EJS2025 recap with some pics

TheSolarWizard · Apr 22, 2025

Another amazing week with old and new friends. Had some mechanical issues which cut the trip a little short but overall loved my time in Moab as usual.

As far as trails I managed to get in Kane Creek, Onion Creek, The Pickle, steel bender, Behind the Rocks (which id never run before for some reason), part of Pritchett Canyon (due to an insane traffic jam), Moab Rim, metal masher, Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things. I also managed to get up and down Potato Salad Hill.

Favorite obstacle was High Dive on Behind the Rocks, specifically going back up it which isn’t common to attempt.

I’ve had a lot of really well built Jeeps before, this Gladiator I still easily my favorite. Part of that is the diesel for sure but the star is the Rockkrawler suspension (which is absolutely fantastic in rocks, high speed in the desert and pure joy on the road) and close runner up are the super high clearance Next Venture fenders & SAVVY armor all the way around.

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_3313

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_3311

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_3237

also switched to 42/13.5R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers and I am extremely pleased compared to the 42 mickeys I had before.

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_3320

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_3236

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_1783

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics IMG_2991

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics DSCF0370

RodRecket · Apr 22, 2025

Chatted your ear off at the Weds Northridge event, killer rig. Moab Rim was my favorite trail this year

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics 20250415_155542

TheSolarWizard · Apr 22, 2025

RodRecket said:
Chatted your ear off at the Weds Northridge event, killer rig. Moab Rim was my favorite trail this year

It was so nice meeting you dude!

TheTrailGeek · Apr 22, 2025

Great pics! Looks like a great time.

Gvsukids · Apr 23, 2025

TheSolarWizard said:
Another amazing week with old and new friends. Had some mechanical issues which cut the trip a little short but overall loved my time in Moab as usual.

as far as trails I managed to get in Kane Creek, Onion Creek, The Pickle, steel bender, Behind the Rocks (which id never run before for some reason), part of Pritchett Canyon (due to an insane traffic jam), Moab Rim, metal masher, Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things. I also managed to get up and down Potato Salad Hill.
Favorite obstacle was High Dive on Behind the Rocks, specifically going back up it which isn’t common to attempt.
I’ve had a lot of really well built Jeeps before, this Gladiator I still easily my favorite. Part of that is the diesel for sure but the star is the Rockkrawler suspension (which is absolutely fantastic in rocks, high speed in the desert and pure joy on the road) and close runner up are the super high clearance Next Venture fenders & SAVVY armor all the way around.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/forums/trip-journals-reports.99/

WILDHOBO · Apr 23, 2025

TheSolarWizard said:
Another amazing week with old and new friends. Had some mechanical issues which cut the trip a little short but overall loved my time in Moab as usual.

As far as trails I managed to get in Kane Creek, Onion Creek, The Pickle, steel bender, Behind the Rocks (which id never run before for some reason), part of Pritchett Canyon (due to an insane traffic jam), Moab Rim, metal masher, Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things. I also managed to get up and down Potato Salad Hill.

Favorite obstacle was High Dive on Behind the Rocks, specifically going back up it which isn’t common to attempt.

I’ve had a lot of really well built Jeeps before, this Gladiator I still easily my favorite. Part of that is the diesel for sure but the star is the Rockkrawler suspension (which is absolutely fantastic in rocks, high speed in the desert and pure joy on the road) and close runner up are the super high clearance Next Venture fenders & SAVVY armor all the way around.

also switched to 42/13.5R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers and I am extremely pleased compared to the 42 mickeys I had before.

What a beast. I’d do the pickle again, but it’s a thing.

WILDHOBO · Apr 23, 2025

RodRecket said:
Chatted your ear off at the Weds Northridge event, killer rig. Moab Rim was my favorite trail this year

I love Moab Rim.

imallcrawl · Apr 23, 2025

Amazing photos!

TheSolarWizard · Apr 24, 2025

imallcrawl said:
Amazing photos!

Thank you!

Zach@Granger · Apr 24, 2025

TheSolarWizard said:
Another amazing week with old and new friends. Had some mechanical issues which cut the trip a little short but overall loved my time in Moab as usual.

As far as trails I managed to get in Kane Creek, Onion Creek, The Pickle, steel bender, Behind the Rocks (which id never run before for some reason), part of Pritchett Canyon (due to an insane traffic jam), Moab Rim, metal masher, Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things. I also managed to get up and down Potato Salad Hill.

Favorite obstacle was High Dive on Behind the Rocks, specifically going back up it which isn’t common to attempt.

I’ve had a lot of really well built Jeeps before, this Gladiator I still easily my favorite. Part of that is the diesel for sure but the star is the Rockkrawler suspension (which is absolutely fantastic in rocks, high speed in the desert and pure joy on the road) and close runner up are the super high clearance Next Venture fenders & SAVVY armor all the way around.

also switched to 42/13.5R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers and I am extremely pleased compared to the 42 mickeys I had before.

Thank you for sharing your pictures! Those are sweet pictures and looks like a great time with your Jeep!!

DavoSmith · Apr 26, 2025

Now that you have some street and trail time with both the 42x13.5r17 Nitto Trail Grapplers and Mickey Thompsons Baja Boss M/T 42x13.5x17s , which do you like better and why for street and trail use?

A little Info on the Nitto Trail Grappler 42x13r17:

TheSolarWizard · Apr 27, 2025

interestingly that video was pretty much verbatim from a discussion I had ~ 2 months ago on the tires.

as far as which I prefer, the Trail Grappler without a doubt. They are much smoother on the road up to and exceeding the speed rating and noticeably quieter. Both sets were road forced balanced but ive been in a jeep with unbalanced 42 nittos and there wasn’t a big difference. The mickeys took 100-120% more weight to make the machine happy.

the trail traction advance for the nittos even with them being brand new and thus not broken in is obvious. A good example is I needed to heat the MTs up to get out of Mickeys hot tub and the TGs walked out of there cold just off idle.

it rarely rains so I have almost no way to compare them there.
I love how square the carcass is they have sort of a pizxa cutter vibe which has proved beneficial because I now get zero contact on my lower control arms but I previously had a little and just an ever so slight contact on the fender brace at full stuff and lock whereas before paint would be rubbed off.

the only downside I can think of is they are heavier and under certain circumstances I can feel it. Small price to pay for a more durable sidewall.

DavoSmith said:
Now that you have some street and trail time with both the 42x13.5r17 Nitto Trail Grapplers and Mickey Thompsons Baja Boss M/T 42x13.5x17s , which do you like better and why for street and trail use?

A little Info on the Nitto Trail Grappler 42x13r17:

Mbryson · Apr 28, 2025

Bummed I didn't run into anyone from this board this year but love the photos and enjoyed the event as I usually do.

Only pics I took of my rig through the week .

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics 20250416_130425

Jeep Gladiator EJS2025 recap with some pics 20250412_143146 (1)

Fabtech Motorsports · Apr 28, 2025

I still can't believe the Steersmarts ice cream Jeep went through the Pickle. Getting a JT through there takes good spotting too. Looks like you had a good one with JP.

Matt

TheSolarWizard · Apr 28, 2025

Fabtech Motorsports said:
I still can't believe the Steersmarts ice cream Jeep went through the Pickle. Getting a JT through there takes good spotting too. Looks like you had a good one with JP.

Matt

Andy is a great driver but it did tear a hole in the dside rear that was easily patched.

EJS2025 recap with some pics

TheSolarWizard

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