JK-8 Rubion vs. My Power Wagon

[Montana Dan]

vs.

I'm considering trading in the 'ole wagon for an JK8 Ruby, this isn't the acutual JK8 but one just like it. I would like to hear some opinions from the PW guys as i already have a head full of Jeep jiba jaba from my friends and wife. Thanks guys. Im on the fence as they say..........

[flattire]

Did you drive out of that mud bog in photo? If "yes" ...keep it.

[Montana Dan]

Did you drive out of that mud bog in photo? If "yes" ...keep it.

Nope. Winch quit mid pull. And the ps pump went out again. I know i will have to deal with some of the same stuff (breakage) with the JK but im sure there are better options on how to fix it for the Jeep.

[foofs]

I don't know what you should do, but I've been considering the same thing. I only put about 2k-3k of miles on each year and it seems like every time I drive it something goes in it. That said I can't think of any other vehicle I would really want. The PW is just too versatile, so pretty much anything I buy I'd be giving something up, but maybe the reliability would be worth it... But since mine is almost paid for I continue to choose to slowly upgrade it and beef it up where I can...

[vanished]

What's a Rubion? Seriously if i didn't have to tow and haul a Rubicon would be just fine.. Considering that I use my trucks for everything I don't have much a choice. As mentioned above the PW is a very versatile tool!

[Ken G.]

Certainly, that JK-8 would be a pretty nimble little rig, but remember that you would instantly have to reevaluate what and who you'll be able to take with you on a long backcountry trip....less room for family/friends and gear. Hauling or towing anything very big will be out of the question, too. I also believe that your Power Wagon can most likely put up with a Montana winter better than the Jeep. I've got some land up in the Flathead Valley near Kalispell...the snow piles up and it gets bone-deep cold. Also, unless you're independently wealthy, you'll have a brand new vehicle payment to deal with. You'll also have to start down a whole new path regarding modifications and "stuff" you'll want for the Jeep. I've been down that road, too......it ain't just Power Wagons that help empty your wallet. To be sure, I put over $25k into my old '79 CJ-7. You do know that Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket"! They have stuff break on them, too. The Rubicon package is a great out of the box off-roader, but no more so than the Power Wagon. Sometimes the shorter wheelbase and track width of a Jeep work against you. Sooner or later, you'll want/need to upgrade and strengthen suspension, steering, and engine components on it, as well. My vote is to keep your Power Wagon and just get the stuff fixed on it that needs fixing. Just my .02, but there it is. Good luck in your quest!

[04Ram2500Hemi]

The JK-8 is one heck of a cool setup, and had it been out when I bought my Power Wagon I'd have given it some thought. To me if money was not a problem the way to go would be the Brute Double Cab by AEV- that thing is freaking sweet!

http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles ... double-cab

[Ken G.]

Yep...that Brute Double cab is bad-ass.....but there is a waiting list a mile long for them, according to all reports!

[Cactus Red]

We enjoy our Rubicon; it gets way better economy, and has similar features to the Power Wagon. If we didn't have a camper that was a half ton over the Jeep's towing capacity, I'd consider one to replace Cactus Red. We ran the same trail in both vehicles on different days, and the Jeep got 14.7 MPG, I got 6.2 MPG...

[cruz]

There are lots of cool, neat and capable vehicles out there, but if you NEED a pickup, the one to own is a POWER WAGON.

[Ken G.]

There are lots of cool, neat and capable vehicles out there, but if you NEED a pickup, the one to own is a POWER WAGON.

Amen to that!! The way I figure it, no one buys a truck like ours expecting to get great mileage. But.....the Power Wagon has lots of horses, can tow and haul with the best of 'em, and can go places off road that no other full-size pickup can even think of going. You can take ALL of the expedition gear you need, bring others with you, and deal with just about anything Mother Nature can throw at you. All of this and a pretty comfortable ride, to boot. The Power Wagon has served well in wartime and....it is a great platform for getting outta the city for when the Zombies attack, mowing them down the whole way to your fall back position in the mountains.

[Hilldweller]

I've been trying very hard to trade my PW for a JKUR...

[RustyPW]

The JK-8 is one heck of a cool setup, and had it been out when I bought my Power Wagon I'd have given it some thought. To me if money was not a problem the way to go would be the Brute Double Cab by AEV- that thing is freaking sweet!

http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles ... double-cab

The only problem with this AEV is the wheel base. It's the same as the 3G PW. 140".

[Montana Dan]

The Power Wagon isnt going anywhere anytime soon. 1st off its almost paid for. 2nd is the hauling capabilities. I have to many other "toys" that need to be hauled or trailered. So the 'Wagon stays home. After pay off I'll talk with my Jeep dealer friend and see if we can find another good deal. (fyi, the plan was to trade in the Wagon for a bone stock '07 Ruby, pay dealer price on the JK-8 kit and have another Auto body Buddy from the same dealers to do the paint/body work as a returned favor off hours. Its nice to know people in Jeep places. I was guessing the over-all cost at under 28k. Alot cheaper than what you find on E-bay.) Thanks for the 2 cents guys.

[Hilldweller]

Pics when you're done, Dan.