New JLUR or F-150 for overland?

[J.Spicoli]

Looking to getting back into another rig and I'm down to either a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (JLUR) or 2019 F-150 Crew Cab 6.5' bed. Looking for some insight.

A little background on how I will use it.
- I currently have a Honda Civic as a commuter that I may or may not trade in on the new rig.
- I won't be doing any rock crawling or anything extreme like that.
- I have a healthy commute where I travel 250 miles one way to work, stay for the week and drive home on the weekends. That's roughly 600 miles a week!
- I value comfort during my commute and had a 2016 F-150 that was awesome for the commute.
- I travel over Donner Summit 7500' and need 4wd in winter for the snow.

I'm thinking the Jeep would end up being more of a toy that gets used on the weekends and primarily for camping and the Ford would probably be my only ride (because of the added upfront cost, slightly better mpg's and greater comfort for long commute). My thoughts on the two choices...

Jeep - Never owned a Jeep but really like idea of it's capability and the general freedom it offers.
Jeep - Not a commuter at all and would probably keep the Honda for the summertime back and forth.
Jeep - The boyscout in me wants the no compromise and more capability.
Jeep - Less expensive but would probably sit in the driveway more as I wouldn't use it as my daily commuter.
Jeep - Watching venture4wd on You7ube and really digging his setup.

Ford - Comfort for the long commute.
Ford - Less capable off road but greater comfort for long rides.
Ford - Way more expensive as I would lean towards the upper trim levels.
Ford - Would have a SnugTop shell with bed and build out inside.

I'm sorry for the long post and I'm sure I'm forgetting something but anyway...

 

[Robert Fullen]

I just bought a new JLRU and love it! The only issue so far has been waiting on parts to become available since most wont interchange with JKs. Its very comfortable has plenty of power, fuel mileage isn’t impressive but I didn’t buy it for that!

 

[Lindenwood]

Everything you said sounds like you need the F-150, heh. Jeeps are built for crawling over big obstacles. For everything else, they are a compromise. Since you said you arent going to do that kind of wheeling, and cited a long weekly commute, a comfortable full-size rig sounda right up your alley.

Out of curiosity, have you considered something like an Expedition? I only ask because you didnt cite any specific reasons to own a pickup, and being able to store stuff inside might be of value to you for your weekly trips.

 

[systemdelete]

The F150 can be plenty capable. . . or perhaps a new bronco. :)

 

[J.Spicoli]

@Lindenwood, never owned an SUV and since I would put a shell on the truck with a bed and what not in the back it serves me well in that configuration. I have thought about a 4Runner or the like but just more familiar with a truck setup. I like the idea of having a bed all ready to go with out much setup. If I went the Jeep route I'd look at the Ursa Minor. Trying to get away from tents, just like the minimal camp setup.

 

[Pick Teej]

Honestly for your situation I'd say F-150, but if you want the added offroad prowess, I'd say look into a Tacoma. best of both worlds. or like said previously. I'm holding out to see the new Bronco. I drive a 2011 Jeep Liberty and I enjoy showing the Wranglers I can do most of what they can do too. Hoping that the Bronco creates some good competition for the Wrangler and we get some crazy capable offroad machines in the future.

 

[Ben Cleveland]

As a former truck guy who went from a F250 to a Tacoma, to a 4Runner...

Don’t go to a 4runner. I love mine. It’s great. But owning it has confirmed for me that I’m a truck guy and I prefer a truck. It sounds like that’s your preference as well, so hopefully that’s some confirmation for you.

Also, as a bigger vehicle guy, I’ve found I regret the compromise that comes from a V6 vs a V8, and a midsize vs a full size. Add to all of this, a Jeep barely classifies as a midsize. Not hating on them, I actually really want to own one at some point down the road. But all jeep owners unite in their struggles with interior storage.
My .02, get the F150. It sounds like you want that more anyways which is more important than the opinions of strangers on an Internet forum lol.

 

[J.Spicoli]

Thanks @bencleveland. I think you hit the nail on the head. I loved my 16 F-150 and would love another, but I also hear the call of the Wrangler echoing louder than ever.

Thanks to everybody for the insights. I think the truck would offer more utility for the money but the Jeep....that dang new Rubicon looks soooo dang awesome.

 

[Pick Teej]

okay. best of both worlds... the new Jeep Truck coming in 2019.... JT or Scrambler

 

[Ben Cleveland]

I feel you on the Jeep. I read about jeep owners just "doing a mild 2" lift and throwing on 35's, and it makes me jealous. There is no "throwing on" 35's on a 4runner or tacoma. The simple trail and offroad capability of a jeep does really intrigue me. I've just come to the conclusion that for me at least, I don't need to go down that road unless its an extra vehicle that I don't have to DD.

 

[MazeVX]

The new jeep has become a way better commuter than the jk could ever be! Honestly I don't see how a fullsize pickup and a wrangler are comparable in any way even the JT would be a midsize...
Short story:
Last weekend we did a little cruising on dirt roads and I had two passengers in the back of my jku, they normally drive a older ram 2500 HD and they were impressed how smooth the ride was and how silent Think about that...

So if you want a truck, buy one or maybe find a dealership and ask for a test ride