Im New here. No but really. 2025' Rubicon

[DirkG]

Congrats on the decision and a great post. My boys are now 15 and 9 and we're on our second Gladiator and just bought a 25 Wrangler. As others have mentioned, have fun together as a family and don't worry about the destination: just make sure to enjoy the journey.

Here are my rugrats in our first Gator JT and we've never looked back. They love every second of our family Jeep ownership/experience...

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[Dano3190]

Amazing post!

Folks often forget how off road capable a stock rubicon is. Most family adventurers don’t need 37” tires 4” lift kits etc.

Part of the joy of owning a jeep is removing the lid and just going for a drive.

Fully and deeply explore what you have, and focus more on using it as a tool to enable new activities with your family.

Mods are a deep financial hole…..

Remember in a pinch that jeep can do most of the rubicon trail, (although doing this will add a lot of character to your jeep)

Do not sweat the small stuff, shit happens. Scuffs, pinstripes, small dents, etc. These small things add character, and tell stories.

I have a dent on the side that every time I get an oil change (I have a bunch of free ones from the dealer from a fuel pump issue) the dealer sees and points out. It reminds me of a story where I saw one of the most beautiful sunrises while off-roading to photograph a wedding.

welcome to the club

This will for sure be a culture shock with bumps a scratches Im very particular on how I maintain my vehicles. I do love storys that come with vehicles and looking at this as strictly a toy so crossing my fingers!

 

[Dano3190]

When you get home, just load up everybody, take the freedom panels off, roll the windows down, and go for a ride somewhere nice. You don't need modifications to do that. Just get out and have fun. Everything else will come in time.

This is the plan! Possible riding down to the lake and having dinner getting the feel of things before I start adding things

 

[Dano3190]

So many good knowledgeable people far more than myself on here with Jeep stuff but if ya want some advice on camping hit me up. I have done it for many years. I am the designated camp cook even.

Thank you so much! I will definitely keep this in mind! I have already started looking into a set up that doesn’t necessarily involve the jeep but hopefully i can integrate in the future aside from the tent of course

 

[Dano3190]

Congrats on the purchase! You and your family are going to LOVE the gladiator. Reading your post made me remember it’s been over a year since the family and I have camped or even gone off road. This gladiator I purchased in October has yet to be off-road… work has taken over to the point I have not done much with the kids besides tell them good morning and goodnight. And they are homeschooled.. and I work from home. Thanks for reminding me time is short and I need to load them up soon to get out. Mine are 10,8, and 2. Looking forward to seeing where your gladiator takes you!

Its hard to step back Brother! I dont blame you its easy to get caught up and seek financial security or becoming an asset! Keep up the great work you are doing great regardless the kids and wife see all the hard-work you are putting in

 

[Dano3190]

Congrats on the decision and a great post. My boys are now 15 and 9 and we're on our second Gladiator and just bought a 25 Wrangler. As others have mentioned, have fun together as a family and don't worry about the destination: just make sure to enjoy the journey.

Here are my rugrats in our first Gator JT and we've never looked back. They love every second of our family Jeep ownership/experience...

Man !!! I love this. Dont worry about the destination just enjoy the journey!

 

[Dano3190]

Initial drive... I guess this is why people say " well its a jeep" . Kids dont know any better so the loved it.

 

[Dano3190]

There it is in all its glory. Wouldn't call this much of an adventure but got the tires “dirty-ish” and put some miles on it.

drove down to SPI for the weekend after our long summer vacation. Got rained on most of the time so took a trip down to a property I have/hunt in Mexico to put some miles on her. Get a feel for it. Its different. I was expecting terribly rough, but wasn't not too bad. Does make it hard to keep lanes so I have to look at that. Wind noise is there, heat is there but I mean you are driving a cinder block at 70mph. Definitely isn't the wife's Escalade. We all loved it regardless. We are hooked. Even took the doors off. The panic in everyone in the family’s eyes driving on the highway at the beginning was priceless but we began to enjoy it in no time.

back to research. Did install a retractable tonneau cover that I couldn't return. Works great for $800 amazon special

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