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Not Trail Rated

12K views 16 replies 13 participants last post by  tnjeep 
#1 ·
I have a Limited WK2, but I don't have the Quadra lift, off reading package, nor do I have the trail rated badge. Does that mean that my vehicle won't do good on trails?
 
#4 ·
It adds skid plates, tow hooks, and drops 20" wheels down to 18" (much better for off-road.) It also changes the tires, but regrettably it still includes a street tire. [That subject has been hashed to death - check out the Wheels/Tires subforum]
 
#3 ·
{Do "well" on trails - This message brought to you by the Society to Protect the Adverb}

Anyway ... There are all sorts of trails. Your first consideration should be your tires - street tires will limit you more than other things. Also, if you go on rocky trails where you might land on a high rock, the lack of skid plates could be an issue. With that said, you'd be surprised how far your JGC can take you, even with the street tires, as long as you exercise common sense.

Of course I'm assuming you have a 4x4 (not 4x2).
 
#5 ·
Don't pay too much attention to the badge. Driver skill is more important than wimpy skid plates, 18" all season tires and two tow hooks.

Figure out what kind of trails or off roading you want or plan on doing and modify your vehicle accordingly. Obviously you're not thinking of doing anything too extreme, otherwise you wouldn't have bough a Grand Cherokee.

The basics, which just happens to be the only options right now, are a 2.5" Rock Road lift, RR skid plates and some rock sliders. Then throw on some good tires and you'll be set. Lift will help you clear more obstacles. The tires will be the biggest improvement for going off pavement. The skids and sliders are just insurance.

Hope that helps.
 
#6 ·
To repeat what the others are saying, tires are the key. Lots of posts on tires people are using or would like to use. That will also help the most if you live in a snowy area and thn off roading means not going off the road. :p Skid plates are something you can add, but the ORA oackages are much more cost effective. Anyway, my GC doesn't seem to mind muddy, secondary roads that my wifes BMW would dislike a lot. Not going to Moab though.
 
#8 ·
You're better off without the air suspension. Don't want to end up like this guy did when his was damaged off roading



I've set mine up for some mild trail riding. Other then the skid plates there's not much more to be done, or any other available options to be done. Mods are in my sig.

 
#15 ·
I think "Trail Rated" also has QuadraTrac II or better. Never seen a Trail Rated vehicle without 4WD low.
 
#17 ·
You can only get the limited slip with the hemi option. I thought it would be something that I needed/wanted as well but you really don't. I have took my Laredo (with the off road package) out in several cow fields and put it in some rough places and the brake control system works great! Put it in situations where my Z71 chevy likes to get hung up and as soon as one of the tires started to slip the other side would gain traction and off I would go. Again, very impressed with the brack control system they are using to do what a limited slip also does.
 
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