Decisions Decisions....

[SeaComms]

Currently still rocking around in the 2010 JK 2 door and love it, though as my wife is reminding me I just turned 50 on Monday so should be growing up now.

I disagree.

However what I did agree with her about, was maybe it was time to treat myself and look at a new TrailHawk. The Wrangler was actually her suggestion and has been mostly her daily drive, but now I no longer have a company car I am driving the JK and she has got herself a Cooper S.

Went for a touchy/feely play today and took a TrailHawk for a run and we got stuck at some road works in heavy rain. Wow, watching the SUV's in front dodge and swerve the (Large) potholes so I thought what the heck and just drove straight through them. Was very impressed at the no hassle glide through them (well gliding compared to the Wrangler!) and it really sold me on the idea of a little more comfort in my daily drive. Apart from driving to work it will have to drag the 1100kg wind up Jayco Dove van up the beach once a month or so and also out bush every now and then. Offroad work will be moderate, but nothing over the top, just beaches and occasional 4wd park.

So now the decision part (well after the discussions at work next Monday with a new promotion and hopefully a new paypacket to match)! Thinking of looking for either the Dark Cherry Red or the Granite, and must have the Panoramic Sunroof (as I will miss the soft top), then Comfort and Tech packs if I can find one with them fitted. Don't want to wait 5 months for one so will have to see what is around. Apparently all Aussie stock now have the tow pack as standard (but not the towbar) so have the trailer sway control, the larger transmission cooler etc and the TH has apparently better diff gearing.

I have been reading and reading as much as I can but am going square eyed - anyone with the Tech or Comfort options have any comments on them? Worth it or not? Any other general comments?

Also looking at dropping a set of 245/70/17 Duratracs on straight away for that little be more ground clearance and offroad grip - anyone know if the speedo can be recalibrated like using a procal on the Wrangler to cater for the 3% or so rolling diameter change (or is it even worth it)?

Ahh decisions decisions!

[anthonygubbin]

I know SFA about any Jeep besides the update XJs. But IMHO Sea Comms you only live once and if you can afford a nice brand new Jeep why wouldn't you just go and get it. It sounds like it will be beautiful inside. And lets face it what's better than 4 wheeling??? Only one thing I can think of and that's doing it in luxury.....

Regards A

[SJetc]

I don't have a TH but I do have a Limited with Tech and Electronic/Convenience packs.

The kit that comes with the Tech pack is brilliant. We would never (for example) purchase a vehicle now that did not come with Adaptive Cruise Control (radar cruise control on other manufacturers vehicles). Our WK2 was the first vehicle that we had it on and it quickly became a favourite feature.

It was a no brainer then, when ordering the KL that we needed the Tech pack for this feature. Everything else was a bonus and there is a fair bit of kit to get your head around but it's all brilliant.

I would echo Anthony's post. If you can afford to load the vehicle up with options then go ahead.

[lujabe]

Hi Dave,
I have a Trailhawk with the comfort and tech packs. I'm currently coming to the of a 6000km central Australia trip, and I already loved the vehicle, but it really has impressed the hell out of me on this trip. Its ability to seamlessly go between belting out long highway Kms, being maneuverable and punchy around town, hammering over fast outback dirt roads and being confident and sure footed off road really has exceeded my expectations. Sure, it's not got the clearance or flex of a wrangler but as with anything know your limits and pick your lines and it's great fun. The only thing I've changed so far is tyres - as you've obviously noticed the stock tyres are fairly road-oriented. I put Bridgestone Duelers on mine and so far have been great - but anything with a bit more chunk in the tread is definitely the way to go. Mine are just the stock size, so I'd be interested to hear what you find out about re calibrating the speedo - at stock size the indicated speed seems close to exact according to the highway speed checks in VIC, so there's not much margin for error.

As for the tech pack - I have mixed feelings about some of the features, But I'm definitely a fan of others. Fortunately you can turn off anything you don't like. I was undecided, but in the end I went for it as much to "future proof" the car as anything else.

The comfort pack is great too - a little pricy for a couple of small features, but the proximity key is handy (but you CAN lock it inside the car - trust me!), and the 230v outlet is great for small appliances when you're far from mains power.

All in all, I'd rate the KL Trailhawk as a near-perfect all-rounder. Go for it and enjoy!

[SeaComms]

Just got a message from the Dealer.

Granite Pearl Trailhawk being loaded on the ship in US today, equipped with Comfort, tech and Sunroof, should be here in about 6 weeks then another week or two for customs, tow bar etc. Should have VIN and tracking details sent to me in a few days

[Billnick]

Growing up at 50!!! To hell with that. I'm 70 and still love getting out on the trails and puddling in the mud.

[SeaComms]

Yeah but now I am going to do it in comfort