Longest trip in a JKU?

[haven]

It's possible to take long trips in just about anything. I drove coast to coast in a VW beetle with the seats moved all the way forward so there would be room in the back for luggage. But I wouldn't recommend it.

The 4Runner will be a more livable, more comfortable vehicle for 99% of your driving. The Wrangler Rubicon will be a better choice for the worst off-road situations.

Here are those numbers you're talking about

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
http://www.jeep.com/hostc/vsmc/vehicleSpecModels.do?modelYearCode=CUJ201307
Space behind the front seats 71 cu ft
cargo capacity 892 lb
EPA mpg 16/20 (V6 with 5 speed automatic)

Toyota 4Runner
http://www.toyota.com/4runner/features.html#!/weights_capacities/8670
Space behind the front seats 89 cu ft
cargo capacity 1550 lb
EPA mpg 17/21 (V6 with 5 speed automatic)

 

[just eric]

Roger that Haven. I would ordinarily just add a rack and not worry about the difference in cargo space but the payload as the limiting factor is quite daunting (at least in my mind). Just need to run the numbers and do what's best for my wallet.

 

[GetOutThere]

I take 900km trips in my JKUR semi regularly for work.

These trips are one way, single day, and a single driving session... only stops are gas.

I haven't had much of a problem with comfort. We usually carpool as 3-4 people, and no one has ever complained about the passenger room or comfort levels.

Personally I find the seats in the wrangler to get uncomfortable after about 5-6 hours (lower back area), but no one else agrees with me. My 2004 Pontiac Sunfire seats were much less fatiguing.

As for the difference in payload... it's impossible to argue. After 2 passengers, bumpers, a roof rack, a winch, and proper skid plating (my JKU with auto is not effectively plated from factory), it's not going to leave a lot of wiggle room.

 

[Jkfisher84]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but that JK is awesome! What lift are you running and what is your tire size if you don't mind? I have the same model/color and plan on the same bumpers and rack.

i second this, i would like to see specs and trip report pa pa pleeeaase

 

[Jkfisher84]

just came back from the U.P. of Michigan and actually overpacked hahaha but it was only for 5 solid days

 

[rolando]

We did a three week road trip from VA to UT/NV/AZ last year with this setup. It were 6220 miles total with a family of four (two kids 10 and 12 at that time).

The Jeep and trailer worked like a well oiled machine

 

[sseaman]

Old thread but I just finished up 3320 miles in 5 days leaving from TN through Denver, SD, NE, KS and back home.

 

[expedition4x4]

My 2012 has just over 76k miles or should I say smiles

This year we drover from Denver to SD then up the coast into Oregon and back around to Denver total was 4500

Then last month I drove from Denver to the Overland Expo east (asheville nc)and back I dont count many of the individual trips because its just miles and my Jeep travels so well.

 

[dusmmdb]

I just returned from a two week trip to AZ, CO, and UT... 4k miles total. I created more room in my JKU by removing the back seats. I built a deck that is level with the back end. It provides me with a storage area for extra gear like my med pack, spare winch line, dog food, tools, etc. I mounted my ARB fridge to this deck behind my drivers seat, and this leaves the rear cargo area for all extras. All my camping gear goes in a thule bag that I attached to my Gobi rack.

Storage in the JKU is only limited by the imagination

 

[Jurfie]

^^ That's a nice looking JKU. Looks like your buddy likes it too!

 

[dusmmdb]

Thanks! I have slowly built it up over the years.... I have a few more changes -currently installing a long arm suspension system, then I will move on to my expedition trailer

 

[GFA]

7564 miles from NC to NE, SD, WY, MT, UT and CO.

The first 2400 or so it was myself and son with our camping gear, 50L fridge and luggage for the other three family members we picked up in MT. Had to ship home the camping gear once the other three were picked up and a new Martin guitar was added to the luggage.

It was tight but manageable.

 

[dusmmdb]

Glad to see Imogene has a new sign up... last time I was there, it was missing... only the pole was there

 

[ADVNOMAD]

We just did 6,141 miles in two weeks, Seattle to the Arctic Ocean and back.

sbly

Would love to know more about this trip to the Arctic (& the JKUR), is there a trip report on here. Primarily wondering how rushed a two week trip like that would be.

 

[Hilldweller]

So, perhaps it does not apply, but my reasoning is if I can do it in a 2 door, it would be a cakewalk in the Unlimited.....

Cheers
Craig

What he said.
We did 7,000 miles in two weeks in a 2-door. GA to northern Alberta, hitting national parks & monuments everywhere we could.
No complaints. It was our first roadtrip by Jeep and we were coming off motorcycle travel.