Behind the Wheel of the Jeep that Reshaped the Future

I’ll never forget when I saw the Jeep Sandstorm concept for the very first time back in 2018 and at the time, one of the coolest Jeeps I had honestly ever seen and back then none of us had any idea so many of its features would become a reality in Jeeps you could eventually buy. I got to see it again last year and speak with Chris Piscatelli about it, one of the designers on the project and hear about it’s history, but still didn’t ever get a chance to sit in it, but today I get to drive it for the first time on the dirt without any supervision and check out several new and years past Jeep Concepts, I also get to talk with a few icons in the off-road community about their thoughts on these Jeeps, then get behind the wheel of the new 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave and drive way faster than I should be allowed to and wrap up my time here in Moab by hit the trail in my Jeep Gladiator to really put it to the test on the famous Poisons Spider trail with a great group of folks … this will be 2 day’s I’ll never forget.
onX Off-Road: bit.ly/onXTrailRecon
Jeep Gladiator Build Page: bit.ly/TrailReconGladiator
TrailRecon First Aid Kit: bit.ly/TrailReconTraumaKit
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[@SanctumOfDreams]

That orange Sandstorm Jeep is perfect. I deleted my backseats in my JLU because I don't have kids and I like the Unlimited's wheelbase. Please Jeep release a Scrambler type model 🙏

[@TrailRecon]

Yes, a Scrambler would be a great option.... as long as they gave us a nice power plant under the hood.

[@gregoryblock9083]

Thanks for the Mojave love. I get a ton of grief from the community for not getting a Rubicon. The Mojave’s setup also translates into improved road manners and without the luxury of multiple, use specific, build’s, that’s a thing. I think that’s why I’m enjoying the Doc build so much. It’s a fun, concept based, show quality vehicle and is super relatable to the daily driver compromised crowd. ✌🏼❤️😊

[@odysseyusa]

If I could order what I wanted and needed a second Jeep, I think the Mojave is great. I’d only add 35’s and Apex AutoLynx to disconnect the sway bar. Most of the time, a rear locker is plenty for what moderate trails we tackle. I gotta drive it home. 😆

[@EverythingOutdoorsAndJeeps]

I love my 2022 Mojave. Just installed 35’s on it. It does everything I need it too. Great truck!

[@helmhamburgerhand]

I dont think people understand the Mojave. If you dont need a rock crawler its hands down the best sub-model in production for Jeep.

[@johnbrase7288]

Be Proud. The Mojave is purpose built to run fast, run smooth, not overheat, and not break a mount. Stock.

[@EverythingOutdoorsAndJeeps]

@@johnbrase7288 absolutely. I love it!

[@blueman5924]

Fun times ! Looks like the entire crew had endless smiles. 👍👍

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, we were smiling all day!

[@cowelk]

You mentioned the small "35" tires and they will take you most places you want to go. I still have 33's on my Wrangler JLU and while I know I couldn't do some of the obstacles that you went on, they take me most of the places I want to go. Great fun.

[@Overlhander]

That was a truly great day out on Poison Spider, thanks Brad! As the other guy on that ride in a mostly-stock (Mojave) Gladiator on 35's, I was also super impressed by what that vehicle is capable of right off the showroom floor; equally confidence inspiring when crawling on rocks, blasting through the desert, and rolling down the highway. Looking forward to seeing Doc's continuing evolution.

[@TrailRecon]

It was a great day out there and yes, I'm convinced 35' tires will take most people the places they want to go. Larger tires may look cool and make things a little more point and shot, but bigger tires comes with a cost.

[@chriscraft999]

I love driving my Jeep here in SoCal, and love seeing what it can do. All thanks to you.

[@TrailRecon]

Lots of great places to explore out here!

[@tx_reaper5973]

Jeep if you're listening, we want a 392 Gladiator!

[@lucwilson1]

That Sandstorm concept is the perfect length to be a useful 2dr JL (JM?). Also a manual + 392 is probably the best combo imaginable.

[@TrailRecon]

I think it's an inch stretch in the front and 2 in the rear... I love everything about it!

[@AndrewMcDonald]

Great video! Love the Short Cut concept. Has me missing my CJ!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I can't stop thinking about building a 2 door JK.....

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Brad. Everyone of the Jeeps were so epic my favorite Jeep was Short cut.

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

Always love your videos!!!! So fortunate to get the opportunity to test drive. I'm drooling..... Keep going!!!!!!!

[@BillWilson-oh7gw]

Great Review !! .. That Sand Storm is the ultimate setup!

[@gilbertferguson1685]

Welcome back. Great video. Moab is one of the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffcombs8237]

Making some great connections. Love to see Trail Recon growing. Thx Brad, if I may be that casual.

[@85bigGMC]

I love the interior and rims on Short Cut. I would love it if those became a factory option at some point.

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, it would be great if we had more options. But you can order custom Katzkin seats or Bartact covers... I've had both over the years and have been happy with them.

[@mnhockeyone]

What an awesome experience!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks, it really was!

[@jeffmilks4501]

great video! Awesome rigs, thanks for taking us along for the ride. Hope the shoulder is feeling better.

[@bruceklassen8261]

I’m jealous, but thanks for sharing, I LOVE that color on the Gladiator “Sandstorm “

[@clintdyson5765]

Great video! Thank you

[@toddshook1765]

Doc did great on the trail. Looks like you still made good decision on the build. Thanks for sharing.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

I do enjoy seeing the concept vehicles in action.

[@bowjangles510]

So cool seeing my jeep out there. It was a blast, you definitely made it look easy.

[@evopx4storm]

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Episode. 🔥

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@rickhenderson631]

Yay! Been waiting anxiously for a new video! 🥰

[@TrailRecon]

I'm back!

[@marytorbert5212]

I have a Gladiator Rubicon that handles the mountain trails here awesome! But never taken it to Moab! Know I must go. Thank you for sharing the Easter Jeep Safari!

[@markmccall6278]

Loved that video great job and I can't wait to go there in my Wrangeler JL.

[@troys75]

Awesome video!!! Looks like a great day out.

[@BiO811HazarD]

Thanks for sharing the rest of EJS. I’m excited to see a video from the Center Force adventure! Edit: Congrats on 600k Subs! 🎉

[@Screwfly1]

Really a great video. It's really fun seeing you so excited about stuff. And seeing the same event from different creators is great. Seeing all the different point's of view. Honestly, I've never wanted to go to EJS but now I do.

[@stevewhitaker1474]

Nena Barlow...; I remember her from early 2000s editions of JP Magazine and "Jeep Chicks."

[@TrailRecon]

It's been great to spend time with her on the trails over the years, extremely knowledgable and just generally fun to hang out with.

[@chaddamewood9840]

The Mojave is a jam. 100% agree it just needs bigger tires.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

It’s been too long since your last video!

[@blueman5924]

I saw him with Shaun, from The Story Til Now, riding in some new models at the Jeep event weeks ago. good vids. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

I'm back on duty, just needed a little break.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

@@TrailRecon We all need a vacation once in awhile!

[@anthonyarmijo]

Great to see you back brother. Was a little worried it had been like over 3 weeks since you posted a video. I'm sure you have your reasons. Great to see ya back Brad, Doc did great 👍

[@EverythingOutdoorsAndJeeps]

@@TrailReconwelcome back!

[@qrolander]

Finally, I was missing your vids!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Brad, awesome video! Love the cool concepts and gladiators. Thank you so much for sharing 🚗

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@eligustavocoimbra6586]

Wonderful video. Thanks a lot alot

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@ExpeditionaryOverland]

Yes! finally, another Brad video

[@bwofficial1776]

I like the Dispatcher and Shortcut. I'm a sucker for retro done right and I like the skinny tires on white steelies. The JK staff car and retro-striped Gladiator are cool as well. Suzuki could make bank if they federalized the Jimny and offered it with a removable top. Jeeps have gotten big, bring back the Samurai.

[@royfreitas7583]

Glad you point out you can wheel with 35’s. Seen so many on 40’s and not have the greatest driving skill.

[@TrailRecon]

Bigger tires have their places, but most trails are easily navigated with 35's.

[@jameshenderson9228]

I really like shortcut . It would be awesome to build one..

[@TrailRecon]

It's on my mind!

[@paulpeters5199]

Yay your back

[@tomassanesson902]

Amazing

[@hodad200]

This channel needs more Pewe!

[@GATORADDAM]

Looks like fun fer sure!

[@TrailRecon]

Always a good time at EJS with the new concepts.

[@mohammadbinbishr5167]

Cool concepts I'd like to own gladiator mohave 5.7 manual transmission Great concepts from great manufacturer with great people 👍

[@TrailRecon]

I really hope that they give us a bigger engine in the Gladiator soon... the Mojave would be a beast with just a bit more HP.

[@SherwoodJeeper]

I was hoping the Mallcrawler would make it, thanks Brad!

[@ORJeeper]

All cool Jeeps. New Jeep prices are crazy. I'll keep driving my 04 Rubi.

[@Jeremy-km4dj]

Looks likw a good time

[@brianf7321]

Staff car was actually one of the nicest builds that you talked right through, the way the tub was enlarged for the opening for the front and back seats. I guess I’ll have to find it on another channel

[@therenaissancetinker2972]

I would love to see the original 2005 Gladiator concept out on the trail. That was much more J series/ Comanche inspired than the production model ended up being.

[@MountainMan677]

Those are some cool jeeps! Brad I'm surprised you didn't take the 392 out there

[@DixieOverland]

I was able to see these at Jeep Beach this year and I was blown away! My favorite little Easter egg was the paint color named Element 115 on the Dispatcher...very clever! 👽

[@TrailRecon]

One of these days I need to make it out to Jeep Beach, it's just such a haul to get out there. The Jeep team does a great job hiding small details.

[@DixieOverland]

@TrailRecon it's a great time but I totally understand the distance thing. That's why we haven't been out west.

[@zeyadalmamoori4477]

Great video, thank you for the offered you put in all of your videos, also I was wondering if you will attend the overland expo west 2024. I hope we see you there and say Hi

[@thomasoneal969]

How about that FC concept from a few years back. I remember the originals from the 60's would love a new one

[@mikebiron7339]

Brad, awesome event. Did you also tell Jeep to consider bringing the pricing down to a more reasonable level? LOL

[@32johnw]

I think you make a great assessment of the Mojave. I have a 2023 Mojave and struggle with what to do to get a little more ground clearance. Recently did a badge of honor trail here in Texas and scrapped on approach and departure angles several places throughout the trails we went on. Thinking 2” AEV spacer lift, geometry correcting brackets, adjustable track bar and move to 35” tires. But as you said, have to retain the amazing ride quality for on and off road.

[@milkodamjanovic6140]

I’ve had the AEV spacer lift on mine for the past two years. It’s a similar to stock ride but not the same. It still did not provide the clearance I need. Consider going with the metal cloak game changer kit. Ultimately, the shocks are the limiting factor as they have minimal travel. At a point now after two years where I will replace the entire suspension. Just my 2 cents.

[@TrailRecon]

Ya, I think the spacer and relocation brackets are a good options. But with the heavier tires the suspension won't perform exactly the same.... I just think Jeep needs a Mojave with an extreme recon package.... and a bigger engine!

[@frh-freerangehuman]

That staff car concept is pretty dope. I feel like the best thing that could happen to Jeep is if some rich people bought it away from Stellantis and made it its own company. Also loved seeing Gumby on the dash 😂 I bought a Gumby when I bought my first car and that same Gumby has ridden with me in every car since for over 40 years. You could get the Trail Recon 3D printed and get the same stamped effect for your hood. Cheers

[@TrailRecon]

I can't disagree, it would be great to see the Jeep brand in the hands of a private enthusiasts. Crazy what you can do with 3d printing these days, I'd be down for something custom like the hood stamp for sure.

[@bwofficial1776]

Stellantis will never let Jeep go. It and Ram are the only two brands it has still worth anything in the US and they print money.

[@GeneralpurposeOIIIIIIIO]

I need to know how to get that exact bumper form the turquoise willys concept 😍😍

[@AustinH7]

Just saying, I think white wheels are going to be the next big aesthetic trend for Jeeps and off-road vehicles. I think black wheels are no longer the “only” color you can run for wheels.

[@Billothy69]

Aussies hardly ever go bigger than a 35 anyway so you can definitely do a lot with 35s

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, but the trails are a bit different out here. Some do require a larger tire to navigate through without damaging your vehicle, but most people and trails 35's are perfect for.

[@bwofficial1776]

They also have weird laws where you require the government's permission and an engineer's sign-off to do almost anything to your car.

[@nelsonarruda3272]

Just have one thing to say 392 desert runner. Yes yes And yes...

[@motopumpkin3129]

I'd love to get a new gladiator but only if it's 2 door, why don't they have two door?

[@TrailRecon]

They only sell a small amount of 2 door wrangler compared to the 4 doors, so I imagine it's not cost effective to design and build a 2 door Gladiator unfortunately.

[@kenwilliams4086]

CAFE regulation is the reason we no longer have short wheelbase 2 door pickup trucks like the Rangers, S10's, Tacomas, and Frontiers of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000's. It doesn't have anything to do with the number of doors or consumer preferences. CAFE is also the reason Ford, GM, and Chrysler stopped making sedans and station wagons. Theirs more profit and less competition producing huge 4x4 crew cab with tiny bed pickup trucks.

[@motopumpkin3129]

@@TrailRecon i did see a white one in 2008 at a dealership in national city, I hope to find that one some day but I bet it was crushed 😔

[@motopumpkin3129]

@@kenwilliams4086 is there any chance of them bringing them back since everything has a 30 year loop? I have a 2 door wrangler now and nothing touches it's turning radius, I know there is a kit to make four door wranglers into a truck but not for two door 😮‍💨

[@Jees-jz1mr]

That's because 2 door jeep are awesome

Hi Brad, at 22:00 minutes in, what is that thing in the sky above your right shoulder?

[@KirbyLouis]

7:33 non greasable end links on a rubicon?

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

Doc, I was gonna charge you with going UA but I will let MOAB slide so it is a Authorized Absence !!! I need to get out there someday.

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Just needed a breather from editing for a minute, but I'm back on duty!

[@davewhanger6722]

Just out of curiosity. How many 2 door jeeps were on the run with you? And that Jeep that was in front of you. Which looks like charger tail lights. How do He pull that off?

[@alanefarris]

So cool to see these concepts! Just a heads up your audio didn’t export in Stereo. Your guests are on the right channel, your on the left channel - on the version I watched anyway.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, that's what I get for trying a different microphone setup and not checking it in post.... thanks,

[@alanefarris]

@@TrailRecon What's the new setup? (p.s. 20 years in tv and film production from pre to post and all the edit softwares. If you ever have a question or need help, I'd be more than happy to pass on some insight, tips and tricks for workflow to make production life easier.)

[@TrailRecon]

@@alanefarris Appreciate it. I'm using the new DJI mics and just need to put them in stereo mode in post, I'll now better next time. Thanks for the heads up.

[@alanefarris]

@@TrailRecon Those are very popular. I'm a fan of using lavs.

[@matthewschoolfield6266]

Do you know if Jeep has any plans to put a smaller V8 in a Jeep platform?

[@brandonroy4391]

Great video, mixing it up with other fellow KZbinr’s.

[@user-uo6zg2eh2h]

Just curious, what do you plan to do with doc after he’s done. keep it, give it to a medical team? Or is he a tribute vehicle?

[@chucklesthefireguy5356]

So glad I chose Mojave over the Rubicon. It goes anywhere I point it and it rides like a Caddy off road.

[@TrailRecon]

I think there are benefits of each, Doc isn't a desert bomber, so I'm happy with the Rubicon and having a front locker and sway bar disconnect.

[@chucklesthefireguy5356]

@@TrailRecon $2K shock replacement may be a problemo though...

[@_EleventHour]

Hey Brad, what is your favorite mounting system for the dash to put your tablet(GPS), phone, camera, etc? I forget which one you have liked more over the years.

[@TrailRecon]

I've been using the mounts from 67 designs for years... holds up well.

[@_EleventHour]

@@TrailRecon is it the rail that goes across the whole dash or just individual mounts?

[@TrailRecon]

@@_EleventHour rail and mounts

[@Doc-Ock2003]

Hey Brad will you be at Overland Expo in flagstaff this year

[@TrailRecon]

Sorry, I won't be attending this year.

[@garretlewis4103]

I saw Gumby. 👀

[@dantodhunter8373]

It's been a while since seeing the progress of your boy's rigs. Are there any updates coming in the near future?

[@TrailRecon]

Life has been getting in the way of their builds.... work, college, girls...

[@jk_wrangler13]

So when are we going to get to see all you have done to your Gladiator. I've seen a few teasers on IG.

[@TrailRecon]

Coming soon....

[@Spanked78]

Mopar should've made those rear doors.

[@greg2772]

I thought Sandstorm was completely built by Evo Manufacturing?

[@davidk6668]

Sandstorm is rattling like it’s falling apart. It would be great if Jeep would improve quality and reliability. The experience I am having has me looking at other vehicles for my next purchase.

[@TrailRecon]

It's a raw Jeep, no carpet, no sound deadening, just simple, fun, fast and rowdy.

[@bwofficial1776]

It's a concept car with custom parts. It's not going to have production-level fit and finish.

[@davidk6668]

@@bwofficial1776 tell me why I am seeing more and more Toyota Tacomas, 4Runners and Tundras on the trail and expos?

[@lucwilson1]

Dude! Your eye 👁️!!!???

[@TrailRecon]

Its all healed up now

[@dougfarrell9268]

"But you should see the other guy!"

[@SpyderDan1985]

#Godmakescoolstuff

[@outsidepnw5381]

I have to adress to Jeep that out of all of the new 2024 Jeep Wranglers which I had as a rental car (about 10 this year so far) are frequently losing the Bluetooth connection and that the sound system doesn't sound as good as the one out of my 2021 Rubicon especially when it comes to the bass and the max volume and auto adjust is also very very poor and disappointing.

[@coolvibes3663]

Hey I'm the 5th comment, cool

[@JoaoPires-pd9ot]

Oi 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ajsap8160]

Amazing how their concept vehicles seem to not be plagued by this galvanic corrosion i'm dealing with on my 2018 JLUR.. If they turned down the warranty work again, I'll likely never buy one again; and thats coming from someone who has owed 6 so far. It's unacceptable for a vehicle going for 40-60k, it's unnecessary and unexpected depreciation that has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth. The work needed so far is quoted at $11,700.00.

[@danielbrix1982]

Nice cars, but the quality is a catastrophe. My 2020 JLU had four breakdowns with motor problems (2.2 Diesel), the turbo did break down (4.000 USD), water was coming through the passenger door and all doors had rust and had to be fixed. Now the windshield frame is rusty and the costs are more than 4.800 USD. I loved the brand and I loved my two Rubicons. I had a JKU and now I have a JLU, but these cars are really unbelievable bad quality and I will never again buy one. Here in Germany my car was 70.000 Euros. That's a shame.

[@gooseberry769]

Jeep must work on reliability . Too many problems.

[@jornada.inesperada2403]

This is fiat, they dont care about reliability.

[@norminatorrr]

No long term parts support.

[@user-kg8ns4jd9h]

#

[@tomedgar4375]

4XE platform would ruin it for me

[@leowanker5104]

32 inch in aus bs

[@KirbyLouis]

jeep people are really so far gone and jaded that they think 35s are like 30s or something... if a stock rubicon on stock tires can do... the rubicon... cmon. stop buying your way up the trial and enjoy the driving and not trying float up stuff on 42s.... if they could, jeep people would be on 47s by now

[@dinobm13]

I am headed to Alaska in the future. Being a Motörhead since the 70s. A retired guy with no ties or schedule a qualified mechanic who has Mickey moused many times to get friends vech home. My Jeep is an expedition plus .Instagram voyager concepts for my rig pics. I want in and want no publicity. Just safe travels.