2 Incredible Places in the Desert You Didn't Know About

This is our maiden voyage with the 2023 Jeep Gladiator and Patriot Campers X3 trailer and we decided to go deep into the Anza Borrego desert to explore some areas and points of interest we have never visited. We traveled many miles deep into the heart of the desert on some easy and technical terrain, found and incredible camp site for the night, cooked up some delicious meals and then made our way to the Split Rock Petryoglyphs where many Kumayaay Native Americans lived. Next we hiked even deeper into the desert to explore the Hapers Cabin and dam that was built nearby. Join us on an amazing winter desert adventure!
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[@overtheradar]

I am so happy that Regina has been able to go with you on your trips more often the last few years. I lost my wife three years ago and it brings me great pleasure to see a couple enjoy each others company so much. Camp on!!

[@hershlawfirmpc]

I love when Regina brings you along

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Me too!

[@samc9007]

You guys are an inspiration as someone who is in a wheelchair I always watch to see how accessible the trails you go on to see if it’s possible for me to enjoy as well . We got our gladiator 4 months ago and within three weeks we got the rack and roof top tent . A little bit of gymnastics to get in but worth it . I use camping as a reset for my family and I. We are planning our trip to Colorado and Moab in may I can’t wait . Thank you for sharing . Also thank you for your family’s service to our country.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and this whole area has some really great accessible places to explore I think you and your family would enjoy.

[@samc9007]

Awesome thank you for sharing will definitely have to check it out one day.

[@wirnet2084]

Let's face it Brad. ANY campsite with Regina in it is a beautiful campsite! Just saying. 😁 Hands on the bottom of the wheel is how I taught my daughter to back a 53' trailer on the semi. Now she's better at it than I am. Stay safe and have fun!!

[@hanskrohn3206]

Absolutely beautiful, you and your wife are blessed to be close to such fantastic landscapes. New to your channel, great content.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you very much!

[@arikjohnson412]

As a new Gladiator owner myself it’s awesome to see what they’re capable of and lovely to see the two of you out adventuring together 😊

[@kevinp2820]

Awesome show! Regena you have amazing driving skills. Brad, nothing better than having your own personal off road chauffeur. Oh, and a fantastic camp chef! So cool watching you guys doing what you do. Looking forward to what brand of lift and tires you will be installing. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@jamesherman2808]

that did not look like easy driving. Regena did an incredible job pulling and maneuvering the jeep and trailer. that took some solid skills

[@exploretography]

Love seeing a white Gladiator on the channel! We love our Adams the Gladiator (white with a cap on it)! Great find on the melons! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

[@Stomper67]

You should only run 80% of the amp rating of an overload, which means you should be able to pull 24 amps continuously on a 30 amp circuit.

[@jimsatterfield7454]

Thanks Brad and Regena for the vid. My wife and I are newbies (sort of) and are inspired! Great to know all the local stuff out there. Appreciate you two 👍👍

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@Groovy-z3x]

35 inch BFG mud terrain tires are the biggest I'm going to go with on my willy's jeep gladiator. I've gone through everything I wanted to with that size tires on my jeep tj.

[@rodnjosh]

Hey Brad and Regina, great video as always. At 3:00 you talked about an issue with the S-pod not being able to handle the 35 amp draw. From my experience as an industrial equipment technician who services eletrical vehicles running deep cycle batteries. We charge most of our 12-36 volt systems at or below 25amps. This gives us a much longer life with the charging equipment, electronics, and batteries. Also if you tend to run any of your electronic equipment at just below its max capacity this will also shorten the life of the components. Need to give at least a 5 -10 amp cushion to prevent them from heating up constantly. Again great video thanks for allowing us to live vicariously through you. As soon as we are able to we will be getting back into our 2017 JKU and testing its limits again. Thank you both for your service to our country.

[@TrailRecon]

Great information, thank you!

[@thomasanderson9836]

We can second the note on the LRA tank. We have one on our 2020 JT and luv the extra range. Also would suggest reinforcing the OEM frame mounts for the rear sway bar. We added a Helwig sway bar since we have an AT atlas camper and the linkage bolt just ripped thru the OEM mount on an easy trail. Metal cloak makes an excellent after market mount. Maybe Jeep has addressed the problem in the newer models but the OEM mount on the 2020 is almost paper thin 😖

[@Dbowman78]

Another great show! Keep up the good work! Cannot wait to see the mods you’re going to do on the new rig.

[@TrailRecon]

More to come!

[@alexandermarquez414]

So much fun you are guys so cool to have a spouse/partner to enjoy it. I hope to get to do that soon, thanks to you Brad and Regina I feel inspired to keep dreaming and equip my JKU for trails and camping just got a front runner fold table installed and next the fridge. I am very excited once again thanks for sharing. ❤😊

[@hiwayman5516]

You are making me want to come down to California and explore your deserts. I am just now retiring and starting a little bit of 4Xing and camping with my grandson. Not very many good spots up here in Western Washington that I have found yet. Being a Colorado native I have always been very partial to desert surroundings anyway.

[@TrailRecon]

You should! So many great places to off-road and camp out here.

[@devildawgpryde4764]

Great video. Informative and real situational events. This newbie is learning and enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@LOVE-62]

I use that bedding you guys have in my RV, and in my kids bedrooms in the house. Love them. Great little shakedown run in the JT👍🏻

[@Minnesota_Vance]

Having the right attitude while driving and hiking is super important. You both are always smiling and joking and making the best of every moment. You are so lucky to enjoy the outdoors together.

[@TrailRecon]

Attitude in life is everything!

[@chadkarkos7118]

Always great to see you both out as a team! Can't wait to see the mods start on the Gladiator and very cool to see you in one again (especially a white Gladiator like mine!)

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and we are excited for what's to come!

[@67wildwolf]

Gladiators just don't look right with out a lift. Brad the only jeep I've ever driven that I thought go ahead and lift it was the Gladiator. It least needs 35's! Nice shake down run. Thanks for showing us your new discoveries.

[@oxdogoxSF]

Man I'm so waiting for you to review the Cybertruck. I'm a Mojave owner and lovin that you are finally giving the Gladiator run through ;-)

[@TrailRecon]

If I get the opportunity, it would be fun to get behind the wheel of one.

[@vancemyers4095]

Master chief, chain on trailer was to loose and with the belly, could cause sparks and start a fire! Gladiator 2.0 should be easier to build the second time around. Thanks for taking us along on this shakedown journey.

[@TrailRecon]

Agree they are a little long, I do intend to shorten them up a little. Thank you!

[@michaelcody395]

Very awesome "break in" trip! Good job on the driving Regina! You guys are awesome!

[@ianpowers1571]

That’s one of my favorite spots you camped at! I backed out at the beginning of the canyon after split rock and now I feel like I need to go back for it, so thanks for that one guys 😂. Also, it sounds like Regina is pressing you for a little more power out of that rig

[@orl2222]

Congrats on the shake down run. I bought a 2023 Sport S Gladiator, but It will never see a trail. What I like about it is that I sit up high, and this old boomer finds it easier to get out of. Also in socal as well.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Just a perfect video... excellent mix of fun, photos, video and music... you two are awesome. Thanks for taking me along !!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks so much!

[@BucksMom218]

Thanks for sharing these finds on your adventure! The desert is so unique… looking forward to seeing more! Happy Miles! 🥰🥾🥾😎

[@efromhb]

Super video. Enjoying seeing the Mrs. driving...and you chasing behind with the camera. Your first campsite looked familiar at first but then the open backdrop didn't. The soup looks delicious and simple. Then the breakfast! I've added an Omnia stove to my online shopping cart. Please share the recipes and the place to get the salsa! Safe Travels.

[@LateNiteGrafix]

Just a note…at Split Rock, those were pictographs. Petroglyphs are carved into stone. Pictographs are painted on stone. Great video nonetheless!

[@justlookin3]

It’s amazing how people got along in such harsh conditions. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Michael_Tran]

Love these adventures and informative videos Brad! We love Anza Borrego areas.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@E-MTBs]

Thanks for another great video. It's nice to see a stock rig doing the job. I plan on sticking with keeping my Gladiator Rubicon stock for a while until I wear out the stock tires.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! A stock Jeep will take you to some amazing places!

[@emperorchuckd]

We can confirm! The Beddies are the way to go. We have them on all of the beds in our house and they are super comfy and easy to just zip up in the morning and your bed is made!

[@lawrencewright4730]

I really like your new Patriot Camper!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We are really happy with how it performed this trip.

[@dennisoosterbaan6872]

Yup . . . this Michigan Man is laughing at you thinking that 30 degrees F is cold. However, we are having an extremely easy and warm winter so far this year. We'll talk in a month and see how things have changed in Pure Michigan. Enjoyed this video and I like the idea of using things in their natural state before deciding what changes to make. Sound Advice. Be Well.

[@brunnie]

Great trip, and as you had b'fast.... so did I. Perfect way to start the day.

[@mtnessler]

Great video, as always! Yup, and those pin stripes are just part of the bargain! LOL! What we recommend on our customer trailers is a 4 gauge cable to the rear of your vehicle to the Anderson plug. Don't go through the S-pod. It doesn't have enough amperage and you risk damaging it. You can run a circuit breaker on the truck battery with a battery disconnect to shut the circuit off if you'd like. Can't wait for the next trip!

[@desertnerd4353]

Tip about backing up a trailer my buddy taught me a while back, turn towards the problem. You can keep your hands at normal top or sides of steering wheel and turn torwards the problem so the trailer goes the opposite way. It made learning sooo much earlier.

[@theduke9953]

Awesome video! You both crushed it , great shakedown.

[@patandjessicasjeepadventur3227]

Thank you for sharing another adventure/ Shakedown trip.

[@chaddowdle6563]

New Jeep Gladitor Mojave owner , and your channel is insanely helpful. This looks like a weekend dream! You got yourself a subscriber!

[@TrailRecon]

Congrats on the new truck and welcome to the channel!

[@bearchow1929]

More cool music. Shots of food cooking and eating. Totally awesome.

[@overland_dadsfl]

It's really lovely seeing Regena all involved and happy driving the Glad. Kudos for her backing with the trailer. You two are couples goals 4 me .❤️👍👍

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@SanDiegoJeepClub]

Love the video and seeing the Gladiator and Patriot trailer getting a shakedown run.

[@pennmikael]

you can use the spod's relay to control another relay so that you can draw more than 20 amps.

[@TrailRecon]

Still doing some homework on this....

[@pennmikael]

essentially the spod output will act as 86 trigger on the next relay. edit: or solenoid

[@AndrewTurner251]

I love the gladiator, the trailer, and the couples camping. Really great content. I love these videos. I enjoyed the red gladiator that was on the channel before. Looking forward to watching this build progress.

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cwwcww7465]

Hey Doc, I know you are going to do your own thing with your new Jeep, but i will say this.... We went with the AEV 370 build and upgraded to 3" High Capacity springs and shocks ... It is ridiculously good.. Good luck on your new build... GODSPEED Brother...

[@HolmesProspecting]

35x11.5 is perfect for towing. Contact patch. Weight. Clearance. Falken makes the RT01 that I have been running and highly recommend. I tow a Conqueror UEV 440. Air bags in the rear of the Gladiator. If there is a part where Regina is cooking I know the video will be 10/10!

[@fredmontgomery9166]

Great video!! Anzo has been on my radar for decades! That rig is amazing! Thanks for not giving to many clues to your trail, the cabin name put me on your trail! Keep up the great exploring ya’all!

[@richardcarnahan6335]

Got to take that Gladiator to Epic in Canada and get a 426 Hemi installed. You want to keep the Misses Happy don’t you. All that power and the the Growl would definitely put a smile on her face.

[@offgridrecon]

Great shake down, cool cabin! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@nevadasteve6186]

I love watching Regina drive. She doesn't hold back! Pedal down!!

[@dougfarrell9268]

When I'm not having a good health day or week your video's totally uplift my spirits. You both are so positive and likable its infectious. And I would trade scratch marks for Regena's meals anytime. But when I do get stronger I head up the 79 to Banner and take Oriflamme Canyon to Anza Borrego. I get home around 9pm. Then sleep for a couple of days. That trip clears my mind and soul(And my wallet..392 will do that). And Regena..I like the rumble, thunder, and vroom too. Take care to you both.

[@TrailRecon]

Hope you are feeling better soon. Orifilamme is a great trail!

[@JT_Adventures]

Fun stuff. I agree Jeep should have 35’s stock on the JT. Many would still go larger but that is the sweet spot for most trail runners & casual off-roaders.

[@Clarksadv]

Excited for the gladiator I also just got one. Definitely going to watch for updates. By the way awesome video

[@carlosnsosa99]

Love these kinda vlogs with you and Regina

[@nathanklemm179]

Brad, I loved your suspension review a few years ago for the wrangler. As someone in the market for a gladiator, I really hope you do the same thing for this rig! Keep up the great work

[@backwoodstherapy]

I know you said you don't want super wide wheels/tires or a super aggressive offset on your wheel. Maybe a 1.5" lift kit and a tire that's like a 35x11.5? Quadratec makes a wheel w/5.2" backspacing, not super aggressive, and paired with a 35x11.5" tire (or even a 275/80/r17) you'd get some extra lift and suspension clearance without flinging mud all over. Also, you could get some Rubicon XR wheel flare extensions to help keep the road debris from flying everywhere. Excited to see the build regardless.

[@RCPhotosVideos]

So good to see a Gladiator back on the channel !

[@black_widow_overland]

Trailer is awesome. I'm running the Harker EDC topper on my Gladiator. Each setup has its pros and cons.

[@fyrfyter81]

I ate dinner about an hour before I watched this video, and I gotta tell you, watching Regena make that soup made me hungry all over again!

[@Traillesstaken]

thank you for showing us another adventure

[@alexjeep7936]

Cela fait plusieurs années que je regarde vos vidéos. Vous alimenter une partie de mes rèves. Ce qui me fat rire est que le gladiator est très grand et malgré ça vous vous enquiquinez encore a tirer une remorque. Vous avez beaucoup de chance car en France il y a des interdictions de circulation partout. Alors que je casse plus mon cherokee que leurs chemins forestier... En plus, il y a de plus en plus de webcam sur les pistes de ski et un peu partout... Merci encore et continuer à nous faire rèver

[@mrbxv]

Great video! I like to cut all my veggies and bag them before a trip. Makes things easier and less clean up.

[@kentonseydellaolcp4785]

Think about moving the electrical trailer connections up from under the bumper for water and rock protection. Are the electric trailer brakes rated to work in water for water crossings? Some of the UK trailer drivers split the trailer brakes to be able to brake one wheel for tighter turns.

[@capt.stubing5604]

On my Launch Edition JTR I ended up with the Teraflex 3.5” lift and shocks you reviewed in your suspension comparison in Moab a couple years ago. Epic Outfitters did the work. I’m running 37s and 4:88s and it has plenty of power. Never going to be a 392 but off road it’s awesome. In addition, I strongly recommend the Teraflex rear sway bar to frame reinforcement brackets. Especially if you add weight and heavy duty springs and sway bar. So happy to see you in a Gladiator again.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and I'll take a look that those reinforcements.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnthomas6460]

Here is a thought! add some bacon bits to the French toast!! Love following your posts.

[@vinuezaer]

Gladiator content is how I found you years ago .

[@TrailRecon]

Right on!

[@robertlugo3388]

Hey Brad, my wife and I have a couple questions. How tall are the two of you? What kind of tea kettle are you using? Where is the eggnog French toast recipe? It's great watching the two of you when you camp together. My wife likes to see how Regina does her setup. I like getting ideas for our own rig. Thanks for the great videos! Robert

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

You guys have such a great time together 😎 Regina is a pro!!

[@invictuscenturion8468]

Im thinking keep it no bigger than 35’s or 37’s for the tires. 3.5 clayton lift.

[@rsanoian]

Great video Brad, good to see you out in your new Rig! I just sold my 2005 LJ that was really built for crawling and am getting ready to purchase a 2023 392 and spec it out like yours. I grew up in the Sierras but spent a lot of time in your neck of the woods (desert) and enjoy watching you two explore the desert in your new Gladiator. Look forward to seeing what you do with this build, Merry Christmas to you and your family !

[@TrailRecon]

The Sierras are gorgeous! Merry Christmas!

[@stevenmills8269]

Outstanding video. Informative, practical, fun.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@williamolliges2622]

Chasing history is one of the reasons I off road. Petroglyphs are actually pictures carved into the (usually desert varnish on sandstone) rock. Pictographs are pictures painted on to the rock by the ancients using natural pigments they had available. Given that area is granite vs sandstone it is very likely to find pictographs, which you did. Im accused of being pedantic, and my mileage varies at cocktail parties. Looking forward to the build.

[@invictuscenturion8468]

I went with the EVO rear bumper that has the integrated hitch. Moves the hitch way up out if the way. And yes it is more than strong enough for your trailer.

[@SDwriter.and.surfer]

Giving away my secrets spots! Hah! I've been camping up in the Hapaha Flats and Split Rock area for almost 30 years.

[@PeterANewell]

Looking forward to seeing some of that desert soon!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Glad you’re getting some stock wheeling done! Also, pinstripes on an off-road camper are a necessity 😉

[@cocherafg]

Excelente gladiador!! Saludos!! Buena vibra 🔥✌️!!

[@daveboyer3035]

Regina is a crazy good driver! Backing that trailer like a boss. I will say the salsa looked good, but I know of a guy named Marco that might disagree with your assessment of it as the best salsa in the world!

[@TrailRecon]

She's gotten really good and I'm sticking to my statement, for a traditional red salsa for dipping chips, it' my favorite.

[@overlandingsmith]

As always great video. Thought about of what regena said with the history and the castles aso. You have all these cool mines and places you can explore by yourself. We have some castles and mines but the ruins are completely closed for everyone or they're completely rebuilt or a museum. It's cool too but we don't have that much places to explore by ourselves

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We do have some cool places to explore here in the Southwest.

[@kspnwu]

Hi Brad. Thank you for your channel. Love it. I’m super green in this world as I just got a 2023 JT Sport Max Tow. Would love to explore nearby SoCal adventures. A suggestion that would help me as I want to live and try your adventures ….. maybe in your description you can include logistical info: IE: what’s is your AVG Trail driving speed, what did you air down to, trail link guide so I can attempt to duplicate your adventure. Thank you again!! Love everything you do and would love to join you since you aren’t too far from me.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I have done a few videos in the past about some tech stuff, but if you are looking for trail guide info check out trailsoffroad.com. a really good resource.

[@joycem7407]

I would love to have one of these trailers. So well thought out.

[@TrailRecon]

Built for this type of terrain for sure.

[@asdfjkl426]

That French Toast is making me hungry. Looks great!

[@CamperJoey]

Hello Regina! Could you please provide the details on your stove/oven drawer combo? I have the Omnia; now I'm curious about your new camp cooking accessory. Many thanks.

[@lou4261]

Ok serious question please help me. I have my wife and one kid who still lives at home. Gladiator or Wrangler? What would you recommend for outing like y’all do and beach outings ? Please tell me why you pick what you pick . Thank you

[@jamesc2072]

And so it begins! Love Anza this time of year! Heading out there this weekend, myself! Still have the 392?! - Jim from Temecula

[@michaeldemarco9950]

I’m hoping he still has the 392. Although, I took it hard when he sold the last Gladiator, so I guess it might be okay. He really needs a 392 Gladiator (wish they made one).

[@TrailRecon]

Best time of year to be out there and yes the 392 is still in the driveway.

[@michaeldemarco9950]

@@TrailRecon, I’m speculating, the 392 when you’re out on your own, and the Gladiator/MASH Unit when supporting a large group?

[@Roelof83]

You mentioned that the trailer was drowning to many amps to change for the s-pod system. If you install a relay that can handle the amps and just have the switch activated the relay.

[@timjackson4927]

Might I suggest you utilize a winch relay in your charging circuit? Then the switch pod will be used to close circuit on relay allowing you to charge at a much higher rate!!

[@mandyhusak1777]

Fantastic video! Any chance of getting both the soup and French toast recipe?

[@markw365]

Just got the clayton overland + 2.5" lift for the JLUR, coupling that with fox shocks from accutune.

[@johnomahony7364]

Hey Brad. So happy to see you back in a gladiator. I was so sad when you sold Amelia. It was the one of the first gladiators I saw and I loved what you did with her. Can't wait to see what you do with this one. Your wife is doing an awesome job hitting those trails with the truck and trailer. Love to see you guys out there enjoying life together. Very inspiring to know there's still life after the kids are grown 😊

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, it feels good to be back in a JT again and it brought smiles to my face the whole trip watching her drive.

[@scottsnyder8691]

Good to see you back in a Gladiator and in A-B! OK but where is the farm stand!? I need to try this salsa.

[@michaelkahut]

I heard your comment about the Gladiator sort of puttering along vs. how the 392 performs. That's normal but I am wondering if have explored the options available to you with the 8-spd transmission in Manual mode. I find that my JT performs much better, on and off road, in manual mode. Love that Patriot camper!

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very interesting content friend

[@Groovy-z3x]

Long Range America makes a 17 gallon axillary tank for the jeep gladiator that goes underneath the truck.

[@1gx619]

Love it! 😊

[@Steve-od6hi]

If the SPOD only controlled a relay for the power supply to the trailer, then amps drawn will not affect the SPOD since the only amperage it will see is the amps drawn by the relay coil itself.