Clamcake's Build/ Adventure Journal (need a good name)

[Clamcakes]

2025 Jeep Gladiator High Tide
purchased 1/21/2026

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This is my first ever Jeep product, and so far I love feeling like I'm driving a tank down the road! Definitely a confidence inspiring vehicle, and a huge change coming form an Audi A5!! The truck I had before the Audi a5 was a 2019 Ford Ranger, and This feels much, much more what I was looking for compared to that truck. More utilitarian, modifiable, but comfortable as well.

I feel like I can go anywhere, do anything, and have fun doing it! Looking to build this out to try some light to moderate off-roading, camping, and fly fishing trips! I also plan on using it to help volunteer with my local first responder/medical personnel transport during inclement weather here in TN.

Mods and Additions as of 5/23/2026:
Rock Stopperz PPF on door hinges
President McKinley CB radio on a passenger side center console mount
Firestick Firefly 3' CB antenna
Tackform Traxx Slim dash bracket with Magsafe Charger
K&N Filter
JDeymat Rear Seat Protectors
ADTOPI Dead Pedal
BICYACO Headlights
Tyger T1 tonneau cover

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[Clamcakes]

Only updates/mods so far, is tinting the front windows the match the factory rears, and I put a screen protector on the infotainment screen. I don’t know why, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. I also have the Amazon door latch covers on as well.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Good looking Gladiator. Patience is a virtue when it comes to modifying a Jeep. There’s so much out there it’s easy to jump right in. Small stuff like what you’ve done are good first steps. Have fun making it YOURS!!

 

[Clamcakes]

Good looking Gladiator. Patience is a virtue when it comes to modifying a Jeep. There’s so much out there it’s easy to jump right in. Small stuff like what you’ve done are good first steps. Have fun making it YOURS!!

Thanks! I want to dive head first into it, but I know slow and steady, and upgrading it as I need is the right way to do it. Sometimes its hard to keep the Wallet closed!

 

[Stingray 5517]

Thanks! I want to dive head first into it, but I know slow and steady, and upgrading it as I need is the right way to do it. Sometimes its hard to keep the Wallet closed!

Welcome to the family. Have fun and make it your individual ride. Good to see another volunteer here.

 

[Clamcakes]

Welcome to the family. Have fun and make it your individual ride. Good to see another volunteer here.

Thanks! Looking forward to getting out with it!

 

[Clamcakes]

April 1st, 2026 Updates:

Just posting some updates of the current setup in the Gladiator.

CB radio - President McKinley

Antenna - Firestick 3' Firefly

Tacform Slim Track Dash Mount W/Magsafe Charger

Jdeymat Rear Seat Protectors

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Lookin good! It’s coming along nicely. Might want to pick up some STP air filters for the trail if it gets dusty out there. Save that pricey K&N for the road and use up the STPs for the abuse of off road. Just change em out the evening before. You won’t see a huge difference in performance.

 

[Clamcakes]

Lookin good! It’s coming along nicely. Might want to pick up some STP air filters for the trail if it gets dusty out there. Save that pricey K&N for the road and use up the STPs for the abuse of off road. Just change em out the evening before. You won’t see a huge difference in performance.

I was wondering about this issue. I’ll have to pick some up!

 

[Clamcakes]

Installed new headlights today!

so much brighter than the old halogens, and the DRLs really look nice!

Won’t be replacing the fog lights until I get a new bumper, which I’m eyeing the ARB stubby. Also would like to get the Morimoto or something similar chopped fenders!

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

Practical daily usage over impractical possible future usage, every time.

 

[Clamcakes]

Thats my goal! I don't plan on going crazy with lighting. This is a commuter, and fishing/hunting/camping/light off-roading vehicle on the weekends. Trying to keep it practical, but capable with some fun sprinkled in!

 

[Clamcakes]

Found a break in the rain today to put my Tyger T1 tonneau cover on.

after getting it all lined up and clamped down, turns out it wasn’t lined up at all. The clamps weren’t in the track appropriately, nor could I get them in. And, I couldn’t close the top and lock it down!

I found the easiest way to line it up and install it appropriately was to shut it, put it where I wanted it, and then slowly roll it up and lock it down working backwards. Doing this, I was able to get all the clamps in the track, and have everything line up great!

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

Very same tonneau I used until I put my rack on. Worth the pennies.

 

[Clamcakes]

Very same tonneau I used until I put my rack on. Worth the pennies.

great quality for the money. I decided on this one because my current plan is to go to Billie bars, and they can work with this cover.

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