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2021 Mojave Overlanding Build

unixxx

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I've been following the forum for a while now and figured I'd start my build thread.

We just got our 2021 Mojave in December and have been planning out our overlanding build. The goal is to build an overlanding rig that is off-road capable and can sustain us off the grid for a few days. Every modification will need to be evaluated in the context of reliability, weight/payload, and handling.

Relevant factory options
  • 8-Speed Automatic
  • Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD
  • 4.10 Axle Ratio
  • Trailer Tow Package
  • Hard Top
  • Trail Rail System
  • Truck Bed AC Outlet
  • TrailCam
  • Auxiliary Switches
Completed mods
  • RLD Canopy
    • String Gray body
    • String Gray windowed back door
    • Black solid side doors
  • Camp King RTT
  • Mopar Trailer Brake Controller
  • Mopar Satin Black Grille
  • Mopar All Weather Floor Mats
In progress suspension mods
  • AEV 2" Spacer Lift
  • AEV Geometry Correction Brackets
  • Clayton 2.5" Springs front and rear
    • Single rate front, 188 lb/in
    • Triple rate rear, 280 lbs/in
  • Method 703 Bead Grip Wheels
    • 17x8.5
    • 25mm offset/5.78" backspace
  • 37" BFG T/A KO2
    • Load Range C
In progress axle mods
  • Dana 4.88 gears
  • OX Lockers front and rear
  • Yukon chromoly rear axle shafts
In progress body mods
  • Curt front receiver hitch
  • Warn Zeon 10-S Winch
    • Receiver hitch mounted
    • Front and rear Anderson connectors
  • Coverking Hardtop Headliner
Possible transplants from other trims
  • Front ParkSense - EU
  • Sway bar disconnect - Rubicon

Just off the truck in December. Sting Gray exterior, Steel Gray interior.

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_9944


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_9949
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unixxx

unixxx

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Our first mod was to swap the stock paint matched grille for the Mopar Satin Black Grille. We wanted the satin black from the factory but it can't be ordered with the TrailCam. Had to transfer the TrailCam from the old grille to the new grille.

Got the grille from @AllMoparParts.com

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0252


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0253


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0332


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0333


Swapping the original trim pieces and TrailCam mesh into the new satin black grille.

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0281


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0292


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0304
 
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unixxx

unixxx

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Next the Mopar Trailer Brake Controller. Getting the 12V outlet out of the dash panel and mounting the controller and wiring under the dash at the height of the master cylinder was interesting...

Got the brake controller from @AllMoparParts.com

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0346


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0424


The knob wiring is barely long enough while the brake wiring is excessively long. Also, not sure why they went with Deutsch looking connectors and Tesa tape for the brake wiring and barely automotive grade connectors and sheathing for the knob wiring.

Dorman 57450 Lighter Socket Removal Tool

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0377


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0423
 
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unixxx

unixxx

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Installed the Mopar All Weather Floor Mats. Went with the black lettering instead of the red to not clash with the orange Mojave accents

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0591


Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0593


The floor drain in the front mats is very cool.

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_0592
 

bakenatj

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Love the floor mats, I am going to have to put those in mine!

I just bought my Mojave a week ago today, wanting to set this up for a base camp truck. Super excited to get this truck outfitted for Overlanding/hunting.
 

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unixxx

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Love the floor mats, I am going to have to put those in mine!

I just bought my Mojave a week ago today, wanting to set this up for a base camp truck. Super excited to get this truck outfitted for Overlanding/hunting.
The floor mats are very nice. I love how Jeep puts so much thought into the details.

It’s looking like an ideal platform for overlanding. The Pentastar, 8-spd ZF, and D44’s should be incredibly reliable. Will be interesting to see the long term durability of the Selec-Trac TC.

Congrats on your Mojave!
 
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bakenatj

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The floor mats are very nice. I love how Jeep puts so much thought into the small details.

It’s looking like an ideal platform for overlanding. The Pentastar, 8-spd ZF, and D44’s should be incredibly reliable. Will be interesting to see the long term durability of the Selec-Trac TC.

Congrats on your Mojave!
Thanks man, I love the truck so far. Your setup looks awesome. I am new to this and excited to learn all about it.
 

dickeldan

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Will be following! I have the exact same Mojave that I got at the end of Dec. Luckily mine came with the black grill. I want to do a little overlanding so will be watching to see what you add. Only thing I've added so far are some nfab steps, linex bed, and undercover ultra flex cover for bed.
 

XJhawk

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Definitely watching here. I have the Sting Gray Mojave.
Mine also will be an overlanding build.
I have a home in Palm Springs that we are retiring to in 3 years....so the desert definitely plays into my future
 

Jaxmax

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I put a Curt front receiver on my Mojave, had to trim the remote shock res. bracket basically cutting off one bolt hole, and had to remove the nutsert for that bolt. Trim the bracket right and it lines up with the curt bracket so the one bolt holding it is solid can’t move as the hitch bracket holds it in place. Putting hitch on was about a ten minute job after that, putting the skid plate on took hours as I trimmed a bit at a time, until just about done I realized you have to cut out a big square and the hitch fits fine, frame of receiver hitch is right up against skidpkate, very solid....Jack
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44556105-2AB5-4695-847F-84706A07FD36.jpeg
159E94BB-47AB-436D-8647-DED1708D38A5.jpeg
4597DBBB-BABF-4BF4-B191-1DED10F6F9C7.jpeg
 

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Jaxmax

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I really like the Roofnest Falcon standard size, not too heavy only 6 inches high and aluminum with mounting tracks all around, I’ve changed my plan to sleeping inside my cap and am building a stove/ sink slideout under bed and mounting Blizzard refrig ontop of driver side wheel well to be accesible from inside, rear, and through side window no slide needed.
 
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unixxx

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I put a Curt front receiver on my Mojave, had to trim the remote shock res. bracket basically cutting off one bolt hole, and had to remove the nutsert for that bolt. Trim the bracket right and it lines up with the curt bracket so the one bolt holding it is solid can’t move as the hitch bracket holds it in place. Putting hitch on was about a ten minute job after that, putting the skid plate on took hours as I trimmed a bit at a time, until just about done I realized you have to cut out a big square and the hitch fits fine, frame of receiver hitch is right up against skidpkate, very solid....Jack
.
Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build 4597DBBB-BABF-4BF4-B191-1DED10F6F9C7
Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build 4597DBBB-BABF-4BF4-B191-1DED10F6F9C7
Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build 4597DBBB-BABF-4BF4-B191-1DED10F6F9C7
Great info! Still trying to decide between the Curt and Draw-Tite. It looks like the Curt is lower profile but the Draw-Tite is stronger. Will probably go with the Curt for better approach angle.

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/31086

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build 31086_1024x768_a


https://www.draw-tite.com/product/65079_front-mount-receiver

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build 65079
 
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unixxx

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I really like the Roofnest Falcon standard size, not too heavy only 6 inches high and aluminum with mounting tracks all around, I’ve changed my plan to sleeping inside my cap and am building a stove/ sink slideout under bed and mounting Blizzard refrig ontop of driver side wheel well to be accesible from inside, rear, and through side window no slide needed.
Nice! Yeah, we'd definitely go with the standard size Falcon. I like the Falcon for how low profile it is and the standard size for how it doesn't hang over the edge of the bed.
 
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unixxx

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Last weekend we took a drive through the hills with the Freedom Panels removed. Having those panels removed was amazing so we immediately ordered a @Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop to install this weekend.

It takes less than 10 sec to put up or down from the driver's seat. When it's closed, there's really no wind noise until around 70 mph, at which point it's only mild. When it's opened, you can't tell it's there. It's completely out of your visual field and makes no additional noise. The build quality is amazing, it really feels stock. The only downside is it does get hotter than the Freedom Panels since it's black and has no insulation.

Jeep Gladiator 2021 Mojave Overlanding Build IMG_1718
 
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unixxx

unixxx

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Placed the order for the @RLD Design USA Cap. Went with the paint-match cap, paint-match rear door, and black side doors.

Ordered the cap from Rhino Adventure Gear. Cody is great guy to work with.

Delivery won't be until around July...
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