What have you done this weekend...?

Had to take a break from boatbuilding for awhile and get caught up on some other chores. Three hours later all nice and shiny!

 

Nice ride Knotty, is that a sahara or sport edition ?

 

Sahara. I wanted a Rubicon but they didn't have one and I didn't want to wait.

 

They said they r changing the engine for 2012, a 3.6 litre which should have more horsepower and better fuel economy. If they do its the car i would like to get.

How does it handle on road? any problems or would u recommend it ?

 

Problems? No, not really. There was a recall for inner fender wells to be replaced.

You have to understand this is still a Wrangler and true to its heritage. They're not for everyone. There's plenty used on the car lots as a lot of soccer moms like the looks but eventually give up on the rough ride. I was a little disappointed in the performance of the 3.8 w/six speed but you learn to live with it. If you need a highway cruiser this isn't the Jeep for you, get a Grand Cherokee with a Hemi. If you want fuel economy combined with the benefits of 4WD get a Liberty Diesel, which I hear is a great little SUV.

If you have to handle marginal roads and snow etc., which is unlikely in Egypt ;-), this Jeep is a beast in 4WD. In low range it'll pull stumps given 'nuff traction. I actually tried that once. The active stability control is nice in the winter on icy and snow covered roads. I think my window sticker says it all!



Ours has the full GPS DVD navigation thingy which is ok. I carpool 150 miles round trip hauling 4 adult men. The fuel mileage suks, literally. I've never done the math but it's about a $25 round trip.

I'd suggest driving all the models you're considering before taking the leap into a Wrangler.

 

I did try several cars but the only car with in my budget that is a true 4x4 is the wrangler. Unfortunately its assembled in Egypt so we only get 1 variant but they have all the spare parts handy! Unlike the grand cherokee or other options.
The liberty is MUCH more expensive 40% more expensive so its not an option and it seems too pretty to take it off roading

One of the reason i wanted one is that i like going on offroading in the desert (usually with a friend) but i never owned a 4x4 myself.

Currently the cars in the same price range are nissan xtrail (nice soccer mom's car and for soft roading ONLY) same with Chevrolet capitva, kia and hyndai's cars as well (all buffed up SUV's with AWD for soft offroading.)

So yah i took it for a civilized on road test drive, the suspension was a bit rough but other than that i was pretty happy with it, just the engine consumption and it felt a bit weak for the car's weight and size. Hopefully the new 300 HP engine would change all that !
Besides i have to say even with all their faults i love Chyrsler / Jeep brands. Recently sold my 300m (and man regretted that move) and wife drives the old v6 grand charokee.

P.S Love the sticker !!!

 

a little display

 

My old Jeep has a sticker on the dash above the grab bar that says, "get in, sit down, shut up and hold on."

 

Painted the land-dinghy. Now some interior design work and re-build the trunk and it will be ready for another long trip.

Touched up the paint after photo. Smears gone.

 

What's the age on that teardrop, Hoyt? Is is old, or just built in the old style?

 

The trailer is about 40 years old and was my boat trailer before I built the shell in 2004 at about the time Hurricane Charlie was roaring through. My inspiration was a show on the travel channel called rv crazy.

http://turbo.discovery.com/videos/rv-crazy-tin-can-tourists.html

 

I have a link for free plans for a tear drop trailer with all wood. Matches the old woody cars. I would use marine ply and 8oz fg over for a clear finish. (bright ) Also, would build it wider and use 15" rubber.

 

Yeah, so would I if I weren't out of dough. This trailer rolls just fine, has a/c, microwave oven and satellite tv and hardly affected mpg on last trip into the Appalacians. Most of wood is pressure treated and with paint I don't need to worry about brightwork delaminating. Shell is fiberglassed under the paint.

 

I've looked at the newer ones for sale with great kitchens in the rear lift up. Even water tanks and waste tank. Never saw one with a head though.

 

Head: