GB_Willys_2014
Well-known member
Cringe worthy at times, but kudos to FCA for putting this on, warts and all.
Gladiators on the Rubicon Trail
- Thread starter GB_Willys_2014
- Start date
Little Foot
Crawler/Overlander
Lots of rock stacking and damage but not much different than most similarly equipped vehicles. The wheelbase is the Achilles heel of these things.
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jadmt
ignore button user
I have done the Rubicon Trail and it is not the hardest rocky trail. not nearly as hard as the dusy ershim but still impressive that they did altho man those rock stackers were getting a work out. should have been wearing back supports. Also I realize they wanted more ground clearance but they might have been a little better airing down a bit.
GB_Willys_2014
Well-known member
IMHO, no. Too much assistance rendered.
I think the test has to be more than just passage with minimal trail rash. If I want to take my stock Gladiator on the Rubicon (not that I do, or would), I don't want to have to go with 4 or 5 of my best friends to push and pile rocks.
What is your opinion?
Superduty
Adventurer
I totally agree. Too much assistance needed. If two stock gladiators went they would need winches to continually unstick the other.
I also agree that the Dusy Ershim is a tougher trail overall. 30 miles of rock is unrelenting.
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nwoods
Expedition Leader
Wow, very cringy. They literally just dragged those through the trail. A few things stood out to me:
1. The lead spotter, the dude with the tats and the build, what an awesome attitude he projected throughout. Quality dude.
2. Lack of gloves really bothered me. Not only useful for rock stacking, but orange or yellow gloves are super useful in spotting.
3. Looked like they didn't air down. I'm sure that was to preserve ground clearance, but man did those tires disappoint. Either switch tires to an MT, or air down and climb out of the stuck.
4. Stock height of the Gladiator is just too low for this kind of use
5. Front stubby bumper surprisingly effective.
6. Would be curious to see how the change would be if those rigs were loaded up for a traditional trip, with food, camping gear, tools, spares, recovery gear, first aid, etc... Depending on air lift for all that is totally cheating
1. The lead spotter, the dude with the tats and the build, what an awesome attitude he projected throughout. Quality dude.
2. Lack of gloves really bothered me. Not only useful for rock stacking, but orange or yellow gloves are super useful in spotting.
3. Looked like they didn't air down. I'm sure that was to preserve ground clearance, but man did those tires disappoint. Either switch tires to an MT, or air down and climb out of the stuck.
4. Stock height of the Gladiator is just too low for this kind of use
5. Front stubby bumper surprisingly effective.
6. Would be curious to see how the change would be if those rigs were loaded up for a traditional trip, with food, camping gear, tools, spares, recovery gear, first aid, etc... Depending on air lift for all that is totally cheating
trailscape
Explorer
If a bunch of guys carried a Prius through the Rubicon, can they slap the badge on it?
FlightMedicJP
Active member
I forget his name, but he was Jeep Jambo Uwharrie driving the JL and spotted a bunch of us on day 1. Really nice guy.
plainjaneFJC
Deplorable
Put some tire shine on em and they will be on a "certified" pre-owned lot near you!
FlightMedicJP
Active member
I forget his name, but he was Jeep Jambo Uwharrie driving the JL and spotted a bunch of us on day 1. Really nice guy.
TripLeader
Explorer
A written article about it:
GB_Willys_2014
Well-known member
Thanks.
This is interesting and relevant to the discussion:
The trucks we drove were bone stock. Tires were aired down to 22 psi to give the factory-fitment Falken Wildpeak A/T tires better purchase on some of the rocks and to make for a less-bouncy ride.