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jeepguy888888

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello, I am new to this forum and hope i could find out more about the storage space.
We are expecting a baby so I am looking to buy a SUV for the wife. I have a TJ and really have jeep blood. Wife and I were planning to get the liberty which has a nice look to it. I know it has a great reputation too and figured for my wife, it would be perfect.
Shopping the second hand market I was looking for and 08. For fun I checked out the Patriot new and prices were simular to a second hand liberty, so I figured best to consider that option too. We did, test drive both liberty and patriot today. The Patriot was almost a go, then we opened the trunk. It seemed inadequate according to my wife to manage a stroller and bags of groceries. She wanted something that the stroller would be able to fit without having to put it at and angle and without having to fold down any seats. Is this possible. The dealer measured 7inches of difference between the width of the liberty versus the Patriot.

Would a stroller lay flat in a patriot? Seats up.

is cargo area an issue with the seats up?

Can anyone send me pictures of how much it could handle in terms of storage.

Also is the Freedom II system a must. I live in Canada and want something safe for winter driving. Off roading is rare but a nice plus when we do go, but nothing more than mud, no extravigant rock climbing. Is the freedom I system adequate for light-medium off roading.

What upgrades are a must.

If the storage concern is resolved, we might be ordering one this week.

thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
Not a clue how well a stroller would fit in there, but we've managed to carry quite a bit of gear in our Patriot with the seats up:

Image


The Freedom Drive II is not a requirement for winter driving. FDI will do nicely on roads. But if you intend to do any off-roading then yeah, FDII is the way to go.

I would consider the 2" lift kit and good tires to be "must". Not everyone agrees with me though. Take a look at how the Patriot sits when stock and see for yourself.
 
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#3 ·
our large 3 wheeler pram fits straight, the other 4 wheel smaller lighter stroller doesn't !!!! - you'll have to get one that fits and suits

like all boot space, it all depends on the shape of the space vs. the shape of what you are trying to put in the space....sorry to point out the obvious, but only you know what you put in your boot

the boot isn't huge, but kids tend to have lots of smaller bags/things etc.... rather than one big bag

other than that, get the diesel (but i don't think its available to you)

good luck
 
#4 · (Edited)
jeepguy888888 said:
The Patriot was almost a go, then we opened the trunk. It seemed inadequate according to my wife to manage a stroller and bags of groceries. She wanted something that the stroller would be able to fit without having to put it at and angle and without having to fold down any seats. Is this possible. The dealer measured 7inches of difference between the width of the liberty versus the Patriot.

Would a stroller lay flat in a patriot? Seats up.
Click to expand...
I can speak only for Compass, which has smaller cargo area than Patriot.
I have two stollers. Trunk area is ca 1 meter wide and both of them fit there separately(!) with no problems (folded up).
Plus side is the plastic floor of the trunk, you can put there a stoller with snowy/muddy/wet wheels and not to worry about it.
But if the stroller is in, you can't put there the bags of groceries if the stroller wheels are wet and the bags are made from paper. They may also not fit there, it depends on the stroller. On the fast shopping trip better place for bags is the back-seat and behind drivers seat.
If you go to the trip, then you can put the stroller and the luggage to the trunk because you have time to fit it there.

jeepguy888888 said:
Also is the Freedom II system a must. I live in Canada and want something safe for winter driving. Off roading is rare but a nice plus when we do go, but nothing more than mud, no extravigant rock climbing. Is the freedom I system adequate for light-medium off roading.
Click to expand...
For that, FDI is enough.
But FDII is always better :smiley_thumbs_up:

jeepguy888888 said:
What upgrades are a must.
Click to expand...
- Tinted rear windows to block the sun (if baby sits in the back)
- ISO-fix child seat hooks (is standard, I guess). I stongly recommend to buy and use ISO-Fix child seat, it's most convinient to use.
- fold-down passenger seat. You can change baby's diapers there (I have done it so several times :D), remove it if kids sits in the back and wants to have a better view, etc.
- passenger air bag disconnector, if you want to put the child seat to the front and disable the air-bag. (it is optional equipment and costs ca $ 100-150, I think). NB! There are no ISO-fix hooks on the front seat.
- electric windows (mostly standard)
 
#5 ·
I am surprised sometimes how much I can fit in the back. But then again my rear seats are always folded down. I think I've had them up twice, but even then only one seat, when I had a grandkid long, or taking my parents somewhere.

I fit a large dog crate, a big cooler, two big rubbermaid containers, a suitcase, a big duffel bag, my computer bag and my wife's too, her camera bag and mine, and several small bags, a backpack for my dog stuff, an extra pair of boots, and more. And in the winter I usually have 4 chains, extra gloves and a fleece pullover, etc just in case. The chains fit on the floor for the back seat.

I bet if I stacked all the stuff we pack on the porch and took a photo a lot of folks would be surprised.
 
#6 ·
Take the stroller to the dealership and see for yourself. Fit isn't the only question you will want answered; will it also not obstruct vision once successfully stowed?
 
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#7 ·
jeepguy888888 said:
Hello, I am new to this forum and hope i

Would a stroller lay flat in a patriot? Seats up.

is cargo area an issue with the seats up?

Can anyone send me pictures of how much it could handle in terms of storage.

Also is the Freedom II system a must. I live in Canada and want something safe for winter driving. Off roading is rare but a nice plus when we do go, but nothing more than mud, no extravigant rock climbing. Is the freedom I system adequate for light-medium off roading.

What upgrades are a must.

If the storage concern is resolved, we might be ordering one this week.

thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I bought the Patriot solely because we needed something a little safer and something with more cargo room for my young family at the time. My wife and I now have a 3 year old girl and we've had the Patriot for almost 2 years now. Previously we had a 4 door civic.

Originally my concern was safety, the Patriot wins in comparison with my civic at the time. Then came cargo space. We've gone through 2 strollers and both have fit flat with the seats up. Here's the 2 strollers we've gone through so you have an idea.

http://www.pegperego.com/page.php?s...sid=419cf4abe6abd1c27334f176216202c4&pageid=CJVNL001&idf=04&idp=0000000195&cl=N
http://www.maclarenbaby.com/us/content/view/100/492/lang,en/

And yes we can carry groceries in the cargo space with the stroller in there.

I live in Canada as well, Toronto to be more exact and we get our fair share of snow storms. I have the Freedom Drive I 4x4 and its more then adequate. The FDII is overkill for city driving. I only find myself locking the 4x4 when the streets haven't been plowed.

As for upgrades, it's all up to you, your style, and what you plan on doing with the Jeep. Some upgrades that were essential for me were:

1)Thule 45050 roof cross bars - because we go camping and do lots of road trips as a family so I needed extra cargo room for a cargo box. I use this exact cargo box Sears X-Cargo

2)Class III 2" Hitch - because I cycle and need to put my bike rack on the back. As well, I own a bass fishing boat so I tow that every other weekend in the spring/summer/fall.

3)Portable GPS unit - because you don't want to get lost with your family in the Jeep. Or you don't want to hear it from your wife when you get Lost. Or because you're too stubborn to ask for directions when you're lost.

4)In-Car/Portable DVD player - you might have this already, and trust me, with kids it's essential. Unless of course you believe in not letting your kids watch too much TV.

.... You'll see I have other upgrades, but they're not essential towards the family needs :)


Hope I've helped. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
 
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#8 ·
Oodles of storage space, no problem for your stroller. You don't need FDII unless you're off-roading. I'm going into my third Canadian winter with my '07, and it's never gotten stuck. It's given a nice secure ride in all road conditions.
 
#9 ·
Your best bet is to take the stroller with you to the dealer, aside from that rember the patriot is much better on fuel than the Liberty, so your savings in the long run with the patriot will more than pay for a new stroller if it comes to that.

This will be my first winter with my Jeep, my brother and sister both have jeeps ( compas / Patriot ) and they just love the 4x4 system and how great they are in the winter months. Before I purchased my Jeep I looked at almost all crossovers/small SUV's and bang for your buck the patriot ( IMO ) was the winner hands down, great on gas, great 4x4 system and lots of cargo room.

The only thing I would stay away from would be a sun roof, way too many posts about them leaking. I would opt for the sat radio and possibly the upgraded sound package, I still regret not getting that option.
 
#12 ·
Just my opion take it or leave it.

I LOVE my jeep don't get me wrong, but here is my experience.

We just had our first baby in March 2009. I bought my Jeep in Dec. 2007 and traded in my single cab 2002 Dodge Ram. The reason I traded was because we were trying to have a baby and I would need the extra room. So I can truly say I have been in your shoes.:pepper: Just a little more about myself. I am 6'7" and 235lbs. I first looked at Nitro's then Liberty's which are the same only drive train differences, but they didn't have very good leg room. Then I saw a patriot and though, that reminded me of my Suzuki Sidekick. So the more I studied it I fell in love. I loved the leg room for the driver, which did not exist in the liberty. Anyway, I could go on all day about the things I love about it, but here is what you need to know.

When you start packing up the baby gear to visit grandma's and grandpa's, room runs out quick. You have to take packnplay, stroller, diaper bag, bag for you, bag for her, bag for baby, etc. I ended up getting the X-Cargo Roof storage compartment which is EXCELLENT (got it from Sears). You can fit all kinds of stuff in it. Now here is my dilemma, if we have a second child the Patriot will be too small. I sometimes wish I had spent the extra money and got the Town and Country minivan. :(

Just my 2 cents.
 
#13 ·
Specifically on the stroller point, you can fold down the small part of the split seat and stick the stroller through there while still having the car seat in the center. No problems there. It actually works very well for small trips. However, for big trips get the Cargo Carrier.
 
#14 ·
For light offroading in the mud, in deep snow, and on muskoka flat rocks, the FD1 is sufficient.
 
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#15 ·
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#16 · (Edited)
I don't know about a stroller, but I stow a lot of gear for work in behind the back seat of my Patriot. Now when my son was a baby (pre Patriot days), he is 9 years old now, I just slid the stroller in-between the front and rear seats. He didn't need the leg room.

As for winter driving, this is one of the better vehicles you can get for winter driving. It does great on the snow, ice, mud, uneven terrain, and on wet slick roadways. Just keep in mind that your vehicle is only as good as the tires you drive on.

THe storage space looks small when empty but don't let that fool you.
Image

This is what I put into my Patriot everyday
Image

Image

Just for emphisis the black bag has two bowling balls in it.
Image

Slide the privacy screen over and we're ready to go.
Image
 
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#17 · (Edited)
jeep and babies.

I bought a patriot in 2008 and had a child later that year. Lessons I've learned.

My jeep can hold the carseat only in the middle position or passenger side not the drivers because of where the mounting hook systems connect to the seat. (this completely negates the ability to have more then 1 passenger in the back unless they are really really skinny). Also this limits you to only the small fold down section of the back seat and prevents you from pushing the object all the way to the front because if the driver (USA) is on the left side the split is on the wrong side for long objects.

The folding stroller I have fits in the back but takes up the entire backend and even with smaller folding versions they still completely ubstruct the views.

While the jeep has decent cargo space it lacks a tall opening height at the door which will prevent you from placing a stove, washer/dryer, snowblower, medium sized furniture, lots of baby junk etc.. in the back.

Before someone says get a truck if you want to haul things. I have a ford focus zx5 that can easily fit each of those objects I've listed through its rear hatch and inside the car.

Since I had a baby I've found my house has needed alot of upgrades, replacements, and I'm hauling half the childs belongings everywhere. While they jeep can meet most needs don't expect to do alot of shopping when you have a stroller, carseat, child, diaper bag, spare clothes (puke/poo does occasionally make a mess).

I love my Patriot to death but don't buy it expecting it to hold everything at the same time as your little loved one. If thats what you want it to do, buy a minivan. :icon_rolleyes:

In direct answer to your questions:
Would a stroller lay flat in a patriot? Seats up.
No, unless its a very small compact stroller.

is cargo area an issue with the seats up?
No provided you don't have a stroller or other baby stuff back there.

FDI vs FDII
I live in Alaska right now we have 2+ feet of snow on the ground and the road to my house isn't plowed or maintained. With stock tires, no lift, and only the basic 4x4 package I don't have issues driving up to my house and up the 40foot long, 15 foot high driveway. (decent angle with ice on it, the car can't do it at all and is garaged until spring). Tires are probably the best upgrade to get followed by the lift. Tow hooks would be nice but I've never needed them but would be nice to have for that one day when I finally do need a pull.

The patriots main advantage is it can do decent messy/dirt/snow/offroad driving and get 24+ Miles to the gallon. It's a SUV on steroids. With a base price around 14,000. Where else can you find something with a similar price plus fuel and offroad capacity.

Downside is the cargo isn't the biggest in the world, it has a car rated towing capacity (1000-2000 pounds with the correct setup).

To sum this whole post up, it meets all my needs, I trust it with my one year old, it can carry her stuff, and can carry some of our stuff at the same time and a friend to boot. It just isn't a truck, minivan, or car. Its a very nice balance of all 3.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
thanks again for all your help!

I just bought one today picking up tomorrow. I ended up getting the North Edition with saftey group and tire group. Nicely packed with enough options. I was gonna opt for the upgraded radio and the FDII but price was pretty steep and they didn`t have in stock. I stuck with what they had which was popular options. Now my wife and I have jeeps. She has the patriot and I have the TJ 03

For the storage issue I went to the dealer with a specific stroller I borrowed and it fit nice and room for more stuff so was sufficient. Liberty provided allittle more room but the price difference space was an expensive premium. It started about 10 more.

I am getting it tomorrow.

Now I need to find winter tires!

Amazing site here...My wife loved the feedback and over the long run I am saving a ton of money in Gas and also as a base price.

PS Worth getting the rust proofing at the dealer or should I pass and get it done at these yearly rust proofing companies. I regret not getting it on the TJ as all the hinges rusted over the last 6 years and it spread to the body. Car will be parked indoors at night I know that creates a rust issue in the winter.
 
#19 ·
Pass on the rust proofing and get it done at a reputable place.

Winter tires? try out the SR-A's beforehand. Lots of people knock them here but if your wife isn't an aggressive driver they are more then enough.
 
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#20 ·
I have the same tire upgrade as you and they do just fine on the ice and snow. Try them out for a week or so before dropping a ton of money on new tires. I was considering buying studded tires but after it snowed here I found out that I didn't need them. Congrats on the new Jeep and welcome to the Patriot World!
 
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Earthworm51
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