I want to buy a stick, but I can't figure out if I can get 'trail rated' with a stick or not? Can I get FDII or FDI if I get a manual? I see the option to add the FDII but not the FDI so is that just included in another package or something? Can I get the CVT with a stick or is that solely for automatic??

From what I can recall, the FDII only comes with the low crawl ratio CVT so it's not available with the manual.

Not available with a manual tranny, a point of much dismay by myself and others. :woe is i:

then do you think it would be better to get the auto with CVT rather than a stick?

^^well how much can the 5-speed manual handle without the Freedom Drive....like snow, mud etc.

If your planing on doing any offroading other than dirt roads, you'd probably be better off with a FDII cvt. I wouldnt do any off roading without a low gear and skid plates. There are lots of times Ive gotten somewhere I couldnt get out of without a low gear.

Well I suppose that depends on whether you want to go slidin' though the mud/snow or crawl over large rocks. In one, you would prefer less traction and the gear ratio of the manual (or CVT in the FDI package) would do just fine (even preferable to some) if however, you need more torque for doing things like crawling over huge boulders and whatnot then you would want the FDII package because it will provide the power to make the difficult climb without stalling out on you (happened to my wrangler this morning and then it didn't want to start up again :grump: ) Personally I went with the 5-speed because I honestly think I can provide more intelligent hill decent control etc. than whatever computer Jeep has rigged up, and if it doesn't work out for me, its always a great opportunity for a new mod!

The CVT is the automatic transmission. The CVT is available w/ FDI, or upgrade to CVT2L/FDII, where the "L" represents the Low Range 4x4 mode.

The 5 speed manual is available w/ FDI only, which also includes a 4x4 lock t-handle in the center console, but no Low Range (crawl). With the 5 spd manual, you choose either front wheel drive only (base price $14985US) or you choose four wheel drive (base priced as $16175US). Extra cost covers the 4wd system.

If you get the 4wd w/ 5 spd, it is FDI. If you choose 4wd w/ CVT, it will also be FDI, unless you specify FDII.

The Trail Rated package is the CVT2L w/ FDII only...and includes skid plates, extra ground clearance, extra sealing for water up to 19", etc.

I thought I really wanted the FDII, but settled for the FDI mostly on the basis that the higher gearing on FDII costs you a couple of MPG. Since I already have a Wrangler that we've used for off-roading, it became a simple matter of daily economics (long-term gas usage vs. a feature we'd rarely use and is covered by another vehicle).

I thought I really wanted the FDII, but settled for the FDI mostly on the basis that the higher gearing on FDII costs you a couple of MPG. Since I already have a Wrangler that we've used for off-roading, it became a simple matter of daily economics (long-term gas usage vs. a feature we'd rarely use and is covered by another vehicle).

I'm glad to hear some one else feel that way too. I have two buddies at the dealer I have ordered from, and both are flicking me stuff for not getting the CVT2L and the Fredom Drive II package. Something about it isn't a real Jeep or the FDII is the only thing that makes it different from the Caliber and Compass. For me, like you, I won't ever use the "Crawl Ratio" on the tranny, or the skid plates as I off road. To me, it is a loss of 2+ mpg, and it costs me an extra $400+. Not worth it, when I will be driving through snow a few times per year as my heavy off road driving. I would like to know the percentage of how many of these Patriots actually see real off-road terrain!

Mine will see lots of offroading!