We have decided to go fulltime, hopefully in the next 6 months. We like the idea of having a second vehicle but trying to decide which one to keep, we have a 2006 Ford Explorer with about 65,000 miles on it which we could probably sell for around $12,000. The other vehicle is a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with 153,000 that we could probably sell for around $6,500. The Jeep is a blast to explore in but not a real good long distance vehicle, the Explorer is better long distance but not much to explore the trails. The other option is to sell both and purchase a newer Wrangler, decisions, decisions?
Lucky Mike said
07:00 PM Sep 25, 2013
Are you towing this vehicle or using it as a chase car?
Flyerone said
07:21 PM Sep 25, 2013
A chase car, I tow a 5th wheel.
Technomadia said
10:48 PM Sep 25, 2013
Lots of considerations to make.. that ultimately come down to your personal style and desires.
Which will bring you greater joy (sounds like you enjoy the trails - how often will be places to take advantage of this feature? Would renting a Jeep suffice when you do?)
Since it will be a chase car - how many miles do you plan to travel in your 5th wheel? Will the fuel economy of following along in this vehicle play a decision point?
Which will serve your needs best as a daily driver?
What about maintenance costs?
(all rhetorical questions for consideration .. no need to answer :) )
- Cherie
Hdrider said
12:03 PM Sep 26, 2013
Tough one. We had to choose between a 2012 Jeep Rubicon,, a 2012 Prius and possibly a Lincoln MKX. We like off road stuff so we opted to bring the Jeep.
Which meant we gave up MPG and comfort. This year a lot of our travels have been in the eastern states plus traveling alone and we have not found or been able to do much trail riding so we say,,, should have brought the Lincoln. But next year we plan to tour the mid states like Colorado and I'm sure will be happy we have the jeep.
Which is more mechanical sound?
folivier said
03:39 PM Sep 26, 2013
We like offroad also so we have a Z71 which can go limited off road and we load a Polaris RZR 50" wide UTV in the back. That little mountain goat can go anywhere.
The Z71 is very comfortable on the road with or without the RZR loaded. I've had it weighed and the truck weighs 5300# and with RZR loaded it is 6300#.
Gpndavid said
03:41 PM Jan 3, 2014
As Jeep guy, I can tell you the 2007 and newer Wranglers are much more comfortable than what you have. My 2010 Wrangler Rubicon automatic averages about 17 mpg and is very quiet on road. The 2012 and newer have a new motor with significantly more power and better mpg.
Terry and Jo said
07:34 PM Jan 3, 2014
Something else to consider is that the second vehicle can be used to haul some extra items that one might not want in the bed of a truck or in the basement of the trailer.
Terry
Selah said
06:48 PM Jan 9, 2014
Sell them both and use the tow vehicle for your exploring. A significant part of the RV life style is the actual traveling and traveling together makes it even better. I've seen some spectacular scenery while driving and feel so much would have been lost without DW by my side to share. Some how calling her up on a CB to say "did you see that" just wouldn't have the same effect.
Bill and Jodee said
11:29 PM Jan 9, 2014
Try both and do what works best for the two of you.
We have decided to go fulltime, hopefully in the next 6 months. We like the idea of having a second vehicle but trying to decide which one to keep, we have a 2006 Ford Explorer with about 65,000 miles on it which we could probably sell for around $12,000. The other vehicle is a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with 153,000 that we could probably sell for around $6,500. The Jeep is a blast to explore in but not a real good long distance vehicle, the Explorer is better long distance but not much to explore the trails. The other option is to sell both and purchase a newer Wrangler, decisions, decisions?
Which will bring you greater joy (sounds like you enjoy the trails - how often will be places to take advantage of this feature? Would renting a Jeep suffice when you do?)
Since it will be a chase car - how many miles do you plan to travel in your 5th wheel? Will the fuel economy of following along in this vehicle play a decision point?
Which will serve your needs best as a daily driver?
What about maintenance costs?
(all rhetorical questions for consideration .. no need to answer :) )
- Cherie
Which meant we gave up MPG and comfort. This year a lot of our travels have been in the eastern states plus traveling alone and we have not found or been able to do much trail riding so we say,,, should have brought the Lincoln. But next year we plan to tour the mid states like Colorado and I'm sure will be happy we have the jeep.
Which is more mechanical sound?
The Z71 is very comfortable on the road with or without the RZR loaded. I've had it weighed and the truck weighs 5300# and with RZR loaded it is 6300#.
Something else to consider is that the second vehicle can be used to haul some extra items that one might not want in the bed of a truck or in the basement of the trailer.
Terry