WK2 Overland ORA2 Skids
- Thread starter JKJenn
- Start date
JKJenn
Adventurer
I love the "Stormtrooper" look of the white GC's.
Alas, Tim, my JK had 60,000+ miles and I like to keep newer vehicles for reliability with all of the long roadtrips I take. I was sad, but I traded the JKU on Wed for a 2015 Overland 3.6 with ORA2. I made it out to Utah in February and ten back to Colorado in the fall, so I am still doing a lot of traveling.
I had ditched the tent and awning and picked up a T@b trailer. The JKU got horrible mileage towing from Pittsburgh to Colorado. I loved the JKU and feel like it really helped me know what I needed to know in order to get to the types of places I want to go. The bottom line is that when you drive 2,000+ miles to drive off road, you are not really going to go too crazy (or at least I am not) with the trails, knowing that this is the same vehicle that has to get you back to Pittsburgh...and is your daily driver. I am still a little sad about saying goodbye to the JKU. I loved it (except for the gas mileage.) The most difficult trail I tacked with the JKU was the Alpine Loop in Ouray, starting at the Ouray end. I honestly don't see myself surpassing that in difficulty and I think the WK2 could handle that, too.
The new WK2 is a beast of luxury, comparatively, with the leather seats and advanced electronics. I have been studying on the "Selec-Speed" (hill climb/descent assist) and am impressed. I loved the hill ascent on the JKU so I am looking forward to that plus the descent option on the WK2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWp-Dmm7FzU
The tires will be the first thing to go. They are horrible and I don't know how Jeep can throw the "Trail Rated" badge on vehicle with those tires. I will likely pick up a bash plate so I will keep my eyes on the Steel Armadillo follow-up. I too, want to keep the weight down.
The other big advantage of the WK2 is that it is really set up to tow. The JKU did OK, but everything I have read indicates the WK2 will provide a superior towing experience.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Alas, Tim, my JK had 60,000+ miles and I like to keep newer vehicles for reliability with all of the long roadtrips I take. I was sad, but I traded the JKU on Wed for a 2015 Overland 3.6 with ORA2. I made it out to Utah in February and ten back to Colorado in the fall, so I am still doing a lot of traveling.
I had ditched the tent and awning and picked up a T@b trailer. The JKU got horrible mileage towing from Pittsburgh to Colorado. I loved the JKU and feel like it really helped me know what I needed to know in order to get to the types of places I want to go. The bottom line is that when you drive 2,000+ miles to drive off road, you are not really going to go too crazy (or at least I am not) with the trails, knowing that this is the same vehicle that has to get you back to Pittsburgh...and is your daily driver. I am still a little sad about saying goodbye to the JKU. I loved it (except for the gas mileage.) The most difficult trail I tacked with the JKU was the Alpine Loop in Ouray, starting at the Ouray end. I honestly don't see myself surpassing that in difficulty and I think the WK2 could handle that, too.
The new WK2 is a beast of luxury, comparatively, with the leather seats and advanced electronics. I have been studying on the "Selec-Speed" (hill climb/descent assist) and am impressed. I loved the hill ascent on the JKU so I am looking forward to that plus the descent option on the WK2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWp-Dmm7FzU
The tires will be the first thing to go. They are horrible and I don't know how Jeep can throw the "Trail Rated" badge on vehicle with those tires. I will likely pick up a bash plate so I will keep my eyes on the Steel Armadillo follow-up. I too, want to keep the weight down.
The other big advantage of the WK2 is that it is really set up to tow. The JKU did OK, but everything I have read indicates the WK2 will provide a superior towing experience.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
alludc
New member
Sorry to say there was an issue with production of the skids and some misaligned areas. It could have been mocked up to work so that I could have had them on for you, but the builder wants to get it right. With the holiday schedule and everything else going on, it will be mid Jan before we get to get the final product on. Sorry! Ill post as soon I can
muddyluxury
Observer
Tim are you running those asfir skids? are they lighter, just as strong as the Mopar steel ones? And any input on the company and their reputation - I have never heard of them, but I'm not afraid to use the stuff if its quality.
alludc
New member
Finally found some full installed pics of those ASFIR skids. And now, we (steel armadillo) knows where its 1st set of these went. 2 years ago, they (SA) sent someone on the east coast a set of these skids at cost, in exchange for installed pics and some internet posts. As soon as he received em, that was the last time he communicated. no phone answering, no email replies, etc. Looking at these ASFIR products, its a 100% copy. I hate to call anyone a thief, but damn...the only difference is the log. I mean its that exact.
muddyluxury
Observer
So are you saying this company ripped off the original engineering effort from steel armadillo? Or are these the same skids you talked about earlier in this thread, expect these are aluminum and the ones you installed are steel?
alludc
New member
Both sets are aluminum. 1/4", nice solid aluminum.
John, from Steel Armadillo has been around the scene for a long time making great parts for Commanders and a few other models here and there. I tried to help him track down the original guy he sent an early prototype of these to. Tried to speak with him, looked for posts that he may have authored etc. Guy just fell off the earth. Id be interested to see when ASFIR 1st started selling these, that would be pretty telling...
muddyluxury
Observer
the skids you installed are aluminum? if so, links please!!!
alludc
New member
I mentioned a few posts ago that there were some slight production tolerances that werent quite right so a new set was being made for me, to ensure all future ones were 'dead on'. I hope to reinstall in January.
FYI, 45.5lbs total for the entire set.
muddyluxury
Observer
apologies, I missed that detail. Please PM me when those skids are ready, I will gladly hand over money for lightweight protection!
pinetar
New member
Even if you wanted to buy those said similar skids from ASFIR, you'd have to actually be able to speak to someone who works there, speaks english well enough and knows anything about the company.
I remember I called the number listed on their site last year (2014) sometime and spoke to a woman who answered the phone with "Hello", no mention of ASFIR name. She barely spoke english, which is fine, but not when it's for your customer service line in the U.S. And she couldn't answer any questions, obviously.
Also tried emailing them with no response.
So I'd give Steel Armadillo my money any day over that kind of business. Looking forward to the end results and when they go into production.
I've been desperate for some more affordable armor and it's a relief SE decided to help out.
I remember I called the number listed on their site last year (2014) sometime and spoke to a woman who answered the phone with "Hello", no mention of ASFIR name. She barely spoke english, which is fine, but not when it's for your customer service line in the U.S. And she couldn't answer any questions, obviously.
Also tried emailing them with no response.
So I'd give Steel Armadillo my money any day over that kind of business. Looking forward to the end results and when they go into production.
I've been desperate for some more affordable armor and it's a relief SE decided to help out.