Hello from PA, USA Bucks county and the Pocono Mountains

[Sean326]

Picked up my Queens Red Trailmaster about two weeks ago after stalking the brand and vehicle for the better part of a year. I’ve driven Jeeps, pickups, and even a couple Defenders overseas, so I had a solid idea of what I was getting into.

Originally, I ordered one in Devil Red to match my fleet — my Mercedes and Lexus are color-matched with my Jeep and Ram (see pic) — but after getting frustrated with the long delivery timeline, I got impulsive. Had a good week at work, walked into the dealership, and picked up the Queens Red for some instant gratification. I told the sales guy it might just be an extended test drive while I decide if the color grows on me.
Now, 500 miles and two weeks later, here are my first impressions:

Pros:​

• Love the size, weight, and feel. The aesthetics, the design and engineering are excellent, lots of nice touches and features. It drives great and feels solid on and off the road.

Cons:​

• Storage is almost non-existent. For a vehicle that’s supposed to be trail-ready, it has about half the in-cab storage of my Ram or Wrangler. I asked the sales guy about the "bump" behind the ladder — he said it's a Euro-mandated cubby for safety gear. Cool, right? Except they covered it with a flat panel for the U.S. market. Why not just leave it and let us use the space?
• ADAS system is intrusive and underwhelming. Constant beeps and chimes with no clear purpose — and only about half of them seem to light up any actual warning indicators. There’s a big screen in front of you, but it doesn’t make the system any more useful. It doesn’t offer true adaptive cruise, no lane centering, and the braking is "emergency braking" only and may kick in 2 seconds before impact. For long drives (especially on PA highways or cross-country trips), adaptive cruise and lane keeping would be huge. Nearly every car I’ve driven in the past few years has it — and this thing is $90K, I was stunned at how primitive and basic it was.

Final Thoughts:​

Still not 100% sold on the color, but the vehicle itself is impressive. That said, I’m surprised how many practical elements were overlooked or intentionally removed. The Trailmaster does a lot of things right, but for this price, I expected a bit more, especially in areas that affect daily routine driving. The newer version of my Jeep, Ram or the Bronco with all the boxes checked would all be around $90k. They would all be capable off road and have a full suite of ADAS and nearly self drive on the highways. Hopefully the later generation '25 or '26 may fill these gaps. In all honesty I will probably trade it next year on a Devils Red... just not sure if it will be for a '26 Grenadier or a Bronco. They are both capable off road and costs the same with similar options. (The wrangler I'm keeping)

 

[Salty Grenadier]

Trialmaster. Common mistake.

 

[Sean326]

Trialmaster. Common mistake.

Thanks Salty, I'm always happy to learn and take advice. I picked trailmaster because the package seemed to have several items that I thought were useful. What did I do wrong?

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Thanks Salty, I'm always happy to learn and take advice. I picked trailmaster because the package seemed to have several items that I thought were useful. What did I do wrong?

No - he’s just saying that you wrote “trail” rather than “trial.” That’s the common mistake

 

[Salty Grenadier]

Thanks Salty, I'm always happy to learn and take advice. I picked trailmaster because the package seemed to have several items that I thought were useful. What did I do wrong?

Sorry, should have been more clear. I also got the Trialmaster and love it. Agree with you on some of the issues or lack of standard features but knew what I was getting into and it’s well worth the money for me.

 

[Sean326]

Sorry, should have been more clear. I also got the Trialmaster and love it. Agree with you on some of the issues or lack of standard features but knew what I was getting into and it’s well worth the money for me.

Another Item i just realized that you would expect in a vehicle of this level would be remote start on the key fob. We get snow here from October through April, remote starting and warming your car is the norm. I get Britain is pretty temperate but i would imagine the owners downunder, in africa and most of the US would like to pre-heat or cool down their cars as well.

 

[Gaffer]

Welcome, Sean326. There seem to be a growing crowd near Philadelphia.

 

[anand]

Storage is almost non-existent. For a vehicle that’s supposed to be trail-ready, it has about half the in-cab storage of my Ram or Wrangler. I asked the sales guy about the "bump" behind the ladder — he said it's a Euro-mandated cubby for safety gear. Cool, right? Except they covered it with a flat panel for the U.S. market. Why not just leave it and let us use the space?

Welcome!

What he told you is totally inaccurate. The Euro models do not have a storage box behind the ladder, they have the same interior panels that we have. Their mandatory safety gear goes in the panel in the 70% door, just like ours does

 

[Sean326]

Welcome!

What he told you is totally inaccurate. The Euro models do not have a storage box behind the ladder, they have the same interior panels that we have. Their mandatory safety gear goes in the panel in the 70% door, just like ours does

Thanks, I'm sure someone just told him that, then what's in that bump out behind the ladder for?
And It's still true that there is a lack of in cab storage for a vehicle catering to a group of people who like to put stuff places... just in case they need it.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Thanks, I'm sure someone just told him that, then what's in that bump out behind the ladder for?
And It's still true that there is a lack of in cab storage for a vehicle catering to a group of people who like to put stuff places... just in case they need it.

Look at it as an opportunity for you to go out and buy a bunch of tactical bags, cages, MOLLE panels etc like you are preparing for the zombie apocalypse- which, all things considered. . .

I literally just ordered a seat-back MOLLE panel, bags, water bottle holder and morale patches - for my 8 year old. As a community, we have a problem. If I get a rear seat hidden holster for a side arm for her, then I’ll have really gone too far.

“Baby doll, what does your papa always want you to remember?”

“Be sure to double tap the bad guys.”

 

[anand]

Thanks, I'm sure someone just told him that, then what's in that bump out behind the ladder for?
And It's still true that there is a lack of in cab storage for a vehicle catering to a group of people who like to put stuff places... just in case they need it.

From having the interior panel off on my own vehicle, the bump out is purely aesthetic (just like the hidden embossed GRENADIER behind the spare tire)...

To increase storage, make use of all the nooks and crannies and space available. Rob (@OverlandGearGuy ) has a solution for virtually every spot you can think of in the Grenadier and is quite active here on the forum...

Being an East coast-er and a bit of a brand loyalist, I went with solutions from Blue Ridge Overland Gear (more correctly I have continued to add to a collection I started many years ago), including organizers/pouches for both sun visors, the center console, under both front seats, both rear door pockets, an attic (above the rear seats), headrest pouches on the back seat, the cargo door pocket, spare tire storage box, and a multitude of bags in my rear drawer system

 

[CrazyOldMan]

From having the interior panel off on my own vehicle, the bump out is purely aesthetic (just like the hidden embossed GRENADIER behind the spare tire)...

To increase storage, make use of all the nooks and crannies and space available. Rob (@OverlandGearGuy ) has a solution for virtually every spot you can think of in the Grenadier and is quite active here on the forum...

Being an East coast-er and a bit of a brand loyalist, I went with solutions from Blue Ridge Overland Gear (more correctly I have continued to add to a collection I started many years ago), including organizers/pouches for both sun visors, the center console, under both front seats, both rear door pockets, an attic (above the rear seats), headrest pouches on the back seat, the cargo door pocket, spare tire storage box, and a multitude of bags in my rear drawer system

Yes and yes - Overland Gear Guy and Blue Ridge. Highly recommend both. And get a crapload of cages and MOLLE panels from Bison Gear and Blacksheep. Then you will be prepared to take on the bloodbath of Peddler’s Village. You need to go locked and loaded.

View: https://youtu.be/RiPPl8o3znQ?si=9kOCfJzTKz-js93o

 

[Sean326]

Does Ineos ever respond to threads?
It seems that between this forum and the FB owners pages rumors and speculation about things like software updates, future features, parts shortages resulting in a manufacturing shutdown and other problem areas are all rumor based with no definitive comments from HQ. Their webpage is equally cryptic with a large new article about how green their factory is but not a word about updated software release or faulty door handles. I'm also an avid watch collector and Commercial/pubic safety diver. On those associated forums and FB pages when someone makes a comment about a piece of gear (kit for my friends across the pond) or a company that makes the gear. Often a rep from that company will directly respond and comment. There seems to be an odd lack of communication from HQ. This is strange since I would say we are all fans of the product and I would bet 90% of owners are friends of the company... meaning dedicated fans who wish it well and are interested in the evolution of the vehicle.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

They’re here and taking notes - but don’t respond directly. See the thread “Letter to Lynn Calder” under General Chat - a member in the UK took the initiative and is in direct contact with Lynn and her team - kind of as a “spokesperson.” They are trying to be communicative but in a controlled way. As one positive sign, they responded to the letter and have now started opening up access to the manual. If you want to catch up, I would just go through that thread - but there have been many, MANY comments and discussions about communications, generally, and there are members who have some decent points of contact. I, on the other hand, am happy to benefit from the work of others while I enjoy my Grenadier, flaws and all. You’ll learn who the involved members are who have a lot of expertise- there are some REALLY impressive members in this group who know A LOT about engineering, electrical, off-roading, etc. They kind of help “channel the energy” for the members who have a lot of opinions and preferences but have no idea what they’re talking about (me). My only warning is not to start a discussion about how Ineos should be having the discussion - that will lead to a whole discussion.

 

[LabRat]

Howdy from Southern Chester Co.

 

[CJV]

Howdy from Southern Chester Co.

Hello from Villanova!

 

[rovie]

Howdy from Southern Chester Co.

Howdy from Germany to Pennsylvania, "Where the stars and stripes and the eagle fly" (thanks to Aaron Tippin)