Gladiator Forum: Tipping Point?

[WhatExit?]

I know it’s is the first model year of the Jeep Gladiator but...

The good news is JEEP has had a good amount of time to get the JL Wrangler right and the JT has a LOT of the JL in it. Of course there are vehicle problems BUR EVERY manufacturer and every vehicle has issues - manufacturing is never perfect.

The point of this thread is lately the volume of new threads with whining from newbie vehicle/Jeep owners seems to have exploded to where it seems that ‘tis Gladiator forum is at a tipping point and the anticipated new whiney threads could increase the negativity to positivity quotient to a new low.

I feel for those with actual problems but there are avenues and actions to take to get them resolved. But threads like the “the Gladiator seats suck” and “my HVAC blows” and “the factory tonneau cover isn’t perfect” are starting to make this forum a destination less visited.

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[ShadowsPapa]

I know it’s is the first model year of the Jeep Gladiator but...

The good news is JEEP has had a good amount of time to get the JL Wrangler right and the JT has a LOT of the JL in it. Of course there are vehicle problems BUR EVERY manufacturer and every vehicle has issues - manufacturing is never perfect.

The point of this thread is lately the volume of new threads with whining from newbie vehicle/Jeep owners seems to have exploded to where it seems that ‘tis Gladiator forum is at a tipping point and the anticipated new whiney threads could increase the negativity to positivity quotient to a new low.

I feel for those with actual problems but there are avenues and actions to take to get them resolved. But threads like the “the Gladiator seats suck” and “my HVAC blows” and “the factory tonneau cover isn’t perfect” are starting to make this forum a destination less visited.

You forgot about the driprails getting your pants wet when it rains, the LED headlights, the bed lights, it doesn't sit high enough, it's gutless, the gas mileage is poor, my wife likes riding in it..................

I came here, showed pics of my tonneau cover, got pics of how they should fit, got some info, got Jeepcares involved, now have a case with them, which prompted my dealer to pay attention and open a star case........... so, my whining about the bed cover here got results I would have never gotten otherwise, and proof that there WAS an issue - because the dealers said (two of them) there was no problem.
So I've already gotten my money's worth from the forum. None of that would have been possible but for the members who helped with the cover discussion and one in particular who sent me photos via PM.

For the record - the JT/Gladiator is a great truck. And with this forum, mine keeps getting better every week.

 

[steffen707]

i hear ya @WhatExit? i'm new to the jeeping world, and yeah there are a few bugs here and there, but I didn't buy an AMG Benz, so i'll deal.

Even with its quirks, I love it. such a capable head turner. Does everything i want.

I had to finagle my way through a mcdonals parking lot that was being remodeled, very tight parking and only 1 way in or out. Boy i'm glad i didn't have a full sized truck, or I would have just parked on the road and walked in.

Size is great, looks are great, capability is great!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

i hear ya @WhatExit? i'm new to the jeeping world, and yeah there are a few bugs here and there, but I didn't buy an AMG Benz, so i'll deal.

Even with its quirks, I love it. such a capable head turner. Does everything i want.

I had to finagle my way through a mcdonals parking lot that was being remodeled, very tight parking and only 1 way in or out. Boy i'm glad i didn't have a full sized truck, or I would have just parked on the road and walked in.

Size is great, looks are great, capability is great!

the size and ability to park this thing is excellent. My wife was afraid she'd left her cell phone in a store this past week -we were headed away from the store via a 4 lane street - she wanted me to do a quick turn-around. I did - in one simple smooth move we were going the other direction. Come to find out when we got back to the store parking lot - she had put her phone in her pocket, not back in the clip. I'd have needed to do a 3 point turn with my Chevy. Parking, getting out of tight parking spots, nice, easy.
And - it will haul a full-sized 4x8 sheet of plywood.

 

[Gatorized]

It’s not so much the posts about the issues owners are having , it’s the NEW threads on the same old subjects rehashing the same already covered issues. A search gets you to the covered issue and answers 90+% of the questions. But it requires reading the entire thread to get up to speed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It’s not so much the posts about the issues owners are having , it’s the NEW threads on the same old subjects rehashing the same already covered issues. A search gets you to the covered issue and answers 90+% of the questions. But it requires reading the entire thread to get up to speed.

So far only one on seats.
I find the search facility with this forum to be fantastic.

 

[Oscar Indy]

New design has brought more people on board than previous considered the Jeep brand a reasonable vehicle.
Same thing happened on the Wrangler forums when the JKU debuted. Lots of soccer mom's and wanna be hit the forums and just bitched about ALL the same things here. It did get old very quick but the good folks that were Jeep heads just ignored them and eventually the forums self policed and either shamed or ignored bitchy threads from newbs and there was balance in the Jeep world again.

It'll happen here but the struggling thru it part is hard for those of us who are actually here to do something other than complain.

So the JKU actually saved the Wrangler line. Increased sales from the 4 door saved the line from being discontinued. But at the same time it diluted the nich vehicle lifestyle that draws so many. Purists still hate the 4 door but we wouldn't have wranglers or the gladiator had it not debuted with the success it did.

Unfortunately with the gladiator we are experiencing the same dilution of the lifestyle that the Wrangler did back in 2007 +
It'll never be the same as it was when chosing a Jeep as your daily was an inconvenience. Now to add to the soccer moms and old folks just wanting to tow it behind their motorhome who don't wave or care to understand why, we are getting the bro truck guys and other genres of truck folks who are not "Jeep" people but have heard about the lifestyle and like the idea of the camaraderie that should go with it but don't understand that being in a Jeep still requires sacrifices. They will either adapt or move on. But the Jeep lifestyle is going to be further diluted. The forum will balance out.... Eventually.

 

[PyrPatriot]

I have been a member on many forums. My favorite for learning stuff is ar15.com but this place is by far the best forum I have ever been on, both for quality of the interface and people on it

 

[12BNNT]

Ya know, I always thought Jeeps were so cool but could never afford one until about 6 years ago when I bought my first JKU. Even though I used to be an auto mechanic, Jeeps are a whole different genre of vehicle then I was used to and the JK forum answered ALOT of my questions about aftermarket wheels and lift kits and so on. There were some threads about soft top issues that I found an answer to a question without having to ask. Even then there were those that bought a soft top and bitched because it was too noisy compared to their convertible Jag or whatever but like another said you scroll past it and move on. I don’t see this forum being any different. You find some that buy this mid size truck and bitch because its only rated for 7k towing and how their full size truck is so much better at towing but that’s the nature of things. Again, just let it go and roll on. I personally enjoy looking through the threads and see what’s going on in the JT world. If I have a little knowledge about something a newbie is asking about and I can pay forward the help others have given me in the past, then that’s great and I will. Sometimes seeing someone complain about an issue and seeing others give their advice on remedies, might pay off if later down the road if I have the same issue.

(besides where else are you gonna learn so many different ways to use plywood?) hehehe

 

[Blade1668]

Reason why I bowed out of a lot of forum's I was in many years back, got tired of the drama and b.s. I started reading this as a prep up to getting to know the JT before I get one. To read up on the good, bad and ugly on them. I joined after reading some "lost" to give some thoughts about what some are asking about, that I may be able to give insight on. A lot will be different opinions or options. The more I read here and after renting a new Jeep for few days the more I'm starting to feel like Sylvester Stallone in Demolition Man with all the nanny auto drive car things.
"Rant mode on"
Really I can see that new vehicles are not owner service friendly just dealership /high cost repair shop only. Other than lipstick on a pig things can be done by owner. My XJ I re-geared it with 4:56 gears and Trac-Loc in my driveway rear axle had a buddy do the D30 at his shop and check out the rear axle, my reason... so I can work on it or fix it if needed. Not just hand some one my C.C. to pay the bill. Dependence on myself not depending others.. something I read in some others posting here. I learned at a young age to be self dependent.
RIP to all of my mentor's that have passed that ethic to me...and passed on
Uncle Frank, My father, and a list of others.

 

[danielspivey]

I know it’s is the first model year of the Jeep Gladiator but...

The good news is JEEP has had a good amount of time to get the JL Wrangler right and the JT has a LOT of the JL in it. Of course there are vehicle problems BUR EVERY manufacturer and every vehicle has issues - manufacturing is never perfect.

The point of this thread is lately the volume of new threads with whining from newbie vehicle/Jeep owners seems to have exploded to where it seems that ‘tis Gladiator forum is at a tipping point and the anticipated new whiney threads could increase the negativity to positivity quotient to a new low.

I feel for those with actual problems but there are avenues and actions to take to get them resolved. But threads like the “the Gladiator seats suck” and “my HVAC blows” and “the factory tonneau cover isn’t perfect” are starting to make this forum a destination less visited.

I’ll keep this short- This thread Is a prime example of why this forum is diluted or “a destination less visited”. I came here to scroll through some “issues, repairs” yet to find this random waste of my time. Sometimes I agree with your points of view, but your being a Complete hypocrite here bud. Your whining about people being whiny!

 

[Tim]

I don't think it's a Jeep thing or a truck thing at all. Of course the JT has attracted a new demographic but in my opinion that is just a coincidence based on the timing FCA released the JT. I think the real problem is that we are increasingly living in an instant gratification society. It transcends everything, everywhere. Throw social media, the internet, forums, etc. into the mix and boom. Here we are.

I like to learn about real issues and DIY solutions. I don't want to read everyone's rants, duplicate threads because people can't even be self sufficient enough to search, and general BS.

I like to see the unique modifications people make to their Jeeps. It's an awesome platform. I love mine.

I joined the forum months before getting my Gladiator so I could get a glimpse of what I had in store for me. I agree that the forum is becoming a place less visited due to all the BS. I can log in at lunch time to find 6 pages of new posts. Most of them are useless. I don't even click on anything with a remotely questionable thread title. I'm sure I'm missing some stuff but I don't have the time to waste sifting through the nonsense.

 

[Factoid]

Whining about whining, funny, but true.

The beauty of a forum is you don’t have to read all the threads or posts. Each time I visit, I click on “New Posts”. That way I see new threads and posts with two great features: 1. It shows me any thread I posted in (little binocular symbol) and 2. If I click on a thread I previously visited, it takes me to the first new post. This way, I manage what I see and ignore stupidity.

I happen to agree with Dan that every new car has issues. The Internet has created a whole new forum for complainers. Most are people sad in life who are ignored in their own homes. To be clear, I appreciate the threads where some one observes an issue and comes here for advice. That’s what this place is for and those kind of posts contribute to the community. The loose steering thread is a LONG but great example of people with legitimate issues sharing stories, seeking resolution and posting solutions. Complaining about a seat being uncomfortable that you should have noticed before buying or LEDs not heating up which is the same issue on EVERY vehicle with LEDs is just foolish. If those posts would have said, “Hey, I noticed this issue on this vehicle I love, any ideas on best way to address it?”, they would receive support and ideas. Just bitching adds no value and that, to Dan’s point, has been the death of other forums.

For the record, when my wife drove my Rubi for the first time, she commented that the seats were so much more comfortable than her 2019 MB crossover AMG. She is correct, those seats are horrible. I wish the seat would go down and back more (I’m 6’4”), but I knew that going in and if it was bad, I simply wouldn’t buy the truck.

As for LEDs, yep, they don’t heat up. No kidding??? STFU, or ask for constructive solutions or don’t order the LED package if you live in an area where that will be an issue for you or have a back up plan. Geez!

The steering issue and DW is real and sucks. This thread is very valuable. The HVAC thread is real. Not as important as the steering issue, but annoying and requires a fix. These are welcome additions.

 

[ZTMAN]

I like reading most of the threads, whining or not.

Some threads are related to unrealistic expectations===This jeep cost xxx so it should xxxx

Some threads are related to lack of education=====A good starting point is reading the owners manual.

Most threads are education and entertaining, so I can wade through and tolerate whiners, and find most amusing.

My first Jeep was a 68 CJ. The pastor's jelopy taking Alvin York back to the homestead steered better. Leaked so much, I had to take my socks off to sop up water. The only thing that changed from the CJ to now is price and creature comforts and the targeted consumer.

But, we are all Jeep people, and we can all get along, whining or not.

 

[Reasons]

This is such an elitist thread.

People from different backgrounds come to this thread seeking guidance and knowedge from others who share the same interest. Granted, some may not be as technically inclined to use the search function of this forum. However - "Shaming" new forum/Jeep owners for not using the search function is not the answer from supposed "Jeep Purist."

The problem are "Jeep Purists" who think they are too good to help new Jeep owners out and hoping to "dilute/police" them out of this forum. For fuck sake, a few of you here are so full of yourselves.

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