30/03/2026 5:30 pm
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What are the absolute must-have accessories for a Mojave build if I am actually planning to hit the dunes and some rocky trails this summer? I just picked up a 2023 Gladiator Mojave and I am super stoked but also kinda overwhelmed with the options. I have spent hours on forums looking at stuff like winches and beadlock wheels. I saw a lot of people saying that a winch is the first thing you need but then others say that since the Mojave is designed for high-speed desert stuff the extra weight on the front might mess with the factory bypass shocks and the ride quality. I really dont want to ruin the stock suspension feel because that is why I bought this trim in the first place.
I am based out in Arizona so I am looking at a mix of sand and some mild crawling. My budget is about 3 grand for this first round of mods and I need to get it done by July before our big trip. I was also looking at:
- maybe some rock sliders that actually work as steps
- a bed rack for my gear
- maybe some lighting because desert nights are dark lol
I also read that the Mojave specifically has a different offset or something so some wheels dont clear the brakes as well as they do on a Rubicon. Is that actually true or just internet talk? I just want to make sure I am buying stuff that actually adds value for desert running rather than just looking cool...
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30/03/2026 5:55 pm
@Reply #2 - good point! Stumbled onto this thread and wanted to say be careful with those wheels. Last year I tried swapping mine and the clearance was so tight the weights almost sheared off... I would suggest checking the offset twice. Stick to +25mm or so. Snagging Lod Offroad Signature Series Rock Sliders was a good call because they fit the budget and double as a step but wont bend on a rock.
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30/03/2026 5:55 pm
Just saw this! I'm still pretty new to this too but you definitely need to prioritize air and light first. Since weight is a worry, skip the winch and get these:
- ARB Twin On-Board Air Compressor for quick air-ups after the sand.
- Baja Designs Squadron Sport A-Pillar Light Kit for those pitch black AZ nights. The Mojave knuckles are actually different, so some 17-inch wheels wont fit. Always double check clearance before buying! Have an amazing trip!
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04/04/2026 11:56 pm
Tbh keeping that Mojave light is the smartest move you can make. Over the years I have seen way too many people ruin their desert ride by hanging 200 lbs of steel off the front end. If you are hitting AZ trails in the summer, reliability is everything because that heat is no joke. I think you should focus on your cooling and maybe some solid recovery gear before the big stuff. Not sure but IIRC those Mojave knuckles are beefier than the Rubicon ones which is why the wheel fitment is so picky. I have heard stories about guys getting 17-inch wheels that just wont clear. Definitely check the backspacing twice. You dont want to be stuck with wheels that dont fit right before your trip. Personally, I would skip the heavy winch for now and just grab a high-quality shovel and some boards. Keeping that factory Fox suspension dialed is way more important for high-speed stuff. You dont want to be bottoming out just because you wanted to look cool with a winch you might never use.
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30/03/2026 5:31 pm
> ...others say that since the Mojave is designed for high-speed desert stuff the extra weight on the front might mess with the factory bypass shocks Honestly, you're right to worry. In my experience, a heavy winch compromises the specific factory tuning of those Fox bypass shocks. Adding significant weight causes excessive nose-diving during high-speed runs. I've tried many builds and basically keeping the front-end light is critical... dont mess with that balance. Focus on recovery boards first.