Starting Over Again: Jeep Gladiator Build Update January 2021
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- My new Jeep build! This is my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. I'm making steady and calculated modifications to my Jeep. Everything I do is functional and has a purpose. I'm not "ego-building" my Jeep, and instead, I'm upgrading things to maximize the utility, reliability, and versatility of my rig. "Starting Over" refers to this being the fourth Jeep I've built for off-road use, after two JKs and a JL.
Upgrades I Discuss:
35" Falken Wildpeak M/T tires
AEV Pintler JL/JT wheels
Bestop EZ-Roll tonneau cover
Builtright Industries Gladiator cargo management system
Mopar Katzkin leather seats
Factory auxiliary switches
Stock suspension
I need to decide on a winch bumper and winch for my rig. The most pressing issue I have is what in the world to do with my ARB 50qt fridge. It's too tall to fit in the bed under the tonneau cover. I either need a shorter fridge or get some kind of canopy. I'm also working on brackets to mount a rooftop tent too.
Join me at E3 Offroad Association!
kd691.isrefer.com/go/e3/Berse... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I like that you didn’t edit out your kids. They’re just doing what kids do. It’s a very honest video and was good for a smile.
Thank you! They added flavor to my somewhat dry delivery to the camera. They're only young once so I'm rolling with it. Plus, they get a big laugh out of it because they're playing a joke on their dad, which is worth it to me.
Great video man.. I have one 2 love it.. like the wheels and tires..🔥🔥
Pro trick : you can watch series on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies lately.
@Justice Patrick definitely, been using flixzone for months myself =)
I like your kids. And I like how you just rolled with it.
Thanks. Between their cameos and the busy suburbia background, I've learned to just make the best of it and keep moving forward. Otherwise, I'd be there all day waiting for that perfect moment.
I just Love those pleasant interruptions 😊
Love seeing the kids pull a video bomb.
I own a Gladiator Mojave and I'm glad you are showing everything trail worthiness about them and what can be improved. In a previous vehicle I had make a under seat bracket-slider to make it work for my height also. Keep sending the vids out.
I'm just now watchin this one and I Love your kids "video bombing" you! Ya been talking about the family aspect with this Gladiator and this episode says it all. As I like to say, "Keep on Jeepin" dad...
They enjoy being a part of the process and love watching videos of themselves from over the years. They bring me great joy and focusing on quality outdoor time with them has been a boon for our family. Thank you for watching and sharing the kind words!
Great review. Just picked one up myself and you’re so right on. Thus New 21 gladiator is all time best driving jeep ever made. Like floating on air. And steering is fantastic. I heard people complain about their steering but seems like Jeep finally got it right.
The kids are having fun . Great video.
Very nicely done!! Just picked mine up a couple weeks ago and love it! I’ve owned many Jeeps over the years (TJ, JKU, XJ, WJ) and I have to agree, out of the box, this is the best and most versatile Jeep I’ve ever owned. And most comfortable! I just completed a 2200 mile road trip in the JT and it was very comfortable. Not as comfortable as my 2019 Ram Rebel that I traded in for this was, but given all that this can do and is built for, it was amazingly comfortable. Look forward to your upcoming vids!
I love your ethos of less-is-more! When we live in a world where consumption is so rampant, it really distracts from the enjoyment of getting out into the woods. Something like a Jeep is our means to disconnect from all of that and be present with nature... Nice work! Subscribed 👍🏻
Thanks, Seth! I often find myself pitting my build ego against other rigs. Then I remind myself I want my rig to last for years.
Always great catching your videos.
Thanks man! I appreciate you watching them.
Ah man your kids are awesome! Great video!
Kid making fun , I love it.
Kids are awesome. Like your build, makes sense.
Your truck looks sharp! I have to agree with you on how comfortable the gladiators are and versatility.
Very nice and clean looking 👌
Your son under the Gladiator pretending to be Picking His Nose was hilarious!
Yeah dawg just got mine...luv it man ..luv it!!!
The JT looks killer man! Love the black on black!
Thanks! I still have a few things I want to change.
Best top easy roll is great! love mine
loved your narration and kids helmet
Just got a 22 Rubicon . Like the clean look and will watch more from you. . And love the kids!
Thanks! I have a lot coming up for the channel. And the kids are proud of their cameos and try to get into all my videos now.
OMG...love the kids!!
your son was hilarious! Nicely done! Great info!
Great Job! Keep it Simple.
I assume Jeep engineers knew what they were doing when they designed the Gladiator, so why mess with it unless it's necessary.
The kids in the show are the best part of the video
Price has skyrocketed since you bought yours. It's a very nice Glady!
Enjoyed your video....well done....keep it coming
Thank you! There's plenty in the works.
Haha your kid is making fun of you under the gladiator 😂 that made me laugh. But in all seriousness, I want a gladiator.
My son has made an art out of sneaking into my shots. I truly didn't notice he was there until the edit. And the Gladiator is a spectacular platform, but it comes with off-road sacrifice. You do some of the gnarliest obstacles I've seen for a JK built like yours and you'd have to tone it down in a JT (unless you dropped a wad building is massive, which I'm trying to avoid).
I’ll definitely be keeping up with the build. I don’t have a Gladiator but I’m pretty sure it’ll be my next vehicle.
I’ll have to decide whether or not I’m gonna bite the bullet on a Rubicon or not. It’s expensive but at the end of the day, you pay for what you get on these. Great video man, funny kids too haha.
I had the dealer install the 4 switch bank and had them install Heated Everblade windshield wipers to the Aux 2 switch (15amp) on my bank and it paid off 1st week when we had whiteout conditions here in Minnesota in 2020. People were stopping to knock off ice from their windshield and I was just moving along no problems. Best functional upgrade. I went the Mopar tonneau cover and the only thing I dislike about it is that it hangs over a bit to far and puts micro scratches in the clear coat. Hard to see on my Gator Green, but noticed when I waxed it before winter. Also, make sure to blast inside fender on truck bed from underneath real well because I noticed salt build up on the interior holes of my truck bed.
Thanks for the heated wiper tip! This is my fifth Jeep and it still has a lackluster windshield defroster, resulting in aggressive ice buildup. I just checked out their product video- wholesome and makes me want to buy a set. www.everblades.com/
Congrats! Loving our Gladiator. Agree that the seats are too high. Possibly see you around OP. Subscribed!
I'm glad you're thinking this through I had the same dilemma as you when specing out my Jeep gladiator. I went with the sport s Max tow so I could upgrade to eaton tru track lockers eventually at least in the front.
I opted for the Softopper for Jeep gladiator. It's a great canopy cover and they're a fraction of the cost of a hard shell canopy cover. It looks really good on a gladiator too. Cheers!
Especially with Jeeps it's expensive making mistakes or building wrong. How is the Softopper working for you? Bestop just released a soft canopy cover and I'm trying to decide between the two. Thanks!
@@Berserkeroffroad at the time I ordered my Softopper Bestop didn't have anything on the market for the Gladiator. Some issues I have with other softoppers is I don't care for the clear side windows and sometimes the canopy does not come all the way level with the top of the cab. I have a friend with a softopper for his full size Chevy pickup and it does not come quite to the height of the cab and looks a little funny. The softopper has none of those issues and looks really good on a gladiator which is why I chose it.
Good video. Love the way you let the kids be a part of it. As far as fixing your view, perhaps a leveling kit would help a little there by tilting the front up a little. Just a thought. If you do decide on a leveling kit, put it in another video for us!
Thanks! I'm purposely keeping the rake so the Jeep is level when it has a heavy load.
Subscribed because I really dig your thoughts about keeping it simple. Look forward to seeing where you go on 35's :)
Thanks! I appreciate the support. It was a slow year for me content-wise because I decided to set my camera down on my trips and just enjoy them with my family.
Nice jeep. 😉
4Runner owner, but subscribed cause you seem like a down to earth dude and looking to get a gladiator in the future 👍🏼
unless there are reliability issues, Select Trac is available on all models, that and when properly spec'd it will run 35" tires. Crushes the Tacoma, until at least their redesign.
Hahaha! Useful info, and your KIDS are awesome!!!
Keep the cute kiddos!
JEEP JEEP GLADIATOR BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!💣💣💣💣
I agree with you on the suspension, the the wildpeak was garbage in sand. I ran it at the same place I ran my jlu that was stock at the time with ko2. The km2 performed way better. And when I switched to km3. Omg my wrangler was badarse. Nice gladiator. I got the 2021 ecodiesl. They do ride better than the wrangler for sure. That off road plus button is cool as fck. And fun
You got the 👍🏼 but your son got the SUB!
...come home and wish i was at the trail, this had me rofl-ing lmfaooo
Hey bud, I got the Westin WJ2 HD full front and rear bumpers, they are great! Fit better than I imagined. Might me worth taking a look at! I can send pictures if you'd like, my Superwinch mounts Super Snug and the light spots are on point.
I like the Katskinz option over factory leather.
I liked and subbed because the kid under the truck told me to lmaoo
wow your son looks like i did at his age, crazy alike and he's doing what i would have been too xD. I like those wheels, mine has the stock steels im trying to keep it military look but a lighter aluminum like that would look great too. idk if i can afford running 35s yet haha. I need snow tires up here
At 6:05 what I decided to do in my JL is put misch 4x4 rails so I can go back further. My right knee was pressed against the 4x4 shifter. So I'm sitting back further, but the way I sit I have the back of the seat leaning a little back as I usually sit. If I have long hair, it'll touch the bar where the speakers are. It's not ideal, but it makes driving my JLU 10x better than stock.
Great video, but why would you buy a gladiator if you cant properly see out of the windshield? To me that would seem like a no go.
Nice vid. Funny thing to me is that I’m 6’3 and 260 and I fit just fine in the drives seat. My legs are pretty long and get a bit closer to the dash than yours did. So it just goes to show that overall height doesn’t mean fitment is the same. Long legs and a short torso type build and you’ll fit just fine.
Thanks to all the squats and deadlifts I do I have a natural phone book built-in.
You need seat slammers from desert does it.
What’s the offset on your wheels? I’m looking at mounting my 315/70/17 to the stock wheels. I’ve ordered spacers if I need them but I would be perfectly happy to send them back
What’s your tire size and wheels. Bc I’m looking to have 0 off set like yours thanks
Finally.
Was the custom leather upgrade more or less than factory leather would have been?
It cost the same, but you don't get the leather dash or fold-down armrest in the backseat.
Hey bro. I wait for rubicon 392. Happy New Year.
Did you see the leaked base price on a 392 JL Rubicon? $75k!
I’m up in Northern Utah...selling my 4 runner to get the diesel gladiator Willy’s...
Love my Willies with eco diesel.
Need to check out the fridge mount from Rebel Offroad. It mounts to the rail system, has a slide, and there's zero drilling. Because of that, you can easily remove it when its not needed. They make a model just for the ARB.
Thanks, I'll check it out. I still need to be able to keep the fridge out of the elements when on trips. Such a silly problem to have.
@@Berserkeroffroad Yeah, Jeep didn't help by making the bed so shallow. Nuthouse Industries makes a raised tonneau cover that clears a fridge. Just be prepared to shell out some coin as there items are custom made. You can see a walk around of all there products with the raised tonneau featured around the 4:50 mark here:
czcams.com/video/hEIsqQsKx0c/video.html
I haven't seen their products before- thanks for doing some legwork and sharing. I like their somewhat different approach to the bed over other manufacturers. I'll check them out.
Good video what was the offset of that wheel?
WHAT PILLAR MOUNT DID YOU USE? THANKS
I like your experience and frugality. How much were the Katskins and who installed them? Thanks! Subbed!
Thank you. While fun to watch, some bigger CZcamsrs are so sponsored that their builds are unobtainable for many and that sets unrealistic goals. The Katskin was around $1,400 and the dealership did it. The factory leather option also includes the leather-trimmed dash and a fold-down cup holder/armrest in the rear bench seat. So it's a tradeoff going the route I did. Thank you for deciding to stick around!
How tall is it with the 35's and stock suspension? Does it fit in a garage?
I haven't measured but it easily fits in a standard garage.
What portable radio do you use ?
Midland GMRS, GXT1000VP4
As a Gladiator Owner who actually wheels their JT I will offer this advice. 37inch tires should be the minimum. I know 35 sounds more practical, but you will waste money and end up with 37s soon. No less than a 3in lift, and invest in armor underneath. If it's just a "Overland" thing then 35s is fine, but I've been a sub of yours for a while and I know how you wheel. 38in tires, 3in lift, armor, maybe regear. Don't waste money on anything else.
Thanks for subbing and sticking around with me through the years. Reverting to my old ways is always a possibility. All it takes is that first scratch and then it's, "Hey Honey, I'm lifting my Jeep again. I'll be on the computer looking at 40's."
Great video I'm picking up my Gladiator tomorrow. What are the brand of the jeans. They look cleaner over 511 pants.
Thanks! They're firehose pants from Duluth Trading Co. Incredibly durable and they're sized right (no skinny jeans here).
Are those LT Load Range E tires? Most seem rated at 80 pounds. That would be extremely hard riding on a Gladiator. What pressure can you safely run?
They're load range E and are quite comfortable. I think the ride is smoother than the 33" version that it came with because more lugs are in contact with the ground. I keep them at 37psi.
@@Berserkeroffroad Interesting. I'm interested in buying a Gladiator and was curious what Jeep recommended for tire pressure on the factory LT tires. Usually LT tires are Load Range D or E and have maximum pressures of 65-80 pounds.
Thanks
I'm considering moving up to the 35x11.50 R17 Toyo Open country At3. With the addition of a 12k synthetic line winch do you think a leveling kit like the teraflex 1.5" would be in order to balance it out? My plan is to run 35" AT for my day to day driving and camping, then running a second set of 35x10.50x17 Super swamper SSR for Off road play. What do you think?
I used to do that and kept a set of MTs for wheeling. It added a few hours to my pre and post-trip work on the rig, including reprogramming the exact tire sizes. It got old after a while (and expensive- two sets of tires and a set of wheels aren't cheap). I wouldn't worry about a leveling kit unless you don't like the rake. But if you have a massive bumper you might have to.
@@Berserkeroffroad What did you use to reprogram?
Get a Superchips Flashcal.
Did you have to remove the front air dams due to rubbing?
I didn't have to remove anything to clear these on a Rubicon.
Love what you’ve done here! How do you like the Rifid lights? What mount did you use? Thanks in advance!
Thank you! I'm due for another build update. The Rigid lights throw more than enough light down the trail. I like their small package, too. I found a small a-pillar mount on Amazon. There are dozens of them, so pick one that best suits your build.
@@Berserkeroffroad Thanks brother!
10:00 What is that in you fender flare?
The red light? That's a magnetic color-selectable RGBWW LED light made for video production (NANLITE if you're curious).
Lightweight is the way to go!
Are you considering a lift?
Agreed! It's so much easier on the rig when it has less bulk to drag around. I haven't decided if I'm getting a lift. I have two week-long trips over the next two months. They'll give me a better idea if a lift is necessary. The weight of my gear will be the major deciding factor- if it compresses the back enough that my rear tires rub on the trail, I'll know.
Stock setups on these things are pretty stout. The stock trackbars are not the best though, I see them all the time at work worn out when not even being used in extreme applications. Other then that I bet that stock rubicon will take care of you for a good while, pretty stout love the new rig! Can't wait to see some more wheelin content
Thanks for the trackbar tip. Where do you work and on average how many miles on them before you see issues? And thanks for stopping by and checking out my video!
@@Berserkeroffroad no problem. Been following you for a while, I work at Americas most wanted 4x4. If you ever need a v8 swap call us up. For the trackbar I would say it depends on the use, people who've wheeled a season or 2 usually have good wear starting. But then again I've even seen stock ones where the small bushing is just cracked and has tons of play. Along with whatever that flex joint they use is. I'm sure you can run it for a while, but if you start having any issues, or are doing a quick inspection of your jeep it's a good thing to keep your eyes on. IMO they're cheaply made, and they're a very crucial part of your suspension. But I'm a big fan of the rubicon gladiators axles and transfer case, both can take some serious abuse. Same with the driveshafts, but if you have to replace them down the road I would definitely recommend Tom Woods. My stock wrangler rubicon driveshaft lasted 60,000 miles of hard wheeling before it needed an upgrade. Also swapped out my rear shafts for chromolies, dana44 has had no issues even on stock shafts with 37s, then again I'm not as heavy as a gladiator. Wishing you many happy miles ahead, Cheers!
Great video. Is that Pinter wheel the Onyx or Matte Black?
Thanks! Matte. That makes rattle-can touch-ups easier when I inevitably scratch them.
Berserker Offroad good point. I had not thought of that. Thanks!
Liked for the kids
One of our members did a full seat foam trim to mitigate those vision problems for tall drivers
Thanks for the tip. Part of the issue is caused by the truck's rake. When loaded it's easier to see out of.
Can you tell me the name of the wheels I like them
AEV Pintler. I talk a little more about them in my previous video where I discuss 35s.
Hey brother
What the size of your jeep tire.?
The tires are 35x12.5r17".
AEV Pintler Onyx or Black Matte ?
Black matte
Hi Aubrey!
haha, Kids are hilarious :)
I’m 5’7” and have the seat in lowest setting. Seat height is too high
Man I been looking for a good review and especially of a tall guy review lol I’m 6’4 and I’m interested in getting a Gladiator, this video answered my question about height 👍🏾
I'm glad I can help. The heigh issue is partially due to the truck's rake. When the it's loaded and the bed sags it's easier to see out of.
What’s the offset of your wheels
+25mm www.aev-conversions.com/product/pintler-jeep-jl-wheel/
You are too tall for that truck. Will the driving position be an eventual deal breaker?
It's a tight fit but not a deal breaker (yet). I'm saving my Jeep fund for a soft top, which will give me more headroom. It wasn't this hard to see out of the JL. I suspect it's because of the truck's rake, which is possibly more aggressive than the JL. An egregious load of camping gear will solve that.
@@Berserkeroffroad i love your gladiator and wish you the
best of luck with it! i will watch all your videos for sure!
Swap the seat for a low profile
Your son told me to like so I did
Gonna get another XHD snorkel???? Just kidding boss. Cool rig
Ha! I'm glad to see someone recall my experience with that thing. I'm looking at the AEV snorkel.
@@Berserkeroffroad i love the concept of both AEV and XHD make an AEV snorkel with the capabilities of the XHD. Including a drain. Mud sucks man lol.
i'm 5'8" on good day and still can't see the traffic lights while driving my gladiator lol
I am very lucky to be six foot 190 pounds. I think it is the perfect size for me.
Also the best way to get rid of the seat funk is to stop farting 🤢😂
Ha! Dang Cliff bars!
@@Berserkeroffroad hahaha
You should have bought an F150, I’m 6’4” 250lbs and there’s so much more room right where you need it. Visibility is great and the aluminum body keeps your rig light. Lighter than the Jeep.
Off-road capability is still my priority. I only traded my JL in for the JT because I needed the higher payload. If I do another bulk then I might have to...
All i'm watching is your kid in the left bottom corner lol
Yea, he enjoyed making cameos!
Haha kids being kids lol
😂😂😂