RE: Driven: Prindiville Land Rover Defender
Discussion
jason61c said:
The MOD wanted to buy the G wagon instead of the defender as it was proven to be better made and more capable off road, the fact it was post WW2 and German in design stopped them.
Seeing this defender makes me think just how good the G wagon is. They don't corrode from the inside out either.
Yet the Germans also used Land Rovers!Seeing this defender makes me think just how good the G wagon is. They don't corrode from the inside out either.
It's a funny old world.
300bhp/ton said:
Wild Rumpus said:
The current data on the Jeep website shows a paltry 1000kg tow limit for the standard Wrangler (less than my wife's C3 Picasso) and 2200kg with the uprated axle.
You are correct, it looks like they've revised the specs 
In 2005/6 all Unlimited came with the Dana44 in Europe, it wasn't optional as it now seems. And they did (maybe incorrectly) have a much higher tow rating. Sure I've got a brochure somewhere. 
Wild Rumpus said:
I'm certain you are correct, I looked at these when they came out with a view to it being a family car/rally service barge and the tow limit was pretty high. When I looked again last year it was down to 1000kg (which is truly pathetic for a big 4x4). The optional HD axle looks to be a new thing (at least for the UK market).
When launched in the US they JK had a Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear iirc, which was the same as the out going TJ. Although with revised hubs. The Rubicon came with Danna44's front and rear as standard and I think the Unlimited with the "tow pack" was also upgraded to the Dana 44.I believe the US to ratings where 3500lbs for the Unlimted with the tow pack and something like 2000lbs for a 3dr. Still pretty poor, but a massive improvement from the YJ/TJ that were only rated at 1000lbs tow rating.
I honestly believe this is partly due to not wanting to affect mid and full size pick up trucks. As some SUV's using the same axles, engines and axles where rated far higher than the Wrangler.
No idea why it seems to have changed for the UK market though.
300bhp/ton said:
Wild Rumpus said:
I'm certain you are correct, I looked at these when they came out with a view to it being a family car/rally service barge and the tow limit was pretty high. When I looked again last year it was down to 1000kg (which is truly pathetic for a big 4x4). The optional HD axle looks to be a new thing (at least for the UK market).
When launched in the US they JK had a Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear iirc, which was the same as the out going TJ. Although with revised hubs. The Rubicon came with Danna44's front and rear as standard and I think the Unlimited with the "tow pack" was also upgraded to the Dana 44.I believe the US to ratings where 3500lbs for the Unlimted with the tow pack and something like 2000lbs for a 3dr. Still pretty poor, but a massive improvement from the YJ/TJ that were only rated at 1000lbs tow rating.
I honestly believe this is partly due to not wanting to affect mid and full size pick up trucks. As some SUV's using the same axles, engines and axles where rated far higher than the Wrangler.
No idea why it seems to have changed for the UK market though.
As an aside, I've just noticed Jeep UK now run a special order service that means we can still get RHD Rubicons here even though they've diappeared off the model listing. It's about the only vehicle I'd consider over a 90, shame you can only get with the not overly brilliant petrol engine.
Caulkhead said:
I was told the low US tow ratings were largely due to the high likelihood of a US driver putting a large load on the back of a Jeep and still trying to do 70mph and then suing when they crashed.
As an aside, I've just noticed Jeep UK now run a special order service that means we can still get RHD Rubicons here even though they've diappeared off the model listing. It's about the only vehicle I'd consider over a 90, shame you can only get with the not overly brilliant petrol engine.
Thanks didn't know about the special order thing. Although I honestly despair at Jeep UK. When launched their made a statement that the Rubicon would not be a big seller in the UK. And the reason was the UK only got 19 vehicles :rolleye: all pre-sold months before release. Makes you wonder how many they could have sold if they actually had available vehicles and marketed them.As an aside, I've just noticed Jeep UK now run a special order service that means we can still get RHD Rubicons here even though they've diappeared off the model listing. It's about the only vehicle I'd consider over a 90, shame you can only get with the not overly brilliant petrol engine.
I also truly fail to understand the logic on what models they offered. The Rubicon was at launch only offered with auto 3.8 V6 and no air con. Despite most Brits liking diesels and manuals for off roading and that most people buying the most expensive top of the range Wrangler would expect air con, which was standard on lesser models.
No wonder Jeep struggle to sell vehicles in the UK.
BTW the Rubicon can be had with a diesel in mainland Europe and either swb or Unlimited too.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff