Since when is it more about what we do TO our Jeeps than what we do WITH our Jeeps

[Redfour5]

I was watching a recent video where some guys from Texas found the least expensive Gladiator in the country in Missouri and went and got it for like 38K. This is just a couple of weeks ago (Nov 2023) and they are doing videos. This one is about OK, how is a stock absolutely basic sport off roading.

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[Redfour5]

I found even better deals... There is a dealership in Morgan Utah that has a lot full of Gladiators. With dealer incentives and they have a Sport S with a surprising number of options like the hard top and the cold weather package for 39,980 MSRP's of 54ish, and Rubicons under 43K... They have, I believe 119 Gladiators on their lot, you know they have to be desperate to sell them. They are all at least 25% off MSRP. The only place cheaper I've found is in WA where I'm buying at 30% off MSRP...but...very few and and almost gone few choices...

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I was watching a recent video where some guys from Texas found the least expensive Gladiator in the country in Missouri and went and got it for like 38K. This is just a couple of weeks ago (Nov 2023) and they are doing videos. This one is about OK, how is a stock absolutely basic sport off roading.

A stock Gladiator is really good off-road. There's plenty of proof out there in not only owner testimonials and videos and so on.

We all are doing trails aof some type or fishing,hunting trips this is where I come to read about mods I didn't know about or maybe recalls,fixes,etc..

Most Jeep owners vehicles will not see any difficult trails or big rocks.
Jeep owners often like to modify things - but it's not always about needing to modify it. Decals, grills and sometimes even bumpers aren't anything about trails - but about appearances. Even many of the lifts sold won't leave roads that show up on road maps.
Still have yet to find any trails or anything taxing for a Jeep to do in Iowa. River bottoms, mud, maybe trails to get to the river (trails a Lexus took last week). A lot of owners don't live anywhere near places to "go off-roading".
I see a few lifted jeeps around here, some with larger more aggressive tires and so on - but unless they leave the state, there's not a lot to do with them and the appearance otherwise shows they've never been too close to a tree.

Below - several miles of mud and rock to get to our Christmas dinner and after dinner card games with my wife's cousin's family - I was shocked it's as clean as it is but in 4HA it was stable and smooth and felt almost like being on pavement -

 

[BearFootSam]

I'm an old school Jeep guy. On my 9th Jeep if you include my FJ40 and Roxor. My 1st new Jeep is a JT and Ive driven plenty of other Jeeps along with other off road vehicles US and internationally. For work and pleasure. Since I retired last year I've gotten in to RV hauling now only drive 1/2 and 3/4 t trucks and RV trailers from IN and OR to Anchorage Alaska. I say this because I need to be clear where I'm coming from before someone with 3 years here calls me a newb. Do we even do this anymore? OK, before that guy who got his 1st new Jeep 4 years ago and sank $20k in it and been to 3 trails.

As of this post trip Journals and Reports account for 3,344 messages. This topic involvement is dwarfed by tech section, builds, and basically "what tires can I fit without a lift" topics. Not only here but FB pages. In fact, under this General discussion there are two subjects threads. One is what did you do TO, with 1293 pages and WITH 53 pages. We have the most trail capable 4x4 ever made in history being sold right now, but seems the almost sole discussion is who has what trim and what other crap can you buy for your Jeep.

I see some of the most well built off road Jeeps with the best graphics.. with an impeccable paint and finish. I swear I know a guy with a 99 Suzuki Vitara that has seen more trail use in a month then that a built $110k JT.

I've had my JT for 10 days. And yeah, I've modded a bit. It's a Sport trim. Did 285/70 (33's), knock of rubi bumper, 1.5 level spacers, take off rub rails and that's it until I get the next thing. The day after I got my JT we had to go to TJ, drop off BIL ATV in SD, and other things, Tooled around San Diego a bit and drove back to AZ. Yeah, I realize its not a trip report to Imogene Pass, but that's next. Have you driven in Mexico? A Jeep is made for Mexico no question about that. Also plan to take local trails. Nothing crazy, yet. I also want to take my Jeep to Alaska since I'm familiar with the road, summer and winter.

And to also say, Jeeps aren't the only ones. Name any brand. Seems like only Adventure bikers are the ones bragging where they've been. Guns too. It's all about some crap they put on and not about a course, range report, or hunt.

So how about we add some Arizona pin striping and hear about getting a flat or stuck somewhere more than hearing about who has the best trim level, or the 1 millionth will 35 fit... We have the most versatile vehicle ever made in production. So let's hear more on these adventures and where you've been. Who cares if its bone stock or the most mods.

To my mind the awesome thing about buying a JTR is getting an out of the box turn-key 4WD that will do 98% of what I want it to do off the lot. A winch, some lights and a bed cover were all we needed and quite economical.

Speaking of Alaska, my bucket list incudes a trip up the Alcan from Washington. I have a good buddy that flies bush planes out of Wrangell who will take us over Denali, that's a tough offer to pass up.

 

[Redfour5]

A stock Gladiator is really good off-road. There's plenty of proof out there in not only owner testimonials and videos and so on.


Most Jeep owners vehicles will not see any difficult trails or big rocks.
Jeep owners often like to modify things - but it's not always about needing to modify it. Decals, grills and sometimes even bumpers aren't anything about trails - but about appearances. Even many of the lifts sold won't leave roads that show up on road maps.
Still have yet to find any trails or anything taxing for a Jeep to do in Iowa. River bottoms, mud, maybe trails to get to the river (trails a Lexus took last week). A lot of owners don't live anywhere near places to "go off-roading".
I see a few lifted jeeps around here, some with larger more aggressive tires and so on - but unless they leave the state, there's not a lot to do with them and the appearance otherwise shows they've never been too close to a tree.

Below - several miles of mud and rock to get to our Christmas dinner and after dinner card games with my wife's cousin's family - I was shocked it's as clean as it is but in 4HA it was stable and smooth and felt almost like being on pavement -

Where did you get the hoop in front? Is it OEM or one of the knock offs? I presently drive a Jeep Renegade as my daily driver. Its fine but won't take me to these places http://www.montanaoverland4x4adventures.org/trailsdestinations/4high4x4trails.html One is about 10 minutes away. We have tried first with a 2015 Ram 1500, NOPE. Then the Renegade, NOPE, the 2500 with the 4X4 package and winch might make it, but the thing is a beast and pretty much dedicated to towing an transfer station duty. That's why I want the Gladiator. It isn't MOAB, but these are definitely REAL 4WD "trail rated" trails.

 

[Redfour5]

A stock Gladiator is really good off-road. There's plenty of proof out there in not only owner testimonials and videos and so on.


Most Jeep owners vehicles will not see any difficult trails or big rocks.
Jeep owners often like to modify things - but it's not always about needing to modify it. Decals, grills and sometimes even bumpers aren't anything about trails - but about appearances. Even many of the lifts sold won't leave roads that show up on road maps.
Still have yet to find any trails or anything taxing for a Jeep to do in Iowa. River bottoms, mud, maybe trails to get to the river (trails a Lexus took last week). A lot of owners don't live anywhere near places to "go off-roading".
I see a few lifted jeeps around here, some with larger more aggressive tires and so on - but unless they leave the state, there's not a lot to do with them and the appearance otherwise shows they've never been too close to a tree.

Below - several miles of mud and rock to get to our Christmas dinner and after dinner card games with my wife's cousin's family - I was shocked it's as clean as it is but in 4HA it was stable and smooth and felt almost like being on pavement -

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Where did you get the hoop in front? Is it OEM or one of the knock offs? I presently drive a Jeep Renegade as my daily driver. Its fine but won't take me to these places http://www.montanaoverland4x4adventures.org/trailsdestinations/4high4x4trails.html One is about 10 minutes away. We have tried first with a 2015 Ram 1500, NOPE. Then the Renegade, NOPE, the 2500 with the 4X4 package and winch might make it, but the thing is a beast and pretty much dedicated to towing an transfer station duty. That's why I want the Gladiator. It isn't MOAB, but these are definitely REAL 4WD "trail rated" trails.

It came with the knock-off bumper. One of these days I'd like to get one another member has - that has a wider stance. I suspect mine is a copy of what the MOPAR steel bumper may come with.

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