The hitch skid is the thing I paint last. I think it shows the Hondas behind me that it actually gets wheeled if it has rusty scratches on it.
After my 1st trip to Moab in the JT, the order for a hitch skid went in right away!
I ordered mine after my first Moab trip as well. Right after bending my chain rings down again.
but I wanted the width to protect the chain rings and bumper a little better. I tend to slide down descents on the skid at times. Sometimes with the rear tires off the ground. I also wanted a recovery ring so got the warfab Sheridan.
Metal masher isn’t bad at all. In my opinion, the 7 rating is for the optional obstacles, many of which I did take, but they’re not required. I’d take a stock Jeep on that trail, but would avoid the worst stuff.
As you said, Gemini is beautiful. I taught my 5 and 6 year olds last year to drive on that trail. No pedals, just steering and 4 low. Pretty fun.
Fins is a good starter run to get an idea of how she’ll do.
I've been to Moab twice with my 2020 JTR. I have been there other times with my motorcycle or my Jeep TJ. It is a fabulous place. Since this is your first time, I'd be less concerned about the Badge of Honor trails and more concerned about having some fun, learning about Moab, and finishing in one piece.
First about Fins N' Things. This is a fun and challenging trail not far from Moab. The trail is about 9 miles long and consist of a "main route" with alternate hard sections. There are some ups and downs that are very steep - think 30°. In my JTR, I could do the main route without much dragging. I was doing the alternate hard sections until I tried one that was shaped wrong for the breakover angle of my Gladiator. I tried it 3 times and high centered each time. Nine miles doesn't seem like much, but the pace of travel is slow and there is often other traffic.
This movie is from Fins N' Things. It's the climb out from the first section to the paved road.
Here is one of the Fins N' Things downhills that get your attention.
Pucker Pass is easy and very scenic. It is a good way to get from Dead Horse Point State Park to Moab. Excuse the singing. My wife stayed home and I was Wheeling unsupervised.
There are several places around Moab where you climb or descend canyon walls on mountain type roads. The Schaffer Switchbacks is probably the most well know. Nearby to Schaffer is the Mineral bottom Switchbacks. Further out of Moab is Spring Canyon. This one is my fav.
I think you already mentioned Potash Rd. This is easy and scenic driving.
This is on the Green River side of the White Rim Trail.
I'm very interested in this. Bought my gladiator 2 weeks ago and I'm looking at going 37s and starting with the spacer and even the KO2 route. If you've done all of this on spacers kind of flies in the face of what you "need". Sure, I'd like to go straight to a Clayton or EVO lift .... I've gone the expensive route on the last 4 vehicles I had (one JL) and wasn't super happy. I like the stock ride and drive characteristics (maybe I'm getting old?)...maybe I'll try something different. Interestly enough ,I'm east coast too, southeastern VA. where we hit some moderate trails and the beach a lot.. but it is my DD..... So with those spacers you've likely done more than I'll do. How is the ride quality with the C rated KO2s and the spacers?
