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Just how capable is the Laredo 4x4 with QT1?

19K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  erich2027 
#1 ·
My wife has a 2011 3.6 Laredo 70th Anniversary with quadra trac 1. It's basically her everyday driver, and our road trip car. We're wanting to take a camping trip up around Lake City, CO, and would like to do the Alpine Loop if possible.

The plan is to get a set of 17" JK wheels, and throw some 255/70R17 all terrains on them. Also, I would add skid plates (fuel tanks, transfer case, front diff) and tow hooks. My only concern is the lack of 4LO.

For those who have been on those trails, how would the QT1 with all terrains do? I've been watching youtube videos of Cinnamon and Engineer, and they basically look like gravel roads with a few rocks scattered here and there.
 
#2 ·
you'll likely be fine as long as you use it / drive it properly .... equipment is only part of the equation, knowing what to do with the equipment and where to put it on the trail is the other.

even if you had 4lo you'd probably hardly ever need it - sure nice to have when you do though!

i'm not familiar with those trails, but i've found it humorous when built off road rigs find themselves on the same trail as a subaru :D (meaning: even a suby can get into some nice trails with their awd system)

relax and enjoy, hope you do it and have a great time
 
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#3 ·
From my experience with my GC QT1, I can tell you that it is quite capable. I've done a few trails with steep inclines over rocks and lose gravel without fuss.

You will hear the mechanicals and systems kicking in (ELSD, brake lock differential) so don't panick. The brake lock differential can be loud.

About the only place you may have problems is in deep sand and perhaps mud due to the traction control being too intrusive and cutting power.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
It's about the driver. Any Jeep will go most anywhere you need to take them. They really are that good. You start at "good" and go up from there with options. I have taken a bone stock 01 Cherokee so many places that it looks comical sitting next to the other rigs that are completely decked out with off road accessories and lift kits. I go off road to get somewhere and its usually to go hunting or access the back part of my property. These days the young bucks are all about "looking" like you are driving a off road super rig fresh from the accessory shop. I have a feeling these guys are thinking they can mod a 4x4 to make up for their lack of real world off road experience.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the info guys. I'm not worried about my ability, I used to have a TJ on 35's that I wheeled. I was more worried about whether or not the WK2 with QT1 could handle Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass. Last time I was up there, I asked somebody who had just come down the trail on a Polaris how bad it was. He said, he thought we would tear our WK2 up on the rocks.

Now, I've been watching the most recently uploaded videos of Cinnamon and Engineer, and it looks like gravel roads, and there's videos of Subaru's doing the trails.

We've had the WK2 on a couple of forest service roads in NC, and the Jeep did beautifully. The traction control and differential braking were definitely working hard, but the Jeep kept steadily going up. I'm thinking with some better tires and skid plates, the Alpine Loop shouldn't be that difficult.
 
#9 · (Edited)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVk7IpN0yqQ

It is a bit disingenuous to compare a QT1 with undoubtedly great off-road tires, and very likely other enhancements - perhaps a lift kit, skid plates and whatever else MonarchCO may have on his rig (aside from the front bumper) with someone's daily driver.

Fortunately the OP is cognizant of the need for enhancements, and by any means the greatest limitation will be the tires. Get aggressive tires for your QT-1 to make up in traction what you might miss in Low Gearing. (Not that tires aren't important even with 4-LOW) Aside from that, just know that your brakes will work harder and you do not want to cook them. I would ensure you have new pads / rotors - perhaps some Hawk LTS pads (maybe even the brake upgrade). On my recent Moab trip, I found the car a lot more controllable and safer to drive in Low Range downhill on the Shafer Trail. It limited the amount of braking I needed to do and knew that I could keep my brakes cool in case I needed them. I didn't even bother trying in High Range going uphill - that's where I would be mindful of overheating in a regular car.

Lastly, compared to an ORA-2 equipped Grand Cherokee, you will also have a smaller radiator - so cooling might be something to look out for, but temperatures should not be that high. I am not familiar with the trail and I am not sure how much you will be spending in ascent.

Have fun and don't forget to share some photos.
 

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#11 ·
Hey man, I am not so much of a McLaren fan but I really would like to see the McLaren Honda reinvent itself. A Senna fan while it lasted, moved on to two decades of Michael Schumacher and look where I am now. In disarray. All the other drivers that I liked are gone (Button) or semi-gone and in bad cars (Massa). At least Vettel is young and capable but he is not getting Schumi-like idolatry from me. Gone are the years of 1-2 grand prix attended live and waking up for every quali and race.

Tranny cooling is certainly something to be mindful of. As far as traction devices, those are a great recommendation. I bought TREDs instead of MAXTRACS due to price, but hey at least I got 4. And get a radio.
 
#12 ·
I actually don't have a radio because of where I go. There often aren't people in range. Frankly, I'd have better luck with cell reception.

Because of that however, I do have a gps beacon I used when I was in Alaska.

At this point, there's been enough mumbling from McLaren, that it's likely they're looking for another engine supplier. Word on the street is they're looking at Mercedes. As great as their engines are, I'd rather not have another mercedes power unit on the field. And we all know Alonso's opinion on the matter. If they don't win soon he's not staying.
 
#13 ·
I've done Cinnamon and Engineer pass in my KK. The first time I was out there in 2011 I passed brand new paper plate Ford explorer coming down cinnamon pass. It did not make it look easy, but it did finish the trail. If you stick to the alpine loop only, from Lake City you should be fine in a 4x4 wk2. Mineral Creek to Ouray is also doable, but it has some bigger rocks, skid plates would be recommended.
 
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