Trade my JLU for a JT?

[NC_Overland]

I had a similar experience in CO.. My wife left the avocados out on top of the trailer cabinet and that bear could smell it.

We remained quiet and watched him for a while from the RTT, but black bear really aren't much of a threat at all. Once we got tired of watching him, I yelled "HEY BEAR!" and he ran like hell across the creek and into the forest.



We have a battery powered ring camera that we paired to the starlink and we put that out to watch if any game comes through camp at night. lol it's the best game camera I've ever had because you can watch it live.

That’s awesome. This is was about 15 yrs ago and we were in a conventional tent.

I was always more concerned about mtn lion when I lived in CO. I’ve seen a lot of black bear in my travels and had similar experiences. They’re typically very easy to scare off. Just don’t count on it, because they can easily kill humans.

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[SaiintNick]

I tend to back into parking spots in tighter parking lots. It seems easier to pull out later, than back out.

Definitely easier, but I can't always back into spots.

 

[SaiintNick]

We've spent many a night in bear country in tents. Several nights were in that one. Never an issue.

The most scared I've ever been was from a bull cow one night. He was stomping and snoring outside our tents for atleast 30 minutes before he finally wondered off. There were 4 tents setup in a line, we were on of the middle ones. The first tent inline was just a few feet from the bull.

I know that a camper is not bear proof, but I do know it is more bear proof than canvas. One of the main reasons I like a solid structure is noise and temp control. I have spent a couple nights inside the JT and it was plenty comfortable to sleep, but you can't sit up. If you sleep diagonal it's plenty of space for me and my dog. It doesn't take long to setup, I can control the temp inside and it's quiet. A quick spin and I'm in the drivers seat and out of danger. Thats why I liked my Wrangler. If the OP is not going to camp then I'm definitely getting the Mojave for the better ride.

 

[Cwg33]

After 50yrs of camping in Central WA., and probably 10+ bear encounters, the best defense is a dog, crows nest tent, & .45. I’ve never shot a bear, but have fired a few times in the air for scaring.
A JL RTT may help for height, but a JT bed mount tepui has definitely felt safer numerous times due to the elevated sound source for the bears point of reference.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Thanks for the insight! I should clarify it’s not the act of parking lol. It’s the availability of spots. I’m normally good with timing the work rush when everyone is leaving and coming back so there are spaces available. Sometimes spots will be available but could only fit a normal sized SUV or something smaller like a 2 door Wrangler. Having a 2dr is the dream with parking but everything else is a drawback.

IDK, I guess after a 40 year career driving all types of wheeled vehicles from 2-36 wheelers, parking any size SUV is well not anything special to think about.

 

[Alchemist03]

IDK, I guess after a 40 year career driving all types of wheeled vehicles from 2-36 wheelers, parking any size SUV is well not anything special to think about.

I hear you on that one! It’s not about the difficulty of parking or the size of a vehicle for me. It’s about the availability of the parking spaces. Such is the struggle of the city. Not complaining, just acknowledging that it comes with the territory and has an affect on which vehicles I pick while living here. Adapting to the environment.

I just had a new neighbor move in one of the condos on my block and he has a long bed F150 crew cab jacked up with big wheels. It’s a nice rig! But after living here for a month and getting a couple tickets (our block requires parking permits) I don’t see him driving that truck here anymore. Didn’t get a chance to talk to him about it but I’m sure he either sold it or has it parked at a relative’s house.

 

[ericw.]

Just don’t count on it, because they can easily kill humans.

Absolutely. I carry everywhere.

 

[MaximusTX]

The diesel was in my Ram, the Gladiator is my wifes semi-daily transportation and we use it for weekend adventures.

So, perspective matters when making decisions, I'll try to share mine the best I can.

For us, we don't need the Gladiator to be a truck in any capacity at all. I have 7 other trucks, from a Cummins swapped F450 to an LS swapped turbo C10, to my 6.7 Cummins daily... In our arsenal, we have a truck for any purpose we want.

I tow, haul, both often, and far distances, for the average guy who works in an office. I tow these other vehicles, our side by side, parts for them, equipment to our properties. Not a month goes by when I don't put at least 1,000 lbs of something in a bed, or haul a trailer of at least 5000 lbs. Not ayear goes by when we don't take a trip from Michigan to Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, while hauling a trailer. For us, a full size truck is a must, and I frankly prefer a 3/4 ton. My Ecodiesel Ram did the job, but my new Cummins truck is much more capable.

So, to me, us, most of the positives of the diesel Gladiator go right out the window. We don't care how it tows, or hauls, because that's not it's primary function for us. We do care about the MPG, obviously, fuel costs money. I run my diesels on waste veg oil, so that's a cost save. upper 20's MPG on the Ecodiesel vs upper teens in the 3.6

So, with all that, and knowing you can set a watch by the emissions failing on a Ecodiesel, and potentially taking an engine with it, knowing I'm not going to delete a truck under warranty, knowing I don't want my wife dealing with DEF or finding stations that carry diesel... We chose the gas version.

The power is barely adequate, the mileage is acceptable, but we can fuel it anywhere, no extra costs, extra maintenance, she can just treat it like any old car and party on.

We're happy with the purchase.

Just curious on what the exact time is that the emissions fail on the EcoDiesels? I just want to be prepared and have it on my calendar. Depending on which year your Ram was it could have had the Gen 2 EcoDiesel which is different than the Gen 3 EcoDiesels in the Gladiators.

 

[MaximusTX]

That works in certain places and certain times of the year. I want security and protection from animals which means a hard sided camper.

Just because that is what you are looking doesn't mean it can't be done for less than $10K. Not everyone needs or wants a hard shell camper. My wife and used a RTT tent on our Rubicon Trip and it was perfect and very comfortable with plenty of room. We were just about 9ft off the ground and were not that worried about animals.

 

[Gvsukids]

Just curious on what the exact time is that the emissions fail on the EcoDiesels? I just want to be prepared and have it on my calendar. Depending on which year your Ram was it could have had the Gen 2 EcoDiesel which is different than the Gen 3 EcoDiesels in the Gladiators.

My 3.6 died at 107k. But then it had many other issues in it's lifetime.

 

[NC_Overland]

Just because that is what you are looking doesn't mean it can't be done for less than $10K. Not everyone needs or wants a hard shell camper. My wife and used a RTT tent on our Rubicon Trip and it was perfect and very comfortable with plenty of room. We were just about 9ft off the ground and were not that worried about animals.

I agree with your sentiment. No disrespect intended, but the reason I don’t have a RTT is because I like to camp for a few days and set up camp and go explore around. I don’t want to deal with setting up and taking down a RTT. admittedly, I’m not 100% sure how much work that is, but it seems like it would be more than I’d want to deal with.

 

[ericw.]

I agree with your sentiment. No disrespect intended, but the reason I don’t have a RTT is because I like to camp for a few days and set up camp and go explore around. I don’t want to deal with setting up and taking down a RTT. admittedly, I’m not 100% sure how much work that is, but it seems like it would be more than I’d want to deal with.

It's a bummer when you lose your campsite every day also. That's why I put my RTT on a trailer. lol

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Just curious on what the exact time is that the emissions fail on the EcoDiesels? I just want to be prepared and have it on my calendar. Depending on which year your Ram was it could have had the Gen 2 EcoDiesel which is different than the Gen 3 EcoDiesels in the Gladiators.

No one get's upset faster than an Ecodiesel owner who hasn't had a problem yet

 

[MaximusTX]

So, with all that, and knowing you can set a watch by the emissions failing on a Ecodiesel, and potentially taking an engine with it, knowing I'm not going to delete a truck under warranty.

No one get's upset faster than an Ecodiesel owner who hasn't had a problem yet

I am not upset and I have actually had issues. But you stated that you can set your watch by when the emissions will fail. I am just curious on when that is. You stated it but you can't seem to back it up.

I agree with your sentiment. No disrespect intended, but the reason I don’t have a RTT is because I like to camp for a few days and set up camp and go explore around. I don’t want to deal with setting up and taking down a RTT. admittedly, I’m not 100% sure how much work that is, but it seems like it would be more than I’d want to deal with.

It's a bummer when you lose your campsite every day also. That's why I put my RTT on a trailer. lol

I agree with both of you. An RTT is not for everyone and doesn't work for all occasions. The statement made was that you can't camp in a gladiator under $10K. My setup cost $2,750 for the rtt and bed rack. It is possible but everyone uses their JT differently so there is no way to say you can or can't do something without spending X amount.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I am not upset and I have actually had issues. But you stated that you can set your watch by when the emissions will fail. I am just curious on when that is. You stated it but you can't seem to back it up.

Rage replying SoUrCes!!! Is the surest sign of an untriggered, unbothered individual.

No matter how upset you are or aren't, my reasons for leaving that Ecodiesel sitting right where it was remain the same

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