News, beaters, and brutal lessons—with details you can use. We hit the week’s biggest off‑road stories (Stellantis earnings pain, ongoing 4xe overheating chatter, and Banks’ Cummins grid‑heater fix), then stack an under‑$5K beater build list with real‑world pros/cons: axle strength, IFS vs. solid‑axle tradeoffs, gearing, cooling, parts costs, and where rust hides. You’ll also get a practical day‑one upgrade checklist—tires, fluids, brakes, recovery points, and a $300 “don’t‑get‑stuck” kit. Finally, we pause the fail clips and break down exactly what went wrong—bad rigging, unsafe anchors, no spotter, and throttle panic—and show the quick habits that keep you wheeling instead of wrenching.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Hell’s Revenge, Moab, Utah

• Fins and Things, Moab, Utah

• Black Bear Pass, Colorado

• Gemini Bridges, Moab, Utah

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Banks Monster-Ram Intake

• Jeep Wrangler 4xe

• Steer Smarts YETI Steering

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• Calvin & Jennifer: SRG Offroad

• Cletus McFarlane

• Dan Grec: The Road Chose Me

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Matt (Modern Offroad)

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator

• Steer Smarts

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Stellantis posts $2.7 billion H1 2025 loss; Jeep & Ram the lone bright spots 🔥

• Jeep 4xe overheating woes & Moab charging-station debate

• Cummins 8-speed upgrade & Banks Monster-Ram grid-heater fix

• SEMA 2026 build plans + Black Crows & Queens of the Stone Age announced for 2025 show

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero 2025

• Overland Expo West 2025

• SEMA Show 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Help push us past 30 reviews on Apple Podcasts.

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): https://thetrailheadnetwork.com/shop/

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Off-Road Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15 % off

In this short episode where the first part of our live panel got cut off but what you do get is a fast, conversational catch‑up with JD, Calvin & Jennifer (SRG Offroad), Bryan (Beatrice JKU), Nathan (Mudhorn Gladiator), and Mike (JKTrlFnder). We swap Sand Hollow sand‑trap stories, talk the ‘Jurassic World’ Badge of Honor app mess, react to Stellantis’ $2.7B news, and share practical gear takes (RotopaX, Pull Pal, kinetic ropes). Shorter episode, same laughs and trail talk.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

• Backway to Crown King, Arizona

• Drummond Island, Michigan

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• RotopaX Diesel Pack

• Pull Pal Land Anchor

• Yankum Kinetic Recovery Rope

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• Calvin & Jennifer: SRG Offroad

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Utah Public Lands Alliance

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Jeep’s Jurassic World Badge of Hojmnor crashes the app

• Stellantis posts $2.7 billion H1 2025 loss amid tariffs

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero X 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews—review us on Apple Podcasts.

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Visit the site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): https://thetrailheadnetwork.com/shop/

• Discounts for Trailheads! Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

JD welcomes Marc Lawson, owner of The Jeep Lab and founder of the Florida Trail Team Challenge, for a deep dive into Florida’s most intense off-road competition. With 45 challenges packed into one weekend—from recovery drills to blindfolded driving, marksmanship, survival tasks, and GPS navigation—the event simulates real-world wheeling scenarios that test skill, endurance, and teamwork. They discuss the evolution of the Challenge, the importance of Tread Lightly! ethics, and how trail stewardship is reshaping access in Florida’s Citrus Wildlife Management Area. Plus, Marc shares that you CAN wheel in Florida, building partnerships with organizations like the Florida Off-Road Foundation, and what it takes to pull off a volunteer-driven event that’s as exhausting as it is unforgettable.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Citrus Wildlife Management Area, FL

• Croom Wildlife Management Area, FL

• Ocala National Forest, FL

• Uwharrie National Forest, NC

• Moab Rim, UT

• Poison Spider Mesa, UT

• Rubicon Trail, CA

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Avenza Maps – used by FL forest managers

• Gaia GPS

• onX Offroad

• Pull-Pal land anchor

• High-Lift Jack

• Sacrificial socket & U-joint repair kits

• Throwing knives & axes (Forged in Fire-style marksmanship)

• GPS trackers via Stinger Offroad / M2M Tech

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Marc Lawson: The Jeep Lab

• Tampa Jeep Crew

• Florida Trail Stompers

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Tread Lightly!

• Florida Off-Road Foundation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News and Notes

• The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has widespread engine issues—Marc is on his third motor.

• Paved roads in Citrus WMA caused controversy, but only improve access for equestrians and campers.

• QR-code signage now directs users to official trail maps—Marc’s team helped install them during last year’s event.

• The Florida Off-Road License Plate helps fund on-the-ground trail improvement.

• Jeep vs. Bronco: Marc says the 392 Wrangler wouldn’t exist if not for the Bronco Raptor.

📅 Events and Resources

• Florida Trail Team Challenge

• The Jeep Lab

• Florida Off-Road Foundation

📞 Get Involved

• Leave a voicemail: Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review: Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram: @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our site: thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop Merch

• Discounts: Use code TRAILHEAD15 at Tyri Lights for 15% off

It’s a night of high humidity, Gladiator debates, and a serious question about how JK's are now YJ's? JD returns to the mic with Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator, Ryan from Off-Road Campfire, and Calvin and Jennifer from SRG Offroad. The crew kicks things off with stories about high-mileage Jeeps and ongoing maintenance woes before diving into the big news: Jeep Gladiator’s surprising new crown as the most reliable truck—at least according to JD Power. What follows is a brutally honest (and hilarious) reality check from the people who actually wheel them. We get deep in the discussion about how JK's might be considered the new YJ, and Ryan's NOT happy about it. If you’ve ever wrenched under a lifted Jeep in 100-degree heat with a Monster in one hand and bourbon in the other, this one's for you.

📍Trails and Destinations

None mentioned in this episode.

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Royal Purple Synthetic Oil

• AMSOIL Synthetic Oil

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator

• Off-Road Campfire

• SRG Offroad

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Jeep Gladiator ranked highest quality truck in JD Power Study

📅 Events and Resources

None mentioned in this episode.

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): https://thetrailheadnetwork.com/shop/

• Discounts for Trailheads! Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

Let me know when you're ready for the YouTube Show Notes version and title suggestions.

What do you get when you combine a busted fan, self-destructing tires, and a 3.8-liter engine with an attitude? This week’s episode of The Trailhead is an off-road update show you don’t want to miss. JD hosts the ultimate Jeep roundtable with Bryan (@beatrice_jku), Nathan (@mudhorn_gladiator), Ryan from Off-Road Campfire, and Calvin & Jennifer from SRG Offroad. Nathan recaps his muddy misadventures at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival and explains why renting a side-by-side in Alaska beats towing his Gladiator cross-country. Ryan shares the latest from his JK ownership saga, podcasting detours, and why his tires are falling apart one lug at a time. Bryan updates us from the desert heat of Phoenix and gives an inside look at RPM Steering’s shop move, while Calvin and Jennifer have all the sarcastic comments for the tire damage, desert runs, and tire patch debates at 110°.

From tire disasters and JL steering box woes to portal axle dreams and JK vs. everything arguments, it’s equal parts wheeling wisdom and Trailhead-grade roasting. Whether you're a diehard Jeeper or just curious about what it takes to keep these rigs rolling, this episode is full of laughs, insight, and off-road chaos.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

• Sand Hollow State Park

• Windrock Park

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Apex Designs Rapid Precision Tire Inflator

• RPM Steering

• GlueTread Tire Repair Kit

• More Flight Tire Repair Solutions

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: @me_and_my_yellow_jk

• Bryan: @beatrice_jku

• Nathan: @mudhorn_gladiator

• Calvin & Jennifer: @srgoffroad

• Ryan: Off-Road Campfire

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Tread Lightly!

• Stay the Trail Colorado

🖊️ News Topics

• Tire disintegration and sidewall failures

• JL aluminum steering box issues and electronic steering woes

🗓️ Events and Resources

• Trail Hero

• Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS)

• King of the Hammers

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Review us on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our website: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop now

• Trailhead Discount: Tyri Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 at tyrilights.com

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Bo Rosa, president of the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), to dig into one of the Southeast’s most committed off-road advocacy groups. Representing more than 13,000 members, SFWDA has been championing conservation, education, and recreation since 1987—long before hashtags and highlight reels.

Bo shares how the organization led the fight to reopen the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway, how they partner with local clubs to repair trails and open new OHV parks, and what it takes to lead one of the country’s most effective regional off-road associations. From fielding middle-of-the-night recovery calls to funding grants, this conversation covers everything from broken axles to policy battles. Whether you're in Tennessee or Colorado, you'll walk away inspired to do your part and stay the trail.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway

• Windrock Park, Tennessee

• Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

• Beasley Knob OHV Trail System, Georgia

• Golden Mountain Park, Tennessee

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• ExtremeTerrain Clean Trail Grant Program

• SFWDA Membership Info

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK — Instagram

• Bo Rosa: Southern Four Wheel Drive Association — Website

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• SFWDA Education & Trail Programs

• BlueRibbon Coalition

• Tread Lightly!

📘 News Topics

• Daniel Boone Byway lawsuit and win

• Alabama OHV legislation updates

• SFWDA’s role as a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization

🗓️ Events and Resources

• TrailFest – Spring Event

• Dixie Run – Fall Event

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Review us on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our website: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop now

• Trailhead Discount: Tyri Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 at tyrilights.com

This week’s Trailhead Live is a firestorm of off-road news: national forest access restored, BLM comment rules dropped, Jeep technical alerts issued, and a rooftop tent debate you won’t want to miss. JD is joined by Loren Campbell, Kristy Byers, Amy and Mike Malone, Justin from KrashFab, Steve Botkin, and Calvin and Jennifer from SRG Offroad for an unfiltered discussion about what’s changing fast in the off-road world—and what it means for all of us.

From real talk about land use and trail-saving strategies to pent-up rants about warranties and Jeep gear, this one delivers a mix of policy, personality, and perspective. If you’ve got questions about public land, Pentastar problems, or puffy tents—you’re in the right place.

📘 News Topics

• Roadless Rule Repealed: Nearly 59 million acres of national forest land may see improved access thanks to the rollback of a rule that blocked road development

• BLM Comment Policy Overturned: The “substantive comment” rule was eliminated, opening the door for more public voices to be heard

• Trail Saver Program: Loren shares how Utah’s UPLA is organizing personal trail stories and photos for future land use fights

• The Lee Amendment Dropped: A controversial land sale proposal is removed from the budget bill—JD and Loren explain why it mattered

• Pentastar Engine TSB: Jeep releases a Technical Service Bulletin for 2018–2025 Wranglers and Gladiators experiencing camshaft/rocker wear issues

• Jeep × Dometic Air Tent: A lightweight, inflatable, officially licensed rooftop tent makes waves—and sparks debate among the crew

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Sand Mountain, Utah

• Drummond Island, Michigan

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Jeep + Dometic Air Tent (concept)

• Carobotor Dash Systems

• Pentastar TSB Overview – Wrangler & Gladiator 2018–2025

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK — Instagram

• Loren Campbell: UPLA

• Amy & Mike Malone: Midwest Krawlers

• Justin: KrashFab

• Kristy Byers: VisitDrummond

• Steve Botkin: EpicAdventureDuo

• SRG Offroad – Calvin & Jennifer: Instagram

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

• Tread Lightly!

• Stay the Trail Colorado

• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

🗓️ Events and Resources

• Sunflower Trail Ride

• King of the Hammers

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Review us on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our website: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop now

• Trailhead Discount: Tyri Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 at tyrilights.com

On this jam-packed roundtable edition of The Trailhead, JD hosts updates from a panel of familiar voices that have been guests on the show before. From Mike and Amy Malone of Midwest Krawlers to Loren Campbell, Kristy Beyer, and Justin from KrashFab, Steve Botkin, and Jennifer and Calvin from SRG Offroad, the group shares stories from recent trail events, gear wins and fails, and plans for what's next. JD even dishes on his now infamous Sand Hollow incident,  It’s everything you love about The Trailhead—laughs, land use, and community updates.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Drummond Island

• Moab Area Trails

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• KrashFab Offroad Fabrication

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK — Instagram

• Midwest Krawlers

• Kristy: @drummondislandjeepgirl — Instagram

• Justin: KrashFab — Website

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

• Tread Lightly!

• Stay the Trail Colorado

• Loren Campbell: Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

📘 News Topics

• Trail Hero X reflections

• Land use efforts across the country

• AI tools for comment writing

• Trail Saver initiative

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Review us on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our website: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop now

• Trailhead Discount: Tyri Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 at tyrilights.com

What do broken Gladiators, exploded oil pumps, and wildly unfiltered voicemails have in common? This episode. JD's back with Nathan, Alyssa, Kerry, and Bryan—are all back in the virtual studio and unpacking the chaos of the last few months. JD and Nathan share behind-the-scenes moments from Trail Hero X, including media madness and sandblasted gear. Alyssa’s been chasing desert sunsets—until her oil pump blew up. Kerry’s JL made it home, but his axle didn’t. And Bryan? He’s got updates on his builds, upgrades, and a few unfiltered thoughts to toss into the fire. Toss in our regular laughs and a voicemail that might require an exorcism—we're back we're officially back, at The Trailhead.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Top of the World, Utah

• Sand Hollow State Park

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Bluetti AC200MAX + Solar Panels

• Goal Zero Yeti Power Station

• ARB Dual Compressor

• Jackery Battery Pack

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK — Instagram

• Alyssa: @holdmycoffee_az — Instagram

• Nathan: @mudhorn_gladiator — Instagram

• Kerry: @thetrailtraveler — Instagram

• Bryan: @beatrice_jku — Instagram

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Tread Lightly!

• Stay the Trail Colorado

🗓️ Events and Resources

• Trail Hero

• EJS – Easter Jeep Safari

• King of the Hammers

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Review us on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our website: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop now

• Trailhead Discount: Tyri Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 at tyrilights.com

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Leah, Ryan, and Brandon from the Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC) to explore the inner workings of one of Colorado’s most iconic and heavily trafficked OHV areas: the Rampart Range. Known as a true mecca for outdoor recreation, Rampart includes a diverse mix of motorized routes, from full-size 4x4 roads to an extensive network of singletrack and ATV trails—over 200 miles in total winding through the Pike National Forest. RRMMC specifically focuses on the stewardship of trails designated for motorcycles and ATVs, including singletrack and two-track routes, while collaborating closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other land management agencies to ensure cohesive trail planning and maintenance. The team shares how they manage growing usage, educate new riders, and promote long-term sustainability in this high-demand area. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to Rampart, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to keep the trails open, safe, and fun for all types of users.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Rampart Range Road, Colorado

• Rainbow Falls, Colorado

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• None mentioned in this episode.

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC)

• BlueRibbon Coalition

🖊️ News Topics

• Spooky Rampart Range: Adolf Coors III Murder Case

• Anatomy of a Murder - 5280 Magazine

🗓️ Events and Resources

• RRMMC Volunteer Info & Events

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only a few reviews away from a giveaway — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off