hundreds (or thousands?) of people per year.

Hmmm. Seems like the M+S designation might need to be revised, then.

 

[tatarin]

Hello, I’m the next few days I am looking to buy a wrangler jlu. I will be using it for heavy deep snow and other off-roading conditions (parts of rubicon possibly etc.) my price range is around 52 msrp and naturally the Moab and rubicon seem like good options. I like the leather and steel bumpers on Moab standard and the rubicon for that price point doesn’t have that. Also the v6 is normally in the Moab which I like. The rubicon however has lockers which I’m not sure their necessity and a slightly different ride height with bigger tires. I don’t loook to do to many modifications to either. If anyone has any input that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My wife and I were in the same boat, ended up ordering MOAB edition. My wife will be driving it most of the time so for Chicago winters I think the Auto 4WD (select-trac) is a better fit. We are switching to 315/70 KO2s as soon as it arrives and a teraflex 1.5" spacer lift with extended bump stops. Probably won't help you making a decision based off the forum replies, you'll just have to evaluate what works for you.

 

[Sean L]

Hmmm. Seems like the M+S designation might need to be revised, then.

You'll have to get a dedicated winter tire for ice, rather than an all terrain or mud tire.

 

[SecondTJ]

In general it's better to have a $55K vehicle with $0 in options than a $40K vehicle with $15K in options on it come resell time.

Good point. Very true.

 

[Maverick909]

ok voice of reasoning,

what is drawing you to the rubi and the moab trim levels? just the heated seats, leather a moab sticker? i mean all jeeps can handle snow and crawling with proper driving skills and good spotters. anyways, you can get a limited slip axle on a sport with a good system and " all-terrains" theyre 32" i believe but most people are going to put a bigger tire on before the stocks wear out. i mean 52K is a ton of money. and for 32ish you can get a sport with good options and put a mopar lift and 35s" for about 4 grand and if your good at making deals you could even fit in a re-gear from 3.45 to 4.10 for next to nothing. Ill say most people dont like this route because they want it to be 100% from the start. damn, got side tracted as if i was going through the same debate i had when i bought me jeep, anyways, If i was gonna drop 50+grand on a jeep id still go Rubi. can beat lockers and KO2 33 from the factory with a nice lift and all the extras anyone will really need to get to work and do some light wheeling

 

[IronScott]

You'll have to get a dedicated winter tire for ice, rather than an all terrain or mud tire.

I’m sure that’s true but I was trying to refute the claim that all MTs are deadly in snow and ice. ATs and regular road tires are just as dangerous in snow and ice. Fear mongering is unnecessary when someone is trying to buy a vehicle.

 

[Sean L]

I’m sure that’s true but I was trying to refute the claim that all MTs are deadly in snow and ice. ATs and regular road tires are just as dangerous in snow and ice. Fear mongering is unnecessary when someone is trying to buy a vehicle.

It may be more for the KM2 specifically he was referring to. There's no siping on those.

 

[Strommen95]

In all honesty, if you feel endangered in snow using an AT tire on a Wrangler you are a piss poor driver or in real ice, not snow. I’m at 47K miles on my Duratracs from 2014 on my JKU and have had zero issues up to 22 inches without LSD. You just have to drive slower.

 

[mwilk012]

The Moab is just an optioned out sahara with some Rubicon parts. What options really matter to you? Sounds like steel bumpers and leather are, so unless you want to go with katzkin (which are very nice) and aftermarket bumpers, a sport S wouldn't work for you. If I were you, there is no way in hell I would go without the cold weather package and the tow/electrical group on whatever you decide.

If you do not absolutely need the body color hard top and headliner, then the Rubicon is a much better value but still about $700 more than the Moab. If you really have no plans of rock crawling, and snow is a major issue for you, I'd get the Moab and add the two packages, then buy snow tires. The KM2's are awful.

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