Mojave vs Rubicon - Why I bought the Mojave over the Rubicon
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2020
- In this video I will share with you some of the reasons why I decided to purchase the Jeep Gladiator Mojave instead of the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I can hear your paint screaming as those tree branches reach out and try to grab your paint! Beautiful little Truck!
Thanks! It’s been almost 4 years and there are a number of pinstripes but the paint still looks good 👍
Congrats on your Mojave! I too pick the Mojave for the same exact reasoning you pointed out. 🤘🤙
Congratulations to you too! send me some picks when you get time. mojavetrailfam@gmail.com
Same here
What a great truck. Don't forget about us, we'd all love to see much much more!
Thanks for the compliment! I'll try to put content out on a regular basis. Thanks for subscribing!
I have a 4 banger TJ, JKUR and a JLR and I don’t do any rock crawling. My wife always like the JT so if we ever have the money and add a JT to our Jeep family it will probably be the Mojave glad I stumble to your video!
You won’t be disappointed if you get one. Thanks for the comment
Good video bought the same one in blue . I love it. Also it’s very easy to add a front locker. It’s harder to add better frame support and suspension. Thanks
Great Choice! Thanks for the post. Enjoy your Mojave and thanks for watching!
Did it ride less comfortably on highways after installing front locker
love that color!!! wish they had that when i ordered my rubicon this year! I was set on the ecodiesel motor and as of 2022 its not avail on the mojave.
Ya I wish you had more engine options for Mojave. The diesel rubicon is awesome too! Enjoy your gladiator when it comes in! Thanks for watching and comments
So, the Rubi also has a disconnecting sway bar, has a higher towing capacity, and has bed sliders. The mojave can use the rear locker in 4hi and has hydraulic front bumpstops. The Mojave shocks are also internal bypass which means the firmness is position sensitive to the wheel's articulation meaning they start off softer and get harder with travel. They are both really cool packages.
Great points thanks for sharing
@@dominica2765 transfer case is 4:1 on Rubicon and 2.73:1 (same as sport). Jeep markets the Mojave as having a high speed 50mph transfer case but the manual states the same speed as Rubicon and it’s the same engine-transmission-transfer case- axle as sport max tow so reality is its marketing tactics.
I love my very low gearing.
there is a way to use the rear locker in 4hi on the Rubicon using the traction control button.
@@HoeOperator yeah it’s a pain in the but to do. I have a tazer so I can use it whenever.
I think you made a fantastic choice for the Gladiator. Mojave package definitely makes more sense than Rubicon because that truck just will never be a hardcore rock crawler because of its geometry and length. I do think the gearing difference between the two packages is more about multiplying torque than it is low speed; I think low speed is just a byproduct of that equation...
Hi Michael thank you for comments! Agree completely with you on the decision. As far as the torque goes I'm not sure about the math but the logic is sound. There is no doubt that the more torque you can generate at lower speed helps you get over obstacles and take less beating on the vehicle. I have noticed that I have to give it more throttle to get over larger obstacles than I would in a Rubicon and this definitely is not a rock crawler!
I also added the tazer gl so I can lock the rear locker in 4 high. Can lock the front as well. You are correct with only using the front locker on occasion. Rear locker is key.
Hi John
Thanks for the comments. I was looking at getting the tazer so that I could use the locker in 4hi but i've seen people post about not being able to unlock it or it not functioning consistently after they locked it in 4hi. Have you experienced any issues with it? Any reason to not get it?
I was faced with the same dilemma and all your points are valid especially the crawl ratio... but if you plan to lift the Jeep 2.5/3.0 inches then the Rubicon is better suited which I got a JTR. My Friend who lives in Arizona just bought a Mojave and does not plan to do much outside of 35 in tires.
Great points! I lived in Phoenix during the winters for almost 10 years. I had a TJ at that time with a lift and spent a lot of time camping out in the desert before it was the cool thing to do. I would have loved to have this truck back then. I agree i'll add 35 when these tires need to be replaced and maybe some underbody armor but that's about all i'm planning.
Why is the rubicon better to lift
That is awesome looking jeep. I love that color. Jeep had stopped making them in that tan color but just recently they began offering it again.
Thanks Benny that is very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching!
This was great. I got to test drive a manual Mojave and I loved it!
Thanks Terrel! If you end up buying one let me know how you like it and send me picks!
@@MojaveTrails most definitely!
@@MojaveTrails good review. I ended up buying the Rubicon with a 6 speed manual. Better incentives for me and bigger discount with more features swayed me. Ex trail cam on Rubicon, led lighting group, wireless speaker, safety group. Overall $4,500 in discounts basically all the extras and the Mojave was only $500 discount yet had no options it was a Mojave base model. Both were also manual.
I haven't got mine to a hard trail yet. But I know that the (off road +) and the rear Locker is really all I'll need
Enjoy your Mojave it’s a blast on and off road!
Thanks, you made my mind up for me :)
Glad I could help! Enjoy!
Sway bar disconnect for articulation is the other thing to call out, I don't think that was or I missed it. I was struggling between the two models myself and live in california, but I got the rubicon for $6k below MSRP so had to go that route as they wouldn't budge on the Mojave prices.
Nice let me know how you like it! You are right about the sway bar disconnect I didn't mention it in tis video. Money is definitely a factor where I live the Mojave was going for a thousand less the a comp Rubicon not sure why but that also factored in.
sway bar can be disconnected on any Gladiator, only electronically on the Rubicon.
Them swaybars hard to reconnect on the rubicon
The reason why your dealership wouldn't budge on the prices of Mojave was because they needed to move Rubicons and were given a bonus for doing so. Pretty selfish of the dealership.
@@STACYBURK I don't think so, the Mojave is objectively the better on road vehicle and thats what most jeeps spend their time, the big fox suspension setup makes the Gladiator very floaty and comfortable, I suspect the Mojave will outsell Rubicons in general, hence why they won't move on price.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the practical differences between the Mojave and Rubicon. I don't plan to do any rock crawling but will go off-road. Plan to use it just like you as a commuter, weekend fun vehicle. At age 55, I've owned German sports cars. Just want something fun, useful and different.
Your welcome Edilson thanks for watching and commenting! You will love the Mojave and going off road. If you have not been off road before don't push it too far until your ready and go out with some buddies. Local Jeep clubs are a great way to learn with others in an environment where there are plenty of people to help you out if you get stuck or something breaks. If you have experience off roading then Enjoy your Mojave even sooner! Either way have fun, take care and if you have time send me some shots of your adventures!
You might also want to note that the Mojave also doesn't have a front disconnecting sway bar! Thanks for the video! :)
That is one of the things I am adding to mine. I like the new apex 2.0 AutoLYNX Sway Bar Disconnect, you only toggle a switch at the top of the swaybar connector, You don't have to remove anything super simple and fast.
Front locker, sway bar disconnect, 4:1 transfer case. All things I can live without, but worth mentioning.
@@MojaveTrails Wait, so they make an aftermarket electronic sway bar disconnect? or do you still have to get out of the vehicle to do it?
@@BudgetGunner1 The interesting thing about the 4:1 transfer case is that I've seen that apparently there are a lot of people who would trade you their 2.72:1 transfer case for your 4:1.. So if you get a Rubicon and you don't like the slow transfer case there's tons of ppl who will gladly hook you up with the 2.72 which is the one in the Mojave.
Plus with the HDC, you can control that speed down to 0.6 MPH
Hi Johnny
My intro video was shot with the HDC enabled towards the end of it you can see where I am bumping the speed up as I go. You can also hear the system pumping the breaks trying to keep it at the .6 mph the transfer case in this model doesn't idle that low :) but that's a good thing in my book.
Great video. Pretty much all the reasons I chose the Mojave also.
Same here - love our new Mojave. When I saw the 2.5 Fox Shocks I was sold
Good to hear! Thanks for the comment
Good review!
Thanks Christian!
Are you recording this on your property? Such a nice spot and a cool trail getting there!! Did yours come with the removable rear speaker?
Hi Jason
Yes that is our property. 30 years ago it was open farm land now it’s a forest. Love it and it’s a great place to hang out when we can’t get further away.
No the portable speaker comes with the premium sound which was not available on this unit and I didn’t want to wait to order one plus i couldn’t order a Gobi it was not offered in the 2021 models.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very nice video fun and informative
Thank you for watching and for the compliment!
@@MojaveTrails your welcome sir
I have the coffee maker jeep as well. Mo-Java. Love our rig.
Hi Scott, Great name! congrats on your rig!
Congrats on the Mojave. I really love the look of the Mojave hood, and I love the Orange accents. I went with the Rubicon since when I went to dealership both were the exact same price. Since I plan on using it at slower speed up in mountains (camping hunting fishing) it just made since. The front locker is a selling point, BUT I agree with you the Mojave with a rear locker is going to be very capable, past two trucks were Tacoma TRD off road and an FJ both with rear lockers and you can go places mountain goats will cringe at LOL
Sweet looking truck :)
Thanks! Congratulations to you as well! I'm a huge fan of the Rubi too. Sounds like you made the right choice for what you have in mind. Good luck!
@ Grodd70:
I got the Rubicon Gladiator also, as it's more "appropriate" up here in Colorado. Were I still living in West Texas (El Paso - desert area), however, I'd likely have gone Mojave.
As already mentioned though, the Mojave and Rubicon are the two TOP Gladiator trims if you want the most capable Gladiators (not counting the less-capable but more expensive High Altitude "luxury" Gladiator).
As for "going fast" I wouldn't be doing that either on a trail in the Rubicon or in the desert with a Mojave -- or vice-versa (!) -- so "being fast off-road" was not a requirement. Besides, the Rubicon can go as fast as I'd need to be going wherever I take it. ;-)
- - BR
The main difference is not only the front locker, it is the sway bar disconnect and lower crawl ratio…the frame is not really stronger by ratio, because it’s longer than JLU. Only the knuckles are stronger since they are cast iron instead of aluminum.
Thanks for watching and for your comments! Happy Jeepin
You have replaced the factory tire with 35" tires and have you do any upgrade to your suspension at all?
Hi Nvarat everything is still stock I am running the 33 and stock suspension. I love the suspension and don't plan on upgrading it. I will run the 35s when I have worn these out. Thanks for the question!
You get any snow yet? I’m wondering if the Mojave would have any benefits in snowy conditions? Also, you towing at all?
No snow yet it's actually been very nice around here lately but it's only a matter of time... Yes I pull a trailer all the time with mine it works great, I love the backup camera with the zoom you can nail the hitch every time! If the Diesel was an option in the Mojave I would have had to give it serious consideration for the towing alone.
I think it depends on if were talking about snow on the trail or snow on the roads. On the roads not really the tires would have a bigger impact. I have the Mud T/A which are not the best in snow. I usually lower the pressure on snowing roads to about 28 - 32 I'm not sure exactly what I'll run in this Gladiator yet but I'm dyeing to try it out. On the trail you can carry more speed in 4 low with the Mojave transfer case and that is an advantage especially up hill. If jeep would let us turn on the rear locker in 4H that would be huge. Would also help in on road scenarios' as well. So far I have not seen any posts or response from Jeep on how to enable it in the Mojave even though they originally said you would be able too. If I figure out how to do it I will definitely post a video on it.
@@MojaveTrails Are you sure about the diesel being better for towing? I think the rating is actually less than the gasoline version by 1,000 or 1,500 pounds.
The lower transfer case gearing is to make ledges and other obstacles easier to get over not so you can drive slower.
Hi Matt, Good point thanks for the comment!
Hey man I’m from Wisconsin as well. Can I ask what dealership you got it from? I’m from Milwaukee so it’s not exactly 4x4 central but I’m trying to find a good dealership that deals with these a little more even if I have to drive a bit.
I bought it from Ewald in Oconomowoc fine as far as dealers go. I saw a Mojave at The Jeep dealership on capitol drive in Brookfield just west of Brookfield road. And my wife said she saw one at wild in Waukesha. Hope that helps
@@MojaveTrails I’ll go check them out but I’m pretty in love with the Mojave. The only one ewald could find had pretty much every option I didn’t want and none of the options I did, but I’m sure if I look a little further I’ll find one. I literally just decided to finally take the leap yesterday.
Did you get the automatic or manual transmission? And I want to get the jeep Gladiator Mojave ad well 😁
Hi Josh
I got the automatic. With the 8 speed it really performs well and the extra gears make it feel like it has more power. Plus I have had the manual in the past but for me it gets old when your on a trail and you have to constantly shift. You won't regret the Mojave if you do pick one up!
Great review!!!!!!. . . . . I have owned Jeeps since 1977. . . . . From CJ 7 to Wrangler Unlimited . . . . . I have the exact same Mojave as you. . . . . By far and away the best Jeep I have ever owned. . . . Great ride. . . . Plenty of power . .. . Great set up. . . . . Will go anywhere . . . . .
Thanks Vernon! and congratulations on your Mojave as well! Sounds like you have a long history and are an expert on Jeeps and have the same passion for them as I do! My Uncle had the 1976 Golden Eagle CJ that he would let my cousin and I drive around on their farm. That's when I fell in love with them we were 12 years old and thought we ruled the world it was truly amazing! Although the thing road like a tank compared to today's Wranglers but we didn't care! Thanks for commenting
Ditto Vernon. CJ2A-CJ3A-CJ7-Grand Wagoneer86-Mojave.....Ditto. Cheers Gentlemen.
@@samhouston5217
Very Cool!!!!! My first Jeep was a Levis model CJ7 with a factory 304. . . . .
@@vrose1029 Nice!.. mine was a Renegade with that same 304... giddyup! 3 speed and quick as hell I remember. Once a Jeeper always a Jeeper!
I am from Wi. Do you still have your Mojave.
Hi Jake, yes I still have my Mojave and still love it !
Transfer case isn't just for speed. It provides far more torque multiplication. According to the manual they both have the same 25mph speed limit in Low. Is there specific gear restriction in low range? I've never tried to see if it can get into 8th, but assuming it could the speed would be over 50mph with the 4:1. You can simply start off in 2nd or 3rd instead of 1st or 2nd to have the same reduction.
Hello, thanks for watching and for commenting. You bring up some very good points and something i'm going to address in a future video when I talk about the strengths and weakness of the Mojave after doing a number of trails. As far as the speed goes I have had the Mojave over 50 in 4Lo, with the offroad+ mode on the Mojave it is programmed different than it is on the Rubicon at least in the 2020 models. As far as crawling goes, when I did Schnebly hill road in 4lo with offroad+ enabled it keeps the engine rpm up and in gear longer, It feels almost the same as in the Rubicon. I basically crawled over obstacles at .5 mph with no trouble at all. The Gladiator is not heavy and you don't really need the extra torque . Climbing steep hills was not a problem nor getting over waterfall style rock formations. I never felt like the Mojave needed more torque. Also in the Midwest where I live our hill climbs are often wet, mud or snow covered and slick you need the extra momentum more than the extra torque and the Mojave definitely is a help in these conditions. Thanks again for your thoughts and opinions!
@@MojaveTrails I’ve personally seen an old Hyundai Santa Fe do Schnebly when I did it in a Can Am X3 xrs. It’s a fun trail with a few tricky rock obstacles. Sedona is very fun to hoon around in a 200hp side by side. Those pink Jeeps are like cockroaches though.
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That’s good to know the computer won’t shut you down going fast in 4lo like the KL Cherokee TH does. Going 50mph in a Rubicon would not be fun though.
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The off road plus mode on the rubi heightens throttle response and loosens traction control in 4hi while defaulting OFF when engine is restarted. It’s the exact opposite in 4lo where it persists on, dulls throttle, and heightens BLD.
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The rubi lo is definitely overkill for 33s (unless you have a manual that doesn’t benefit from torque converter torque multiplication), but it’s more useful with 37s. It is worth noting that the gearing allows for more control and less transmission heat (which isn’t a problem in Wisconsin).
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I completely agree that suspension helps keep momentum up and make trails easier. I plan to add hydro bump stops for that reason. When I considered the Mojave I thought I could easily drop in a locker, but there were a few problems with the Mojave. It has a lower tow rating, it has less discount here in SoCal, less protection, and the transfer case/locker really is much harder to swap than shocks. I pan on camping with a trailer so the extra lo range torque and traction on the front end could very easily be the difference between getting out of a camp site loaded down.
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It’s just a low speed versatility vs high speed composure question for me. It’s basically a mini power wagon.
@@KTMcaptain You bring up some very good considerations for sure. If you need the 4:1 low range gear then you need it and you can't get it in the Mojave unless you re-gear it yourself and that doesn't really make much sense. As far as the front locker goes, I have owned JK Rubicon before and I rarely ever used the front locker, I don't like how it steers with it on. And the times I did I probably could have made it without it on but wanted to use it since I paid for it :). Sway bar disconnect was nice and way better than the manual I had on my other jeeps. I'm putting on the Apex Lync 2.0 on my Mojave just a flip of a toggle seems like a really good compromise. The reason you can't tow as much comes down to the brakes. I spoke with a rep at Jeep support and asked them why the Mojave was lower than the max tow when it had everything else. Bigger beefed up rear axle, Max Tow cooling, transmission cooling, alternator etc. It comes down to the brakes the max tow has the upgraded Mopar brakes which is like a 2400 cost to add to the Mojave or Rubicon. Other point about the Mojave is that everything on it has been beefed up to support jumping even though they don't promote is as a jumper for liability reasons, it was built with that in mind. And you can lift it cheaper since the suspension is soo good you can get away with a make shift spacer lift. I personally wouldn't go more than 2 inches though otherwise the geometry gets messy and you can get in bad situation. 2" lift lets you run 37. But 37 even re-geared with this engine is not something I want to do. Will be running too high RPM and getting like 8mpg all the time plus shorter motor life. I've done that in the past to two Jeeps and I didn't enjoy it. If I was going to run larger tires (37+) I would either get the Diesel or the 392. Neither of which is offered in the Mojave. I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope they put the 392 engine in the Mojave at some point in the future. If they do I will probably have to get one and then who knows what I end up doing to it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Oh yea you can get a Hemi swap for the Mojave for about 22K NO THANKS! I'll wait for the stock upgrade if it ever comes
Thanks for the video! Regarding the 3.6 gas engine…any regrets? Would you prefer the 3.0 ecodiesel or is the gas engine better in your opinion?
I think gas is better for a number of reasons. It’s easier to find fuel, it’s lighter and more responsive off the line, higher RPM are more fun in most off road scenarios except of course low speed crawling but with the off road plus mode you can put it in manual 1st gear believe me that is low enough you can even set the off road cruise control to crawl with the Mojave. If you get the rubicon then I can’t imagine needing more low end torque unless your really really heavy or towing a trailer. Of course diesel is better for towing.
The other two big reasons to not get the diesel are messing with the Def fuel is a hastle, the eco diesel also has a reputation for running hot and starting on fire. Either of which will ruin your fun!
Just my thoughts hope it helps thanks for watching and posting!
One more thing I recommend getting the automatic it’s the overall better choice and the 8 speed really performs well in the gladiator compared to the manual it feels faster and gives you more options and is more fun.
How do they tow an average weighted fishing boat?
I have a 17 foot fiberglass boat that I pull with it, It handles it easily. I also pull a utility trailer which I load heavy and the Jeep handles it extremely well.
I was waiting for you to demonstrate the fast part. When do you plan to do that?
Hi Ernest thanks for watching and for the comment! I've taken it out fast off road many times unfortunately my camera person (my daughter) is not fast enough to keep up and I'm having wayyyy to much fun to trade places. I will make a point to gets some good footage next time I got out just for you! Take care!
what tires are on it? i like the stance
Hi thanks! So in that video they are the stock Falken Wild peak MT which came with it. I have since put on Toyo 35x11.5R17 open country RT. I did not have to add any lift they clear give me an extra 1.5 inches of clearance and weigh the Same as the stock tires there. Bonus I didn’t add any unsprung weight and after adjusting the tire size in the computer it drives the same with better snow and ice handling plus a reduction in noise. But if you want a great mud tire those Wild Peaks were great I got 50k out of them which is a lot for a MT. I did rotate every oil change. Hope that helps
I should add the stick wild peaks were a metric 33 x 11.5 R17 so they measured out at 32.5
Jeep hit the nail on the head with the Mojave trim. The Fox suspension from the factory is amazing. No need to modify the suspension as the factory engineers did all of the engineering and validation for you.
I agree 100%. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Love this video! I got a 2018 subaru wrx...had to trade my 19 silverado trailboss for it so my wife and I could get a house ha. But I don't need a full size truck and been looking at gladiators...can't decide whether I want the Mojave or Rubicon lol, I don't do any rock crawling so possibly the Mojave? Lol
Hi Matt
Definitely the Mojave! Thanks for watching and commenting, good luck with whatever you decide!
I know the Mojave doesn’t have front lockers, but is it 4wd?
Yes the Mojave is 4-wheel drive and features a rear locker. They share the same 4:10 gears, but the Mojave comes with a 2.72 transfer case, unlike the Rubicon’s 4:1. This difference means the Mojave has a faster crawl rate and can maintain higher speeds in 4-Lo, making it ideal for mud, snow, and sand. However, it's less suitable for slow rock crawling. With experience, a skilled driver can overcome this limitation to a degree. Having owned both, I personally prefer the 2.72 transfer case for its versatility across various terrains.
@@MojaveTrails Appreciate the response! I’m with you on the versatility. 1 reason i chose the Mojave. My primary use is getting me too and from the backcountry for my hunting and scouting trips. This should go anywhere I’ve ever took my previous pickups. As they didn’t have front or rear lockers and i was able to get to most places I’ve been and seen in the Rockies of NM and CO as well as where i go in AZ
I agree it will fit your needs as is based on what your are looking to do with it. And in its stock form the Mojave is such a blast offroad. It soaks up everything!
Love glator so far
Hi Mark
Did you get a Mojave as well or did you opt for something else?
Very nice. Is your Mojave an auto or a manual?
It’s an automatic I wouldn’t recommend the manual. The automatic tows more and feels better. It also finds gears better on the freeway and gets better mileage. Plus one less thing to worry about off road. With off-road plus the revs stay high and you can choose a gear to keep it in. It will still shift if you redline it but watching the tack I have not had any problems. Long hill climbs in second to keep speed up has been no issue and water crossing starting in second gear also works fine. Plus you can set the cruise control in four low between 2 - 4 mph for crawling and hill descent and just let it go.
@@MojaveTrails you're the man. Thank u!
I knew the diesel was the best option so I opted for a sport S and built it the right way to run 40s. I’ve never loved any Jeep more
Glad you’re happy with your choice
Nice! I bet you can go over just about anything with that setup. Do you feel the diesel gives you enough torque with the 40s? What kind of a suspension did you go with? Did you re-gear?
@@MojaveTrails it outruns a similarly built v6 by a large margin and I’m getting about 21.5mpg on the Highway and mixed about 19mog. Even with the much bigger brakes It’s hard to hold still in 4 low so I would say there is ample torque
It’s got Dana ultimate 60s with 4.88 gearing and e lockers. suspension is mix of parts but the shocks are teraflex Adapt which is pretty cool theyll adjust to terrain by themselves , steer smart steering, fox remote res steering stabilizer and Clayton offroad arms and trac bars. With the new cast iron steering box the 21s are getting its pretty good turning the 40s but my shop suggested a cooler for it which has been ordered
@@mattbrew11 Sounds like an awesome Gladiator I bet it is a ton of fun off road enjoy!
@@MojaveTrails thanks man!
My plan is to get a 2 door bronco warthog and a cybertruck in a couple years then I’ve got three toys for life and I had to promise the girlfriend no more vehicles after that lol
@@mattbrew11 If your actually able to pull that off, to say I'd be jealous is a SERIOUS understatement! Good Luck!
So many videos all about the Gladiator Rubicon. I think the Mojave is a much better choice for most people.
Hi rcud1, Thanks for watching and commenting, I agree with you on that! I think if the Mojave had launched at a different time than during the Pandemic we might have a lot more people buying them either way your right!
How is the Mojave after a few years of ownership?
It’s fantastic. Still love the ride the stance how it looks and how capable it is as a pickup and as an off roader. I would like some of the improvements they are putting into the line so maybe I’ll get a new one in the next couple years. I’m holding off in hopes they put the 392 in it! Thanks for watching!
The 2020 and 2021 Jeep Gladiators all models are developing leaking axle seals on primarily the rear drivers side. Jeep knows this and are replacing the axles under warrenty. There is a good chance that a recall is coming soon.
Thanks for the info I’ll keep an eye on it !
get a stubby antenna and you wont have to worry about the branches smacking the antenna against the a pillar and damaging the paint. also goes better through a car wash.
I want to get a short antenna which one do you recommend?
@@gvsukids I purchases the Ronin 50 Cal stubby antenna. It looks awesome and works better than the factory on XM stations. Not so good on AM and slightly worse than factory on FM but I mostly listen to XM or my itunes. Thanks for the tip!
@@MojaveTrails the stubby antenna only affects FM and AM. The XM radio receiver is in the sound bar.
@@gvsukids I did not know that thanks for the tip! Btw I love your blue gladiator that is a great color. How long have you had it? Anything about it you would change?
@@MojaveTrails had it since August 1, 2020. Love the hydro too, goes well with towing a boat. Would change tires and possibly wheels, and maybe gotten the soft trifold tonneau instead of the roll-up; but we're happy with it as we built it. Maybe gone with LED package and not included the safety group, but living where we have snow I wasn't sure if the snow would melt off the headlights for cause visibility issues.
Wheel whatever makes you happy 😁👍
But why did I buy a rubicon? Because I live in the mojave and need the appropriate equipment to get me into town and back with the confidence that when the shtf I'm going to make it home.
Agree ! I hope it never comes to that but at least you have a capable vehicle if it does! Where about in the Mojave do you live?
I like my rubicon diesel gladiator. I did upgrade the shocks with tereflex to get the ride quality you have with the Mojave
The diesel was not an option when I bought mine and I didn't want to wait any longer but I do a fair amount of towing boat, trailer and camper the diesel would have been nice for that!
I love my diesel as well. Just finished installing 60s with 4.88s and e lockers and I opted for the new teraflex A-dapt smart shocks. Once the engine is broken in I think ill be able to run choppy stuff at 55-60mph
If you wanted a smoother ride then maybe you should have chosen a vehicle with independent front suspension like a Taco., Chevy or Ford. Putting fancy shocks on a vehicle with solid axles for the soul purpose of a smoother ride is not practical ,especially when you can spend thousands less . BTW front lockers and sway bar disconnect is something that sets Rubicons apart from much of the competition. Also the Rubicon can tow more and carry more payload than the Mohave. That is why the Rubicon in my opinion would have been my choice. If I wanted a desert runner I’d personally would have picked something else like a Chevy Colorado, or a a Bronco.
Hello, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I have a lot of experience with IFS pickups owning multiple Ford 150 and 250. I test drove a Raptor before buying this. The Mojave is a lot more fun and handles woops better than the raptor. People who put the Mojave down probably have never driven one. Their are legitimate reasons to get the Rubicon over the Mojave depending on what you’re needs are but the Mojave is by far the nicest riding Jeep by far. If you want to keep it stock from a suspension it’s the one to get as well. I added the Apex AutiLybx quick disconnect so it’s a non issue. I like them better because the ones on the rubicon reconnect at 15 mph which is too slow for me off road. 25-30 is more where I like to be. I can easily add an ox locker if I want a front locker but so far no need. Take care
I agree 100%
Not going to going rock crawling with a 137" wheelbase
No but you could go "Rock Dragging" :). My two door TJ was the best crawler I have ever owned.
@@georgea.9684 most of those are full size truck trails. The JT has too low of a breakover angle to do any serious stuff.
@@georgea.9684 you obviously are a faux wheeler. Lol stay at the mall.
@@georgea.9684 LOL, I'm familiar with that area. If that's what you're holding up as rock crawling, you might as well be at the mall.
Until you understand how basic concepts like breakover angle works, you won't understand what we're talking about when saying "rock crawling"
Happening across a rock in the desert where there's no real traction challenges isn't rock crawling.
@@georgea.9684 You are aware that a guy takes a stock Crown Vic about Moab, right?
Come to the East Coast. You'll break your stuff in 30 mins or less. Get out of the sandpaper valley.
If you can't comprehend that a vehicle as long as a Gladiator isn't great in technical crawling, you're not someone I'd want to wheel with. It would get annoying winching your butt over every obstacle.
Just my two cents, that transfer case doesn’t go well with the 8 speed. The thing flies in the tall geared 6 speed
Interesting I have not tried the manual 6 speed but I have been happy with the 8 speed automatic especially on the freeway.
I have the Mojave and love it.
Congrats Tim! If you have a picture i'd love to see it.
It's okay most people buy 4x4 because they look cool not to conquer the wild ,it's the same reason they buy coffee at Starbucks and not at McDonald's ;) sure you pay more but looking cool is priceless!
Thanks for watching and for the comments Drew! I agree with you the nice thing about a Jeep is that you can still enjoy the experience even if your not comfortable going off road!
Great rig, plenty capable. It’s not that anyone will be doing any insane rock crawling with wheel base this long anyway. One thing to note though is that there are many aftermarket accessories that fit the Rubicon, but won’t fit Mojave. That a bigger deal to me than a front locker or sway bar disconnect.
Hi Lukasz
All great points and I agree with the aftermarket stuff I have been waiting to add a snorkel to my Mojave but still can’t find one that fits. Rubicon has multiple choices. Thanks for the comments!
High five from the only other Jeep with a rear locker, only lol.
Hi thanks for watching and great to hear from you! Happy wheeling
Major difference for me was that the Rubicon has the 3.0 EcoDiesel available and the Mojave doesn’t (yet)
Yes I don’t see them adding the diesel to the Mojave. It adds too much weight to the front and they would have to change the front setup too much. I see they are offering the 392 engine on the rubicon as well in 2024. Sadly for the same reasons they probably won’t offer it on the Mojave which is the one Gladiator that it makes the most sense to offer it on. Thanks for the post
I respect your opinion but I prefer the Rubicon package. My 2020 Gladiator Rubicon is fk'n amazing for what I need.
Hi Chris, thanks for the comment! Love the Rubicon as well as I said it was a tough choice and not one I made quickly or easily. Had I bought the Rubicon I would have loved it too and not have looked back. There is no right or wrong everyone has to decide what they want its great that there are so many capable Jeeps to choose from! Congrats on your Jeep hope you have many awesome adventures in it!
@@MojaveTrails oh I agree. I understand why you chose the Mojave. I enjoyed the video.
Would I be crazy trading my Raptor for a Majave.
Hi Calvin well that is a great question. I don't think you would be crazy but i'm also a jeep guy. I did look at the Raptor and there are definitely things about it that I liked over the Mojave like the PLUSH INTERIOR and it rides really nice on the road better than the Mojave. Mostly because its an IFS which I DON"T like for off roading. Solid axle is superior in my opinion way more flex and will hold up to pounding a lot better. I've also been told by people that have driven both the Raptor and the Mojave in the desert that the Mojave handles better and its suspension handles the woops and washboards better than the Raptor. I can't confirm that because I live in WI and have been under COVID since I bought it so I have not been able to take it out west yet. The Raptor has more HP if that's important to you, the Jeep isint slow or week like their old inline 6 but it's not a V8 either. I'm also a Ford guy having owned several F150s over the years and I loved them. For me when I look back at all of the vehicles I've ever owned my absolute favorites have been Jeeps I just really really enjoy driving them even my lifted Jeeps that bounced me all over the road. They are far and away the best 4x4 off road but that's only important if you need it. I took my F150s to the same hunting spots and there have only been a couple of times I couldn't get in and that was because of deep snow. Bottom line it's an individual decision if you buy a Mojave it is an awesome ride and you will love it but it won't be as comfortable or as luxury or roomy as your Raptor. Then again you can't take the top, doors and drop the windshield on your Raptor. Depending on how your Raptor is build the Raptor may be more expensive as well. Let me know what you decided to do and if you buy a Mojave give me a shot and send me some picks! Take Care
Another bit to consider is skid plates. Mojave doesn't have underbody protection like the Rubicon. Don't forget to protect the underside.
Hi Jacob If I'm not mistaken all Gladiators have standard skid plates and the Mojave has the extra steel skid plate up front. A lot of people that do extensive rock crawling will add additional skid plates after market. For the kind of off-roading I do, I don't bottom out with the exception of hitting the hitch on the rear because of the weak departure angle from the long wheel base, but that is usually from going through ditches. Thanks for the comment!
Yep. You're right where I'm at. I'm at 56:1, you're 57.3:1... it's PLENTY slow...
Totally agreed!
Id have to disagree with you're comparison on these two packages, I paid 49k for my rubicon and it's pretty much fully loaded(with heated seats and steering wheel) minus all the safety bs jazz. Mojave is not worth 55k which I've seen here in TX. You're better off buying a sport and lifting it and throwing wheels and tires on it. Also who keeps their jeeps stock anyway? Just my two cents( I've owned every jeep that's ever been made from CJ to JT)
Thanks for watching and your post. 49k for a rubicon is in heard of at least here in WI I have not seen them for anywhere near that price so you got a good deal!
@@MojaveTrails yea it was actually about 4k under MSRP but true story. Don't get me wrong I like the Mojave just can't see spending more than what I paid for my rubicon especially when I'm going to replace the suspension and other mods. Enjoy
The Fox shocks are junk on my 21 Mojave. Terrible creaking noise and front being replaced under warranty. On back order from China of course. Dealer said not the first time they have seen issue. Sadly my 2010 wrangler sounds great.
Sorry to hear about your troubles Peter. I hope they get it resolved quickly!
Novice here...can the mojave rock crawl? And if so, would it get blown away by the rubicon? Honestly, I like the hood of the mojave.
The Gladiator in general is far and away the best rock crawling pickup money can buy, however the lack of a front locker makes climbing extreme slopes difficult, however not impossible, it still has a rear locker so it's not hopeless rock crawling, better than anything else on the market still.
Well it can rock crawl better than any pickup truck except the rubicon but it’s only a narrow margin. The ribbon gives front and rear locker and disconnecting sway bar. It also has the lower gear which can help in some situations. You can manually disconnect the sway bar on the Mojave or add an after market one. I took my Mojave on many medium difficulty rock trails without issues. I did scrape on the skid plates but the Mojave is well protected. If you really want a rock crawler then no pickup including the rubicon is really going to compare to a two door or four door Jeep. The break over angle is too poor. Even lifted it’s not that great. Hope this helps
Love Gobi
Yes it's my favorite color. I gave up some things that I wanted because it was the last Gobi available and I was told they were not going to offer that color in 2021. I would have liked the larger screen and the Alpine stereo system but I have not really missed them so it's not been too bad. One thing I didn't know is that the only way to get a snorkel on the Mojave is to order it from the factory there are no after market kits nor does Mopar offer one that fits. This is important to me and I wish that my sales person would have let me know because now i'm stuck.
I wish they made the Mojave in a 2 door wrangler
I do think you will see it in a 4 door configuration in the near future. Especially since Bronco now has a Raptor addiction.
The rubicon also has the front sway bar disconnect.
You are right I left that out on accident I do wish it was available in the Mojave there have been a couple of times I was too lazy to manually disconnect it even though it would have made for a better ride
@@MojaveTrails I forgot to mention, it was a wonderful video! I have a Mojave as I am waiting on my Rubicon to get built.
I like the hood on the Mojave better.
I agree Pete it makes the truck look so much better
@@MojaveTrails now they just need to be functional. 😊
I am on the fence on getting one of these or a c7 vette which are two totally different paint jobs so to speak..
It’s closer to a 3:1 transfer case but who cares!? And they didn’t design the Rubicon to successfully navigate a driveway to one’s cabin on Lac du Flambeau;)
Quite right! I love that area i'm heading up that way next week. Going to be spending some time on the Turtle Flambeau flowage as well. Great fall Musky fishing!
Can’t get the diesel in the Mojave
No a diesel doesn’t really make sense in a desert runner. 392 would though
Smart - unless you are going to be rock crawling. Willy's is another good trim.
Yes the new Willys is basically the Mojave without the suspension. Rear locker, 33 tires etc. it’s a great option if you’re looking for great offroad performance at a lower price. With the break over angle on a gladiator you really need 40s before you can seriously call it a rock crawler and putting it on 40s. Gets very expensive to do it right. Too rich for my blood no doubt.
I mean you'd have to change your channel name to Rubicon Trails.
For sure! and that doesn't roll off the tongue quite as easily as Mojave Trails does!
It's 39°F and he's talking like it ain't even cold 😮😬
No 39 is not cold, its a nice winter time temp. For me cold starts at 19 and drops from there. Thanks for the watch and comment
Sure you don't need a front locker in your dirt parking Lott but a Front locker is huge. Overestimate what a front locker is???? Man I'm pulling guys like you out of a jam every time I go out to the snow. You sound like a Plain Jain Rubicon hater, do you really believe Chrysler would sell you a better value at a cheaper price? Pretty obvious why you were able to get it cheaper. If you are doing it right and making these trucks nice they need 37s and at least a 2.5 regardless. If your not running around high speeds off-road the Rubicon is clearly a better more capable vehicle in sticky situations. I paid 66k for my Rubicon and it's well worth it in capability alone.
Hi Karl Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you feel as strongly as you do about your Rubicon. You should feel like you bought the best otherwise why buy it right? I'd love to see pictures of your rig it sounds like a really capable beast! I'm far from a Rubicon hater I owned a 2003 Rubicon the first year they came out with it. Traded in my 97 TJ for it. It was an awesome Jeep and I took it many places, that Jeep had front & rear lockers on it and was extremely capable.
It Doesn't Really Matter, if they are both, Unreliable, "ABSOLUTE CRAP" !!! . . . Wait until your "Check Engine" Light starts, intermittently, "Flashing" for less than 5 Seconds & You have to, Immediately, STOP the Engine & have it Towed to the Nearest Dealer, Only to have them tell You that your "TAKE you Anywhere then, leave you STRANDED", $50,000 Jeep did NOT register a "Code" for them to be able to FIX the PROBLEM !!!
Damn that sucks if that happened to you, I’d be ticked off as well. I have been fortunate enough to not have had any issues with mine yet, hope that continues…
Rubicon has 4.10s vs 3.73s in the Mojave. 4:1 Tcase vs 3.7 tcase. Better protection, etc.
The Mojave gets a beefed up steering knuckle and shocks.
I agree that if you live in Wisconsin, you’ll probably never use the front locker. There isn’t shit here to wheel. If you ever go to real trails, gear ratio and lockers are everything.
It’s also way cheaper to modify suspension than driveline(and you can do it in your garage), so there’s that.
Mojave definitely gets the nod for looks though.
Hello thanks for watching and sharing. I have taken it out west Az, WY, Co, SD and more it’s done great on everything I wanted to do. Agree with all your comments 4:10 are better for crawling no doubt. The Mojave setup is still better than all other trucks in its class at that stuff except the rubicon. The tuning of the off-road plus makes up for some of the difference and the driver has to make up the rest.
Rubicon is definitely better at a few things I just think overall the Mojave is better at more.
Don’t get me wrong I would own the Rubicon over anything else that is out there if the Mojave went away I’m just glad Jeep gives us choices!
Take care!
I sold a 21 gladiator willys and downgraded to a lame azz outback. Half th payment but also definitely not as cool or fun. Kicking myself daily
Sore for your loss but money is a real thing and Jeeps are not cheap compared to other brands in a similar spec. Hope everything works out for you and you get back in a Jeep someday!!
@@MojaveTrails thanks. Enjoy the ride.
Jeep is fucking up A desert truck with a 3.6?
It’s a lot better than you think but trust me I’m waiting for the day the add the 392 engine to the Mojave I’ll be trading mine in for that.
You choose wrong
Please share your reasoning for the benefit of myself and anyone else watching. Thanks!
Just a dumb take from the inexperienced. Front locker means capability. Lower geared T-case means capability.
TH-camrs crack me up.
Alec I agree with your first sentence but don’t be too hard on yourself your entitled to your opinion. And yes some TH-camrs are funny 😄
And is does not have the ugly red dash
Ya I’m not a fan of the rubi dash the Mojave looks much better