JLU to Gladiator?

[Bam073]

Good morning everyone.

Wanted to see what thoughts were from those who may have had a JLU that went into a Gladiator. Currently in a 2019 JLU with a 2" lift on 33" tires, absolutely love it. Ready to give to son and I'm looking at used Gladiators. Absolutely love the Gladiator Mojave. Any thoughts on the differences? Or is it essentially the same truck with a bed in the back? Also any concern with a 2021 that has 60,000 miles on it? Clean Carfax, see maintenance records, looks well taken care of.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

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[Punkn89]

I made the switch, love the JT. Just depends on your needs and if you actually need a truck for truck things. I wouldn’t say it rides any better. I have an overland though, not a Mojave. If you wait towards the end of the year I’m sure there will be more deals with less mileage JTs.

 

[Bam073]

I made the switch, love the JT. Just depends on your needs and if you actually need a truck for truck things. I wouldn’t say it rides any better. I have an overland though, not a Mojave. If you wait towards the end of the year I’m sure there will be more deals with less mileage JTs.

That's the thing, I don't per say need a truck. It's when you need one and you don't have one! Gas mileage looks similar and I won't be able to park in garage at night, but not an issue. Thanks for responding...

 

[Remorseless]

So I didn't exactly go JLU > JT, but I do currently have both a JLR and a JTR. Haven't wheeled the JT yet, but can provide some perspective - the JT is very long and low. The long wheelbase rides fantastic on the road but is going to be a hindrance when I get it off road. Bed is about the right size for lifestyle uses, but don't think it's a work truck - it ain't. Inside it doesn't feel any different than a JL or JLU. Under seat storage in the rear is nice. The truck is heavy though, 5,000lb + without anything done to it and the 3.6 does feel the weight.

 

[Ratbert]

Less interior storage. More exterior storage. Different rear end (from Ram I believe) that helps with the better tow rating, but I'm assuming has worse articulation. Significantly worse breakover angle, so more challenging to get over boulders. Longer, so less agile, but better at steep stuff.

 

[rcadden]

I came from a GMC Sierra to the JLU. The few times I've needed a bed, I can either rent a truck from Home Depot for $20 or a small trailer for about the same. I've owned the Jeep since 2021 and have needed this about 3-4 times.

The Mojave is a really nice trim. I also like that on the Gladiator, you can easily get/add a full wall plug to the little panel on the back of the bed - that would come in handy for sure.

However, for me, having the increased interior storage is better - I use the back of the Jeep constantly. I work out of it at parks/scenic overlooks, I've slept in it a number of times. It's better for suitcases on long trips (Don't have to worry about keeping them dry, etc). The dog can sit back there, etc.

You mentioned not being able to park in the garage - for me personally, that's an absolute dealbreaker.

 

[iddpaul]

I went from a JLUR to a JTRD. Wanted the diesel while I could still get one, the bed and better towing capacity. The on-road and trail/overland experience is fantastic, tight trails are now difficult because of the extra length. I'm super happy, it was a perfect decision for me, but will get another "trail ride" at some point (most likely a two door). I'm thinking that you've missed the "large" JT discounts from the end of last year/beginning of this one, but you may still be able to find 2023 left over stock, otherwise the normal "due diligence" on buying used comes into place.

From the JL to the JT.

 

[Zandcwhite]

We have both the wife's '22 JLUR and my '23 JT mojave. JT rides way better off road at speed, and handles better on road thanks tj the extra wheelbase. The builds between the 2 are much different. Her rubicon is built for rock trails. 3.5" lift, 39s, full belly skids. The mojave is built for fast desert trails, but still needed more clearance than stock for some of the more aggressive washes. 2" AEV spacer lift that retains the excellent fox 2.5" internal bypass shocks and 37s. Handles well in the dirt at freeway speeds.

As far as truck things, I'd like to see someone load 14' boards in their full size truck without a lumber rack (obviouslythe JT won't tow or haul the weight of a full size but it's more truck than it gets credit for).

 

[RudeJeepin]

So we have a 21JLURD and a 22JTRD. The Gladiator does ride slightly better, because of the longer wheelbase and the few extra pounds.
The Wrangler has the back end for dry, secure storage vs the Gladiator that has room for dirty stuff.
I added a DiamondBack SE tonneau cover so we could have more secure, dry storage.
Love both for what they are and what there not.
The Wrangler is probably gonna be the better wheeler once the trails get technical and have big rocks or break overs, because of the shorter wheelbase. But that won't matter to alot of people.

 

[Old Dogger]

The Mojave, is very different from the rest of the Gladiators. It has a different tuned suspension for Desert runs. It has a rear locker, that also can be used in 4HI. It comes with a small lift. My Friend has one, of which I have driven. It also has, very good highway handling. If I wanted a Gladiator, then this would be my choice. Is it better than a JLU, well...that depends on your wants and needs.

 

[Bam073]

So I didn't exactly go JLU > JT, but I do currently have both a JLR and a JTR. Haven't wheeled the JT yet, but can provide some perspective - the JT is very long and low. The long wheelbase rides fantastic on the road but is going to be a hindrance when I get it off road. Bed is about the right size for lifestyle uses, but don't think it's a work truck - it ain't. Inside it doesn't feel any different than a JL or JLU. Under seat storage in the rear is nice. The truck is heavy though, 5,000lb + without anything done to it and the 3.6 does feel the weight.

Living on Long Island I really don't off-road. If anything maybe out on a beach but no real intention to take off-road. As they say, it will be an expensive cool looking mall crawler at most. With an occasional use of the bed when needed.

 

[Remorseless]

Living on Long Island I really don't off-road. If anything maybe out on a beach but no real intention to take off-road. As they say, it will be an expensive cool looking mall crawler at most. With an occasional use of the bed when needed.

The Gladiator's got very few compromises for your uses then. For the bed, toss on a topper and it'll keep most of the rain out (I run the Bestop topper so it matches the twill soft top):

It's harder to park because of the length, but it's a great family hauler and you can fit a ton of stuff in the bed with the topper.

 

[Punkn89]

Living on Long Island I really don't off-road. If anything maybe out on a beach but no real intention to take off-road. As they say, it will be an expensive cool looking mall crawler at most. With an occasional use of the bed when needed.

You kinda just have to imagine and ask yourself what the pros and cons would be to losing interior storage and gaining exterior storage. The “mall crawler” people tend to lose interest over a short period of time. It is more important to have a vehicle that will provide the functionality for your intended use.

 

[LukeDagny]

You kinda just have to imagine and ask yourself what the pros and cons would be to losing interior storage and gaining exterior storage. The “mall crawler” people tend to lose interest over a short period of time. It is more important to have a vehicle that will provide the functionality for your intended use.

I went through this dilemma a few months ago, when I sold my Ford Super Duty and LJ to purchase my JLUR. My need for interior space won out, but I wouldn't be opposed to owning one of each if would win the lottery

 

[intentsrig]

I went from a JLU to a Gldiator mainly for space purposes. With a toddler, dog and wife I needed a lot of extra space for camping gear/ other random things like plastic pools and water tables lol. I have a soft topper and can fit a ton of stuff while still having the entire cabin for the fam.

Without kids, the JLU can fit a ton in the back with the seats down and it was the better off roader IMO. The wheelbase/ overhang of the JT can be a hassle but I knew that going into it. Actually going more extreme in the opposite direction of rockcrawler. Ovrlnd camper is the next mod.

I use the truck for truck stuff occasionally with yard clippings, dump runs etc but again JLU with the seats down is a large area too.

Women bring too much stuff.

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