Truck vs. Jeep: Which Is Better for Your Next Off-Road Adventure?
Off-roaders love debating over whether it’s best to have a full-size truck or Jeep when leaving the pavement behind. This age-old debate tends to get folks on both sides of the aisle up in arms. Even though the Ford F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the last 36 years, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right ride for you.
There are pros and cons to owning a Jeep or truck when going off-road, and it’s important to factor in where you like to drive and how you plan on using your vehicle. If you’re looking to invest in an off-road vehicle, use this guide to find out which one is the right choice for you.
Short Wheelbase vs. Long Wheelbase
The main difference between off-road trucks and Jeeps is the size of the wheelbase. Trucks have a much longer wheelbase than Jeeps. Depending on the situation, a shorter wheelbase has a better advantage over a longer wheelbase. However, with today's off-road scene constantly changing, a longer wheelbase can just be as effective.
Today's off-road scene sees a mix of trucks and Jeeps in diverse terrains such as rocks, mud and even sand dunes. For rock climbing, a Jeep with a shorter wheelbase will have more of an advantage, but there are many trucks out there on the trails today from Moab to Hot springs that can perform well. When it comes to sand dunes, there is a mixed bag including both Jeeps and trucks, but trucks seem to have the upper hand overall.
As for rock crawling, try splitting the difference between a full-size truck and a Jeep with a short wheelbase by going with a Jeep with a longer wheelbase. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Off-Road Ride Quality
When it comes to riding quality, some trucks have an advantage over the Jeep because Jeeps are set up as more of a recreational vehicle, but don't let that stop you from owning a Jeep. There are many options out there for Trucks and Jeeps that allow you to have a better ride quality. Truck has its advantages over Jeep and Jeep has its advantages over a truck.
Making Room for Equipment
You should also consider how you plan on using your off-road truck or Jeep in the wild. If you’re looking to tow or haul lots of equipment, you’ll be better off with a truck with a deep bed. But, if you just want to cruise around and have fun with your pals, a Jeep is the right choice for you.
Have Fun Whatever You Decide!
As you can see, there are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing between an off-road truck and Jeep. Both are great choices, but this decision all depends on what you plan on doing with your vehicle. If you like to stay close to nature, keeping the top down is a great reason to invest in a Jeep. But if you’d rather have some buffer between you and the outdoors, go with a truck. Don’t forget to use a lift kit to make room for off-road tires.
Use this guide to make the most of your time in the great outdoors.