Jeepin' John
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- John
- Joined
- May 6, 2020
- Threads
- 9
- Messages
- 373
- Reaction score
- 936
- Location
- Raleigh, NC
- Vehicle(s)
- '20 JT Sport S
- Occupation
- Structural Engineer
- Thread starter
- #1
I've been going to Uwharrie for a couple decades now, so i know the trails fairly well, and have been up Daniel my fair share of times in older, much less expensive jeeps.
Ever since i got the gladiator, i've kept the "build" or lack thereof and the trails very tame. The Sport S has open diffs (no anti-spin) a 1.5" front spacer, and 285/75/17 (34") BFG KO2's. Armor is sliders, front skid, and AEV diff covers.
For trail difficulty, the line up Dickey Bell was the hardest until this past saturday. But i wanted to push the JT a little harder to see what it (and i) could do. After making it up the middle line of Dickey Bell, and confirming my need for flush mount taillights after a random root grabbed one, i figured i'd go "look" at the front side of Daniel. I was thinking i'd put eyes on the ledge and turn around.
But there is a more "gladiator friendly" line to the right. You still have to put your left side tires on the ledge, but you can make it.
The "V" notch around the next bend was the hardest part. You go toward the right and straddle the notch. Keep your tires on the ground and with careful throttle control and steering, you'll ride it without falling in or hitting the bank to your right.
"The tree" is still there, and had some debris at its base. Keep hard right until your front end is in line with the tree, then turn left toward the tree to level the jeep back out so that your top stays away from it. It's counterintuitive, but that's why there is usually broken glass and taillight plastic there at the trunk. Keep turning left and ride the left edge of the trail until you're clear.
The rock garden is daunting, but for my smaller gladiator, the left side line was very manageable.
No assistance, winching, or spotting on any part of it. Just be calm, pick your line, and ease into it.
I wanted to share this for the adventurous that want to push just a little harder and challenge themselves. You CAN do it! And it is a hell of a lot of fun. For my jeep, i did use the sliders, front skid, and diff covers a bit, but no big hits, no mechanical damage or body damage. I would say you DO need armor, but you don't "need" lockers, huge tires, or a short wheelbase to do it. Don't try it until you're comfortable doing everything else at uwharrie, and you're comfortable behind the wheel of your gladiator. But get out there and give it a go when you're ready! Happy Jeepin!
Ever since i got the gladiator, i've kept the "build" or lack thereof and the trails very tame. The Sport S has open diffs (no anti-spin) a 1.5" front spacer, and 285/75/17 (34") BFG KO2's. Armor is sliders, front skid, and AEV diff covers.
For trail difficulty, the line up Dickey Bell was the hardest until this past saturday. But i wanted to push the JT a little harder to see what it (and i) could do. After making it up the middle line of Dickey Bell, and confirming my need for flush mount taillights after a random root grabbed one, i figured i'd go "look" at the front side of Daniel. I was thinking i'd put eyes on the ledge and turn around.
But there is a more "gladiator friendly" line to the right. You still have to put your left side tires on the ledge, but you can make it.
The "V" notch around the next bend was the hardest part. You go toward the right and straddle the notch. Keep your tires on the ground and with careful throttle control and steering, you'll ride it without falling in or hitting the bank to your right.
"The tree" is still there, and had some debris at its base. Keep hard right until your front end is in line with the tree, then turn left toward the tree to level the jeep back out so that your top stays away from it. It's counterintuitive, but that's why there is usually broken glass and taillight plastic there at the trunk. Keep turning left and ride the left edge of the trail until you're clear.
The rock garden is daunting, but for my smaller gladiator, the left side line was very manageable.
No assistance, winching, or spotting on any part of it. Just be calm, pick your line, and ease into it.
I wanted to share this for the adventurous that want to push just a little harder and challenge themselves. You CAN do it! And it is a hell of a lot of fun. For my jeep, i did use the sliders, front skid, and diff covers a bit, but no big hits, no mechanical damage or body damage. I would say you DO need armor, but you don't "need" lockers, huge tires, or a short wheelbase to do it. Don't try it until you're comfortable doing everything else at uwharrie, and you're comfortable behind the wheel of your gladiator. But get out there and give it a go when you're ready! Happy Jeepin!
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