2012 or newer if this also going to be your daily driver. The new 2.6L engine has more power and better MPG (1MPG). If you do decide to get a used Rubicon check to see if it comes with the 4.10 gears since 2012 it has been an option. Most will come with the 3.73 gears unless ordered with 4.10.
Your basic newbie Rubicon question
- Thread starter uintaangler
- Start date
Omar Brannstrom
Adventurer
I think a new stock or mildly altered Rubicon can be your daily driver and for offroad. I use my Rubicon unlimited for daily driving and I love it.
goin camping
Explorer
Dan has nailed it.
HRPINDC
Adventurer
In that case I might add a winch and perhaps a dual battery set-up. But it depends on how far from civilization you plan to be. My philosophy tends to lean towards leaving my rig as close to stock as possible, while being consistent with my purpose. I know this runs contrary to many Jeep folks, who bolt on as many mods as possible. I subscribe to the K.I.S.S. principle.
uintaangler
Observer
This message has been repeated several times now and I agree.
So I will look for a nice stock Rubicon and add a winch and a dual battery set up and on board air compressor ( if that exists ) for reinflating after driving on sand
WHAT ELSE make sense for my purposes?
Thanks :smiley_drive:
HRPINDC
Adventurer
Viair and ARB make very good on-board air systems, that will be a great addition to your rig. A set of Maxtrax will also be good to have. See how it goes from there. You will have an excellent base from which to begin and then make additions based on your experiences. Good luck!
uintaangler
Observer
GetOutThere
Adventurer
Those are the ones. I have a set, and they are invaluable.
I also agree with the principle of using it and only modding as things are actually needed.
I'm now 2 years into my JKUR ownership, and I know exactly what I need versus my list of wants when I bought the vehicle.
HRPINDC
Adventurer
That's them. They're not inexpensive, but I think if sand is going to be your primary environment they'll be useful. You may even be able to forgo a winch.
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
As for airing up tires, myself and many others use the MV50 with no complaints http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...bv9UzNUuYYnK18G6hFuaPqAq1mr3A0LaFrRoCllnw_wcB You can find it cheaper depending where you look.
Yuccahead
Adventurer
If you are just going out on day trips and not camping with a fridge, you can get buy without a dual battery system -- which are not the easiest things to install on a JK. If you want some battery redundancy, you can still just take a jump pack. These can now be the size of a large paperback and cost around $100. This won't be as completely fail safe as a dual battery system but will consume a lot less of your wallet if you don't need to power a fridge. If you are getting a JKU, an ArkPak (or any remote battery box) is another option. This is just a dual battery system that you can remove. Takes up space inside the Jeep (which is why I would not suggest this for a JK), but for a JKU, it's not a bad option.
I have ARB's on board air (CKMA12 with pump up kit) and love it. I can't believe the amount of air it puts out. The MV-50 is a solid low cost option. It was my original off road compressor and it's still working 15 years later.
I have ARB's on board air (CKMA12 with pump up kit) and love it. I can't believe the amount of air it puts out. The MV-50 is a solid low cost option. It was my original off road compressor and it's still working 15 years later.
monele
Adventurer
Just want to re-iterate the keep it simple theme. Examples: I have taken a bone-stock YJ on 30" tires through some of the "hardest" Moab trails (hell's revenge, fins 'n' things, 7 mile rim, lockhart basin) and the only issue was occasionally dragging the trailer hitch. My LJ rubicon went up to wheeler lake in Colorado when it was stock and I had no need for the lockers (also on "only" 31 inch tires) I too travel alone a lot (I know many think this is nuts) and the most important "upgrades" may be more to your mindset and your camping gear than your jeep. A way to air up; a winch, tree strap & snatch block; I high lift (to swap on the spare or move the jeep sideways); a lithium-ion booster pack; a good radio (pick your flavor CB or HAM); and maybe a SPOT locator if you are really going to BFE. Always tell people what your plan is and where you think you'll be over the course of your trip. This might be the most important thing you do. You may want to consider spare fuel (but honestly not a priority) but definitely a way to carry a good bit of water (I think 2-3 gallons as a minimum) and emergency food, shelter and warmth.
Take the time to learn how your vehicle reacts, feels and sounds so that you know what normal is. Go with a group a few times when you want to try more than you are comfortable with so that you can really find the limits of the vehicle (and your intestinal fortitude). Once you have done all that, you'll know what you want to change about your vehicle. (which is when you start to understand why jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket!)
Take the time to learn how your vehicle reacts, feels and sounds so that you know what normal is. Go with a group a few times when you want to try more than you are comfortable with so that you can really find the limits of the vehicle (and your intestinal fortitude). Once you have done all that, you'll know what you want to change about your vehicle. (which is when you start to understand why jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket!)
Yuccahead
Adventurer
At the risk of being obnoxious, stay in 4-High, deflate your tires and keep your speed up.
uintaangler
Observer
I decided to go with a portable air compressor for now. Can anybody tell me how the MV-50 compares with the ARB CKMTP12?
The specs don't mean much to me as I don't really know how to read them, but the ARB seems to be dramatically more expensive
Thanks