First real trip in the new Gladiator vs 2500 Ram

[FreedomWV]

Guess I will be also looking to purchase a dead pedal, thanks for the info on that everyone. I read about the seat slammers, but did not want to do any cutting. I will see how this works out and if not I may end up going the same route.

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[FreedomWV]

I went from a built '08 Power Wagon to a JTRD. The fuel mileage on the PW was 9 maybe 10 around town and 14 on the highway. The diesel JT gets 22 around and and 28 highway. The PW had more room inside the cab. But out on the trail. Because of it's size. I had maybe 1 or 2 lines to chose from. With the JT, and the smaller width. I have 3 or more lines.

I initially wanted the diesel as well, they are hard to come by and the one that I did find was a Red Willys with a towing package which I liked but that was literally the only option. I didn't even have a key fob to open the doors and you had to use the key to get in. I test drove it and liked the diesel but just couldn't get past the basic interior with zero amenities. If it even had a few options it would be in my driveway right now.

 

[Duece McCracken]

Guess I will be also looking to purchase a dead pedal, thanks for the info on that everyone. I read about the seat slammers, but did not want to do any cutting. I will see how this works out and if not I may end up going the same route.

I went with the big jackers, its not enough for me, Im going slammers. Im 6'4" 285, head rests on the soundbar still, sigh.

 

[BAT]

I have been considering trading my 2019 RAM 1500 4X4 for a new Gladiator, but still can't pull the trigger because after driving the Gladiator I didn't like the room in the driver's seat and fuel mileage I was going to get. My RAM with the 5.7 Hemi gets 19.5 in town and 24.0 on the highway (70 MPH). My wife wasn't too crazy about her comfort either, but since it's my vehicle she would just have to adjust, but since it's my decision she is going to win out on this one. So now I guess I will just wait for the 2024 RAM and hope it gets a model change, or there is no reason to change on what I have. I don't go off road, so upgrades for me are pretty much out.

Just my personal experience unless your looking for the fun factor, off roading or just have to have a jeep truck then stay in the ram. The comfort level, quiet and driving are not even close. But that is not why you go into a jeep truck either. I came from a Ram 1500 and its a big difference. I love being able to take the doors off and top down, etc but I do miss the comfort of the 1500. The seat comfort leaves a lot to be desired but its a trade off going to a midsize truck.

 

[BAT]

Yes, I have QuadraTech as well, but if I had known it existed I would have gotten the one from 813Fabrication with the built in switch. That would be so handy for some extra bright foglights, or a well placed interior light, or something I haven’t thought of.

https://www.813fabrication.com/shop

Oh man I might have to get that dead pedal and replace the one I currently have

 

[FreedomWV]

Just my personal experience unless your looking for the fun factor, off roading or just have to have a jeep truck then stay in the ram. The comfort level, quiet and driving are not even close. But that is not why you go into a jeep truck either. I came from a Ram 1500 and its a big difference. I love being able to take the doors off and top down, etc but I do miss the comfort of the 1500. The seat comfort leaves a lot to be desired but its a trade off going to a midsize truck.

Oh I already pulled the trigger on the trade last week, no more Ram for me. I am looking forward to the fun factor and savings on the gas. I already cut my gas bill way down yesterday on my drive into work by getting the 19.6 vs the 11-12 in my Ram. I had no real need for a 2500 HD ram as I never did buy the camper that I had anticipated to buy.

 

[TigerInFL]

enjoy that 19.6 mileage. as soon as you step up in tire size, that will come tumbling down.

i came from a full size Tundra Crewmax so I feel your pain. no where near the room inside, but you learn to adjust or give up some things in order to have others.

nice looking ride you got yourself.

 

[FreedomWV]

enjoy that 19.6 mileage. as soon as you step up in tire size, that will come tumbling down.

i came from a full size Tundra Crewmax so I feel your pain. no where near the room inside, but you learn to adjust or give up some things in order to have others.

nice looking ride you got yourself.

Thank you, and you know any of us that upgrade cannot stand to see a vehicle with stock sized wheels I had 35's on my ram. I will try to hold out as long as possible on this one though even though I know it is coming eventually.

 

[BAT]

Oh I already pulled the trigger on the trade last week, no more Ram for me. I am looking forward to the fun factor and savings on the gas. I already cut my gas bill way down yesterday on my drive into work by getting the 19.6 vs the 11-12 in my Ram. I had no real need for a 2500 HD ram as I never did buy the camper that I had anticipated to buy.

Ah yea sorry I thought you had a 1500 but enjoy the JT with the weather starting to get nice the doors are about to come off of mine

 

[Sprinkler-Fitter]

Today I had my first real amount of seat time in my new Gladiator into work which is about a 2:20 one way trip. First thing of notice is that the seating position is terrible, I will be ordering a seat jacker asap, I am 6'1" and around 285lbs and my legs, knees, and lower back are not loving this seat so far. The second item that is needed right away are some mud flaps, it was around 20 degrees and snowing this morning so the roads had cinders covering them. It tore me up hearing those cinders hitting the side of my brand new Jeep constantly, I already have some weather techs on the way in hoping that this will fix this issue.

I did appreciate the cold weather package, the remote start, and LED lighting package this early morning and the Jeep was ready to go when I got out to the driveway. Coming from my 2500 Ram, the ride is very comfortable and smooth in comparison. I actually enjoyed the quietness of the interior vs the Ram.

The MPG was not quite what I had expected with an average trip of 19.5 with about 85% interstate travel, but again in comparison to my Ram's 12mpg this is much better. Maybe with a few more miles under it's belt it will get a bit better, right now it shows under 300 total miles. Also noted that I did run in 4H part time on the back roads until I got to the interstate, but I did reset the trip just before I got on the interstate after I switched back to 2wd. The jeep never slipped a wheel on the snow covered roads and did very well even with the stocker Bridgestone Dueler AT's.

I do miss the 8.4" radio from my Ram, maybe I will get used to it or I will just have to bite the bullet and upgrade with infotainment or nismopar. Overall the stereo itself could be better, but it is sufficient. I am not sure with the top off how well it will work but time will tell on that.

I told myself that I would not dump a ton of upgrades in this one, but I know that I am just lying to myself as I have upgraded every vehicle that I have owned up to this point and find myself browsing all of the forums looking at everyone else's upgrades so it is only a matter of time!!

Obviously, the seat is different for every person, but I am 6’ 1” 300 pounds and I’ve driven an eight hour day in our Mojave and it doesn’t bother me

 

[FreedomWV]

Obviously, the seat is different for every person, but I am 6’ 1” 300 pounds and I’ve driven an eight hour day in our Mojave and it doesn’t bother me

Your seats might be a bit better, but I'm not sure. I think once I get a few mods done then I will be good to go.

 

[dmwphoto]

I think once I get a few mods done then I will be good to go.

famous last words.....

 

[JTenn]

Obviously, the seat is different for every person, but I am 6’ 1” 300 pounds and I’ve driven an eight hour day in our Mojave and it doesn’t bother me

Same here. Guess for once I'm glad I'm short and squatty!! Lol ?

 

[Larry1962us]

I ordered the Seat Jackers first thing this morning after making this post. Glad to hear that they do work though.

Here's a free mod to get you some more leg room. I'm loving it on mine. Im going to try the seat Jackers next.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/drivers-seat-leg-room.51324/post-837802

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

These are very speed sensitive on the highway. Much over 70 MPH, the fuel economy drops pretty quickly. If I can keep it to 70, I get over 20 MPG on the highway even with the heavier tires and Alu-Cab. That’s for a JTR gasser.

famous last words.....

No kidding.

Me last May - “I’ll put a camper shell on it and call it a day.”

Fast-Forward to September - New wheels, tires, programmer, door panel skins/cover (keep dog from scratching them up), etc.

Fixing to install a radio w/antenna and looking at getting a Sunrider.

Jeep ownership is a slippery slope for anyone that’s into tinkering with stuff. I.e. If TJ prices came down (doubtful with used car prices in general at the moment), I’d pick one of those up

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