DAUNTLESS - The Jeep Gladiator Taking Our Family Around The World On A 10-15 Year Journey

[HourlessLife]

If anyone has questions about the build, the trip, or overlanding in general (since most folks on this platform probably aren't into overlanding) please feel free to ask.

We've gotten to do some pretty cool stuff. And we were recently interviewed by Scott Brady on the Overland Journal Podcast. You can check that out here...

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[John in the Woods]

I've been following you on YouTube. I'm about to start the build out on a JT diesel that I took home last October (and have put 14K on and absolutely love). Keep leading the way, and thanks for sharing the intel. It helps us all.

 

[HourlessLife]

I've been following you on YouTube. I'm about to start the build out on a JT diesel that I took home last October (and have put 14K on and absolutely love). Keep leading the way, and thanks for sharing the intel. It helps us all.

Hi John!

If I were building out a Gladiator for overlanding strictly in North America, it would be a completely different build. I would do a lot of things differently. The diesel is a GREAT call for North American travels!

DAUNTLESS is specifically built with global travel in mind. So if you'd like my thoughts on a North American build, please don't hesitate to ask!

 

[John in the Woods]

Hi John!

If I were building out a Gladiator for overlanding strictly in North America, it would be a completely different build. I would do a lot of things differently. The diesel is a GREAT call for North American travels!

DAUNTLESS is specifically built with global travel in mind. So if you'd like my thoughts on a North American build, please don't hesitate to ask!

Dude! Fire away with any insights you want to share. I just retired from a 100-a-week gig to spend most of the next five years traveling the US and Canada (may try Mexico too, if that seems smart when my skills are polished a bit). With all you’re doing I’m not sure how you’d have the time for a newbie like me, but I’m trying to learn the rig and soak up all I can before I start spending money, so you won’t be wasting your breath.

 

[Mark’s Mojave]

Eric,

Thank you, and your family, for sharing your journey and your dreams with us. I’ll be retiring from the Army in September 2022 and am looking forward to more time with family. (30 years and fairly broken) No plans for full time overlanding, but we are in the learning stages for 1-2 week trips. We’ve watched several of your videos while it’s storming this evening and love the content.

Oh, and I’m brand new to the Jeep community. We got a 2021 Mojave and are loving it!

Thank you for your positive presence here as well.

 

[HourlessLife]

Dude! Fire away with any insights you want to share. I just retired from a 100-a-week gig to spend most of the next five years traveling the US and Canada (may try Mexico too, if that seems smart when my skills are polished a bit). With all you’re doing I’m not sure how you’d have the time for a newbie like me, but I’m trying to learn the rig and soak up all I can before I start spending money, so you won’t be wasting your breath.

Always have time for folks. At least I try and make time. I wish I had some folks when I first started, it can be like drinking from a firehose.

So here are some "pro-tips" when it comes to overlanding (specifically in North America)

1. Whenever possible pick the trim for your vehicle of choice with the highest payload possible. If you already have your rig, work with what you have. Find out exactly what your payload is and then start a spreadsheet with the total weight you can carry. Remember that Jeep gives a 150lb allowance for the driver. So add that to your total payload, then subtract everything added including family members, pets, water, food, fuel, bumper, wheels, tires etc. In some cases for example if you switch out the stock tires, then just subtract the difference from the payload. Account for EVERYTHING. With a Jeep specifically it becomes a game of ounces.

2. For North America, personally I would have gone with a Diesel Jeep Gladiator Sport S with Max Tow Package. I would add 35 series tires and the MOPAR 2" lift. If you are determined to go with 37s I'd go with a larger lift from TeraFlex or RockKrawler. Don't skimp on suspension. Depending on your buildout, I'd consider airlift 60921 1000lb airbags in the rear and the Hellwig rear sway bar. Also beef up your rear coil springs beyond the MOPAR 2" lift. We went with TeraFlex 3.5 dual rates (Full transparency, we are sponsored by TeraFlex) Also for North America, consider NOT adding extra fuel. You really don't need Rotopax or Jerry Cans, or external fuel tanks in North America. Yeah, I get it, they look cool, and you think you'll need them. But the reality is, unless you are doing something extremely remote, or looking to help other stranded motorists, you will probably never need them. If you do, get just one and keep it empty until you know you are going to an area where you'll be more than a full tank away from a gas station. Consider an alternative to the hi-lift jack. Again, they look really cool and they have their uses, but they are quite dangerous, and typically not something you want to use in place of a good bottle jack. Also if you are ever going on a trail that may require you to have a hi-lift, chances are you are smart enough not to run that trail alone, and chances are pretty much everyone else will have a hi-lift. Weight is weight, and it is better spent on things you'll use on the daily.

3. As far as gear, don't go crazy. Get good high quality gear that will last, but don't get a ton of stuff you don't need to impress people you don't know. As a rule of thumb stay away from camping gear and buy backpacking gear. It is typically more durable, lighter, and smaller than camping gear. If someone can carry it on their back up a mountain and have a good time, your JT can carry it no problem and it will serve you well. Concentrate on taking care of the 5 necessities first. Water, Food, Shelter, Warmth, and Sleep. Get those 5 covered and get out there and enjoy it! When you are out, make a list of everything you took that you didn't use, make another list of things you didn't have that you wish you did. Do this for your first few trips and start to drill down your carrying list. This will help save you money and time, and ultimately give you more enjoyment.

4. Make the time to go to an Overland Expo Event (West, East, or Mountain West in that order) it will be well worth your time. Sign up for any "new to overlanding" type classes and don't get overwhelmed by the vendor area.

5. Continue to ask questions. Find people who are willing to invest in you and pick their brain.

Lastly, have fun. If you aren't, you are doing it wrong.

Hope that helps and if you have any follow up questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

Eric,

Thank you, and your family, for sharing your journey and your dreams with us. I’ll be retiring from the Army in September 2022 and am looking forward to more time with family. (30 years and fairly broken) No plans for full time overlanding, but we are in the learning stages for 1-2 week trips. We’ve watched several of your videos while it’s storming this evening and love the content.

Oh, and I’m brand new to the Jeep community. We got a 2021 Mojave and are loving it!

Thank you for your positive presence here as well.

Mark, thank you for taking the time to watch our videos. Really appreciate that. Much more to come as we start our global journey. Thank you for your service as well. I understand to some degree the brokenness, and the freedom that the Jeep brand vehicle provides. So glad you are looking to start your trips and enjoy this beautiful country you and your family have sacrificed for. Congrats on your new rig, and if I can be a resource for you, don't hesitate to ping me.

Semper Paratus,

Eric

 

[John in the Woods]

Always have time for folks. At least I try and make time. I wish I had some folks when I first started, it can be like drinking from a firehose.

So here are some "pro-tips" when it comes to overlanding (specifically in North America)

1. Whenever possible pick the trim for your vehicle of choice with the highest payload possible. If you already have your rig, work with what you have. Find out exactly what your payload is and then start a spreadsheet with the total weight you can carry. Remember that Jeep gives a 150lb allowance for the driver. So add that to your total payload, then subtract everything added including family members, pets, water, food, fuel, bumper, wheels, tires etc. In some cases for example if you switch out the stock tires, then just subtract the difference from the payload. Account for EVERYTHING. With a Jeep specifically it becomes a game of ounces.

2. For North America, personally I would have gone with a Diesel Jeep Gladiator Sport S with Max Tow Package. I would add 35 series tires and the MOPAR 2" lift. If you are determined to go with 37s I'd go with a larger lift from TeraFlex or RockKrawler. Don't skimp on suspension. Depending on your buildout, I'd consider airlift 60921 1000lb airbags in the rear and the Hellwig rear sway bar. Also beef up your rear coil springs beyond the MOPAR 2" lift. We went with TeraFlex 3.5 dual rates (Full transparency, we are sponsored by TeraFlex) Also for North America, consider NOT adding extra fuel. You really don't need Rotopax or Jerry Cans, or external fuel tanks in North America. Yeah, I get it, they look cool, and you think you'll need them. But the reality is, unless you are doing something extremely remote, or looking to help other stranded motorists, you will probably never need them. If you do, get just one and keep it empty until you know you are going to an area where you'll be more than a full tank away from a gas station. Consider an alternative to the hi-lift jack. Again, they look really cool and they have their uses, but they are quite dangerous, and typically not something you want to use in place of a good bottle jack. Also if you are ever going on a trail that may require you to have a hi-lift, chances are you are smart enough not to run that trail alone, and chances are pretty much everyone else will have a hi-lift. Weight is weight, and it is better spent on things you'll use on the daily.

3. As far as gear, don't go crazy. Get good high quality gear that will last, but don't get a ton of stuff you don't need to impress people you don't know. As a rule of thumb stay away from camping gear and buy backpacking gear. It is typically more durable, lighter, and smaller than camping gear. If someone can carry it on their back up a mountain and have a good time, your JT can carry it no problem and it will serve you well. Concentrate on taking care of the 5 necessities first. Water, Food, Shelter, Warmth, and Sleep. Get those 5 covered and get out there and enjoy it! When you are out, make a list of everything you took that you didn't use, make another list of things you didn't have that you wish you did. Do this for your first few trips and start to drill down your carrying list. This will help save you money and time, and ultimately give you more enjoyment.

4. Make the time to go to an Overland Expo Event (West, East, or Mountain West in that order) it will be well worth your time. Sign up for any "new to overlanding" type classes and don't get overwhelmed by the vendor area.

5. Continue to ask questions. Find people who are willing to invest in you and pick their brain.

Lastly, have fun. If you aren't, you are doing it wrong.

Hope that helps and if you have any follow up questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Eric

Very generous of you, my friend.

I went with the diesel Rubicon for maximum trail potential and range, and I'm now more fully understanding the load challenges that presents. I did add the 2" Mopar lift, and some 35x12.5 BFG KO2s, but otherwise left things stock for the first year. I wanted to learn the truck and do some camping with it first before building out. I'll definitely watch the pounds, and I'm leaning toward some type of basic basecamp trailer to limit load on that soft suspension.

I love this rig, and plan to keep things simple (and hopefully light). I will definitely be resisting the urge to buy anything kist to look cool. I'm a "form follows function" kind of guy, so that's where I'm headed with this build. Good tip on fuel cans. I've been feeling that urge, since the diesel has a smaller fuel tank. But I've been getting an overall combines 22 mpg (with weekly regional trail trips included), so I think your advice is spot on.

Absolutely believe in the get out here and enjoy rule. Rather spend on fuel that buys time on the trail rather than gear I don't need or can't use. Amen to that.

I will at least make it to Overland Expo East. Sorry I won't be out west to see your rig, but I'll check in later today when you do your YouTube live event. That 7 p.m. Central, I believe.

Very seriously, thanks for taking the time to give such thoughtful and detailed advice to a random fool on a forum. It means the world to a "newbie" (I've been camping off road since the 1980s, but this is the first time I bought a truck to make "on the road" my permanent address). Enjoy that family and the global journey. You folks are an inspiration.

 

[HourlessLife]

For anyone interested, here is the link to the live, Ask Us Anything Q&A, that we did yesterday.

 

[HourlessLife]

We've completed our inventory, and have essentially packed the rig. This Sunday we leave Texas and start making our way to Colorado for Overland Expo Mountain West.

We also just published the first video in our next series: Overlanding 101. In this video we talk about what overlanding is and do our best to define it based on our personal experience.



Hope you enjoy and if you're heading to Overland Expo Mountain West or Overland Expo West, we'll see you there! ~ Eric

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