Things I don’t like about my new Gladiator

[JT_Todd]

I learn more stuff on here:

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[RedTRex]

Ugh! I traded in my '06 SRT8 GC for a gladiator and I wasn't expecting this Sciurus carolinensis mode at speeds in the Gladiator. So far I'm not seeing a wheel/tire option to help trim the drift well enough.

Well its SFA, that has a lot to do with that. Also tire pressure is probably high

 

[SleepyJeep]

Installed 37" tires wit 2" lift and the Teraflex Falcon Nexus 2.2 steering stabilizer. Drives like a dream!

Any reason why you chose the Falcon Nexus 2.2 over the Fox racing shox 2.0 ATS? Since the rest of our LE setup is Fox, I would have thought Fox would play nicer?

 

[Chevis 50]

Any reason why you chose the Falcon Nexus 2.2 over the Fox racing shox 2.0 ATS? Since the rest of our LE setup is Fox, I would have thought Fox would play nicer?

Actually after reading several post on the Gladiator forum a lot of JL and JK owners had installed them on there jeeps and loved them so much they were going to install them on their new JT'S. That pretty much made up my mind. And I'm glad I did!
My previous truck was a 2012 power wagon and it drove really nice but I have to say my JT drives better. I hope this helps you!

 

[eternus]

Actually after reading several post on the Gladiator forum a lot of JL and JK owners had installed them on there jeeps and loved them so much they were going to install them on their new JT'S. That pretty much made up my mind. And I'm glad I did!
My previous truck was a 2012 power wagon and it drove really nice but I have to say my JT drives better. I hope this helps you!

So, my question is... does it fix the drifty behavior the JL and now JT has with the stock tire size? Or are all the folks that install them running 37" tires?

I have heard much speculation that the drifty behavior is because of the new hydro assist with this new generation of Wrangler/Gladiators.

I did feel it on the JLUR I got to actually highway drive a year ago, haven't got a long enough drive in a JT yet to see if it remains. It sucked, completely sucks the joy out of driving a Jeep.

 

[Chevis 50]

So, my question is... does it fix the drifty behavior the JL and now JT has with the stock tire size? Or are all the folks that install them running 37" tires?

I have heard much speculation that the drifty behavior is because of the new hydro assist with this new generation of Wrangler/Gladiators.

I did feel it on the JLUR I got to actually highway drive a year ago, haven't got a long enough drive in a JT yet to see if it remains. It sucked, completely sucks the joy out of driving a Jeep.

Well the good news with this setup is it doesn't drift. Now unfortunately for you I had this all done at the dealership before I even drove it just because I already herd about the issues with the steering. To answer your question about the tire sizes a lot of them we're running stock tires and 35s when they installed the Teraflex and according to them it solved the problem. Just FYI I'm running mine on medium setting and most of the other guys are to.

 

[jhunter]

The antenna is an easy fix too...stubby all the way!

How much does radio reception change with these antennas?

 

[Chevis 50]

How much does radio reception change with these antennas?

Haven't had any reception problems with this one.

 

[WXman]

Here's my growing list so far:

- Inner fender liners are flimsy junk, compared to the JL ones which are nice
- Driver mirror does not have enough adjustment for taller guys over 6' to see the full view of the lane
- No tilt adjustment on the seat cushion (on a $47k truck, really?)
- Engine is awesome but it would be nice to have a bump in torque output
- Chrome steering wheel bezel looks retarded against black/red accents, and causes sun glare that the JL steering wheel bezel doesn't have a problem with
- Passenger grab handle is stamped "Wrangler" on the JL which is a nice touch. On the JL it's just blank and looks cheap
- Steering ratio is too slow at speeds above 45 MPH. Needs to be sped up for better response.
- No brake controller on a "Max Towing" package for a 2020 model year truck? Really?
- Press up to go down in the menu, down to go up? Push up to downshift, pull down to upshift? What moron at FCA programmed this stuff?
- Alpine system is disappointing. For $1,300 I expected to be blown away by a theatre quality sound. Nope. It sounds exactly like the stock system with a $100 sub laying in the back.

 

[WildJD]

Thanks, it's good to have some criticism here too for those that haven't bought yet and just to be clear that it has limitations. For most on this forum, it's the Jesus Truck, walking on water everywhere you go. It's hard to know a lot of these limitations without being in a Gladiator for more than 15 minutes. And I agree, for $60k there should definitely be some expectations. (That being said, nobody should be paying 60k for this truck. =oP)

I’m all for critical analysis... but I have to agree with Billyjk7... except for the light switch in the bed, I heard all these complaints in the “First Drive” reviews from FCA’s presser in California. ;{

 

[Flexin]

Good stuff so far. I have to finish all the other posts, but

• With the op, I agree with everything, I was hoping there was a way to cut down on the constant correction needed when on the highway. Based on your comment I had no idea it was the same or worse than the jk.
• Besides power rear glass, if you have the radio up, it rattles when open. Bugs the crap out of me and no I won’t turn it down
• All four auto down and up windows would be nice.

To the op, I have not had any problems with the radio or sat cutting in out or rebooting. Also, the stock antenna not be sexy but it works really well, better then the stubby I got. With the stubby the FM stations that I could get before are now in and out.

And this is being really picky, I really love the truck except the highway drivability. I’m making more corrections than I do driving a motor home. That is my major gripe.

 

[Mirchi]

Im sure that I’m not the only person who dislikes a few things about my new Gladiator and heres my list so far. Overall I’m really liking it but there are things I wish were different about it, how about you?

#1. Its flighty at 55 mph and up. Much more so than my JKUR on 35’s. I dropped psi to 35 then 32 but its still the same, just drifts alot and requires constant focus to keep in the lane. New 35” Goodyear Duratracs on AEV wheels made no difference either.

#2. No tow mode or brake controller from the factory. Im sorry but both of these should be standard for a 60k truck that claims best in class towing. Tow mode really helps in my other vehicles when going downhill to keep from riding the brakes.

#3. Spongy ride. Overall it rides good, but its spongy in a way I cannot explain other than its what I would expect it to feel like if the frame were flexing although Im sure its not the case. I’m hoping an aftermarket 2.5” lift will help this but I also know it might just take some getting used to.

#4. No switch in the bed for the bed lights. Its annoying to have to go to the cab to turn them on when needed.

#5. Manual sliding back glass. This should be standard at this trim level, I could see it being manual in a sport but at 60k entry fee it sucks to have to lay the seat back to reach the back glass. And I’m 6’5”, you shorties will have to get out to open/close it.

#6. Side mirrors could stand to be a bit bigger, the visibility is not optimal but they are ok. Towing with them pretty much sucks.

#7. The 8.4 radio is glitchy. It has shut down and rebooted itself 3x in 500 miles. It will be going in for service next time it happens.

#8. I wish cooled seats were an option as I sit here in the carpool lane to pick up kids with the freedom panels and doors off. Leather feels like vinyl when you’re stuck to it. I absolutely love them in my F150 and prefer to use them with the windows down vs having the AC on.

Thats it, for now at least..

I ordered a Sport S for max towing. What do you mean by no brake controller. If you are towing a trailer with brakes does that mean the Gladiator will not recognize the brakes on trailer?

 

[WildJD]

Here's a few of my thoughts...keep in mind, I'm a first-time Jeep owner so a few of these things were just unknown/unexpected. NONE of these items are a big deal, but I had been writing down a list of quirks that I expected to share on a thread popping up like this!

• No power seats (I know, I know ) >>> I understand why, I just assumed they were available but having never really been in a Jeep before, I didn't know they weren't standard! I actually like that they're manual now that I've had a chance to get comfortable in it.
• Satellite connectivity issues >>> I've had XM/Sirius radio in 3 vehicles now and for whatever reason, if I'm driving in an area of trees/foliage/hills, the stations cut out (I'm guessing it's due to there not being a 'sharkfin' style antenna that both of my other vehicles had). My other cars had coverage 99.9% of the time on all of these same roads I'm experiencing these new cut-outs and I'd say I have a few quick disruptions every time I drive to/from work (which is a 12-minute commute) to the point where I've said "WTF is going on with this connection?"
• ESS is annoying >>> I attempt to make the ESS disable button the second button I push right after "Push to Start" - If I had the option, I'd purchase some aftermarket system that bypasses this button because it's definitely not something I've ever wanted/asked for.
• The antenna seems like a very cheap afterthought

There are two hood sensor buttons at the front left (driver) section of the engine bay, side by side, (look like golf tee’s). Very easy to relocate sensor, (I believe it’s the one closest to the front left/drivers fender.) There are several videos on YouTube showing specifically how... google “JT Start/Stop Hack” to find them! ;{

 

[Flexin]

I will have to look into the steering stabilizer. I have a rubicon, happy with the shocks but it would be nice if that flighty bit would go away on the highway.

 

[WildJD]

I bet FCA didn't do vented seats for the same reason they didn't do power seats, namely so they could boost the water fording depth by a couple inches...

Water fording, rain, hosing out... my wife’s convertible BMW got caught top down in a downpour... power seats shorted out the whole car!

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