diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index a7f5fb10..18564cff 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -59,5 +59,5 @@ matrix:
     - rvm: rbx-3
     - gemfile: test/gemfiles/Gemfile.rails-edge
   fast_finish: true
-before_install: "gem update --system" # https://github.com/travis-ci/travis-ci/issues/8974
+before_install: gem i rubygems-update -v '<3' && update_rubygems # https://github.com/travis-ci/travis-ci/issues/8974
 script: "bundle exec rake submodules test"