Brand New Gladiator (Sport Manual) - Quality of Life Upgrades?

[Marmaduke]

Signed on a new MY23 Gladiator Sport (manual). It has the hard top, tow package, and LSD. Total discount (before title/tax/etc) was ≈23% for those curious.

Just waiting for the recall to be done on the transmission to pick it up(part has been ordered).

I’m a slut for 3 pedals, and this was the only new one I could find anywhere new me. Manual everything will be fun… Even my first vehicle (1990 Dodge Dakota) had automatic locks and windows, lol…. But it will make removing the doors easier…. Actually kind of cool to get back to basics (at least what I tell myself).

Last Jeep I owned was a 1992 Cherokee, but that was a long time ago. I did love that thing and am excited to get back into a Jeep.

All that stated, I would love to hear your guys’s recommendations on upgrades. Really focused on good ROI for everyday livability… The little things that make a big difference (best wireless CarPlay adapter???)

This will be my commuter (average 30 min each way) and then the family vehicle for camping and road trips in bad weather (wife’s minivan will be used for fair weather roadtrips). We have family on the other side of a mountain pass that gets some good snow, so this will be nice to have.

I have three kids, one in a booster and one in a car seat, as well as a medium sized (≈60lb) dog.

I do not plan on doing any hardcore off-roading, but do enjoy dispersed camping, especially in areas that require a little bit of clearance to get to (cost of entry keeping people down). Eventually will get some good all terrain tires and maybe some wheels. Maybe a light bar and winch?

The wife wants to get a small travel trailer. Could this thing actually comfortably tow a ≈3,000lb (dry weight) trailer? I know the manual is rated for less weight (4,900lb), but am thinking that’s transmission rated and not anything else. That stated, would I need to touch brakes or suspension?

I am also stoked to be able to have something to put my dirt bike into again. I moved from where I could ride from my property to an area I cannot. Any thoughts on best ramp to load with? Finally have an excuse to get the oldest a 125cc which is cool. Wife wants a side by side or quads… would two dirt bikes in the bed and a side by side in tow (not a crazy can am) be too much for this?

Really appreciate ya’lls inputs. Feel free to criticize as well if you see an area for improvement. The deal is done, but would love to learn regardless.

Thanks!

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[Gvsukids]

I know the manual is rated for less weight (4,900lb), but am thinking that’s transmission rated and not anything else. That stated, would I need to touch brakes or suspension?

It's the weakness of the clutch.

 

[Mister Lamb]

A pedal commander (throttle controller) to make the truck more "fun" to drive when you so choose to.

A quality tonneau if not included. I just got a Bak Revolver x4s that I recommend.

A roof rack will help with gear allocation for those family trips. Smittybilt has the Defender which you can buy in the JL version for a full roof basket or their JT version which is just the back section so you can remove the Freedom Panels in the front while installed.

This cup holder (most likely to be discounted on Black Friday) has been a great quality of life addition for long drives with the fam and looks OEM. Can never have enough cup holders lol...

https://www.amazon.com/AZUTO-Jeep-Wrangler-JL-Gladiator/dp/B0BJ2BKVBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=F4AVU4DI22CF&keywords=jeep+cup+holder&qid=1700346198&sprefix=jeep+cup+holder,aps,120&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

This hood guard because Jeeps no longer look right without them

https://www.amazon.com/Bushwacker-14093-Black-2018-2019-Wrangler/dp/B07QC8HXMJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2VFBCVYHINTHM&keywords=jeep+gladiator+bushwacker&qid=1700346314&sprefix=jeep+gladiator+bushwacker,aps,111&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1


Sumo Springs can help with payload for added weight of dirt bikes and anything else you throw back there.

Here are the Smittybilts (I owned both, the JL version initially but missed not having the front panel access):

 

[Volt0]

Bestop sunrider and/or alien shade bikini top. DIY door hanger at home, and maybe some Jpegz foot/mirrors. Use the dewalt cordless tools for removing the doors/tops ( carefully of course), and if you have a 3/8 cordless impact you can zip off the swaybar links and tie them up with some box store twisty ties. Once you get some A/T tires, grab a dual head compressor from Napa and diy a 4-flate ( or 2-flate ) air system.

edit : oh, and don’t forget some Christmas lights

 

[Lost1wing]

One in a booster and one in a car seat with a dog? You are going to need this...

Limited-time deal: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Tool Only (DCV580H),Black, Yellow, 17.10 Inch x 12.80 Inch x 12.30 Inch https://a.co/d/07UXdfO

 

[Marmaduke]

It's the weakness of the clutch.

Thank you

A pedal commander (throttle controller) to make the truck more "fun" to drive when you so choose to.

A quality tonneau if not included. I just got a Bak Revolver x4s that I recommend.

A roof rack will help with gear allocation for those family trips. Smittybilt has the Defender which you can buy in the JL version for a full roof basket or their JT version which is just the back section so you can remove the Freedom Panels in the front while installed.

This cup holder (most likely to be discounted on Black Friday) has been a great quality of life addition for long drives with the fam and looks OEM. Can never have enough cup holders lol...

https://www.amazon.com/AZUTO-Jeep-Wrangler-JL-Gladiator/dp/B0BJ2BKVBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=F4AVU4DI22CF&keywords=jeep+cup+holder&qid=1700346198&sprefix=jeep+cup+holder,aps,120&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

This hood guard because Jeeps no longer look right without them

https://www.amazon.com/Bushwacker-14093-Black-2018-2019-Wrangler/dp/B07QC8HXMJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2VFBCVYHINTHM&keywords=jeep+gladiator+bushwacker&qid=1700346314&sprefix=jeep+gladiator+bushwacker,aps,111&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1


Sumo Springs can help with payload for added weight of dirt bikes and anything else you throw back there.

Here are the Smittybilts (I owned both, the JL version initially but missed not having the front panel access):

Hey thank you, especially for the links. The roof basket looks great! Definitely looking into that. I have a WRX right now, and a Giulia before that… so the Wife’s mini van has been the camping vehicle (limiting us on destinations). The roof bag has come in way handy, but the basket actually looks pretty sick and can probably be a mount for a light bar.

Any thoughts on the tonneau cover and dirt bike compatibility? I live in a wet area so that is an attractive option; just want to make sure I can load the bike in. Would be more interested in a folding hard cover than a soft one, especially if lockable (are they?)

Bestop sunrider and/or alien shade bikini top. DIY door hanger at home, and maybe some Jpegz foot/mirrors. Use the dewalt cordless tools for removing the doors/tops ( carefully of course), and if you have a 3/8 cordless impact you can zip off the swaybar links and tie them up with some box store twisty ties. Once you get some A/T tires, grab a dual head compressor from Napa and diy a 4-flate ( or 2-flate ) air system.

edit : oh, and don’t forget some Christmas lights

Are you saying there is a specific door removal tool? If so, I will buy it. Right tool for the job has never done me wrong. I like the call on the compressor too

One in a booster and one in a car seat with a dog? You are going to need this...

Limited-time deal: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Tool Only (DCV580H),Black, Yellow, 17.10 Inch x 12.80 Inch x 12.30 Inch https://a.co/d/07UXdfO

Not going to lie, that’s actually pretty sick. Need a buy one get one for the mini van. That thing is smoked from the kids.

 

[Lost1wing]

Thank you




Hey thank you, especially for the links. The roof basket looks great! Definitely looking into that. I have a WRX right now, and a Giulia before that… so the Wife’s mini van has been the camping vehicle (limiting us on destinations). The roof bag has come in way handy, but the basket actually looks pretty sick and can probably be a mount for a light bar.

Any thoughts on the tonneau cover and dirt bike compatibility? I live in a wet area so that is an attractive option; just want to make sure I can load the bike in. Would be more interested in a folding hard cover than a soft one, especially if lockable (are they?)




Are you saying there is a specific door removal tool? If so, I will buy it. Right tool for the job has never done me wrong. I like the call on the compressor too




Not going to lie, that’s actually pretty sick. Need a buy one get one for the mini van. That thing is smoked from the kids.

It all started with a 18v DeWalt drill. I hung up the corded drills for the most part. Then I stepped up my game to the 20v Dewalt power tools. I have that on my list to replace my 15 gallon corded vacuum. The grand kids, one in a carseat the other in a booster, plus two dogs, calls for frequent clean outs.

 

[Mister Lamb]

Thank you



Any thoughts on the tonneau cover and dirt bike compatibility? I live in a wet area so that is an attractive option; just want to make sure I can load the bike in. Would be more interested in a folding hard cover than a soft one, especially if lockable (are they?)

Considering the smaller bed on these you're going to need a rolling cover. The tri-folds usually only allow for the first two panels to be flipped back and that last panel takes up a considerable amount of bed space.

The BAK one I mentioned is one of the few "hard" rolling covers that are in fact lockable and allows for full use of the bed

 

[Marmaduke]

Considering the smaller bed on these you're going to need a rolling cover. The tri-folds usually only allow for the first two panels to be flipped back and that last panel takes up a considerable amount of bed space.

The BAK one I mentioned is one of the few "hard" rolling covers that are in fact lockable and allows for full use of the bed

Looking that up now. Thank you.

 

[Beewdawg]

I've had my BAK X4S for about 2 years now. It's been durable and trouble free.
It even works with my bed tent.

 

[Marmaduke]

I've had my BAK X4S for about 2 years now. It's been durable and trouble free.
It even works with my bed tent.

That’s sick. I like the bronze with the green.

 

[Beewdawg]

My JT is also a manual sport with crank down windows etc...
Ordered it like that.
I figured less bells and whistles =less problems later on.
Added Katskin leather seat covers for comfort.

 

[Gvsukids]

Are you saying there is a specific door removal tool? If so, I will buy it. Right tool for the job has never done me wrong. I like the call on the compressor too

Makes it faster.

 

[cranbiz]

The door removal tool should be in the Jeep. It's the small tool kit in the canvas pouch.

 

[Volt0]

Are you saying there is a specific door removal tool? If so, I will buy it. Right tool for the job has never done me wrong. I like the call on the compressor too

So there’s a $38 attachment for a drill that does 90° angles. Then just use the bits from your Jeep pack. As @Gvsukids said, way faster; start the threads by hand during install, and don’t let the drill over-torque the bolts/nuts.

in terms of the compressor, I purchased an orange MaxiTrac 300lpm unit for around $124. tons of vids online with ppl running it head to head against a $600 arb twin; also lots of diy vids for moding that compressor- simplest mod there is to just cut the short hose and install a normal npt quick connect. It’s been discontinued, but there’s a blue one that looks like the same thing, just rebranded. It’s rated for 90 amp, so don’t plan on hard wiring it.

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