looking for a real 4x4 suv discussions

[ovrszd]

That's a Jeep Commercial in the making right there!!!!

 

[Looking4new]

Those 4L motors were/are bullet proof!

 

[zzvyb6]

I have an '07 Tahoe 4x4 that I equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires. I need to pull a trailer year 'round to deliver 100 -150 bales of hay to barns where they don't plow snow, have muddy and wet trailes back to them. I can pull a jack-knifed semi out of a jam on the median (Twice last month). The truck has selectable 2wd, auto select, 4wd and 4wd-low settings on a know on the dash.

The motor has GM's 'Displacement on Demand' /Active Fuel Management which runs it on 4 cylinders under light load. In fact, out on the highway at 65 mph it will jump into 4 cylinder mode. With the Blizzaks at 40 psi, I get 22-24 mpg (with the trailer) in 2wd 4 cyl mode and 15-18 mpg when its in 8 cyl mode. You can check the mode and the instant mileage using the dash display.

I guess it depends on whether you need to pull a trailer in this decision. I also pull a 4000 lb bass boat with this same rig and tires. The truck is only used for hauling and trailering so I'm not worried about wearing the snow tires out in hot weather. After 3 years of these tires, they are still at 75%. The ride with these meats is also incredible. So, we've been known to take company in this vehicle when going out to places because their cars and trucks rattle our teeth.

And, you can put 3 complete vintage farm windmill top ends in the back with the rear seats down.

 

[TomSeller]

It was an absolute steel. It's that dark purple with gray leather, even has a sun roof.

My youngest Son was telling me the other day that the 2014 Cherokee is based on a front wheel drive car chassis, can't remember which one he said. If you want 4x4, they add an independent drive axle in the rear. If you get a 2x4 model, it's front wheel drive!!!!

The Nissan Pathfinder went car based in 2013. The Xterra is staying truck based as far as I know.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I fall in with the Subaru,Jeep bunch. They will both amaze you. My Jeep will go places in 2wd that my Ram truck won"t go in 4wd.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I've never hauled a windmill or parts there of. Lol.
But I can haul a 7500 pound trailer with my hemi powered Jeep.

Btw tires make a heck of a big difference for getting through snow regardless of vehicle.

I'm currently running Goodyear Duratracs. There are many good winter snow tires available. Do your research.

 

[wmonroe]

Btw tires make a heck of a big difference for getting through snow regardless of vehicle. I'm currently running Goodyear Duratracs. There are many good winter snow tires available. Do your research.

Probably the best advice so far. Cheap summer tires can make a very capable 4x4 look like a joke.

 

[Topkicker]

Probably the best advice so far. Cheap summer tires can make a very capable 4x4 look like a joke.

Very true. Tires are half the battle. You need a tire that cleans out well whether it's snow, mud, or even sand. I laugh when I see a capable 4x4 riding on 22in. rims w low profile street tires.

This will do nothing in mud or snow.






This will (BFG KM2's)

 

[TomSeller]

I laugh when I see a capable 4x4 riding on 22in. rims w low profile street tires.

Right. It might go up a steep concrete driveway but that is about it.

 

[foggy1111]

I have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Overland, trail rated, with the air suspension. If you want more ground clearance…..simply hit the button and raise it up about 5" to gain height. With the right tires…..these go thru the snow…..allthough the new models do not have a front locker. Supposedly the electronic traction control does the deed up front. (or not) I just rolled over 100,000 miles on my Hemi engine. The towing capacity was a prime consideration for my needs (boat and tractor).