Alright guys my wife and I's first year anniversary is coming up in May and we have rented a cabin just outside gatlinburg, TN. We will be there for 6 nights and i know it's gonna be great. But we are torn on which vehicle to take. The 11 jeep jk getting 15mpg or the 2012 chevy duramax getting 19-20 mpg. Money wise is not too far off believe it or not because the price of diesel now days. But the truck has a 36 gallon tank over the jeeps, so meaning less stops and quicker time. But i just know riding in the mountains with the top off would be awesome. Also the jeep has GPS and heated seats, the works, truck doesn't. My only concern is it's getting 15 mpg here in flat land with the 35's, how much worse will it get in the mountains. Also running the jeep around 3k rpm with O/D off for 12 hours, i've done it for 3 hr drives but nothing like this. what do you guys think we should do??

 

To me it is a no brainer, Jeep, tons of fun! It is a vacation after all, and that is what Jeep is all about....imho

 

In the mountains the lower pressure will help the engine be a bit more efficient :p

 

I vote Jeep

It will be worth it all when you drop the top and hit the mountain roads! Check out Cades Cove while you're up there...beautiful place!! There is also an easy offroad trail leading out of the park that is fun if you have the time. The name is Parsons Branch Road...it's a one way road.

nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

tailofthedragon.com/Parsons/index.html

 

JEEP!! I've had mine out there and it is a great spot for jeeps.

 

OK.
Jeep @15mpg
Truck @19mpg

Gasoline @ $3.90/gal
Diesel @ $4.10/gal *Assume duramax is diesel?

Kaplan, LA to Gatlinburg, TN ~781mi

781mi/(15mpg) = 53 gal @ $3.90/gal = ~$207
781mi/(19mpg) = 42 gal @ $4.10/gal = ~$173 ($164 for gasoline @ $3.90)

Difference = $34($43) extra to have your Jeep in the Smoky Mountains for a week, top down and loving it. Double it because you have to eventually drive home either way. LOL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 

I'm starting to question your JEEPHOOD!! A duracraps over a JEEP???!! Tsk Tsk
5 minutes in the time out chair for you buddy!
Hahaha just kidding have a great anniversary and take the damn JEEP! You'll thank us all later!!

 

Take the Jeep! Also, don't forget to take the roof and doors off so you can cruise up and down Highway 421 thru Gatlinburg at night. Usually quite a show of vehicles. Mostly locals from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and even some from over in Townsend. Be sure to check out Cades Coves and the side roads.

Out here in the west we have Estes Park, CO that reminds me of a mini Gatlinburg. Gateway to the Rockies.

 

Jeep...no question. That area is stunning as it is and driving around those moutain roads through the Natl. Park is too good to pass up.

You'll be sorry if you keave the Jeep at home, I promise.

 

Jeep definitely unless you have a motorcycle to take in the back of that truck. I have family in pigeon forge and it's a great place to cruise around in your jeep