I think they have a lot of benefits over a traditional tent setup and they are not as crazy expensive as they used to be either. I'm going to stay in my tent tonight on my property and all I have to do is get my clothes and camp box because everything is ready to go.
After the winch and bumper install, I lucked into 4 days off work, so I took an impromptu trip to Moab to continue the "break-in" process 😆.
The 37 inch tires helped with ground clearance at the differentials, but this trip showed me the importance of a lift kit on the gladiator. I drug the...
A bumper and winch came next in order to help us get out of future situations. I always try to be as prepared as possible after getting stranded in the desert on my dirt bike a couple times 😔.
"No one is coming, expect to self rescue."
My wife bought me a delorme inreach sos messenger many...
Oh and I forgot to mention, if anybody ever tows a trailer and manages to short their trailer wire. Don't forget to check the fuses on the jeep.
I managed to pinch the 7 pin wire when we were leaving a tight parking lot with a dead end. My left (or right, not sure) was not working and I spent...
After we got back from the Arizona trip, my dad decided to get an EcoDiesel gladiator because he liked mine so much. He was able to get 26% off MSRP.
Now we have father son gladiators, which is only fitting since he got me into jeeps in the first place.
Maintenance costs on them has come way down and there are more filter and oil options now.
2 - 5 gallon jugs of Castrol Euro Car $48 at walmart ($24 each)
1 - Oil filter from Docs Diesel or Ecoguard $35
1 - Fuel filter from ecoguard $20
Totals out to $103 before tax
DEF fluid is $9 for...
Do it! The diesel is great with 37s unless you tow a lot. With the 4.56 gears I average about 14-15mpg now with the tune. It also is way more fun to drive and peppy! I went straight to 37s because my last gladiator was on 33s for 4 years and this is my "dream" build.
@Sandman 4x4 You are correct sir, the larger wheels and tires make it a little less capable at towing. I did not want to just use it for a tow vehicle, hence the "jack of all trades, master of none" title. We lifted it because we like to off-road a lot here locally and in Moab, CO, Utah, etc...
The first time towing with the 37s was to a trip to Lake pleasant just north of Phoenix for spring break and it did pretty well, but you could tell that it was going to start to run a little warm with the larger tires.
We ran the back way to crown King badge of Honor road while we were there...
I averaged 23mpg on my trip to the mountains with my dirt bike on the back. My wheel and tire combo weighs about 100lbs, 2.5in Clayton overland lift kit, 4.56 gears, stage 2 diet on the diesel, and a RTT that doesn't stick up past the roofline.
The next modification is controversial for some reason (a lot of RTT haters), but I decided to add a rooftop tent because one finally got down into my price range.
It is the Naturnest Sirius 1 Clamshell Tent and we've used it a dozen or so times and are very happy with it so far. It weighs...
I did have it derate on me while on a trip to Elephant Butte last summer. It was hot and we were loaded down, but I slowed down to 55mph and it cooled off.
Then on a trip to CO with the trailer, I had to force a regen because I got the dreaded "See dealer for DEF service" error message. I...