FIRST TIME JEEP BUYER

[ChrisNLA]

No judgement here, I'm 32 and like being at home watching the world slip by, taking in the moments. But I also want the kiddos to experience some of the things I did growing up. Mine weren't in a Jeep though, so I'm putting my own little twist on it. Lol.

I'm all for it.

I showed the kids videos of when I went to Utah and they were like WE WANNA GO THERE.

I'm like OKAY, but you're gonna have to sit in the Gladiator for TWO DAYS to get there.

Then everyday for hours to experience it.

Then TWO DAYS to get back.

They became far less excited

We might start with a NASCAR race weekend first. That's only seven hours away and they can spend each day not in a vehicle for hours while we are there, lol.

Anyway - not to thread jack...

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[Mr Miami]

If you have driven a 2dr Wrangler and liked it, let me just say the Mojave/Rubicon Gladiator is a totally different beast. Obviously, if equipped properly, the 2dr Wrangler will do some things and go places the Gladiator won't. On the other hand, the Gladiator is a far more utilitarian vehicle being what is essentially a pick-up bed on top of an off-road drivetrain. Then of course, if you often have more people in the vehicle, the 4dr Wrangler may be a better fit if you don't need the pickup bed.

In terms of being a DD, the larger the vehicle and the longer the wheelbase the better, starting at the Gladiator Mojave and working down to the 4dr Wrangler and then the finally the 2dr.

Everything is a trade-off no matter what you buy from Jeep or any other brand for that matter. Personally, I was working on a project back in the early 2000's and drove my 2dr TJ Wrangler with a soft top and half doors from Miami to West Palm Beach Florida about 4 days a weeks for a little over a year: a 150 mile daily roundtrip (all highway, but still a long way). I had to blast the radio to even hear it at 70mph with the wind and road noise. But ...... I did it and enjoyed it. Nothing like popping off the windows, unzipping the back and rear windows, and essentially driving an open air golf cart down the turnpike at 70mph every day. Some people here would never tolerate that.

To each his own.

 

[MiklScott108]

If you have driven a 2dr Wrangler and liked it, let me just say the Mojave/Rubicon Gladiator is a totally different beast. Obviously, if equipped properly, the 2dr Wrangler will do some things and go places the Gladiator won't. On the other hand, the Gladiator is a far more utilitarian vehicle being what is essentially a pick-up bed on top of an off-road drivetrain. Then of course, if you often have more people in the vehicle, the 4dr Wrangler may be a better fit if you don't need the pickup bed.

In terms of being a DD, the larger the vehicle and the longer the wheelbase the better, starting at the Gladiator Mojave and working down to the 4dr Wrangler and then the finally the 2dr.

Everything is a trade-off no matter what you buy from Jeep or any other brand for that matter. Personally, I was working on a project back in the early 2000's and drove my 2dr TJ Wrangler with a soft top and half doors from Miami to West Palm Beach Florida about 4 days a weeks for a little over a year: a 150 mile daily roundtrip (all highway, but still a long way). I had to blast the radio to even hear it at 70mph with the wind and road noise. But ...... I did it and enjoyed it. Nothing like popping off the windows, unzipping the back and rear windows, and essentially driving an open air golf cart down the turnpike at 70mph every day. Some people here would never tolerate that.

To each his own.

I did like the 2DR Wrangler, and it's definitely a given that it's a totally different ball game with a Gladiator. There's gonna be places I can't go as easily as the 2DR or even 4DR because of the wheelbase and bed. Like you said though, the utilitarian aspect is why I'm in the Gladiator market. I want the open air freedom of a Jeep, but I also need a truck from time to time and that's the best of both worlds, cause well, it's the only option. Lol.

 

[Mr Miami]

I wish to add, when re-reading your original post, you say you are using this 99% as a DD and the weekend excursions may are limited to possible mud, clay, water and other "flat" stuff.

Those with far more experience than me in hardcore off-roading can certainly correct me, but for what you do or plan to do, all the extra stuff including sway bar disconnects and related stuff would really not be needed or used.

I have a somewhat similar situation here in the Florida Keys. Other than sand and mud, there is little more I ever encounter, even when I drive up to the Everglades area. I do have a Gladiator Rubicon, but only bought it because it was so heavily discounted that it was close to the price of a standard Gladiator while having greater towing capacity for my boat. I've disconnected the sway bars once or twice to see what happens but didn't really notice anything different driving through a couple feet of mud in part of the Everglades one day. I guess it did something but I got through some pretty deep stuff in one spot both with and without the sway bars connected so I am really not sure what I bought but I guess it is worth it.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I wish to add, when re-reading your original post, you say you are using this 99% as a DD and the weekend excursions may are limited to possible mud, clay, water and other "flat" stuff.

Those with far more experience than me in hardcore off-roading can certainly correct me, but for what you do or plan to do, all the extra stuff including sway bar disconnects and related stuff would really not be needed or used.

I have a somewhat similar situation here in the Florida Keys. Other than sand and mud, there is little more I ever encounter, even when I drive up to the Everglades area. I do have a Gladiator Rubicon, but only bought it because it was so heavily discounted that it was close to the price of a standard Gladiator while having greater towing capacity for my boat. I've disconnected the sway bars once or twice to see what happens but didn't really notice anything different driving through a couple feet of mud in part of the Everglades one day. I guess it did something but I got through some pretty deep stuff in one spot both with and without the sway bars connected so I am really not sure what I bought but I guess it is worth it.

If I'm so much as driving down a forest road, I disconnect the sway bar. It makes all the little corrugations and potholes so much smoother.

I have Apex discos though, so it's super easy to do - and unlike a Rubicon I don't have a computer nanny telling me when I can and can't do it.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I did like the 2DR Wrangler, and it's definitely a given that it's a totally different ball game with a Gladiator. There's gonna be places I can't go as easily as the 2DR or even 4DR because of the wheelbase and bed. Like you said though, the utilitarian aspect is why I'm in the Gladiator market. I want the open air freedom of a Jeep, but I also need a truck from time to time and that's the best of both worlds, cause well, it's the only option. Lol.

There is a member or two here that came from a 3/4 ton truck and like the Gladiator.

The good news is, in my opinion, the Gladiator rides about like a damn 3/4 ton, so you'll be used to that already.

Actually, I'd argue my buddies 2017 GMC Denali 2500 rides nicer - but I digress...

 

[MiklScott108]

If I'm so much as driving down a forest road, I disconnect the sway bar. It makes all the little corrugations and potholes so much smoother.

I have Apex discos though, so it's super easy to do - and unlike a Rubicon I don't have a computer nanny telling me when I can and can't do it.

That's where I'm at with it. If I decide I'd like them I can just get some manual ones instead of the electronic.

 

[MiklScott108]

There is a member or two here that came from a 3/4 ton truck and like the Gladiator.

The good news is, in my opinion, the Gladiator rides about like a damn 3/4 ton, so you'll be used to that already.

Actually, I'd argue my buddies 2017 GMC Denali 2500 rides nicer - but I digress...

Haha. Yeah, I'm used to terrible road ride with my 2500. If I was towing it would be totally different ride. I have everything there for 5th wheel and Goose neck trailer towing but I'll never have a need for it in my life.

 

[MiklScott108]

I wish to add, when re-reading your original post, you say you are using this 99% as a DD and the weekend excursions may are limited to possible mud, clay, water and other "flat" stuff.

Those with far more experience than me in hardcore off-roading can certainly correct me, but for what you do or plan to do, all the extra stuff including sway bar disconnects and related stuff would really not be needed or used.

I have a somewhat similar situation here in the Florida Keys. Other than sand and mud, there is little more I ever encounter, even when I drive up to the Everglades area. I do have a Gladiator Rubicon, but only bought it because it was so heavily discounted that it was close to the price of a standard Gladiator while having greater towing capacity for my boat. I've disconnected the sway bars once or twice to see what happens but didn't really notice anything different driving through a couple feet of mud in part of the Everglades one day. I guess it did something but I got through some pretty deep stuff in one spot both with and without the sway bars connected so I am really not sure what I bought but I guess it is worth it.

That's what I'm thinking as well. The Mojave seems to be the good middle ground and can be upgraded if desired. Plus, it'll get me in one and if down the road we decide we want to do a little bit more then we can upgrade to a Rubicon.

 

[ChrisNLA]

That's what I'm thinking as well. The Mojave seems to be the good middle ground and can be upgraded if desired. Plus, it'll get me in one and if down the road we decide we want to do a little bit more then we can upgrade to a Rubicon.

If I was interested in buying another Gladiator, I'd strongly consider the Mojave as well.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There is a member or two here that came from a 3/4 ton truck and like the Gladiator.

The good news is, in my opinion, the Gladiator rides about like a damn 3/4 ton, so you'll be used to that already.

Actually, I'd argue my buddies 2017 GMC Denali 2500 rides nicer - but I digress...

All of my JTs have ridden far far better than the F250 I had and I'd say, similar to my Chevy 4x4 1500 ride. I can't say the ride is worse than my other trucks and in many ways, it's better.

 

[ChrisNLA]

All of my JTs have ridden far far better than the F250 I had and I'd say, similar to my Chevy 4x4 1500 ride. I can't say the ride is worse than my other trucks and in many ways, it's better.

Was your F250 a 4x4 or 2WD? Just curious. F250's still use solid axles, and they'll ride worse for it.

The GM 3/4 tons are widely regardless as the best riding in the 3/4 ton world - so my thoughts on the ride quality don't shock me.

The Gladiator is worst riding truck I've ever spent time in other than '96 F250 I drove from here to the drag strip pulling an El Camino on a car trailer.

The JT isn't unbearable or awful, mind you - I've just found nothing to sing praise about myself.

If I didn't like the truck, I'd have gotten rid of it. Too many new Hemi Rams on the lot to keep it if I hate it

 

[Stan H]

You're closer to my neck of the woods depending on what part of Kentucky. Im in the Mid-Ohio Valley area so most of my wheeling will be back roading unless I make a trip south to Hatfield McCoy area or east to Canaan/Spruce Knob area.

Fellow WV owner here . North Central area.

 

[Neomonk21]

I didn't read all of the replies but thought I'd throw in my 2¢.

I had two 2D Wranglers before getting my Gladiator. My first was a YJ and my second was a TJ Rubicon. I bought my Gladiator Mojave (used) about 6-7 months ago. I test drove some other Gladiators before buying this one. The Mojave rides really, really nice for a Jeep. It is very comfortable. I like having the rear locker and don't think it will hold me back on any of the trails I will be going on. My first mod was adding the Apex AutoLynx swaybar quick disconnects. They make it super easy to disconnect your swaybar. I think you would do well with a similar setup.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Stan H]

Either way you’re gonna have an awesome Jeep. I encourage you to test drive both if you are able. Best way for you to know for yourself before pulling the trigger. I went with Rubicon because of the rocks and deep mud I deal with. The ride of Mojave felt better on pavement but not so much better that I chose that over what suited me better off-road. Good luck.

This Being from WV the Mud or Rocks was definitely the reason I solely wanted a Rubicon.
I use my locker all the time its been frozen here last 2 days but 3 days ago going through mud 3/4 up the front pumpkin with a 2.5" lift locker engaged . Oh yeah !

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