Max tow package for the lower trims is a good way to start a build for a “cheap Rubicon”. It upgrades the axles to 4:10, bigger brakes better cooling among other items. For the $900 I paid, it was well worth it.

Max tow is nice for lower trims as it upgrades the axle ratio to 4.10 (4.10 is standard in the Rubicon), it's good if you want to tow, but even better to someone who knows he wants to upgrade to bigger tires, 35, 37s. Saves the hassle to re-gear later down the line

Replacing a windshield on a vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control is also more expensive. They will usually tell you that in needs to be recalibrated. This is usually not the case.

I understand your opinion with unnecessary options but I bought a Launch Edition sitting on a lot unable to sell. The dealer knocked off 5k and I pulled the trigger. As you know Launch Editions have every option not needed but I love all the options. I pull a dump trailer and take my boat to Chesapeake bay and use the blue tooth speaker all the time. Good luck with your awesome Jeep.

The ridiculous engine auto stop and start design flaw is pointless junk that should be given the option to be taken out. There is no way the engine will last as long as one allowed to idle and keep the proper oil pressure and temperature.

I agree with all your points EXCEPT Adaptive Cruise... which i consider one of the greatest inventions right up there with sliced bread and the wheel:) BTW, stick to easy-to-moderate trails when wheeling alone without a winch.

The biggest issue with the adaptive cruise is when a JT owner has to replace the windshield. The vehicle has to be taken to a specific shop to have the sensor aligned properly that most auto glass repair shops cannot do. Please factor that into anyone looking into this as an option.

Adaptive cruise control is my right foot.

I highly recommend getting the auxiliary switch bank from the factory. It was more expensive adding it later at my Jeep dealership as the one I bought did not have it.

Nice truck. I rented one last Saturday. It wasn't a Rubicon, but I enjoyed it very much (it said Overland in the back). We took it off-road for sightseeing and shooting. I hope to pick one up in the future. Congrats on the purchase!

Nice job.. tip, put a zoom recorder in your pocket, lapel mic. Get better audio (by a long shot) easy to sync with on cam audio. As to adaptive cruise control... nah. I used it on a car (lux) for two years. Never Had a problem getting to where I was going but that window blockage is true. I have the speaker, didn’t order it but it came in handy at beach and camp.

Dumb reason for cruise control. A valid reason is it makes it more expensive to replace windshields which keep owners know is required frequently. Leather seats wear better and are easier to clean and rarely stain. Affects resale value. The d44 upgrade is worth getting the towing for sure so you can run 37” tires with a minor 2.5 lift. Mounting a winch, plus other attachments for aux lights is essential for off roading along with the aux package to control 4 aux outputs. Penny wise and pound foolish always costs more.

I like that color. Looks great with black trim.

If you joined any jeep page most people on there talk about the leather seat cup holder in the rear. Also the outlets and cup holders on the floor are different depending if you choose leather or not.

Our thinking is almost identical. :-) My recently-purchased 2021 Gladiator Rubicon (from a dealer's lot) came configured/optioned almost identically the way you ordered yours: Cloth seats, no Bluetooth speaker, no nanny "Active Safety Group," plastic covered front bumper, etc. All that's fine with me as well... As for leather seats, I think people get them partly due to them increasing resale-value a bit, but I'll take that loss as it can't be a HUGE loss having cloth seats. I also didn't expect cloth seats to mean I would NOT be getting the fold-down armrest/cup-holders in the back seats. And also like you, the 7,000lbs towing-capacity (with the 8-speed automatic transmission Gladiators only, not the standard 6-speed transmission Gladiators that have only a 4000lbs capacity) is FINE with me: The largest trailer I'd likely be towing is a U-Haul 6x12 cargo trailer (when I move or, help someone else move), which is well UNDER the 7K capacity. I prefer that "headroom" so it's less wear & tear on the Jeep: Prefer NOT to be towing at full-capacity with ANY vehicle I own -- unless necessary). So the Trailer Tow package was a must for me also even though I'll rarely be towing...but when I DO, I want that extra towing-capacity "cushion." I also wanted the 8.4" dash-screen, Off-Road Pages & front-facing Trail Cam -- mine came with those. :-) The only thing DIFFERENT with mine vs. yours is mine does NOT have the OEM/Mopar spray-in bed-liner...which was fine, as I knew I'd be putting a (hard) tonneau/bed-cover on it anyway: A BAKFlip MX4 folding cover is arriving soon. As for the "plastic" front bumper, as you mentioned there are LOTS of bumpers (Mopar/Jeep or aftermarket brands) available to replace it, so if I ever wanted to, I easily can -- so no big deal to me having a the standard plastic front bumper (for now). If I DO end up upgrading the bumper to a steel/winch-ready bumper, I'd want one that would accommodate a Harbor Freight Apex Badland 12K winch (pretty decent reviews and they seem to have a great cost/value ratio). The winch wouldn't be so much to rescue ME, but more likely to rescue OTHERS, either on the trail or during a bizzard/snowstorm CO gets on occasion. ;-) But the bumper/winch can wait as that's LATER, not NOW... I may get a bed-rack (a low one, for less wind-resistance and lower center-of-gravity) but will have to replace the BAK bed-cover as it won't work with a rack. But again, that's later, not now. As for a tent, I think the iKamper Skycamp Mini would suit me best. As for color, my Gladiator is Hydro Blue -- I WANTED to get a Gobi Clearcoat, too, but there were NONE of that color (or Punk'n/Gator Clearcoat) to be found at dealerships here in CO. And of all the (many!) Gladiators on dealer's lots, only ONE dealer had Gladiators configured like yours/mine -- one in blue and one in black -- I took the blue one. So giving up the items many Gladiators on dealers lots DO come with (and with a $3-4 grand more price-tag -- no thanks, they're expensive enough!) worked out well for me, too. Happy Gladiator Rubicon-ing, -- BR

Just a FYI adaptive cruise control comes with break assist which can impact your insurance rates.

Good video Mike. I’m picking a new Rubi tomorrow, same color as yours. Look forward to your future videos

Went with painted roof and fenders myself but I like it both ways. Those that think the black roof won't scratch as easy as a painted one will be in for a shock since it scratches even easier and shows the white plastic very easily. I do like how the painted fenders have a plastic lining from the factory already but will replace that with full clearshield just to have full coverage. In terms of the rear view mirror - I am taller than you and I have no issues with visibility while driving. Maybe your seat doesn't adjust properly?

We think alike. I ordered my Gobi Rubicon and believe its a near exact copy of yours, no bed cover, cloth seats, black plastic fenders, no adaptive CC, with no front camera or 8" uconnect screen. I plan on using a mini Ipad for navigation, so didn't see the need to spend the extra bucks there. Also, no bed rail system, figured the four tie downs in the bed will do until I get my rack. Waiting as well, want to see how much the Maximus-3 rack will be. I did get the steel bumper though, knowing I am going to put a winch on it. What I didn't realize about the steel bumper, it doesn't come with the winch mounting plate which Mopar sells for more big bucks. Luckily, most winch makers sell a plate you can use at a much better price. Took delivery of mine at the beginning of March. Right now I am working on wiring in a 12v panel in the bed where the optional 110v outlet goes. The panel has a 12 cig, two USB, and three light switches for additional bed lighting. I will connect this line to one of the 30a line Aux switches in the cab. I will be following your channel for more insight and tips on the Gladiator. Tks.

Great video sir. I agree with most of your points. Only thing that upset me on my gladiator purchase is the hill assist. I purchased the 8 speed automatic transmission. No need for the hill start. Yet I was charged for it lol

The adaptive cruise control is very nice here is the problem I don't like after having similar system on other vehicles. One the glass replacement price is much higher when the vehicle has that system also because of the windshield rack angle the windshield gets cracked easier. Also the system has many false positive it's not perfect. I once had the car make a full slam brake because I was going down hill and at the bottom of the hill there was one of those metal construction plates.

My new '22 Willys only has the normal cruise control. My previous Ram Laramie had the adaptive cruise. Of all of the options I don't have on the Willys I think the adaptive cruise is going to be the thing I miss the most. Of course, its not unusual for me to have to spend 7-8 hours at a stretch behind the wheel when I am traveling for work.

I'm glad I found your channel and subscribed.. loving the content 👌

FYI- off-road towing may cause frame bending or deformation. It's a topic cropping up now. Damage caused on deep travel of trailer and Jeep over obstructions...sudden braking may cause damage. This maybe the result of crash collapse design.

Signed up for your videos. Just got a gladiator today. It’s a plus you are from Minnesota.

Adaptive cruise control will make changing a cracked windshield WAY MORE EXPENSIVE because you need to get the FF camera recalibrated about 2000 dlls worth

Same w/ many others - really prefer leather. The cloth is way hard to keep clean w/ dogs.

wow im surprised my JTR was really cheap as i paid 49k and it was maxed out in options including the aux switches,speaker,rear led package except the front,steel bumper,bedliner and all that

Great job Mike. I have the 2022 Mojave, I agree with your choices, especially the leather and cruise control option. I actually dislike using cruise control altogether so this was an easy choice for me. The painted fenders look a bit too fancy for me, I think it starts putting it into less of an off road vehicle, there's really no purpose for it. It's what you'd see on a truck with 22" rims that will never leave paved roads. Mine is black anyway, but I agree with you on how the black fenders look on the other colors. You didn't tough on this, but I didn't get the lane change warning which I would have liked, the one I got didn't have them and it wasn't a deal breaker. Not sure if I missed it, if someone mentioned it in the comments, or if it wasn't an option in 2020, but I think you saved $1k by going with the black freedom top instead of painted. Thanks for the video.

i like leather if just for easy clean up of my dogs fur compared to fabric

Good looking color and vehicle

A rather petty list of complaints. If you are worried about pinstriping from running trails then you are still going to get it on the body. Leather is easier to clean. We are the same height. If the rear view mirror blocks your view then adjust the height of your seat.

Accually the Auto braking system is in that rearview box as well which is a must have.

You will want the after-market fender gap filler. That will reduce scratches in this area from rock/stones migrating there. Check it out even for in town driving.

you dont want the automatic braking that comes with the adaptive cruise either. i think that's the worst part. There have already been complaints that gladiators stab the brakes for no reason at times.

Enjoyed your presentation👍👍😎

I have to roll up, and if the tailgate is up and locked, the top will not come. The mechanism has to be released by the red strap on the inside in order for it to unroll. I have the steel bumper, you can take the ends off and make it a stubby bumper.

I got the Diesel Willys off the lot, no steel bumper. It will cost me $1500 to get it. I want the Mopar unit as it will look stock, and won't negatively hit me on resale.

Upvote 555. Cool.

Sounds like you didn't even need the Rubicon. 🤷‍♂️

i wish i ordered my JTR without the painted fenders cause even though that sting gray looks awesome it just gets beat up especially the back but yeah,and as a function thing i custom made a sticker "Please contact me if you want my trailer hitch" and it worked gave it to a fellow JT owner and we swapped hitches and if your asking why,its because i got a hitch and thats the first thing i hit and well thats why i did that :D

Adaptive cruise is most useful (for me) in heavy traffic, where speed is constantly changing ...

Your resonating seemed based on money, not function.

Single guys, don't really need a 4dr truck either. I'd rather have a longer bed, and a two door!

I’m gonna wait for version 3.0 🙌🏻 Pioneers end up with arrows in their arse 😉

agree on the leather seats, agree on the blue tooth speaker, agree on the tonneau cover, but its how there marketed, unless you do what you did & that is special order a jeep, which probably is better, keep on Jeepin!

I like tan interiors so the leather is the only option but I much prefer cloth. Now if you do order tan leather, the center console is black.

Every single one of these things is personal preference....hence the reason they are options. Didn't really find this a helpful video.

So what’s max tow package change? The rubicon is already set up to tow. Details on what’s different? Also the cup holder thing sucks. I have one on order and didn’t know that. Darn

since you didn't go with the painted fenders, you also didn't go with the painted top which saved you even more

The painted rear fenders get hammered with rocks and paint takes a beating. Good call on non painted

I wouldn't admit you might not notice the car in front of you is going slower than you.

Great video and thanks for your perspective. I am highly considering the Gladiator with similar intent and I am very interested in a rack, tonneau bed cover combo. Subscribed and I will be following. Thanks

by not have adaptive cruiser control you'll save 1k off the price of the windshield. 1200 windshield is crazy all because of AC.

The only thing that’s necessary that is actually a good deal and better quality than any aftermarket option is the led package! Other than that, nothing else is needed, or can be bought aftermarket for cheaper and or usually better quality better built than the Jeep/mopar offering. And imo the led headlights are a safety factor. Jeep should not be allowed to sell their vehicles with the dangerous halogen headlights on their vehicles! Imo, led headlights are the only option that is a must buy, everything else is just preference and will only enhance or make the vehicle more luxurious. But not a must have on the vehicle.

The adaptive cruise control front camera is much more obtrusive in the new tacomas, there's a large black box stuck to the windshield.

Only useful options for me are automatic transmission, upgraded stereo and towing package.

I believe that the Rubicon has the higher toe as the wide track it's all the same stuff minus the lockers and swaybar disconnect

Love it! ❤️⁠ ⁠ As a Mainland Chinese, stoked to know Jeep is now owned in part by Dongfeng of China 🇨🇳 #MadeInChina2025 #BeltAndRoad #BeijingOlympics2022 #OccupyMars2024

Hi Mike, Thank you for the topic as I am considering purchasing a Gladiator. I like your rationale and clear assessment of your truck. Good point on the All Terrain tire choice. I am curious, how you feel about the Jeep Mohave version.

Maybe adjusting your seat height to see around your mirror. The rubicon has a lighter towing capacity because of the rubicon suspension and weight of differentials, otherwise its the max tow package components.

I know you bought your Gladiator a while ago, but too bad Jeep didn't offer the Mojave when you bought. IMO it's better suited for your type of overlanding. Only recently have I become aware of Chris S's off-road experience prior to starting his Adventure4WD channel. On one hand, having such extensive off-road experience gives him the "know my limitations" aspect, but on the other hand, I would've thought someone with such extensive off-road experience should make a winch a very high priority accessory when off-roading solo

I have the same color jeep with the painted fenders and roof looks Awesome

Nice looking jeep. Looked at some today. I agree with the fender flares for me also need to be black will be the first thing to take a scratch.

It was lift, front bumper and winch, then wheels and tires for me.

i like the factory soft roll up cover.

Venturew4WD is a great chnnel. A couple of times he should of had one because he got stuck real good.

Agreed

Smart choices

Ijust saw the Glagiator options list fot for 2021 and Gator green was not available but the 3.0 liter Ecodiesl is and it's a $6000 bump up from the 3.6 petrol.

DON'T HIT ANYTHING GOING FORWARD !

Those fenders will turn white after a while

Back seat is torture

ah you are from Minnesota sp did you like Lutefisk

Regretting the plastic fenders and the plastic front bumper yet? ;)

I would get the regular sport with ROLL DOWN MANUALLY Windows. And 6 speed manual.

I hate you can not get it a diesel, only a 4 or 6 cylinder. Only an automatic transmission. And I haul stuff in my truck, lawn waste not so much. Give me a 3/4 ton truck platform to pull a good size trailer. You have a “1/2 ton truck” platform that sets 5 people and can only pull a small two person tear drop trailer. It would be about all this truck to do pull a 14-16 foot boat. I’ll have to pass. Love the look, really do, but to light duty for me. Could get 4 door wrangler with more options. And same towing.

Many that have had the so-called adaptive cruise control have had major problems including accidents with major injuries just like that stupid panoramic sunroof that is also stupid and dangerous

Bumper choice was a mistake

Are the cloth seats in the UL Wranger the same in back as Gladiator?

good video one hears alot about bad things about jeep are they really that bad yes some things are Italian but who cares the other big question is so do you like Lutefisk :)

I think my new gator green gladiator is the perfect one for me, loaded sport, winter pkg, remote start/keyless entry, auto, upgraded 7" radio, auto climate control, hardtop, slush mats, towing pkg/receiver. Garage door opener/convience group, factory spray in bed liner, alarm, Trac lock rear axle/Bridgestone Dueler AT tires.....dude Falken tires are truly JUNK. . you'll be lucky to get 10k miles out of them

👌👍

My Rubicon has the Max Tow package.

The price for the gladiator is ridiculous! 45k - 50k is way more than I would spend on a truck like this.

Can’t hear message, volume too low

My Jeep Commander cloth seats stained from WATER.

The number one useless accessories, is the extra two doors.