Looking into a KK.

htkrph · **Posted:** Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:21 pm

kayadog wrote:

The ground clearance is an issue for me on the beach. The wheels are down in the ruts and the belly plows through the berm. Hopefully the slightly taller tires will help.

My choices for a "new" Jeep in order of desire were as follows:

1:JK Unlimited (Way too expensive, even for a used one, and I didn't like the 3.8. My next Jeep will likely be a Pentastar JK)

2: WK2 (Loved the test drive and there were some available in the mid-20's, but the KK was a better deal and I preferred low range which none of the used ones had. IMO opinion a much much nicer vehicle than the Liberty though.)

3: WK (Didn't want a 3.7 or low range so decent used ones were out of my price range.)

4: KK-- I didn't want a KK because I was ambivalent about my KJ's. However, they were significantly cheaper and the dealer was very willing to negotiate. I borrowed a friends KK and liked it so I pulled the trigger on a low mileage year and half old KK. I don't regret it at all.

Another thing to look out for on the KK is the driver's foot well is pretty tight if you have big feet like me. Not an issue on short trips but annoying on long trips. Also, the 3.7 seems susceptible to carbon build up with gas containing ethanol so use high quality gas with detergents like Shell or regular fuel system cleaner like Gumout Regaine or Chevron Techron. Both my KJ's has carbon issues from cheap gas.

yeah i would love to own a penstar JK. but the price tag is way off...
i will definitely treat the KK right. I'm so ready to get one. even considering selling my TJ for a KK. but the only way I would do that is... if i bought a lift kit, and new tires with it. lol. my vehicle needs to be lifted.

htkrph · **Posted:** Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:24 pm

_benjammin wrote:

Thought I'd post some pics.

Can't find the pic of landscape timbers but trust me, you can haul 8' lumber with the rear closed.
And the KK tows a trailer with ease.

i forgot to ask about this... how is the tow capacity on them... i want to be able to tow a bike trailer, or a small camper. thanks for the pic. thats a lot of space in the trunk.

htkrph · **Posted:** Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:26 pm

Smetna wrote:

http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/liberty-2008.html

Allpar write-up. Lists many of the changes, year-over-year.

You should be able to get a NASTY deal on a 2013 KK right now, as they're a discontinued outgoing model. That would be my choice. I'd go in and tell them "Do you want me to get that gas guzzler off your lot or what? "

htkrph wrote:

Any common problems with them? Like some of the older liberties the motors in the windows would die on people. Nothing?

Not really. Many guys end up having the water pump go, maybe the radiator. I know the valve springs in the engine *were* somewhat of a weak point, but I'd imagine Chrysler has rectified that by now. The torque converter gives some people issues, but if you don't hammer the throttle, climb steep hills without Lo-range and 1st gear activated, and/or tow more weight than you're allowed, you should be OK

what? they are coming out with a new Model for the liberties or are they getting rid of them? im hoping my that the expirience with my tj helps. i only wheel my tj on first gear and on 4lo and it will go everywhere. thanks for the link man. Hopefully i get a good deal on it.

Smetna · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 2:43 pm **Posts:** 50

Yeah they're completely replacing the KK with a totally new vehicle. Should be announced by Q2 2013

Wayside Charlie · **Joined:** Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:31 pm **Posts:** 39

[quote="htkrph"]Thanks guys. We have been looking at the 10+ because they seems to have the lower miles and are within our price range....

Before deciding, take a look at the rebates and getting your own loan. Some credit unions are now giving 1.5% loans -- with with the Jeep rebates can be a better deal in the long run then a 2 or 3 year old vehicle.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:34 am

Wayside Charlie wrote:

htkrph wrote:

Thanks guys. We have been looking at the 10+ because they seems to have the lower miles and are within our price range....

Before deciding, take a look at the rebates and getting your own loan. Some credit unions are now giving 1.5% loans -- with with the Jeep rebates can be a better deal in the long run then a 2 or 3 year old vehicle.

Also, pay attention to the rebates when getting low or no interest loans from the dealer. I've seen where the dealer keeps all rebates and incentives. :2cents:

something to think about.

kayadog · **Posted:** Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:10 pm

I just fit 2 huge trash barrels and a large bag of leaves in back with the seat up since I didn't want to take the car seats out. I'm really surprised they fit. There was about 1/2 mm to spare.

cybertron · **Joined:** Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:32 pm **Posts:** 72

htkrph wrote:

i forgot to ask about this... how is the tow capacity on them... i want to be able to tow a bike trailer, or a small camper. thanks for the pic. thats a lot of space in the trunk.

With the tow package, it's 5000 lbs. Without, I think only 2000 on the automatics. I actually bought mine to tow a ~3500 lb 19.5 foot travel trailer, and I've been pretty happy with it. Could use a little more power (always

), but with the exception of some pretty serious wind I've never had any trouble towing it. Even in high wind I've always gotten where I'm going, just a bit slower, either because of major headwinds or gusty crosswinds (those are the worst).

Luny421 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:27 pm

Towing capacity is 5000 lbs regardless of whether you have the tow package. My 08 didn't come with the tow package and it's still rated at 5000 lbs. All the package is is a factory installed receiver, hitch and harness. Some KK's with the tow package come with hill start assist, hill descent assist and trailer sway control. As stated, mine didn't come with the tow package and only has the hill start assist. my :2cents:

Gageraid · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2012 9:33 pm

Luny421 wrote:

Towing capacity is 5000 lbs regardless of whether you have the tow package. My 08 didn't come with the tow package and it's still rated at 5000 lbs. All the package is is a factory installed receiver, hitch and harness. Some KK's with the tow package come with hill start assist, hill descent assist and trailer sway control. As stated, mine didn't come with the tow package and only has the hill start assist. my :2cents:

I really love the hill start assist!

cybertron · **Joined:** Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:32 pm **Posts:** 72

Luny421 wrote:

Towing capacity is 5000 lbs regardless of whether you have the tow package. My 08 didn't come with the tow package and it's still rated at 5000 lbs. All the package is is a factory installed receiver, hitch and harness. Some KK's with the tow package come with hill start assist, hill descent assist and trailer sway control. As stated, mine didn't come with the tow package and only has the hill start assist. my :2cents:

I don't know where you're getting that information, but the owner's manual begs to differ. The base Liberty without tow package is rated for 2000 lbs. With the tow package it can go up to 5000 with a weight distributing hitch, 3500 without. It was that way for my 09, and it's still that way for 12's.

There have been discussions as to whether you can add the tow package after the fact (you can't, at least not entirely) and whether that makes it okay to tow 5000 lbs, but either way that doesn't change the official ratings.

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:31 am

True my owners manual says the same thing, but from what I understand the only difference between the factory tow package and adding the Mopar hitch, is you get the trailer sway control program with the factory tow package. Nobody has yet to tell me what the "heavy duty engine cooling and power steering cooling" is that the website claims the tow package comes with, and how its different than on non-tow package KKs. If there is really a difference tell me the part number for the products and I'll by them.
As far as the lack of the trailer sway control program, I'll just take my chances.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 3:52 am

JeepNCrowd wrote:

True my owners manual says the same thing, but from what I understand the only difference between the factory tow package and adding the Mopar hitch, is you get the trailer sway control program with the factory tow package. Nobody has yet to tell me what the "heavy duty engine cooling and power steering cooling" is that the website claims the tow package comes with, and how its different than on non-tow package KKs. If there is really a difference tell me the part number for the products and I'll by them.
As far as the lack of the trailer sway control program, I'll just take my chances.

I had the parts dept look up the difference. They couldn't give me any more of an answer than a different a/c condenser which supposedly has more heavy duty tranny cooling. I've also heard that the engine has a clutch fan instead of the electric ones. I've always wanted to confirm that but I haven't seen a kk with a factory tow package up close though.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:57 am

This is an old argument. The factory anti sway is just that. An electric sway sensor. The engine and Trans are the same, so the extra cool (if it exists) help keep temps in preferred range. The only thing is 3500 without weight distributing hitch- 5000 with. Now the next (old) argument is - just because it can should you?
I've come close. Over 3500. Would like to have had trailer with brakes, but not bad. Just planned on slowing for stops sooner.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:08 pm

I can say from experience, you don't want to tow a 2000# camper loaded for the weekend with all of the seats filled and the back full while sportin the 3.73 gears and oversize tires. Every little hill I hit seemed to take all of the life out of it. Pedal to the floor and loosing speed. Gears are definatly on the list. I may have to redirect my money though, I have a feeling the powers that be are going to do the wrong thing again in order to feel like they have done something in the name of safety...here we go again. Didn't work before, won't work now.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:21 pm

One reason why I won't go to 245's

cybertron · **Joined:** Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:32 pm **Posts:** 72

Ted15 wrote:

I can say from experience, you don't want to tow a 2000# camper loaded for the weekend with all of the seats filled and the back full while sportin the 3.73 gears and oversize tires.

This past summer I did about 1300 miles towing a 3500 lb trailer with the Jeep loaded to the brim with three adults and gear. I'm still on stock tires, but it definitely struggles up hills. I was probably dangerously close to the GCVWR, but on the plus side all of the weight in the Jeep seemed to help keep it planted in crosswinds.

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

My KK has the factory tow package. I can verify it has a mechanical fan and electric fan. Not sure what else is included with the "HD cooling" of the tow package.

I have a 16' tandem axle trailer which it tugs quite nicely.

I have not hauled much other than furniture and top soil so far.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:16 pm

2morrow wrote:

My KK has the factory tow package. I can verify it has a mechanical fan and electric fan. Not sure what else is included with the "HD cooling" of the tow package.

I have a 16' tandem axle trailer which it tugs quite nicely.

I have not hauled much other than furniture and top soil so far.

Both huh, interesting, thanks. I thought there was alot of room up there.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:55 pm

Can you post pics?

Looking into a KK.

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