Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee

Welcome.  We recently purchased a 171 HRE and are prepping for our fourth trip.  The reasoning behind our purchase of a 171 are as follows.  We are both retired, wife a teacher of 33 years.  We have a 2005 Chev. Tahoe with a V8.  Tow capacity is 7,500 lbs.  At some point we will have to replace the Chevy, and without the income that we had in the past we most likely will have to downsize our tow vehicle.  That being said, we also enjoy being out of doors, so special ordered our 171 without the tv or antenna.  Camping for us is enjoying the location and reading, museuming, hiking, cooking etc.  Looked at a slideout but since it's only the two of us and Gracie, of course, and were also concerned about the extra weight and cost of a slideout.  The 171 made the most sense for us.  We could downsize the tow vehicle and not be concerned about towing concerns.  Like to get there and set up.  Also prefer a bed already set up as a bed.  Don't want to make and unmake the bed each day.  So, for us, the 171 made the most sense.  I do ponder a 181 but then remember I am not a fisherman or a hunter and the outside kitchen, prep area are not necessary for us.  I know many others have their own reasons for buying what they did, these are our reasons.  Enjoy, and Safe Travels.

The 171 is a straight through plan.. The 177 has the push out with the kitchen in it. The differences a re weight, and hitch weight. The advantage to the 177 is the extra interior room with the push out area. We have a 171 and a dodge 3.7 l Dakota. An extra few hp would be appreciated with. Larger engine. ( although we carry a bit of extra weight in the pickup bed). For the record we live in the r dome( cooking, rain escape, etc), and don't use the pod except in cold or hot and don 't cook in it. But with a choice and a higher powered TV I would have gone for the 177. With our current setup, the 171 is great!