Conqueror UEV-490, THE BEAST", Chimney Rock Challenge, Tucson Arizona

1st UEV-490 Conqueror Cape York in US. This was a run called Chimney Rock in Tucson Arizona to test the off-road worthiness (rock crawling ability) and stability of the UEV-490.

[@KBCarruthers]

Taking delivery of my 490 Platinum tomorrow. Pretty excited about it. I have an F-150 that I am taking to pick it up. I have a JLU Rubicon and really wanted a trailer that would work with it. There isn't much on the market that works with the Jeep (towing weight) that has the room I want. After much research I decided on the UEV-490, even though the Jeep "won't" tow it. I am curious about the towing performance on-road with your Rubicon. I've read through the comments but would really like to hear more about the towing experience. Thanks for posting this video.

[@markhughes1587]

@@KBCarruthers sorry for the late response. My 2016 with 136k miles on it still pulls it like a champ. It is NOT a Maserati going up hills, but I have not had any issue with transmission over temps or other complications.

[@KBCarruthers]

@@markhughes1587 Update - I have used the Rubicon to tow the Conqueror several times. One trip, I went up to Snowshoe, WV and had zero issues. The Rubicon gets better gas mileage than my F-150 while towing the camper and it handles very well. Of note, my registration for the camper shows it barely over 3,000 lbs. dry. I don't fill the water tanks if I know there is a fill spot at or close to my camp site, which saves hauling a lot of extra weight. I have now done about 8 or 9 trips with the Conqueror and it is great. It tows well behind anything, and its functionality is spot-on. And to boot, the beds are very comfortable. Unless you live right by the dealer that sold it to you, I have found any warranty claims to be near impossible. There are no dealers in my area that service the Conquerors. Having said that, the few small things that have popped up have been easy to fix myself, and most were related to poor dealer prep rather than a deficiency in craftsmanship. I have used the solar panels, and they managed to keep the batteries fully charged on a 4-day off-grid trip. For any of the commenters on here inquiring about the Conquerors, they are everything they are touted to be. It is easy to tow. Once you have set it up a couple of times, it is very quick and easy to do so. It is adaptable to just about any conditions. Materials are high quality and built to take abuse. It also looks great and is very comfortable. If you are considering one, I recommend picking one up.

[@Didewro]

I rented 1 5 years ago in South Africa....They are a beast....and NO WOOD!!!!!!

[@RogerCampillo]

Hi! Do you still have the conqueror 490? I see these videos have already some years. I’m thinking on buying a 490 but I’m concerned about how much could it compromise my off-roading (Europe, a lot of tight trails). Not clear if going for the 440 or the 490. Family of 3, eventually 2 dogs. Thanks!!

[@markhughes1587]

@@RogerCampillo greetings! Yes I still do. There really is not a significant footprint deference between the two except for weight. As to off-roading, if you pull anything, it will limit your off-roading. Reach your destination, offload and go more aggressive off-roading. With your family and pet planning I would go for the 490.

[@RogerCampillo]

@@markhughes1587 thanks for your quick reply! Ok got it, how much heavier the 490 is compared to the 440? Actually how much heavier it feels.To be honest, I was thinking on an off-road trailer as the patriot x1, but found the 440 and thought…for the price and construction I think the 440 is better option that the patriot, both being similar in length, weight, chassis and suspension. Now I’m looking the 490 with good eyes, but I’m realizing that it increases the scale in size and weight…also in Europe the fuel is fucking expensive…so yeah the 490 looks my favorite for many things, but my fear is that after some time I could feel too limited. I don’t plan to do hard off-road with the trailer, but don’t want a clear limiting factor neither. Specially to turn around in tight trails. Thanks again!!

[@cljb1074]

What model UEV 490 is this? I'm looking into the 2021 platinum 490 edition. Would look great with my jeep too.

[@markhughes1587]

@@cljb1074 it is the Australian conqueror version. It’s the only one in the US.

[@markhughes1587]

Handling is very responsive and smooth.

[@dennisc8664]

That's actually quite impressive, especially considering that's the 490 which is 4,000 lbs dry weight. I'm looking at buying the 440 to stay closer to the weight limit of my Rubicon. Nice driving btw!

[@markhughes1587]

Actually dry is 3750lbs. if your rubicon is 2012 or newer it wont have any issues. So if wt is the only consideration between buying the 440 vs the 490, and you like the roominess of the 490, then i'd say go for the 490, unless the price factor is the determining factor.

[@GrumpyAustralian]

So what was the consensus amongst all as to the quality, handling etc of the UEV-490?

[@markhughes1587]

Outstanding on all accounts. There are (as with any product) some deficiencies and little things that could be better, but....considering what it is, and what else is out there, it is I consider one of the best values for your money.

[@galeriafuentes]

How are still like the 490? Any fixes needed?

[@nated.1256]

I'm looking into purchasing a 490 this year hopefully. What sort of modifications have you done since purchasing it?

[@markhughes1587]

John Do, to the Jeep or to the trailer.

[@celticsfaninthedesert4778]

So is “chimney rock challenge” just chimney rock loop or am I missing something?

[@markhughes1587]

@@celticsfaninthedesert4778 it is a loop trail with a rock crawling playground in the middle of it. We wanted to see how aggressive a trail we could take the trailer on.

[@War_Pig_Actual]

Hi I was very interested in getting a UEV-490 but didn't know if my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon could handle the weight with a max tow weight of 3500. Is your jeep modified that much or was I just mistaken in underestimating the jeeps ability?

[@markhughes1587]

In other parts of the world the vehicle is rated at 4500lbs. I have had absolutely no issues with towing or off-roading with mine. The only mod on the jeep that pertains to the trailer would be the lift (AEV 4.5 in with dual reservoir shocks) and Tires 35's KO2's (which actually degrade performance in this instance without changing your gearing) My Jk is a 2016. 410's. Up long grades to 6% I'll drop to 2nd-3rd gear rpm 3500-4500, Occasional 5500, tranny temp 170-190, water temp 200-230, speed 35-45, greater than 6% 1st and 2nd gear, similar stats speed 35ph. Trailer weight loaded for my travels range from 3800-4200lbs. Biggest critical factor to monitor for trailer handling is being spot on with your tongue weight for trailer handling. Travel speed 55-65 Mph.

[@War_Pig_Actual]

mark hughes mine is a 2013 and an automatic should that make any difference?

[@War_Pig_Actual]

mark hughes also my tongue weight max is supposedly 350 lbs. Do I need to change that and if so how?

[@markhughes1587]

So at 4200lbs tongue wt would be 10% so 420 lbs. A difference of 70lbs. I am no expert, but if given the margin for safety and other countries use 4500lbs as their benchmark then technically you could go up to 450lbs tongue. Again, this is what I am doing, not what I am recommending what other people should do. Frequent inspections of your trailer hookup and proper driver handling should get you anywhere you want to go. By the way, where are you from? Are you planning on going to Overland Expo West? If so, I will be there. The 2013 has the same motor as I do, so no it should not make any difference. I just looked at my receiver, the part that goes into the bumper, and it is stamped at a rating of 500lbs. So you should be fine.

[@War_Pig_Actual]

mark hughes I am from Louisiana. I'm a police officer and don't get a lot of time off but within the next 5 years or so I will have a lot of time built up to take some good trips. Just trying to make it all come together. Lol.

[@OverlandPlus]

That is very impressive, what kind of modification is done to the Jeep to tow this beast? Is it not over the Jeep towing capacity and is it legal? I love these trailers but never saw a Jeep hauling it, got me all expected and would love to have one of these

[@markhughes1587]

Man and a Jeep depending on your thought process, the answer to your question could be yes or no. The wt documentation for private vehicles are guidelines for safety and control. As such if you were stopped and cited, it would probably not be for bring over your vehicle specifications, but rather for inability to keep your vehicle under control. Also depending on what country you are in the same vehicle may have different guidelines. Here is a copy of a post on the subject. In most cases the egregious aspect of towing over the rated capacity of the vehicle is that the trailer may not have the additional safety equipment to make that activity a safe thing to do. (Trailer brakes as an example). heartlandowners.org/archive/index.php/t-58013.html As to modifications I have an AEV 4.5 lift installed.

[@OverlandPlus]

Thank you for the prompt response, i am in the states and I own Rubicon Hard Rock 2017 Stock. I will go over the article thanks for that; i am thinking of the 440 as I would like it to be near the allowed capacity.

[@OverlandPlus]

Are you running 35 tires with 4.5 left or are they 37. I got the Jeep so I can enjoy it with freedoms top panels off or sit top on/off ah the Jeep is meant to be used and yet at the same time be able to go off-road and overland adventures with all the gear. With mods to the Jeep like roof rack and all the rest I will not enjoy the Jeep as I would like to; hence, my only option is a robust, well equipped and all the amenities trailer. I tell you this one heck of a well thought out and engineered bad boy that I would love to have. I own Rubicon HR 2017 and this is on my list. Any reason they are only in this military color? I will subscribe and thank you for sharing this. Please upload more videos

[@markhughes1587]

If your only consideration for choosing between the 490 and the 440 is the wt rating of the jeep, then I would strongly suggest going with the 490. Off road it has had absolutely not problems with power and torque to pull the trailer over rocks or obstacles. As near as I can tell my max vertical climb on relatively loose ground and rock has been 15-20% and I did not have any problems with pulling the trailer up the hill. Hwy travel, I've cruised at 65-75 with no issues as far as tracking and stability. I prefer to travel 55-65 as then I can focus on the journey and not the jeep and trailer. That being said, because of the type of suspension, you have to pay particular attention to adjust your tongue wt (should be 10% of your loaded trailer, and balance your packing of the trailer. I've only had one instance of the trailer starting to fishtail and do the left right bobble as I hit 45-50 mph. We stopped, moved 120 lbs from the back to the front and she was stable as a rock again. 35's for the tires. KM2's. As to the color, I think it is to blend in with the african and australian terrain demographics.

[@alexkramer558]

What was the weight of the 490..?

[@nurburgflip1188]

Great footage!

[@pullingtaffyproductions8148]

couple of tight spots , looked like it did very well .

[@markhughes1587]

Working with a fabricator to make some sliders for the trailer, which would make those "tight" spots a little less troublesome.

[@joesmith7123]

How the hell did you get that conquered to the USA?

[@dennisc8664]

Joe smith they're now sold here. Just this year I believe. The 440 is on my short list.

[@pyckles1]

can it go up hill

[@markhughes1587]

lol, yes and very effectively.

[@albarodavila7049]

I was waiting for the credit for some video and pictures!!

[@markhughes1587]

albaro davila Sorry, my sincerest apologies. I'm in the process of redoing the video and will be able to properly do the credits. It was my first attempt. Now that I've got three under my belt, I'm getting the hang of it.

[@juanbaca6565]

i love redington good place to off road

[@TheMedraut]

Why so little video of it going up hills? Was the UEV so heavy it had difficulty climbing them? I like the stability but if the tradeoff means you cannot go up those same paths because of the weight of the UEV then it's pointless.

[@markhughes1587]

Getting video that you can actually get a feeling for how steep the terrain is very difficult to get. Most of the video that was taken showing uphill travel I didn't use because of that. To the best of my reckoning, I've done 20% slopes on mixed rock sand and gravel and haven't had any problems. In fact I had to back up the trailer on a 15% 30 feet to get a better line. In the future I will try to get more uphill video.

[@TheMedraut]

cool thanks for your answer.

[@joesmith7123]

Conquerer * sorry.

[@markhughes1587]

it was a very arduous process. I would recommend contacting David Bates with Conqueror North America in Ohio who now is importing these from South Africa, The Parent company of conqueror Australia. Conqueror4x4usa.com

[@joesmith7123]

Ok great thank you soooo much.

[@Bruiser38]

I really wanted to see this trailer in action but the video quality, poor editing and music ruined it.