Long-Term Road Tests

A few days ago I ran into Bill Burke, an associate of ours. Bill is a very experienced and internationally recognized instructor of off-highway driving, and we've hired him in the past to help teach our editors the basics trail driving with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Since I've been driving our long-term Wrangler, I asked him what he thought of the new Jeep. He replied that he actually just got back from testing a stock Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon on California's Dusy-Ershim trail. The Dusy trail isn't as well known as the Rubicon trail, but it's just as difficult.

For proof, here's what CaliforniaJeeper.com has to say about Dusy-Ershim:

"Full size and long wheel base vehicles are not recommended.  A lifted, locked short wheel base vehicle with skid plates, rocker guards, and tow hooks and straps are a must. It is highly recommended that someone in your group have a winch. The less the vehicle is equipped the more work and damage you can expect. Bring extra gas and spare parts. Remember help for your vehicle and medical attention are hours or even days away."

Bill (you can read about him and his services here) was kind enough to write up a report based on his experiences with the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. It's a very interesting read if you're into Jeeps, and it follows here.

(Note that I added press photography of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon; the photos are not of the Jeep tested or of the Dusy-Ershim trail. -- Brent)

The Route
Bill: "I had the opportunity to drive a four-door Jeep Rubicon over the Dusy-Ershim route in the High Sierra of central California. The trip took three full days to complete. It snowed a couple inches and dropped below freezing during the nights. The stars finally came out on the last night, and the Milky Way looked like thick clouds above our 9,700-foot campsite on the top of Thompson Hill. Just awesome 'wheeling."

Rubicon's E-Lockers and Front Stabilizer Disconnect
"Most of the route required the use of 1st or 2nd gear in low range. The Rubicon trim's standard Tru-Lok electronically locking differentials worked easily and quickly. I had to use the rear locker at least half of the trail and the front locker occasionally.
 
"The electronic front stabilizer bar disconnect feature was a great tool since I could keep the front axle tight in the turns and on hard granite and then loosen it up for the extra reach needed in the big rocks and holes around the trees. It was necessary sometimes to tighten up the front end to keep the body from swaying around and hitting the trees with the roof even though the roof line was narrow. Having the option of a loose suspension in the rocks and tightening it up in the trees really was a luxury."

Tires
"The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires (about time they got the right tire on this rig!) kept the Jeep moving forward with good grip. The suspension kept the rig flat most of the time, only lifting a tire twice."

Sight Lines
"Plenty of head room, comfortable seats and good sight lines allowed me to keep up with the terrain demands of the rocks and boulders. The Wrangler's new V6 engine is a bit shorter than the old inline-6, and that allowed the engineers to shorten the hood line, making for better visibility."

Transmission
"My test Jeep had the four-speed automatic transmission. This made it easy to left-foot brake in low gear. The electronic throttle was responsive and controllable, especially since I really had to plant my throttle foot against the transmission tunnel during bouncy conditions. The transfer case's 4.0:1 gear ratio was also quite useful. However, the automatic transmission could use at least one more gear. The simple 1, 2 and D really limits one's gearing options."

Skid Plates and Vulnerable Underside
"The gas tank and skid plate hang lower than the frame rails and really dragged a lot on the rocks. The Jeep's plates provide plenty of protection but they hurt the break-over angle. The sharp edges around the slider mounts would get caught up on rocks, and that was when I had to use the Hi-Lift jack. The engine oil pan is very exposed to rocks -- I dented this one, and luckily it held up."

Overall
"All in all, this Jeep surprised me since the trail is a very demanding and technical route. Taking a stock rig over this tough road really is a true testament to the engineering and design elements for this long wheelbase four-door passenger vehicle. Good job Jeep!"

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor, with esteemed 'Wheeling Dude Bill Burke