[odie694]

I bought a base 2009 jeep grand cherokee and it doesnt have the trail rated symbol on the side. What does that mean? It is a base 3.6 liter. Is there something that i shouldnt do? Any help would would be great.

[TaosBob]

Originally Posted by odie694

I bought a base 2009 jeep grand cherokee and it doesnt have the trail rated symbol on the side. What does that mean? It is a base 3.6 liter. Is there something that i shouldnt do? Any help would would be great.

The six-cylinder comes with a one-speed transfer case (no low range) and that does not qualify it for the Trail Rated badge.

What you should not do is get stuck. Seriously, you do have systems to help you in slippery situations. Read up on it in your owner's manual.
Bob

[bytehoven]

Jeep applies the Trail Rated badge to a vehicle based a number of factors. That's not to say your GC can not be upgraded to be made Trail capable.

Primary reason for not having the Trail Rated badge: no 4WD Lo capability

I assume your interest in the trail rating is an after thought, but do you really need the capability?

Please explain what activities you have planned for your Jeep.

[suzieque]

I have a 2008 WK Jeep with 18" wheels and 4lo, the 18" wheels automatically disqualify for "Trail Rated", am I worried about it? No.

[bytehoven]

My 09 WK with QD II and 18" wheels has the Trail Rated badge, so go figure.

I feel I have improved upon the Jeeps trail capability with JK 18" wheels and Wrangler Silent Armor upgrades. I just know I can not air down as much as I could with a smaller wheel.

[Terry Dactyl]

Originally Posted by suzieque

I have a 2008 WK Jeep with 18" wheels and 4lo, the 18" wheels automatically disqualify for "Trail Rated", am I worried about it? No.

I also have an 08 with 18" wheels and a trail rated badge.

[BAH101]

Mine is a 08 QDII CRD with the complete set of skid plates offered when I bought it, but since it came with the horrible (my opinion) 18" chromy blingy wheels, it does not get the "Trail Rated" badge. But, they will soon be replaced with Pintlers and better rubber when the 4" lift is put on. But, I still have fun in the woods with it, just have to be more careful.

[oldmac1]

If your primary a road driver I doubt that you would ever have a need for 4 lo unless you wanted to hear your engine roar. Other than seeing if it would work I have never used 4 lo in Qd2, Qt2, Command and rock track for any on the road driving. Jeep 4wd has been great for my driving on and off road and this my 10th Jeep. With esp and trac loc they are very capable vehicles. Good luck with your new Jeep.

[McKBrew]

I'll bet you could slap a trail rated badge on the side pretty cheaply.

[Marcus86GLHS]

".......the 18" wheels automatically disqualify for "Trail Rated"........."


it's not because of the wheels. it is because of the lower sidewalls on the 18" tires.....blame it on the tire sidewalls not the wheels.

[scootr29]

Trail Rated Badge Emblem Decal - Jeep Grand Cherokee WK - Item # 55157317AB

[bytehoven]

Originally Posted by Marcus86GLHS

...it is because of the lower sidewalls on the 18" tires.....blame it on the tire sidewalls not the wheels.

A good indication can observed by what size MT tires are available for an 18" wheel.

If I were to ever outfit my WK for more technical trails, one of the updates on my short list would be to switch to a set of 17" wheels. 16" or 15" wheels would be even better, but I don't think the WK can run wheels smaller than 17" due to the disc brake setup.

However, I don't see me running anything less than 20-25 psi with my current setup and the 265/60R18 SilentArmors should not have any trouble running at 20 psi and higher.

[dsalinas]

My 06 limited with QD2 and 17 inch wheels did not come with a trail-rated badge. Doesn't bother me one bit, I know this jeep is more then capable offroad.

[modelbuilder]

Ya...the trail rated badges don't mean much. Just a marketing ploy.


.

[bytehoven]

Jeep - 4x4 Basics - Trail-Rated Certification - 4WD SUVs

Trail Rated Certification

OVERVIEW

From the original Willys MB to the 2010 Liberty, the Jeep® brand has been the leader in 4x4 innovation and off-road capability for over 66 years. The proof is in our exclusive Trail Rated standard.

We test Jeep® 4x4s on the toughest trails in the world to prove one thing: They can take whatever you dish out. The Trail Rated® badge means that your Jeep 4x4 has been designed to perform in five categories of off-road conditions: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.

TRACTION

Traction in 4x4 is equivalent to grip on Asphalt. Trail Rated® traction helps you stay in control on untamed terrain, slippery (wet, mud, snow) conditions, and on steep grades.

GROUND CLEARANCE

Don't drag your belly through the mud—just clear nasty logs, rocks, and uneven ground without sustaining undercarriage damage. Jeep® Trail Rated® 4x4s feature optimized approach, departure, and breakover angles to keep you in the clear.

MANEUVERABILITY

Athletic. Agile. Trail Rated®. Jeep® 4x4s have the footwork to navigate narrow gaps, dodge emergency situations and avoid cosmetic damage to underbody sills thanks to precision steering and optimized wheelbases. Even gazelles don't move like this.

ARTICULATION

A Trail Rated® suspension is limber like a gymnast. How exactly? Flexibility is the key to good articulation. The more a wheel can travel, or flex, the better it can maintain contact with terra firma and provide the traction needed to cross an array of obstacles.

WATER FORDING

Hit that riverbed with confidence. Trail Rated® Jeep® 4x4s feature additional electrical and body sealing, along with a high air intake location for optimum water fording capability. Note: Do not attempt water fording unless depth is known to be less than 19 inches.