84XJSS

Hey all... So I was sitting around and talking with a few Jeep buddies about Trail Rating badges... I know, I know, they are mainly just a sales tactic, but what are your opinions on placing a trail rating emblem above the "CHEROKEE" text on the sides of an XJ?

Categories:

1. Traction- got it, 31x10.5x15's that grip very, very well. Same with the 4x4 on our XJ's

2. Water Fording- duh, we can do it... kind of a standard thing right?

3. Maneuverability- 101" wheelbase, great turning radius, light and skinny...

4. Articulation- Yes, sway bar disconnects, 4.5" lift, plenty of jazz to play with.

5. Ground Clearance- again, 4.5" lift on 31's


I mean, we kinda over qualify on our built rigs IMO, is the Trail Rating badge more of a "hey, we still make great vehicles" reassurance for customers?

Anyways, I've even got the little black tow hooks on my rig like the newer trail rated guys do. I think it may "look cool brah" to have an emblem, but at the same time, amongst older Jeep owners, its kinda understood that most of our built rigs are trail worthy.

Maybe I am just bored and typing a random thread about a badge... ANYWAYS, chat it up guys/gals, what do you think? Anyone already have them on their XJ's?

2000chersport

I think it's pretty much understood that modified XJs are trail rated

SteveMongr

Guess it depends on the trail also, those 'trail rated' rigs wouldn't have a chance on this line. And those that drive them haven't anywhere near the cojones required.

XJmember

Does it really matter? Its just a badge, Its more for the common folk to think they got something special I think.

GreenXJ98

That is one gnarly line right there.

unidentifiedbomb

I think you're overthinking about the "poser badge". They put them on patriots and those things don't do anything. Put it on if you want.

Atmos

your jeep should be rated by it's dents and scratches, and if not on the body, underneath on all your armor

emptypockets

Entrance to Lions Den... Lookin forward to that one. Nothing else to add, lol.

aroundincircles

I beg to differ...

.

There are plenty of full trail runs on that channel as well.

The "Freedom Drive II" package gives - over a standard patriot:
1" increased ground clerance
skid plates
tow hooks
improved seals on everything for 19" of water fording
higher amp alternator
cvt with a lower final drive to simulate having a low range
hill decent control
aggressive brake lock differentials
4x4 lock which locks the power into a 50/50 split between front and rear axles

and a few other things I cannot remember off the top of my head. Trail rated - while a bit of a marketing gimmick - does mean something for that particular class of vehicle. is a patriot/cherokee KL supposed to replace a wrangler? no, but is a trail rated "x" supposed to be able to go further than anything else in its class? yes.

That being said, I would NOT put a trail rated badge on my cherokee. I think most badges are dumb. especially if they were not on the vehicle to begin with.

That being said, I do want one of these:

Ianf406

Ill probably put some kind of Rubicon sticker on where I do the Rubicon trail next summer.

burg3rlicious

Obviously any modified rig will be better offroad than a stock one... The technology nowadays makes new stock jeeps very capable for what they are

Rogue4x4

In my honest opinion, badges are for people who want to feel special or important, and to let other people know they are special or important. I could give two rats patooties about feeling special or important, and I certainly don't care what others think of my importance or special-ness....to each his own. Fly the flag if you feel it's warranted, but I know what my Jeep can and can't do, and what others think about what it can or can't do, doesn't mean squat to me. The mall rated one is funny, though...

Atmos

that trail kinda sucks now...

Ianf406

Does it? I heard that it has easy routes but still has the hard routes- just with bypasses. I haven't been there though... Did most of Moab last year-that was next on my list. It certainly did a number on the new trailhawk

goatherder

If you stick a cheezy "trail rated" badge on a vehicle that did not come with one...to the informed insiders you will look like a fool. It might impress some small boys in the Walmart parking lot.

If I bought a jeep that had that badge on it I'd peel it off. Because all that really matters is what you can do and where you can go. That "trail rated" badge is like a Mercedes hood ornament hanging on the neck of some baggy-pants'ed rapper. Writin' checks his azz might not be able to cash....