SideStep/Front Grille/Roof Rack/Skid Plates

devarona · 10-20-2009, 11:48 AM

I am buying a 2009 or 2010 KK. I will be using the Liberty to tow behind a motor home and some off road driving. I am wondering if I should buy these add ons through the dealer or not. If not, than whom should I buy them through? Any brand better than others? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

**95BadBoy** · 10-21-2009, 05:09 PM

Aftermarket stuff is slow in coming for the KK it seems. I believe you can get side sliders from Rock Lizard that have the extra bar on the side which will help off road and can be a step if need be. Factory skids would be better than not having any for sure. Roof racks are made by many companys - whatever you feel more comfortable with.

Enjoy that KK when you pick r up.

devarona · 10-22-2009, 12:06 PM

If the skids are better aftermarket, then I rather wait. Forgive my ignorance as I am new to off roading. Why are side sliders better for off road? Further off the ground? What about grille protection? Any ideas to offer there? I see all kinds but I have also seen comments how some are just for looks and dont offer true protection. Any help would be really awesome. Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks,
Elena

**95BadBoy** · 10-22-2009, 12:40 PM

Side sliders help protect your lower body rockers from trail damage which is real easy to do, the extra bar works as a step if needed and tends to keep some parking lot rash from happening from the typical careless/clueless people. Good rock protection.

Grill protection can be offered by a good front bumper with a bull bar. Have not researched for the KK - but ARB has a decent one for the KJ and either do or soon will have one for the KK as that body style is now throughout Europe and Australia. There stuff is decent. Would bet that there are some manufactured in the US or at least being developed.

devarona · 10-22-2009, 12:51 PM

Thanks! I am in the process of escaping the concrete jungle I live in and allowing my inner country girl to roam free around this great country of ours. I need a decked out fully prepared jeep to go with my motor home for that, and a clue might help as well. I'll have to pick that up along the way. Thanks for the heads up and any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Elena

flman · 10-22-2009, 03:38 PM

Mopar Online Parts - Mopar Car Parts, Truck accessories, Auto Performance Products This is good if you want to get the OEM parts, you should keep this link in case you need any replacements parts, their prices are the best.

**journeyjim** · 10-22-2009, 05:25 PM

With the liberty being used a tow car, get a baseplate that has the removable tow hooks, so you won't bend one when off road, usually they have to take off the front tow hooks, to put on the baseplate so that you can hook up to the motor home. Blue Ox or Roadmaster, both make great tow bars. I don't do any of the heavy rock crawling so I have the factory skids, I fill the plug receiver with white grease if I get into a lot of water, I wish I'd had the plug mounted above the bumper now, don't know if thats possible, are you going to use any aux braking systems?. I tried to upload a picture of my baseplate but it went somewhere else in the forum.

I just found the picture it went to the Liberty Gallery, sorry my first picture to upload.

PhotograJeep · 10-22-2009, 06:42 PM

Skid plates- I would prob go with factory. Rock rails- prob go oem (3rd party)

devarona · 10-23-2009, 08:19 AM

Thanks for all the input, but being a woman I have more questions. Is there any order in which I should install all of these things on the Liberty? I have to install a base plate to tow the Liberty behind a motor home. Should I install that first and then a grill guard and winch? I saw the picture of the blue ox base plate, it doesnt look like I could install a grill guard or winch with it? Maybe I can do without a winch. Should I install the skid plates before or after the base plate? Skid plates before or after the rock rails? Inquiry minds want to know. And Yes I want to install auxillary brake system. Any clue as to which is best. Does that come into play as to what order should I install these things? Should I raise the Liberty? I see off roaders do. I plan on off-roading, but starting slowly. Thanks a bunch.

ChipLiberty · 10-23-2009, 12:32 PM

Personally I'd start with skids, then lift & tires (larger diameter & width), then locker(s). If offroading alone a winch would be nice, but I'd worry first about protection anyway. I'd definitely do bumpers last if it is not including a winch. An ARB bumper with a hoop is 10x better than a grill guard. I wouldn't bother with one of them. They look nice but don't do much except bend back and dent your hood / grill if you hit something...

CmdrK · 10-23-2009, 09:17 PM

Considering all the hoopla you're being directed to go through, and considering a lot if it isn't available for the KK Libertys yet - maybe you should consider a Wrangler.

devarona · 11-02-2009, 08:15 AM

the only problem I have with the wrangler is it's tow capacity. I want to be able to tow 2000lbs ( I have a small boat I would like to tow when I am not RVing) and the wrangler is rated for 1000lbs or 1500lbs. I cant remember. Otherwise it would be much easier to go with wrangler.

CmdrK · 11-02-2009, 07:03 PM

Actually, a Wrangler is listed for 2,000 lbs. towing capability "when properly equipped."

LoneLiberty · 11-02-2009, 08:49 PM

Instead of a Liberty and trying to add everything, why not just start with this, as it has most everything included already. And there is a 3,500 lb. tow package available.

Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Capability - Rubicon

devarona · 11-13-2009, 11:28 AM

I looked at the wranglers and they do have enough tow capacity for my boat. Its a little less luxury than the liberty, but it is a lot less work of adding all kinds of stuff to it later. thanks for all the help.