[BarneyWrangler]

So after years of owning F-150's (for which I have nothing but good things to say) I decided a change was needed and just bought a 2012 Wrangler Sport Unlimited. Day 2 of ownership and I love it!! I do have a few questions:

1. What are the practical offroad limits of this Jeep? It's an automatic (so my wife can drive) with a 3.73 gear ratio, 17" Goodyear's. I don't have any immediate plans for hitting muddy trails, but I'm sure it will happen.

2. Off-road etiquette?

3. Best place for accessories? I'm not thinking lift kits and that sort of thing (yet), more like a good trailer hitch, a roof rack (for kayaks).

Thanks in advance for your help..

[222Doc]

Mud you want tires that perform well in it.

What are the practical offroad limits of this Jeep?

Stock they can do alot, though mud would need more mods than say a trail jeep used out west in rocks/ dirt. We lead a 012 JKU through the rubicon trail, the only changes from stock; 33x10.5 duratracks and a 2" puck lift. No lockers no extra armor stock bumpers, no body damage. He was winched 1 time and had to stack. Not practical but with a spoter it can be done. So ya a Jeep is still a Jeep no matter and that auto W580 is a beast off road or on road. That is biggest upgrade to the new Jeep is not the 3.6. it is the w580.

[KKiowaTJ]

Right before your high centered or stuck axle/frame deep in mud is the jeeps limits IMO. They do well in stock form, Add some m/t tires and its that much better.

If your on a trail and some meth head trailer trash has left their lunch mess and parts etc, Bring a extra bag for their trash. Its not you that will make the mess, But it will be you to clean it up. You can pass it by with no problems, But down the road tree huggers will use that as an example to close that trail and many others.
If a person is stuck try and help, Very least you can give them a ride to a town etc. If you can get them out with out damage to your rig or stuck yourself, Try it.


Everyone sells jeep toys, Find a company that many use and stick with that. Why buy a plain hitch and not a full bumper with hitch in it when you will most likely down the road. Roof racks, I would say garvin but dont know if they are still around with the economy but they make bumpers, Racks etc and very well built.

But do some searches and read reviews on parts so you know what to buy right the first time and one that will last. Good luck and have fun

[NonRubicon]

Practical off-road limits - unless you have lockers, you don't have true 4WD. With open differentials, lose traction on one tire and the other one isn't going to move on that axle. Otherwise stock wranglers can do quite a bit with an skilled driver behind the wheel.

Off-road etiquette - Mostly common sense stuff: Unless you are in an area that allows free roam travel, stay on established trails/roads. Don't trespass. Obey posted signage. Don't go around locked gates. Don't unnecessarily tear up the land. Don't leave trash behind. Help others who need assistance. Keep your eye open for approaching vehicles on one lane roads and be prepared to pull over and wait for them to pass.

Accessories - You have big sites like Quadratec and 4WheelParts that carry just about any accessory that you could want, but there are plenty of other businesses that cater to the Jeep community. Do a Google search of "Jeep parts and accessories" and see what pops up.

[Xpress]

You can go a LOT of places you wouldn't think a stock Jeep can go. And then when you think they can't go any further, they simply just roll right on through. Use your head, if you think it's too difficult, find another path around or don't try it. A high lift jack is mandatory equipment, and you can get them relatively inexpensively.

Don't forget to wave to other Wrangler or CJ owners