Last time Off Road for our Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?

In this video we head back out to Windrock Park and have both our Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and our Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with us. We also meet up with friends we met while traveling full time. The Jeep Grand Cherokee takes a few bumps on this one.
Join us: www.prodigaloverland.com
Help support us through Patreon: www.patreon.com/prodigaloverland

[@jonfrigillana5535]

My dad got a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in December 2019, and I got a Gladiator March 2020. I found your channel trying to show my dad how capable the GC was, trying to convince him we could do off-roading trips together. Your videos, showing us what the GC could do, made both of us excited for trips we could take once he fully retired. He was a sick man though, never the healthiest. We were able to do two excursions with that GC, a first-time off-road run for him on Burns Canyon from Big Bear to Pioneertown, and a short camping trip in Big Bear. He ended up having a heart attack in June 2020, and never was well enough to drive again. When he was sick and stuck at home, I’d see in the KZbin history he was watching your videos. I’m sure you gave him not only entertainment but allowed him to live vicariously whenever your GC was on screen. Bonus points that it was even the same color. He passed November 2022. I still have the Grand Cherokee, and I’m hoping to build it up. It’s already got a Gobi Rack and bigger Falken Wildpeaks. Rock rails, lights, and other accoutrements are on the list. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Gladiator, but I’m going to keep driving that Grand Cherokee, hoping to bring it to all the places my dad and I talked about. While I understand why you’re retiring your GC, I will certainly miss seeing it hit the hard trails you’ve sent it on that I’d be scared to even bring my Gladiator on. But I’ll consider it another spirit I’ll try to carry on for my adventures.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@joseisaacjehehhehe1626]

So sorry for your lost

[@djliljoe1]

Sad to see the WK2 is currently in hospice. I did in fact buy my wk2 trailhawk because of your videos (was on the fence between wk2 and 4Runner). I’ve also been a big customer of chief, again because of your videos. Thank you. “In a world of wranglers, be GRAND”.

[@laurenkresge5336]

Old Faithful has been just that… faithful. It’s gotten us through many obstacles offroad and run thousands of miles on highways across the country. ❤

[@ProdigalOverland]

It sure is

[@anthonym3792]

We bought our Trailhawk earlier this year because of this channel. Was the most practical option for our family to hit the trails but also be a daily driver for me.

[@cpk2GIRL]

Same. Loving our 2017 TH

[@almeadows8277]

While I have no desire to purposely put myself in the challenging situation you folks do, I wanted something capable in case I found myself in one. So, two years ago we settled on a sting gray, GC Trailhawk. Then I started watching some of your videos and learned how really capable that vehicle is. Yesterday I was driving a narrow bush road in the Pine Island forest in northern Minnesota. I was alone and a long way from anywhere and anyone. Cell service in that area is non-existent. The road I was on was barricaded closed, but ostensibly open to vehicles under 4 tons axle weight. So, I kept driving. Halfway through I came across a seriously washed out culvert. Going back was a long way and even turning around would have been a challenge. I didn’t really want to spend the night in that washout, but after looking it over, reasoned that I could make it. I aired up the suspension and put it in 4WD low. I did scrape a bit, but I made it fine. Later, I encountered another washout, but not as severe. Thanks to your videos for giving me the confidence to try.

[@georgehudetz1233]

Sad to hear, but completely understandable. Add me to the list of folks who bought a JGC TH based on your videos. 2020 Hemi, and just starting with it this year in my home state of Colorado, as well as in Utah. Thank you for the content!

[@ProdigalOverland]

You are in a great area to explore!

[@Peter-xtreme]

The WK2 is where this channel started from, and you got a real following because of it. It is impressive what you have achieved with it over the years, but it is of course no match to how easy the Wrangler / Gladiator does things offroad, after all the WK2 was never designed to do what you have done with it. It will be sad to see the WK2 fade into history but is also inevitable. Keep up the great content, you do a fantastic presentation every time.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Thanks! Will do!

[@laurenkresge5336]

Thanks, Peter!

[@lbtobl83]

Greetings from Austria! I also bought my WK2 (Ecodiesel, since Hemi is 2k more in taxes and another 2k more in fuel per year) because of your inspiring adventures. Sad to see it go, WK2 definitely is a legendary vehicle, one can use as daily, great family car with lots of comfort on roadtrips, not too large even in European cities and off course great for off-roading. Will still continue to watch your channel, even with less WK2 presence! Keep up the good work! 👍🍀

[@poker8193]

Suprized too see the Cherokee on 26. That gal did a good job driving.

[@srtabc123]

Like so many others, I got my Grand Cherokee after watching some of y’all’s videos. Then I’ve been lucky enough to go one several adventures with y’all to find out in person exactly how capable this platform is. I definitely get wanting to take it easier on her as the mileage climbs. Fixing things out of warranty is no fun for the wallet. If Jeep ever put a v8 in the Gladiator and gave it a decent tow capacity I’d be all over that. But in the mean time I know I can hang with Wranglers on most trails. I wear all my trail damage with pride and it lets everyone else know she’s not a pavement princess. Certainly gotten every penny’s worth out of my skid plates and rock rails. Keep up the great work!

[@MrKozanitis]

RESPECT! Old Faithful’s early videos, even before you guys went “business” prompted me to go buy my ‘20 WK2 Trailhawk and come join you at Windrock straight from the dealership! Remember, Brad, I had about 1,750 miles on it, almost all the distance from Atlanta, GA to the trails! A lot of trails have gone by under the undercarriage since! Lauren, you amazed me with your driving skills (your spotting skills are legendary) especially with the bald tires that you had to work with! So good to see the entire family out off-roading together again; Caleb, the little glimpse I caught of you showed me how much you have grown since last time I saw you! Love you all guys! Greetings from Greece; can hardly wait for the Western Loop adventure. Brad, you’re the man! Y’all be safe. P.S. Great video, btw; shows the capabilities of the Jeeps and how crazily talented y’all are! Or simply crazy! ;-) P.P.S. as long as it is “Last Ride” with a ? and not The Last Rites, Old Faithful is OK! Keeps on Jeeping!

[@ProdigalOverland]

Can't wait for our next adventure!

[@moebiusk9085]

I'll definitely miss seeing the Wk2 out on the trails. You and Matt & Cara, are a large reason we got in on one of the last of the WK2s. Now Cara's is gone and yours is retiring while I'm just getting mine ready to take on some real overlanding. But, much like yours, it's also our daily driver, so it won't be pushed to the limits yours has for some time yet.

[@ProdigalOverland]

We tend to attract Grand Cherokees to our events. So I know for a fact we will have more content coming with the Grand Cherokee platform.

[@angrymuffinsb]

@@ProdigalOverland do you ever get Renegades, Compass or Cherokees? Or are they all too compromised?

[@mr.3002]

I bought my wk2 before knowing about you guys, but after I got it I started looking on KZbin and you guys were the first ones that showed up and I’ve been following ever since. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t know half the things this rig is capable of and whether or not you keep the trailhawk on the the trails I’ll continue to follow and show support because you guys are the ones who got me into off-roading the wk2.

[@therandal2791]

Sad to see the WK2 go. These vids are a large reason I bought mine. Thanks for all of the content it has certainly been fun to watch!

[@no_handle_required]

Man, you have grown so much since I first started following you. What a great job as always. I outfitted my WK2 with chief parts and watched your installs from the start. Thanks Brad.

[@austinvolkenant4823]

love the channel! your videos made me want to go out and do these things with my 17 overland! can’t wait to keep hittin more trails! thanks for the great videos, tips and tricks with that beast out on the trails! y’all are some really great spotters together! don’t worry i’ll still be watching the channel!

[@user-sy8gp8vz4g]

I too purchased a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (Hemi) based in part on the documented successes (and occasional failures) of your rig. Your honest opinions and reviews of the Grand Cherokee throughout the timeline has proven to be an invaluable resource for not only off roading but equipment as well. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@byronlarson5534]

I have always loved your Trailhawk content. Bought a Trailhawk new in '21. Haven't off roaded too much yet (25k miles). Even when I do it is usually mild to moderate trails. You are an inspiration though, to show us its capability.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Thanks!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

So great to meet ya'll!!!

[@ProdigalOverland]

Great to meet you!

[@northjerseykevin3915]

Awesome. I went to wind rock year ago. Quad riding trip. What a great place. I’m about to get a Jeep and looking forward to making it back there. Thanks fir the video. Love this stuff

[@northjerseykevin3915]

My wallet is telling me to get a willys but my heart wants a rubicon. Your the guy to ask. For the average guy will the willys do the job at a place like this?

[@northjerseykevin3915]

I’m only 9:20 minutes though the video but I have a feeling she’s not driving that to work anymore

[@northjerseykevin3915]

I think Lauren did a great job also. I was thinking that right before you said it.

[@andrewviljoen2567]

Hey Brad. Love your videos. I’m in South Africa. Bought the Wk2 for the same reasons you’ve mentioned. Took her out on some sand dunes and realized why you have Chief products fitted. So took a while to import them. Finally arrived. Now just to fit. And take this baby out on some trails. Will keep you updated. If you do get some guys coming in the new trail hawk. Will be great to see what that is capable of. Love what you do. It’s inspiring. Keep it up

[@ProdigalOverland]

Thanks so much Andrew! Happy adventures!

[@danmoses7673]

First of all-, A big thank you for this channel! I discovered it while researching my 50th birthday present. It made me curiously consider the Grand Cherokee trail-halk when looking for the best compromise between me (let's go of the new Suzuki Jimny) and my wife (you know it has to be a family holler, 50th present or not). Anyway, I am still researching, and it is exciting to see your wk2 trailhawk pulling itself hard on the trail after 100K+ miles on the road as a daily, as well. It gives me some confidence to get your perspective and focus on the reliability of your wk2 trailhawk in regular use and occasional off-roading over time. Since I intend to buy a used 1-3-year-old car, either a wk2 Trailhawk or a 4 doar 4X4 Wrangler Rubicon.

[@BnMProductions11]

The Grand Cherokee is a surprisingly capable off road machine. Obviously not as good as a Wrangler, but it's way more practical on the road

[@DC-rl4rp]

Haha…seen our upgrade…Keep on keeping on man…look at me I’m still hanging around..and enjoy each of your realistic adventures and learning curves Dude..Good on yah..lKeep on Keeping On and cheers from Alaska AK49🍻

[@dr.mattbickel4713]

I was in the process of trading in my 2015 Wrangler Rubicon when I started watching your videos. My wife always liked our GC more than the wrangler because of the comfort level. Your videos got me to trade my Rubicon in for a 2021 GC Trailhawk. You showed me that I could do just about any trail with it. Glad we could join you last summer at Rausch Creek. Planning on being on the December trip to Winrock.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Sounds good. Love to see you again!

[@angrymuffinsb]

It’s just amazing how the wrangler/gladiator just walk everything. I’ve got a WK2 and they are capable. But wranglers 🤯

[@ProdigalOverland]

Yes they really are.

[@rossvuich5164]

Great video, always love your content. I'm going to Windrock this weekend with my JLU Sahara. Was there like 10 years ago with my KJ a couple times, so I'm curious to see how it's changed. Any fun and easy trails you'd recommend? Have to be able to get back to WI after!

[@sorimasn]

Bought my ‘17 TH and Chief roof rack based off your videos too.

[@friskywildthing]

Hey guys. Started following your channel back in early 2021 just before I got my '12 WK2 Overland. With 182k miles on it the Hemi needs work (coolant leak, and leaking oil from valve covers and oil pan). Body and mechanically it's sound. No rust, never been in an accident. I'm considering a complete engine overhaul, which is far more economical than buying a newer vehicle. Also want to upgrade wheels and tires, and add bumper and undercarriage protection from Chief products, a decision largely influenced by your adventures. Wish there were lift kit options for the Quadra Lift suspension, I'd love to put some 35s on it. The plan is to eventually haul an off-road capable camper trailer.

[@taddmansilla598]

That’s where the eeewoks come from. Dude is hilarious

[@wilwynddoesnotcomply7436]

Lifter tick is what you hear. Mine has it too and I’ve been fine riding it along for several thousand miles now. I’ll fix it out of my annoyance toward the ticking. 170,000

[@no_handle_required]

Listening to you guys spot and comparing to the first episodes really shows how much you've done and how much experience you've amassed. So cool.

[@Vermillion-Tea]

Can you make a video about some of the best tires for the grand Cherokee from light off roading to heavy off roading

[@jeepgreatstories]

I honestly don’t believe a single word from this so called “local expert”… pretty sure he’s just making things up.

[@ProdigalOverland]

😂😂😂

[@laurenkresge5336]

😂😂😂

[@austinaubinoe]

Should really think about swapping the air suspension to an OME or Dobinson suspension now that its over 100K miles.

[@mikeeihusen5194]

Damn.. tires are really bad . Still a badass group of Jeeps.. im a Cherokee guy.. and drive TRD FJ

[@WES-JGC-2013]

Def don't retire the GC but maybe Re-Tire it! lol

[@TrailMilitia]

Thats my boy Blue in the JK (JeepGreatSteve)

[@mikeeihusen5194]

Id love to see some BFG KO'S on your jeep.. just to see how it looks.

[@W2IRT]

I've been considering trading my WK2 Trailhawk for a Wrangler Rubicon for the last six months. Too many limitations on the trails (20" fording depth, IFS/IRS), and not particularly great as an overlander. Getting into the back cargo area is far more difficult that on a 4-Runner, LandCruiser or Wrangler, despite the Grand being able to hold more cargo. If I can get a good price on my 2018 Grand I'll move up to a 2020 JLUR.

[@dave206p3]

I just south one of these with 70k miles on it. Did you ever have to have the air suspension replaced/fixed in your ownership? Great videos btw.

[@ProdigalOverland]

No. Never needed to.

[@sbacon92]

V8 tick? glad I went with the v6.

[@mr.gunsglore7670]

Yeah I bought a overland edition cuz of your videos then realized the next summer this is not the off-road vehicle for me and the fam !!! Then traded that pos in on a wrangler polar edition!! Lifted it put some wheels and tires on it and I’m happier than a pig in shit!!!!

[@westcoastaerialimagery4690]

interesting wear pattern, how often did you rotate and get an alignment done

[@ProdigalOverland]

not enough for sure

[@catdaddy3302]

Is this in Arkansas? It looks like places I’ve been.

[@ProdigalOverland]

It’s in windrock tn.

[@c.m.cunningham1175]

Does your T.H. have factory lockers or the air ride system?

[@ProdigalOverland]

We have the limited rear slip and the air ride

[@overland_dadsfl]

Are you planning on getting rid of the trailhawk?

[@ProdigalOverland]

Nope, We still need it

[@roudydog3063]

2021 Trail hawk is going fine I don't do a lot of the big crawl stuff but it's so much fun just going out into areas where most people don't know exists Camping and especially snow fun So regardless I still much rather drive my trail hawk than any of the other jeeps. Don't need to destroy a 60 thousand dollar rig to have fun or the big penis award. Ya all have fun. Please people don't turn off roading into " Snob" roading

[@TXCherokee]

I’d that 5.7 Hemi? The WK2

[@ProdigalOverland]

Yes it is

[@angrymuffinsb]

This title makes me sad 😢

[@4WDisLife]

Great stuff but I do think the spotting skill could be improved.

[@suckafree4398]

This is the kind of jeep you go buy and the dealer says “ only 1 owner and well taken care of!”