Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Takes On Moab, Utah, for the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari | Inside Line

It was a 4,880 mile round trip that was full of amazing scenery, wheeling, and good-old fashioned off-road adventure. On this Inside Line, we catch up with our Senior Off-Road Editor Ali Mansour and his 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon build. We get to learn how the JT did, what feature vehicle videos are in the works, and get a few hints and what's next for the Jeep.
00:00 Intro
00:47 Trail Damage
02:27 High Clearance Rear Bumper
03:50 Trails I Rode
04:25 Bed Cover and Leaks
07:43 Off-Road Performance
08:51 40s on Stock Axles?
09:38 Stability off-road
10:09 Rollover on High Dive
11:24 Feature Vehicles Coming
11:51 Engine Oil
12:26 Performance and Fuel Economy
14:06 JL Vs Gladiator
16:22 Outro
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[@justinm.791]

Great video, one of the best JT I've seen to date!

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@jeepn0811]

I did basically the same thing. Sold my heavily built JKU and traded in my F250 for a Rubicon Gladiator. Plan was to build it as a “gentleman’s wheeler “ but after going to Moab in January on 37’s now I want 40’s and 60’s. Reason I didn’t go to a JLUR is I have a handyman business and still need a truck. No regrets at all

[@awdgsx415]

Interesting what you said about the rear tailgate led bar lights going out... Definitely will be on the look out for mine.

[@2003ep3]

Really good insight. Stoke on a video of 40s on 44s review to

[@ChadChinchilla]

Cant wait to get my nitto 37s in, ordered so long ago with my rock krawler kit and the wait is killing me, I did a high clearance like that on my 2017 Tacoma and I’d love that for my JT, icon vehicle dynamics has a hidden receiver mount for the jt hopefully they make that for the jt

[@Jeepsterrick0131]

Always enjoy your videos man! You headed to the rubicon?? One day I’ll make it out to Moab!

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Thank you. And I can neither confirm nor deny that I am driving to the Rubicon trail with my Rubicon Gladiator later this year. 😁

[@Silver_sen7inel]

good review. Really accurate for those who are thinking about the Gladiator. My experience is similar... I'm 4.5" EVO long arm front/4.5" EVO rear on BFG 39's. 5:13 ARB lockers, stock axles w/ trusses. Frame side rear lower control arm brackets = mangled. Rear stock bumper destroyed and replaced. Front stock fenders totally ripped off by tires hitting lower part of fender... just replace them! Rear Ring and pinion = destroyed and replaced. Rear stock axle shafts twisted... Other than that, if you can be a bit judicious with the skinny peddle there really isn't any place she cant go...

[@TheHitSquadOffroad]

The first time I hit a trail after my lift my rear sway bar link bolt was missing. I talked to few other people that had the samething happen to them.

[@chrismarinock520]

I hope theres a video coming of Coopers mods to handle those 40's on stock Rubi axles. 🙏

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

There is! He and I went over everything he’s done and how it’s all worked over the past two years.

[@happychefx]

CUT IT! That S-10 setup would be perfect for the Gladiator.

[@DrivingLine]

I'm seriously considering it.

[@johns8759]

Scared tf out of me when dude stuck his arm out when rolling. Glad he pulled it back in

[@DrivingLine]

No kidding! I didn't see that in real time, but when I watched the video back I realized how close he was to making a terrible mistake.

[@JRobes34]

You mentioned your tail gate popped open on you... I noticed mine wasn't latching properly either and figured out I had my hard trifold tonneau cover mounted too far back from the front of the bed. It actually blocked the tailgate from fully closing. Loosen the tonneau clamps and slide it forward a bit and you should be set.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I had the cover on for a few weeks before I left for the trip and it was working fine. However, when the tailgate popped open, it was the second trail day. I think it was just a freak deal. I was on a really twisty section of the trail. It’s possible I didn’t get it latched properly to begin with. It was making some strange noises that entire morning before it happened. I’m usually in and out of the bed of the truck a lot grabbing gear. Thankfully, it hasn’t happened since.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Similar departure angle to the Tacoma!

[@BenLeBlanc1]

I had to buy a new vehicle this year. I’m 25, and almost bought a gladiator. I could really only afford a sport, and in my opinion, the dealership I was at felt like a golf club. High dollar and no negotiation. I ended up going with a trail boss custom, which I got a really good deal on. Has the 5.3 V8. I’m happy with it and still have the dirt bike for the trails. I do sometimes still wonder about the gladiator though!

[@WeekendWarriors87]

Almost the exact same situation as me, I ended up with a loaded f150 lariat and put 33s on it after the gladiator rubicon I tested just didnt impress me for all the money they charge.

[@johnniemeyer3139]

Awesome video!!!

[@Executionoutdoors]

Glad i came across this video. Debating trading my jku for a gladiator. This video was very helpful

[@commanderroddi7742]

I got a JLU Rubicon 4xe (Plug in Hybrid) that I love, but I'm considering a Gladiator just because I need more room for work. THe 4xe hybrid is a Beast! I love it, and since its a daily driver, I mostly use electric motors for most of my driving except road trips. I do a bit wheeling, so I added a Warn winch, 35" tires, and 2-inch lift, and it does good enough for what I do with it while not killing mpgs and electric range completely. I like it, but, as I aid, I wish there was a hybrid Gladiator because I'm needing more cargo room for work, and the Wrangler's interior's not cutting it, and I don't live where I can daily park a trailer at home (one of those streets where you can't park b/c its too narrow) Any advice? Right now I could get a great trade in on the Wrangler 4xe and walk out with a Gladiator Rubicon. assuming I find a dealer with one or I order one. Anyone know how long that may take?

[@DrivingLine]

I’ve heard that a hybrid Gladiator is coming. I wonder if it will be with the new TwinTurbo engine though. Doesn’t look like there’s any big news for 2023. I’ve been seeing more Gladiators pop up on dealer lots, so I think inventory is starting to come back.

[@jean-sebastienlatouche3678]

Very informative! I hope you will still use your other Gladiator on 35's for offroad adventures since that is the setup I am looking at in the future. My 2022 Gladiator Rubicon is on 33's but I would like to upgrade to 35's and not 37's since I am more of a weekend warrior than a hardcore wheeler and don't want to invest too much into the truck.

[@DrivingLine]

I’m actually getting ready to do a handful of small mods (and adventures) with my Gator Gladiator on 35s. All of it will be rolling out over the channel this summer.

[@jean-sebastienlatouche3678]

@@DrivingLine That is awesome! Looking forward to it!!

[@zacharyfike1071]

My hard top is leaking too. Only a couple drips but not too bad. Haven’t bothered contacting the dealer yet. Similar dealer situation.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

My Gator one has been perfect, but the other one leaked like crazy. Kids seats we’re getting wet, so I couldn’t leave it be.

[@philharris4504]

Great review. I’ve been leaning towards a Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel. I plan to lift it and run at least 37’s. I’m hoping with the extra torque, I wouldn’t have to re-gear it. Any thoughts?

[@DrivingLine]

My guess is you could get away with it, but you'll sacrifice performance. You may not need to regear as aggressively, but you'll feel moving up to a 37.

[@noegarcia875]

I wonder ,what if we were to mod the receiver hitch on top of the bumper lip ,some how.in a way where the overhang would not be so bad. But at the same time be strong enough to tow.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

If you move the receiver up, the bumper is going to start taking the brunt of it all. So, it's going to need to be modified as well.

[@noegarcia875]

Ali Mansour you are correct. I am waiting and watching to see what you will do to that bumper. Here in Texas we don't have much rock to flex on. But we still drag that rear in the dirt. Love your channel by the way.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

@@noegarcia875 thanks! I have a few ideas. Just need to iron out details.

[@bleon2368]

Great content as always!! I know this is from a couple years ago but would you happen to remember what wheels these were? Thank you

[@DrivingLine]

They are 17 inch AEV Borah DualSport wheels. I’m running them here in the true beadlock configuration. www.aev-conversions.com/product/jl-borah/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqv2dkKejhAMVSDjUAR2DcQNuEAAYASAAEgLdiPD_BwE#color

[@bleon2368]

@@DrivingLine thanks you so much for the info. Are you running the satin black? With the Onyx rings thank you. I’m also wondering if I can paint the Onyx rings satin black to match the wheels? Thank you for your help.

[@DrivingLine]

Yes. That’s the color combo I have. Also, you can paint the rings as well. They actually come painted, not powder coated. So it’s not that big of a deal to convert colors.

[@bleon2368]

@@DrivingLine Awesome thank you

[@jasonlovell3934]

Check out the rear bumper Bubba at Exodus Off Road built for his Gladiator. How has the stock electric power steering held up? And dust can come in through the tailgate.

[@DrivingLine]

I have seen that one as well. I like the high-clearance aspect of it, but don't like the slant. The steering system works surprisingly well. Yes. There are plenty of times on the trail that I wish I had hydro-assist, but for the most part, it wasn't a problem.

[@jasonlovell3934]

Thanks for the info on steering. Enjoyed the video and always liked your articles back when I got magazines in print.

[@DrivingLine]

@@jasonlovell3934 Thanks Jason. - Ali

[@coldsteel2105]

Here's an idea; remove the receiver before you go wheeling, and reinstall it after you're done!

[@DrivingLine]

It would just result in me smashing the bumper more. 😂 I have a fix coming.

[@harrisknowsnothing8429]

Let me know when you're heading to that iconic trail I'll roll........😉

[@jessemeanlt1]

I like to see more about your s10

[@DrivingLine]

I'm going to shoot a full feature breakdown on it soon. I've done a few videos on it on my channel: kzbin.info/door/s39On224p_B7wejymcSizw

[@litoornelas6409]

Are the arms on your JKS lift the flex or the link arms?

[@DrivingLine]

I was running the non-adjustable ones here. I now have the adjustable ones. If I had to do it again, I would have went adjustable right out of the gate.

[@groot_offroad2958]

Check out Red Summit Machineworks and offroad. Their rear bumper raises the hitch.

[@DrivingLine]

I like that setup. I saw some photos of their Gladiator with the bobbed bed recently. Very cool stuff. Part of me still wants to go even higher out back though. Moving the hitch up is a good start, but I know that will just move up my impact spot to the bumper.

[@groot_offroad2958]

@@DrivingLine that’s true, but that’s with any vehicle then. Moving that hitch up would give a good 5-6 inches though. I can vouch for their front bumper. It’s what I have on mine. Strapped up to a Power Wagon and pulled it out of snow up in big bear a couple months ago. So I can only assume their rear would be just as stout.

[@DrivingLine]

@@groot_offroad2958 I like it for sure. I especially like that they offer an aluminum version. I just have to weigh out the cost of purchasing one versus just building it on my own.

[@groot_offroad2958]

@@DrivingLine yeah that’s the battle. For the time it would take me to make anything close to that, let alone material cutting and measuring... yeah be much cheaper for me to buy it. Hahaha

[@DUNEATV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@litoornelas6409]

What lift is on the gator jt?

[@DrivingLine]

It has a 1-inch front spacer and 1-inch front bump stop and a 3/4-inch Daystar rear spacer now. When it was on 35s, it had no lift.

[@86309]

Did you ever consider the diesel?

[@DrivingLine]

It wasn't available when I purchased this. I've considered it, but given all of the emissions problems I've had in the past with my modern diesels, I just don't feel it's worth it.

[@onebridge7231]

Man, thankfully he pulled his arm back in. That could have been really bad!

[@DrivingLine]

Yeah, that was a close one for sure!

[@harrisknowsnothing8429]

Nice big guy

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

😁

[@PrincessOPD_Utah]

Thanks! Josey Wales, from Josey Wales’ Truck Pulls. Logan Utah … aka “Karenville” Utah 😘 👑🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🛻🛻🛻🛻

[@reidnewton9527]

Well at least you had a company that wanted to help you with your Tahoe cover I bought for my 2021 gladiator seat covers from quasotek and they're yellow and black and I called them and I emailed them and they told me that I didn't spray the sealant on there that was sold separate to keep them from not fading and I told them that on my Wrangler I bought cheap ones from Amazon and the cheap ones at Amazon that were blue and black stayed blue for pretty much 3 years without fading so and these seat covers I bought from from the Jeep people that themselves that sell nothing but cheap stuff tell me that it's going to fade no matter how old they are and they're just a couple months old so

[@DrivingLine]

That's a bummer. Some companies definitely have better customer service than others, that is for sure.

[@theworldisastageexitright4288]

Let me know when your done talking.