Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Kajo]

What canopy is that? I like it

It is the Kelty Sideroads.
https://www.kelty.com/sideroads-awning/

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[Mules]

Hope you get better soon.

I am definitely in the light weight camping mindset when my family doesn't go with me. Here is my setup from this past weekend in Virginia at Caldwell Fields near Pott's Mountain Jeep Trail. I just sleep in the bed under the SofTopper.

Thanks for the picture, and nice camping rig!

 

[Mules]

I still have plenty of life left in my OEM starter battery, but when It's time, I'll be replacing it with an Antigravity Lithium Starter battery 80AH. I've been keeping an eye on other people using them in Jeeps, and so far so good. Basically an 80AH Lithium Battery can discharge down to 10% while our stock OEM AGM batteries should only be discharged 50%. The bottom line is installing a 60 or 80AH Lithium battery is comparable to installing a dual battery in my Gladiator while saving a ton of weight. I'm still curious about cold weather usage though.

Here's a discussion about Antigravity Batteries on a Wrangler Forum. Another member also installed one with the optional 240 amp alternator (on the Gladiator's tow package). Be careful sizing Lithium batteries as some can't handle the 240 amp alternator.

 

[Mules]

Along with my bright idea of installing an 80AH Lithium Starter battery, I'll need to install a decent sized inverter. I want to install the inverter in the Gladiator and not in the bed, so I can still use it without the camper on. What do you think about these four locations for the Inverter. I think a 1500 watt is small enough to conceal and big enough to run anything I need.

1) Under the Driver's seat. Looks like I can fit a Slim Line Inverter here, but probably not a pure sign wave one which is bigger than the Slim Line. The HVAC duct is flexible enough to pull over the inverter.

2) I like the location behind the driver side back seat. I would have to mount the inverter vertically though. Here's a shot of a dual compressor installation there, which is also pretty cool. This location is nicely concealed.

3) There's plenty of room under the back seats, but I prefer to keep this area for easy access storage of recovery gear and other frequently used items.

4) Under the hood would be my ideal location which would keep the heavy supply lines to the battery short, but most inverter manufacturers discourage this location due to high temps and moisture.

What do you guys think?

 

[HooliganActual]

Given the options you called out, I would probably go with under the rear seat. This would be a large enough area that you would be able to put a larger inverter in if you find your needs changing. The other two locations would probably be more limiting.

I would definitely not put it under the hood though as heat would be a concern. It might not be a problem two days into camp but while your traveling or immediately after traveling it will possibly be impaired by the engine heat.

 

[teamblkdog]

I'm still curious about cold weather usage though.

This is a deal-breaker for me, as I live in the midwest. My camper battery is a Battleborn 100Ah lithium and the battery's BMS will only safely accept a charge in temperatures as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit. That's fine, as I don't winter camp — even with Battleborn's pricey optional heater blanket wrapped around it, I still end up removing the battery Dec - March-ish. That wouldn't work for my starter battery. According to Battleborn, "charging a lithium battery during freezing temperatures can cause damage to the battery due to dendritic lithium action."

 

[Mules]

Here's a Tacoma using a Lithium Starter battery for Overlanding. He seems pretty happy with it.

https://www.takethetruck.com/blog/overlanding-battery

 

[Mules]

If you ever need to fish power wire to the back of a Gladiator, here's the best video I've found.

 

[BirdDog]

The outside and inside of the camper are done, for now, so I'm thinking about the spare tire again. I'm running a small spare tire under the bed. I want to upgrade to a matching 38" spare tire mounted on the bumper. Below is a very nice option, but runs around $4,000. Has anyone else come across Gladiator bumper mount spare tire setups? Tell us about it.

I know this is an old post but do you know who makes this tire mount? It is the only one I have seen with the rear camera mounted on it. Did you ever decide on a rear tire carrier? I have read through a lot of the thread but it is a long one.
I recently bought a 2022 JT Overland with 37’s and I’d like to get a full size spare mounted on the rear. Thanks!

 

[Mules]

I know this is an old post but do you know who makes this tire mount? It is the only one I have seen with the rear camera mounted on it. Did you ever decide on a rear tire carrier? I have read through a lot of the thread but it is a long one.
I recently bought a 2022 JT Overland with 37’s and I’d like to get a full size spare mounted on the rear. Thanks!

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on the rear mounted spare.

Here's the link.

https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRV.html

 

[mx5red]

I know this is an old post but do you know who makes this tire mount? It is the only one I have seen with the rear camera mounted on it. Did you ever decide on a rear tire carrier? I have read through a lot of the thread but it is a long one.
I recently bought a 2022 JT Overland with 37’s and I’d like to get a full size spare mounted on the rear. Thanks!

That is all JCR stuff off their website.
You could also fit a 37” spare underneath with a Metalcloak or Clayton track bar, or a Rock Krawler Pro-X 4 link kit, but you have to admit that bumper carrier looks sweet!

 

[Redruby]

I made my own as a dual swing see attached photo

 

[BirdDog]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on the rear mounted spare.

Here's the link.

https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRV.html

Thanks!

 

[Mules]

That is all JCR stuff off their website.
You could also fit a 37” spare underneath with a Metalcloak or Clayton track bar, or a Rock Krawler Pro-X 4 link kit, but you have to admit that bumper carrier looks sweet!

Great video on Clayton track bar! Now I'm wondering if I can get a 38" spare under my Gladiator with a new track bar?!



Just some advice for anyone like me that runs a smaller spare tire. I run 38" tires but have a factory spare. This is not a great solution, but will get me to a shop. Don't run smaller spare on the back axle or in 4 wheel drive. You can run them on the front without 4 wheel or diff lock engaged. Remember the circumfrance is different, which will cause problems when the axle is engaged. If you have a flat rotate the tires so you have the smaller spare on the front.

 

[Mules]

Looks like a 37" spare might fit depending on it's actual size. The second video has a great explanation, but the bottom line is there is 36.5" between the track bar and the back hitch. There's a lot of factors such as if you moved back your axle with an aftermarket lift, if the spare is inflated or not, if the spare is smaller due to being used, what width rim you are running, and the original diameter of the spare.

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