If you’ve spent any time in the off-road world, you know there are a few trails that every Jeep owner dreams about: Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and Johnson Valley, home of King of the Hammers. Each of these places will test your rig and your driving skills in completely different ways. Moab rewards smooth throttle and careful tire placement, the Rubicon punishes anything less than solid armor and patience, and the Hammers combine desert speed with rock crawling chaos.
To run trails like these with confidence, you need more than a lift and bigger tires. You need trail-proven jeep accessories, solid armor, and Jeep upgrades built for real-world abuse. This guide dives into how our Poison Spyder upgrades can turn a capable Jeep into a trail-ready machine, built to take on Moab, the Rubicon, and the Hammers.
Let’s break down how to get your Jeep ready for these iconic destinations.
Understanding Trails and How To Beat Them
Moab, Utah, is one of, if not the most recognizable off-road destinations in the world. The red slickrock delivers unbeatable traction and steep ledges that test your nerves and your gear. The views go on for miles, but so do the climbs and drops. Trails like Hell’s Revenge and Fins and Things reward control and clearance, and they punish anything that hangs too low or flexes too much.
The Rubicon Trail in California is the definition of slow and technical. It winds through the Sierra Nevada with granite boulders, uneven shelves, and narrow forest passes that leave no room for error. It is the kind of trail that pushes your Jeep from every angle and exposes the weak spots in your build. Even the best drivers cannot avoid contact on the Rubicon, which is why strong armor is not optional here.
Then there is Johnson Valley, home to King of the Hammers. It is pure chaos for 2 weeks from the last week of January through the first week of February. One mile you are running wide open across the flats, the next you are crawling through sharp rock gardens that can tear open a weak skid plate. Every part of your Jeep is under attack out here, from the front bumper to the rear axle.
So how do you prepare for all three? You start with armor that is built for impact. A high clearance front bumper keeps your approach angle tight and gives you a solid mounting point for a winch. A strong rear bumper protects your corners and departure angle when you drop off ledges or back through tight spots. Rock sliders guard the most vulnerable part of your Jeep and let you pivot when the trail gets rough. Skid plates protect the undercarriage, keeping vital components out of harm’s way.
This is where Poison Spyder stands out. Our bumpers, sliders, skids, and fender armor are built for the trails that ruin ordinary gear. Each piece is made from heavy-gauge steel, laser cut, and brake-formed for an exact fit. And all of our parts feature SpyderShell Armor Coat that shrugs off rust and road salt. Poison Spyder parts are not just accessories; they are what let you drive away from anything with your Jeep intact.
Essential Armor for Extreme Terrain
On trails like Moab, the Rubicon, and Johnson Valley, armor isn’t optional, it’s mandatory to make it out in one piece. Before we dive into each product category, here’s what “essential armor” really means on these iconic trails.
Jeep Trail Prep with the Fundamentals
Before hitting any of these trails, make sure your Jeep’s foundation is solid. Check all the mechanical essentials including fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, and steering components. Replace anything that’s questionable. Make sure driveshafts and U-joints are greased and tight, suspension bolts are torqued, and your steering is solid.
Tires matter more than most realize, especially if you plan on running technical trails. For these trails, 35-inch or larger tires hit the sweet spot. Check for dry rot, air down for traction and comfort, and carry a tire repair kit, extra valve stems, and a compressor. A simple puncture shouldn’t end your day.
Reliable recovery gear is another part of pre-trail prep. We recommend having quality soft shackles, a durable tow strap, a satellite communicator, and recovery boards, to name a few. Keep your gear clean, organized, and rated well above your vehicle’s weight. A solid recovery kit is one of the most important tools you can carry, it’s what gets you and everyone else back on the trail when things don’t go as planned.
Once the basics are handled, that’s when the right Jeep accessories and Jeep upgrades really start to shine. Good prep keeps you out there longer, and good gear makes adventures a lot less stressful.
Whether you’re running forest roads or chasing the toughest trails on earth, Poison Spyder bumpers deliver the strength, clearance, and protection your Jeep needs. Each one is made from heavy-gauge steel, finished in durable SpyderShell Armor Coat, and built to handle real trail abuse.
For a lot of builds, upgrading front and rear bumpers is one of the first big steps into aftermarket jeep parts, because they change both how your Jeep looks while upgrading the protection on the front and rear ends.
Brawler-Lite Front Bumper (JK 2007–2018)
A minimal design that maximizes clearance. The Brawler-Lite uses 3/16 inch plate steel with internal gussets for strength without the weight. A 1 ¾ inch bar guards the grille and winch area, while recessed fog mounts keep lights safe from rocks.
Brawler-Mid Front Bumper (JK 2007–2018)
The Brawler-Mid improves approach angles without frame cutting. Its tight design boosts clearance and accepts most winches, while recessed fog buckets and the optional Brawler-Mid Skid Plate for extra protection
Bruiser Front Bumper (JK 2007–2018 & JL 2007- Present)
The Bruiser Front Bumper gives full-width protection and aggressive styling. Similar to the other bumpers, it features recessed cube light mounts and has an easy bolt-on install.
Bruiser-Mid Front Bumper (JK 2007–2018)
Built for rock crawlers who want more space for their tires, the Bruiser-Mid adds even more clearance. And just like our other front Bruiser bumpers, you have recessed light mounts meant for aftermarket cube lights, space to add a winch, and a simple bolt-on design.
Rock Brawler II Rear Bumper (JK 2007–2018)
The Rock Brawler II features a high-clearance, multi-angled design that improves departure angles and protects corners. It includes a built-in hitch, recovery tabs, and recessed light mounts.
Bruiser Rear Bumper (JK 2007–2018 & JL 2007- Present)
The Bruiser Rear Bumper is made from 3/16 inch steel with an integrated Class III receiver hitch and recessed light cutouts. It’s a durable upgrade that looks as good as it performs.
Crawler Rear Bumper (JK 2007–2018 & JL 2007- Present)
The Crawler Rear Bumper combines style with performance. Made from 3/16 inch plate steel, it includes a Class III-rated hitch, recovery tabs, and recessed light mounts, plus compatibility with the Poison Spyder Frame-Mounted Tire Carrier.
Bumper Model | Bull Bar Options | Lighting Compatibility | Winch Mount | Jeep Fitment |
Brawler-Lite | High Bull Bar | Recessed fog lamp mounts | Top mount winch | JK |
Brawler-Mid | High Bull Bar | Recessed fog lamp mounts | Top mount winch | JK |
Bruiser | Low Bull Bar | Aftermarket cube light mount | Recessed Winch Mount | JK, JL, JT |
Bruiser-Mid | Low Bull Bar | Aftermarket cube light mount | Recessed Winch Mount | JK, JL |
Crawler | Low Bull Bar | Recessed fog lamp mounts | Top mount winch | JL, JT |
Choosing the Right Poison Spyder Bumper
- Easy trails & forest roads: You may only need a front bumper. Depending on what you drive, the Brawler-Lite Front or Bruiser Front Bumpers are great options.
- Moderate terrain & off-road parks: Depending on how technical the trails are, you may want a front bumper and rear bumper. We would suggest the Brawler-Lite Front or Bruiser Front Bumpers paired with the Rock Brawler II Rear or Bruiser Rear Bumpers.
- Hardcore trails like Moab, Rubicon, or King of the Hammers: You will absolutely want front and rear bumpers to tackle these trails. Our Brawler-Mid Front or Bruiser-Mid Front Bumpers paired with the Crawler Rear Bumper is the ultimate setup.
Dialing in the right combo of front and rear bumpers is one of the simplest Jeep upgrades you can make that pays off on every single off-road trip.
Your Jeep’s rocker panels take more hits than almost any other panel. Poison Spyder’s Rocker Armor is built to absorb those blows and keep you moving. Each set doubles as a step and a jack point.
If you’re shopping for rugged Jeep parts and wondering where to start, sliders should be an important step. They take the hit so your doors and rockers don’t have to.
Rocker Knockers (JL 2018-Present)
The Rocker Knockers are built for hardcore rock crawling and fit 4-door JLU models only. Made from 3/16 inch steel plate with 1.5-inch DOM tubing, they use a mini-boat side design that lets your Jeep slide off rocks and back onto the trail. They are designed with an integrated rub rail that protects your doors and angled facets that allow clearance for up to 40-inch tires.
Our rock sliders can double as a step and a jack point for versatility. They mount directly to the frame with included Grade-8 and stainless hardware and require no cutting for installation. Each of our Rocker Knockers will come coated with our SpyderShell Armor Coat finish backed by Poison Spyder’s limited lifetime warranty.
Brawler Rockers (JK 2007-2018)
The Brawler Rockers for JKU models are a two-piece rock slider made from 3/16 inch plate steel. The upper section sits right along the body for a factory fit, while the lower section forms a strong rub rail and step.
They are designed with internal gussets that reinforce the structure, and the angled ends allow clearance for up to 40-inch tires. These sliders give your Jeep a true pivot point when crawling and hold up to the hardest impacts.
Poison Spyder skid plates are made from laser-cut 3/16-inch steel and finished with SpyderShell Armor Coat. Designed to mount directly under Poison Spyder bumpers, they protect your crash bar, sway-bar disconnect motor, and lower frame from trail impacts without compromising clearance.
At some point, you’re going to scrape the underside of your Jeep out on a rocky trail. Skid plates are the aftermarket Jeep parts that make sure it’s just a scrape and not a broken component.
We offer a few different skid plate options depending on your model and which Poison Spyder bumper you are currently running. Here are our options:
- Brawler-Lite Skid Plate (JK 2007-2018) - Made to fit with our Brawler-Lite Front Bumper
- Brawler-Mid Skid Plate (JK 2007-2018) - Made to fit with our Brawler-Mid Front Bumper
- Bruiser Skid Plate (JK 2007–2018 & JL 2007- Present) - Made to fit with our Bruiser Front Bumper or our Bruiser-Mid Front Bumper for the JK
- Bruiser Skid Plate (JL/JT 2018 - Present) - Made to fit with our Bruiser Front Bumper
- Crawler Skid Plate (JL/JT 2018 - Present) - Made to fit with our Crawler Front Bumper
When the trail gets tight, the trees get close, and you’re crawling over rocks, Poison Spyder Fender Armor keeps your Jeep’s body safe. These all-steel Crusher Flares are built for drivers who wheel hard and expect their rig to come home in one piece. Made from heavy-duty DOM tubing and precision-formed steel plates this is the kind of armor that takes abuse without flinching.
Front JK Crusher Flares (2007–2018)
Built from 1.5-inch DOM tubing and 3/16 inch steel plates, the Front JK Crusher Flares are tough enough for granite, slickrock, and tight forest trails. An inner brace system ties into the Jeep’s body for added strength, while rubber liners protect your paint. Each set includes LED marker lights and stainless hardware for a clean, finished look.
Front JL/JT Crusher Flares (2018–Present)
The Front JL/JT Crusher Flares combine heavy-gauge steel with precision fitment for newer Jeeps. Internal braces reinforce the body, while flexible LED running and blinker lights come standard. SpyderShell Armor Coat keeps them looking sharp after years of rock rash and road salt.
Rear JK Crusher Flares (2007–2018)
The Rear JK Crusher Flares use CNC roll-bent DOM tubing and laser-cut steel for maximum durability and a smooth factory-style contour. They clear up to 40-inch tires and tie into the Jeep’s structure for extra protection. SpyderShell coating adds rust resistance for long-term performance.
Rear JL Crusher Flares (2018–Present)
Made from roll-bent DOM tubing and 3/16 inch steel plates, the Rear JL Crusher Flares protect against trail impacts while maintaining clean body lines. They clear large tires, integrate with Poison Spyder inner fenders, and use countersunk hardware for a snag-free finish.
Rear JT Crusher Flares (2020+)
Tailored for the Gladiator, the Rear JT Crusher Flares combine strength and precision fitment. The roll-bent tubing matches the JT’s longer rear corners, while the internal bracing spreads impact forces through the body. SpyderShell Armor Coat ensures lasting protection through every season.
Which Armor Fits Your Trail Style?
Depending on the model you own, this is what you will be able to upgrade:
- JK: Front JK Crusher Flares and Rear JK Crusher Flares
- JL: Front JL/JT Crusher Flares and Rear JL Crusher Flares
- JT: Front JL/JT Crusher Flares and Rear JT Crusher Flares
Poison Spyder Inner Fender Armor acts as a durable shield between your tires and your Jeep’s vital components, like wiring, suspension mounts, and the engine bay. Made from lightweight aluminum with precision bends and bead-rolled panels, these fenders add strength, ventilation, and style where it counts most.
Each inner fender is CNC laser-cut and brake-formed from 16-gauge 5052 aluminum, with bead-rolled sections that increase rigidity and prevent flex. This construction delivers the durability you need on the trail without unnecessary weight.
All Poison Spyder Inner Fenders are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty and are available for both the front and rear of the JK, JL, and JT.
Available Options:
- Front JK Inner Fenders (Raw, 2007–2018)
- Front JK Vented Inner Fenders (Raw or Black, 2007–2018)
- Front JL/JT Vented Inner Fenders (Black, 2018–Present)
- Rear JK Inner Fenders (Raw or Black, 2007–2018)
- Rear JL Inner Fenders (Black, 2018–Present)
The front JK Inner Fenders are the only fenders that come as either solid or vented. The biggest difference between the two is that the vented version allows better airflow and cooling in the engine bay, while the solid version offers maximum coverage to keep out mud, water, and debris during heavy off-road use.
Inner fenders aren’t the flashiest Jeep upgrades, but they quietly do a ton of work by keeping debris out of your engine bay and suspension so you can stay focused on the trail instead of what’s getting flung up inside your wheel wells.
Why Running Both Front and Rear Fender Armor Matter
If you’re planning on off-roading year-round, having Inner Fender Armor is a must. Our fender armor is designed to safeguard your rig from front to back, keeping vital components and body panels protected no matter what the trail throws your way.
Up front, the Inner Fenders protect any wiring, suspension mounts, as well as your engine bay from mud, water, and debris. Choosing the vented options will also help improve airflow and cooling.
In the rear, the inner fenders provide full coverage in the wheel well, acting as a protective layer between your paint and flying rocks that can cause dents, chips, and eventually rust. They also help prevent the buildup of mud and water, keeping the inner body panels clean and corrosion-free.
When the trail demands more than stock can handle, Poison Spyder Tire Carriers step up. Built from heavy-duty 3/16 inch steel and engineered to carry up to 40-inch spares, they provide unmatched stability, smooth operation, and confidence no matter how rough the terrain gets.
Rear JK Bruiser & Crawler Tire Carrier (2007–2018)
Frame-mounted, this tire carrier spreads weight evenly through the Jeep’s chassis instead of the body. The single-action hinge opens with the tailgate for easy access. It’s tethered directly to the tailgate, allowing you to open both the tire carrier and the tailgate together, without them interfering with one another.
Rear JK Rock Brawler II Tire Carrier (2007–2018)
The Rock Brawler II mounts directly to the matching rear bumper, using Timken tapered bearings for a smooth swing even under heavy loads. Its one-handed operation makes it easy to open and close.
Rear JL Bruiser & Crawler Tire Carrier (2018–Present)
Built for the JL, this frame-mounted carrier opens with the tailgate for convenience. This bumper fits a 40-inch tire and offers multiple bolt patterns, including 5x5, 5x4.5, 5x5.5, 6x5.5, and 8x6.5. With integrated camera and license plate relocation mounts, it’s a complete solution for your build.
Why Aftermarket Jeep Parts Are Essential for Iconic Trails
Tougher trails like Moab, the Rubicon, and Johnson Valley ask a lot from your Jeep. Stock gear is fine for gravel and forest roads, but once you start dropping into ledges, sliding along rock walls, and crawling through sharp boulder gardens, the limits show up fast.
That’s where aftermarket Jeep parts come in. Factory bumpers, thin skid plates, and plastic flares can:
- Bend or crack after a few solid hits
- Kill your approach and departure angles
- Struggle with the weight of larger spare tires
- Leave steering, suspension, and body panels wide open to damage
Swapping those weak spots for rugged Jeep parts from Poison Spyder turns your Jeep into something you can actually trust when the trail gets tough. This stuff is built to be hit, scraped, dragged, and leaned on without giving up.
And when you pair that armor with the right accessories like recovery gear, a winch, good lighting, and the right tires, your build stops being “good enough” and starts being something you’re confident taking into the harder terrain.
You still need to pick a smart line and stay patient behind the wheel, but when your parts are up for it, running these iconic trails stops feeling like a gamble and starts feeling like what your Jeep was meant to do.
How to Select the Best Setup for Your Trail
Once you understand why adding armor matters on trails like Moab, the Rubicon, and Johnson Valley, the next step is figuring out which setup actually fits the kind of wheeling you plan to do. These aren’t casual trails; they each demand something different from your Jeep, and choosing the right mix of aftermarket Jeep parts can make the whole experience smoother, safer, and way more fun.
Moab: Traction and Clearance Are Everything
Moab is a slickrock haven, but it also gives you steep climbs, sudden drop-offs, and off-camber shelves. Your setup should reflect that.
Plan for:
- High-clearance bumpers to keep the nose out of the rock
- Rock sliders for those moments when your Jeep leans into the wall
- Good cooling and brakes for long, slow descents
- Tires with strong sidewalls
The Rubicon: Protection, Protection, Protection
On the Rubicon, you’re crawling over big, uneven boulders all day long, and sooner or later, you’re going to come down on something hard. If your Jeep has a weak point, those rocks will expose it. Stock stuff bends quickly out there, which is why armor is so important on that trail.
Plan for:
- Skid plates that can handle constant contact
- Fender armor for squeezes between granite slabs
- A rear bumper with better departure angles
- A reliable tire carrier for a full-size spare
Johnson Valley: Built for Chaos
Johnson Valley is a different monster. One minute you’re flying across an open desert, the next you’re dropping into a rock garden that reminds you real quick why good armor matters.
Plan for:
- Full front and rear bumpers and skid plates
- Rock sliders strong enough to pivot the whole Jeep
- Suspension components that can handle weight and heat
- A reliable tire carrier for a full-size spare
Planning Your Setup the Right Way
Before bolting on anything, ask yourself a few honest questions:
- Which of these trails am I actually running?
- Am I okay with body damage, or do I want maximum protection?
- What obstacles am I most likely to hit?
Your build should reflect those answers.
Dialing It In
When your setup matches the trail you’re running, everything changes. Lines become easier. You stop worrying about every noise. And instead of hoping your gear holds up, you know it’s built to take the hit.
That’s when Moab, the Rubicon, and Johnson Valley stop feeling like “bucket list trails”…and start feeling like the reason you built your Jeep in the first place.
Explore the Range of Products to Keep You Adventurous
Every trail leaves its mark, but with Poison Spyder armor, your Jeep won’t flinch. From bumpers and rock sliders to fenders and tire carriers, each piece is built for the drivers who push limits. Whether you’re weaving through forest roads, crawling ledges, or tackling desert canyons, the right protection turns hesitation into confidence. So build it strong, drive it hard, and let the scratches tell your story. Poison Spyder will handle the rest.
When you’re ready to take your build further, explore the full Poison Spyder lineup and start gearing up for the trails that push you.
