Which One Had PROBLEMS in Joshua Tree?

On this weekend adventure, my son and I set off deep into Joshua Tree to Explore the Thermal Canyon, Pinkham Canyon, Old Dale Road, Brooklyn Mine and Eagle Mountain Trails in the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler 4xe and one of them had some challenges on the trail. We also explored some old abandoned mines and searched for an epic desert camping spot.
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[@robertf3340]

You’re very lucky to be able to spend that time with your son. I miss my dad and wish we could do thing like that together. Enjoy!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm thankful he still enjoys hanging out with his old man!

[@Cptkirk1315]

Agreed, i never wheeled with my dad outside of a buggy excursion, but after he died, the only time i felt his presence again was when i went wheeling in moab(my first time driving a 4x4 vehicle) that alone convinced me to get a wrangler over a truck

[@kevden6727]

@@Cptkirk1315 I saw your post. Sorry for your loss. We never know how much time we have and time is precious, the only thing which we can never get back, no matter what. We have to thank God for every day we have on earth with our families. I am planning on taking my dad wheeling this year as I realized too late how short life is and I can’t take my mom. Just lost my mom on 3/4/22, but I know that she’s always with us in spirit.

[@harrywalker968]

@@TrailRecon why,,why,,ohh,,why,,did you buy a hybrid.. jeeps are bad enough,without 2000 more lectronic doodads to worry about..being green,is negative. it doesnt work or cost less.. your a nice man, x army,??.. look up lithium & cobolt mining..congo.. ill keep my gas & diesel s/duty. 4x4rs.. real trucks with diffs..

[@peterhenze6875]

"Leave it better than you found it." Well said, Brad! Thanks for being an example for others.

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

I agree totally! Always makes me happy to see off-road channels promoting stewardship, and practicing what you preach. 👌🏼

[@the_filthy_mcnastiest6803]

My favorite part of the video was seeing you clean up your trash. Tremendous amount of respect for such a small act.

[@TnD_Adventures]

Brad, I have been a Ford technician for almost 40 years, Todays technology is good and bad for these type of vehicles. Something to add, Get the Ford Pass APP, and get it registered, When you get DTC's it will tell you in the APP. The dealer can see this also and when the event occurred also.

[@ramoneortiz]

Brad - I like when you provide coordinates to the trails you take. Keep doing that. Great video as always.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Yes! Super informative and helpful ..please continue with the coordinates.

[@brbadventurer]

I have a secret spot I like. It is a Jeep road. I would never post the coordinates unless it was a good friend as when I go there I want it to be empty unless I invite someone.

[@dhrracer]

One tip for you: Most sleeping bags will have at least a water resistant outer fabric or coating. When stuffing the bag turn it inside out and you will find the trapped air will escape easier.

[@Steve-yr5vi]

Take a sleeping bag liner along, they make a huge difference.

[@dhrracer]

@joed596 if the weather is good turn it inside out as soon as you get up and throw it over your tent or something to let it dry out before stuffing it.

[@bonita3710]

Give me an "old school" vehicle any day of the week. The more bells and whistles just gives you more things that can go wrong.

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

Thanks for serving, Jordan! I'm with you, that new Bronco is awesome!

[@Michael_Tran]

Nothing like spending time with your family out in nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Nicely done Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

100% Thank you!

[@bkdrcn6962]

Great example of why you should never travel alone. Awesome video!

[@JustAnOldMan]

By the time our kids are ready to graduate, often their teenage years has made you say, man I can wait for then to leave for college. Then a few years later one yearns to spend time with them again, totally different experience when they have mentally matured. Then you can think to yourself, man I help make and mold that young man.

[@chuckw6099]

Great video. I have the Sahara 4xe. I hope mine doesn't develop any problems since it is the first year run of this model. One thing he doesn't mention is the power of the drivetrain. Only the 392 can out accelerate any other Wrangler. I didn't buy mine for the off road capabilities, that's what my other Jeep is for, I bought this because it is an excellent balance of fun, performance and fuel economy. With a "depleted" battery, mine still gets 20mpg on the highway at 75-80 mph. With a charged battery, it will get 30mpg and with that on a long trip, it will only last about an hour. Much better than my 3.6 Gladiator Rubicon on 35's.

[@forgedfromfreedom]

Tip on the Gazelle. If you want to install the rain fly, add it first before you pop up the roof. Makes it much easier. We have two Gazelle T4s and love them.

[@zackdemundo]

And make sure it’s oriented properly. It‘s not actually square, which occurred to me the morning after a nighttime downpour near Arches last year where the fly touched the tent walls and water began seeping in. “Why is this so hard to put on?!“ I said that previous night. My future voice said, “why didn’t you at least glance at the instructions, you dork?”

[@redeyetrucker67]

Old Jeeps never die but modern technology can make you cry

[@TrailRecon]

I love the simplicity of my 74 for sure!

[@ahick]

I love how you show what you are listening to on the radio. It defines the feeling. You had me at Van Halen LOL

[@jcollins2826]

You look genuinely upset about the Jeep issues. Just keep in mind we all get valuable information from your hard work, so chalk this experience up to science.

[@harrywalker968]

yes,,i agree,,dont buy a jeep..

[@mattbrew11]

Had a diesel. Switched to 4xe and im back to the diesel. Ive been through the same area and got almost 17 mpg on 37s in the diesel. Strongly prefer everything about it

[@harrywalker968]

i have a s/duty, 2002,, with a german/ brazilian, 4.2tdi.. weighs 4t unloaded. gets 12.5 lt 100 ks.. only problem with diesel, is the maintenace, every 5k. 2 -3 times of gas engine. my bronco costs about $40 to service, every 10 - 50 yrs.. it dont care,, its gas,,, diesel, every 5k - 10k depends on oil quality.. $140..plus ,our gas/petrol, is now 1.50, where the diesel is still 2.00 lt...not gallon..

[@obrianmcc12]

@@harrywalker968 What every 10-50 yrs? .... you lost me

[@lostnfound1526]

Your videos are great! Go on more adventures so we can watch everyday lol!! Keep it up and never stop exploring!

[@betweenthepines4000]

Confirms my worries of getting a 4xe, skipped it and went back to a 3.6. Loved my 3.0 diesel, superb powertrain in my JT and excellent mpg. I won’t lie and say just about every bitter cold morning it made me nervous. In the process of getting a 3.6 xtreme recon rubicon. Back to basics so to speak.

[@blakejordan9311]

My last two V6 JLs. One had a valve cover gasket leak at 2k miles and one got a hole in the valve cover at 10k Miles’s I’m done with that motor haha I went with the 4xe. Have 6k miles and it’s a fricken beast

[@TrailRecon]

There is something to be said about the reliability of internal combustion!

[@brooktech7869]

@@blakejordan9311 The 3.6 usually lasts 300k miles. Its not powerful, but now has the E-torque assist is nice and reliable. You are on your third JL ? Must be nice! lol.

[@blakejordan9311]

@@brooktech7869 I honestly get a new jeep once a year haha! Had a 18 sport s then a gladiator Mojave and now the 4xe! They all have their pros and cons. But the 4xe is fun and useful as heck if and when you learn how to mess with it properly. There’s a lot of tips and trick’s with it

[@peteacevedo3411]

Thanks again for this video and sorry about the Jeep. I want to say it was great to see your son on the trail even if it was a short time. Kudos for his service

[@mini2nut67]

I would love to see you add a Rivian R1T to the stable. Your unbiased “hands on” opinion of the vehicle on and off-road similar to your current 4Xe Wrangler reviews would be awesome for reservation holders like myself. Battery range on and off-road, seat comfort, how practical is the 4.5 ft bed, ride comfort with the standard McLaren inspired air suspension, etc. Brad, keep the high quality videos coming!

[@wirnet2084]

Another great video Brad! And thank you both for your service! And BTW...The Jeep's look better on ya! 😁

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Love the fact that you have both vehicles - leaders in their class - compare head to head. Also the Jeep’s electronic gremlins should never have happened ..Looking forward to learning what the problems were. Your experiences help us to decide which vehicle to buy.

[@ivanchavez2368]

can't wait for my son to be old enough to do trips like this. great video!

[@bungieking9468]

Leave it better than you found it. Great message & thx for walking the walk.

[@ryanb5189]

He reminds me of Fred Rogers. Sincerely enjoying and appreciating everything and everyone around him. I like you just the way you are.

[@heathermiller2917]

Beautiful scenery and what a great story for your son in the years to come! I have two boys, one hates off roading and the other will only do it if he can drive! lol. We go out though on the local trails here in Nova Scotia. Great video, you seem like a very calm and collected guy on the trails, that's always great too!

[@dbt2171]

Great trip with your son! Thank you all for your service! Just sell the 4xe. It won't serve your purpose very well and now that it has let you down once my guess is every little thing is going to make you worry. People in general don't understand the 4xe. As it is a hybrid, the hybrid part is for short trips around town or if you want to "save" battery then a little wheeling or just for getting that power that is delivered through both systems. You won't get crazy far in EV mode. The 4xe is not even close to the best platform for an Overlander. It starts out at 700lbs heavier than a regular Jeep. Sell it Brad, you will unfortunately not like it based on what you do. It is a fabulous platform for other people though. I appreciate the fact that you tried it out. Hopefully these videos deter some people that think they are getting a prius type hybrid or some super efficient off road machine that gets great mileage.

[@JarradShaw]

Oh my goodness! I have that tent!!! I just got for Christmas. Can’t wait to use it ❤️

[@kenjacox6032]

I’m totally sold on the hybrid idea and what makes the Wrangler so durable is the the limits are being continuously pushed. You will only make something better when the weaknesses are identified and fixed. The JL has only been out since 2018 and there a bunch of recalls and TSBs already. In the fall of 19’ I bought a new JLUR v6, and they have had to replace a bunch of stuff. Who would’ve thought that the steering gearbox would be so weak. Dealer gladly replaced it with a proper one and problem solved. Kudos to Jeep for finally bringing what the public wants, like the 4xe, diesel, JT, and 396. It sucks, but with new stuff comes new issues, until they’re fixed. Great video! Thanks!

[@Moving_Chicane]

This was nice guys' I felt relaxed watching it! lol!

[@davidchace6512]

I really enjoy your videos, fantastic job, and very good info. Thank you

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

I’ve had mine for 7000 miles and not one issue I will say when I bought it I heard about the loose fuse issue and check them all found a couple not seated all the way but love it so much fun owning 4xe

[@FROSTBITEOFFROAD]

I’ve had that “service 4x4” error message several times, the best I can tell is it’s a heat issue with the transfer case. Mine always goes away after turning it off and waiting a bit, it’s definitely been an inconvenience for sure. Happy trails!

[@kylekarnes4230]

Heat build up under vehicles in those conditions can be pretty high. Batteries don't like heat so I wonder how jeep cools thiers.

[@mehdisy3d]

Everyone complaining about electrical errors on the 4xe, the easiest and simplest fix is to ensure every single fuse in the fuse box is tightly and securely pushed in. Many come from the factory with loose fuses and mine did as well. Although this should be resolved by Jeep, it's an easy fix and will save you a ton of time and headaches. Mine is solid and has never given me any problems because I made a point to check the fuse box and push all the fuses in properly when taking delivery.

[@groovygorilla4691]

I was just out in a nearby area this past weekend with the 4xe, down in the Anza Desert. It's amazing how quiet the 4xe is in 4-Low on pure electric. Top down, nice weather, and some stealth crawling.

[@GoneBroke]

The bells and whistles are nice but having a JK or old school Jeep still is best as long as it is built well. Great little adventure, always great to have time with the kids no matter the age. Great content Brad. Alberta 🇨🇦

[@flyfisher530]

That Gazelle T3 is awesome, I know someone who has one and that tent is definitely a homerun!

[@obain.kkarefasmart94]

Nice video thank you for you service stay safe outside

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jeepinwithjulia]

Glass of wine, watch TrailRecon. Perfect Friday night!

[@TrailRecon]

Right on! Thanks for hanging out with us on a Friday night!

[@moannan8879]

Nice of you to leave it better than you found it, something my dad always did

[@zackdemundo]

Glorious sunset shots in the desert. This is what it’s all about.

[@calevel]

Cheering up for a crack on your windshield, what could be more adventurous and “ trail reconnaissance “ than that !! 😀👍 thumbs way up. Bronco is the King!

[@jerushafoshee4000]

Love it. Thanks for the ride

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KevinShanley1970]

I love listening to the desert guys discovering R-value of sleeping pads... much love from Wisconsin!

[@BlackFlagAdventure]

Old Dale mining district has sooo many camping opportunities once you get deep out into the individual trail offshoots. its a great area to explore and we've had plenty of success finding good spots out there.

[@joshuablackwell3591]

Love to see the Bronco in your videos and I also like to see you spend time with your son!

[@TrailRecon]

Me too! 😁

[@cloudcultdev]

Dang, Brad that really sucks about the 4Xe. Please keep us posted on what you find out. I’ve been really excited to see your overland experiences with it since we got ours during the holiday season this year! Good luck, and I hope things end up being minor.

[@moethepro189]

Fuses are known to come loose on those 4xe's and can cause you problems. As someone who owns a 4xe, I can attest to the fact that it gets horrible mpg once that 20 miles of range runs out. I usually run it in e-save mode and save the battery for when I get onto the trails.

[@DarkStarPDX]

Came here to say this... Loose fuses would cause the Christmas tree lights.

[@lambertsaldi1550]

AWESOME FOOTAGE AND VERY NICE RUN 👍👍🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸 HAPPY WHEELING 👍 THE VERMONTER

[@mkrig]

I love the sound track on this video!

[@Wrangler4XEFans]

This was so much fun. Great video. I wanted to be there with you.

[@Detachedc14]

While watching your video, I recognize that camp spot you found. i built that fire ring! Great spot out of the wind!!!

[@zmtkingna3584]

To see you guy’s police the campsite was awesome. I do that too. “Semper Fi”

[@scottymac5174]

Gazelle has an "Overlanding" package for their T4 tent. An oversize, waterproof bag, ground tarp and heavy duty tent stakes. Using this and switched the T4 to the T3.... It packs away so easily....With a basic roof rack. 20 lbs vs 100+ lbs,,,

[@romanmartinez3360]

Thanks for running these vehicles and finding glitches. Looking forward to finding out what was going on with the 4xe.

[@TrailRecon]

It ended up being and ABS code as suspected. I've since cleared the code and no more issues.... yet.

[@markwisniewski2227]

No matter what vehicle you favor, it's all about getting off the grid and enjoying life. I have taken my little Altima off road in the Adirondacks and Vermont just to get some peace. All you need is the will and passion.

[@TrailRecon]

Well said!

[@mannymayer9250]

If you want the tent floor to last more than one time while setting up on small pebbles, lay down a ground cloth (such as a piece of blue tarp) which takes the pressure off the tent floor. Been there done that.

[@nickstroke]

If you are able to stop by a house getting an add-on or most building construction sites, see if they have some extra Tyvek. That works wonderfully as a footprint for a tent. Very durable and weather resistant.

[@iwishiknew10]

Great stuff!

[@justdoit8613]

HI Jordan you have a great dad God bless both

[@nopro5433]

Great Vid Thanks for sharing felt like was on trail .Just picked up a Gladiator traded My TRD Tacoma and havnt looked back.Keep the adventures coming.🇺🇸🍺

[@charleshicks3492]

Ah the elec. Jeep; heard before of those issues; nice vid and wish I was there. Take care😎

[@dirtfloorcraka3808]

I’m here today because of a Navy corpsman so thank you

[@TrailRecon]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for your service!

[@bluecruiser2019]

Like your choice of music with Skynyrd😃👍. Great video!

[@franklinacevedo3691]

I hope you enjoy the 392 is beautiful!!

[@sonnicman]

Great Father-son time with Jordan in an awesome area. Very bizarre regarding the 4XE. Perhaps it prefers to have Jordan drive lol. Another good example of why it's preferable to not wheel by yourself.

[@offroad-adventure]

This makes me appreciate your JK build even more.

[@robertlamishaw9893]

Brad I really enjoy your TrailRecon work and I am one of the first members of E3 Overland as well. Your experience on this trip does highlight the issue with all this wiz-bang technology, which is that sophisticated technology is typically fragile. Jeeps, Range Rovers, Broncos are just not built to aircraft or military standards and will fail over time, often not that long a time. The long term dependability of any of the modern hyper technologically dependent cars is just questionable and for me rules them out as viable overland vehicles where simplicity and dependability are vital. Still all the toys must be fun! Keep up the good work.

[@BlackFlagAdventure]

Such a great trail and it looks like you hit it at a great time

[@brbadventurer]

18:17 I like your style ... I am going to have to look that up now.

[@allenstuck2861]

Love the new Broncos!

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

Like your videos, a lot ! You have a very relaxing pleasant way about you. Just getting into a bit of very light off-roading, basically on sand and beach with a Subaru Outback XT 2020. Have a Bronco OUTERBANKS on order and doing the Bronco Rodeo with my wife this summer, looking forward to it as she just had a life savings liver transplant and this off roading outdoor life style is just what she needs to start to fell alive again.

[@TrailRecon]

Best wishes on your wife's recovery! I'm a firm believer that getting outside in nature is vital for good health and well-being.

[@bigtime6837]

Funny thing about picking up nails is I bury them with my new trees for iron. Keeps putting it back in the ground for the tree to use for years. My grandpa owned a nursery and would use old cast iron pans or nails for the same thing.

[@joemattes8389]

Excellent production quality.

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertewbank1440]

just got the gazelle this month can't wait to test it out on labor day weekend am a tent nut I luv tents...

[@smittysmitty481]

Really cool video!!

[@michaeltuggle9602]

I’m a firm believer in the kiss method. 4xe is another system that adds unnecessary complexity, just like all the other items on the rubicon like the mechanized sway bar disconnect. My Jeep is basic and built. Lockers, manual disconnect sway bar, etc. I bought a basic Jeep and built it myself. I have a quit a bit less in it than buying a Jeep loaded with complicated mechanicals that are just not necessary

[@TrailRecon]

I agree. I was having a conversation with Jordan at camp about a bit of fear of not knowing out to repair modern electrical issues. I think carrying a code reader will be something I start doing.

[@colbertbd]

Awesome videos. I'm in the SD area and if you ever do any group adventures, I'm looking to getting my Bronco dirty (with the safety of a group). Thanks for these videos.

[@pbflorance8277]

Carry a small magnet. Also picks up bottle caps. Plus throw-away bags for diapers (and disposalbe gloves) Roof top tents... no joy. Leveling the vehicle (unless it's a Rivian) or leaving for a day trip. And then there is the call of nature after an IPA or two. That ladder dances! And it makes a vehicle more top heavy. And leaving it on... eats mileage. Hard to store without a garage lift kit.

[@brentking4538]

I have the Gazelle T3 & T4 tents, and love them both!!! The T3 I can put a queen air bed in it for the wife and I!! Great tents!!

[@danielhsubr]

For first timers overlanders, where to start? Straight out of gate 392, or get a used Rubicon to beat it up, there are some used with nice upgrades.

[@timmccreery6597]

The CA high desert is my home. I love camping in Johnson Valley!!

[@Detachedc14]

It’s awesome territory. I’m there now an old Dale mining district. Real nice wheeling. I’m hanging out at an awesome view campsite w a real warm fire.

[@silentjde]

I worked on a 4xe that the transfer case motor took out the fuse and module, felt like the trans was slipping bad and barely moved.

[@abqcrutch]

I'm forced to use a ground tent since Great Danes don't do ladders. Been using an old coleman tent for 30 years. Still takes me forever to setup. At $349, the Gazelle T4 is a steal! So, I ordered one. Thanks shipmate!

[@bradneal1757]

Hey Brad, I would love to see a video on your sleeping gear. I know you've done many gear videos but I've never really heard you talk about some of your more current sleeping pads with the foam, what bags you've found work best in different temperature ranges. I think its something that would be great for a coffee one take. Perhaps its own video? Its something I'd certainly like to see even in a short video

[@BRRRT241]

My biggest issue with jeeps in my opinion is it’s always the little stuff that’s a problem. I’m really interested in the Bronco. For now I’ll stick to my Toyota FJ Cruiser. Never let me down. I’m watching to see how that Bronco is . Great info , Great videos 👍

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Toyota reliability is everything off road

[@hotrod7603]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD 2 dollar credited into your account by turdota👍

[@robertwhitemoto]

Love'n that Bronco.

[@hpartlow8640]

Been on those trails dozens of times lots of mines and bobcat out there, and did the kit foxes visit at the camp

[@TrailRecon]

I've never seen a bobcat in the wild... one of these days I hope to

[@jared71]

Great video as always! I’ve been wondering what jacket is your green one? Thanks!

[@tomsbigtrucks]

You can make it on 35’s been there done that in a two door.. great video as usual keep them coming👍

[@davidrdanner4232]

To store the tent and accessories... ...get a roof top carrier to keep your things dry _ just saying I know you probably know that 😉 Good video 👍

[@mark12.31]

With gas prices climbing like they are I suspect a lot of people will be taking fewer overlanding trips or shorter/closer ones. Some of the fuel prices are getting to the ridiculous point. Fuel mileage is more important than ever. Tough times…

[@tonydmty1234567]

That white Jeep Wrangler is beautiful. ";-)

[@lorensmith624]

Hey Trailrecon, Brad. Our GMC Canyon had the same message 4WD service. Not know what that was eventually it got worse. It was Stuck in 4WD auto then 4Hi. Then stuck in 4 low. Eventually GMC said the gears were binding major work had to be done.

[@hairamess]

When all those warning lights go off on a JL or JT dashboard, it is usually due to the fuses being notoriously loose on those Jeeps. It is an assembly issue, that has never been addressed since the JL’s first left the line. The fuse issue is an annoyance on JL and JT’s, but it could be detrimental on a 4xe PHEV if the wrong fuse is loose. Another issue I have seen recently that causes similar symptoms to this, is a defective 12v battery. Check both the fuses and 12v battery.

[@rwarts5150]

Great video Sir 👍💯👍even if I think the cracked windshield feels better when it's a learning curve from traversing a long downhill rocky gulch and your four head bounces off the glass as your trying to see over the hood and not high center on a bolder lol 👍

[@iamblaineful]

You've probably already solved it, but their is a dealer TSB on that issue, and I had it as well. The front wheel speed sensor harness rubs on an exposed bolt in the steering shaft causing a loss of wheel speed signal. Turns on all the fun lights; DSC, DTC, ABS, srv 4wheel Drive, etc. Seems to be 2020 and newer JL/JT with the harness routing problem. Dealer fixed mine under the TSB at 6.5k miles. I happen to have a '21 JT Rubi Diesel. Under light braking, you can feel that ABS is on the entire time, and that is definitely a wheel speed sensor issue. I didn't get the money light on, but all of the others.

[@porkrindrob]

Thanks for commenting on this. I have a 22 JT diesel and it’s been at the dealer for two weeks they haven’t diagnosed the electrical issues I’ve had will certainly bring this to their attention. Do you know what the TSB number is?

[@matribadeneira9766]

Damn jeeps sure are pieces of crap 😂

[@jasonnourry9612]

Another great video it’s always nice to spend time with the family. Looking forward to hearing news about the 4xe. Do you still have the eco diesel?

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I no longer have the diesel after having some challenges with overheating while towing.