THE JEEP Wrangler has set the bar in the off-road world for decades, and its reputation as a capable trail rig is undisputed. But when the Gladiator JT debuted in 2019, the brand’s first pickup in nearly 30 years, it rattled the industry, receiving praise and persecution. The cynics cited its length, wheelbase and reduced breakover angle simply didn’t fit the bill for serious fourwheeling. But for truck guys like me, a Jeep pickup was long overdue. Comfortable seating for four adults, live axles, a nimble suspension, vetted drivetrain, and room for heaps of gear … what’s not to love?
While the Rubicon model is crafted for the rock-crawling crowd and the Overland is ideal for adventure seekers, the seven-slot powers-that-be realised the JT might be the perfect platform for dust-loving dirt aficionados that like to go fast in the desert. Enter the ‘Desert Rated’ Gladiator Mojave.
Having spent thousands of hours in various Jeeps on a multitude of continents and terrains, I was curious as to what differentiated the Mojave from the masses. And what is ‘Desert Rated’ all about? To settle the discussion, fellow journalist Ned Bacon and I borrowed a Mojave for a multiday, 800km evaluation through the deserts of Northern Nevada. Between us we’ve raced the Baja and Mexican 1000, tested shocks and suspension systems, crossed the world’s seven continents by four-wheel drive, and have a pretty good feel for what works and what doesn’t. But let’s first examine the platform.
RAM STAMP
This story is from the August 2020 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2020 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS. Now is the time to get out and about to enjoy this great land and support the communities. Experienced adventurer Ron Moon has listed a few upcoming highlights, as well as essential track info. As always, check with event organisers before locking in your plans.
MICK GRAHAM
OLD MORISSET MENTAL HOME, NSW CENTRAL COAST
REAR VIEW
4X4 AUSTRALIA LOOKS BACK AT THE CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY, THE RISE IN . OUTBACK TOURING, THE EVOLUTIONARY SOPHISTICATION OF 4X4S, AND MORE
READERS RIGS
WANT TO SEE YOUR 4x4 PUBLISHED IN THE MAG? SEND US A PIC VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
FIRST-CLASS TRAVEL
A HOLIDAY TRIP WITH THE FORD RANGER PLATINUM RAISED A FEW EYEBROWS WHEN COMPARING IT TO OUR RANGER SPORT
ENGINE CHECK
THE ULTRAGAUGE PROVIDES YOUR VEHICLE'S VITAL STATS AND WARNINGS IN A TAILORABLE PACKAGE
RAZR RUBBER
AFTER A 50,000KM TRIP THROUGH WESTERN AUSTRALIA, THESE MAXXIS RAZR ATS HAVE PROVIDED RELIABLE PERFORMANCE ON AND OFF THE ROAD
PORTABLE POWER
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO FIT A DEDICATED DUAL-BATTERY SYSTEM TO THEIR VEHICLE, THE PORTABLE BLUETTI AC200L POWER STATION COULD BE JUST THE TICKET
A BETTER BRAKE
EVERYONE KNOWS HOW DODGY LANDCRUISER HANDBRAKES CAN BE. TERRAIN TAMER HAS THE FIX …
GOING FOR GOLD
THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING MIGHT NOT MATCH THE NEARBY HIGH COUNTRY, BUT THANKS TO ITS GOLD MINING HISTORY THERE IS PLENTY TO SEE AND DO AROUND THE WIDER CASTLEMAINE AREA AND YOU MAY EVEN STRIKE IT RICH!