Gladiator Launch Edition build

[Tlhicks]

So I picked up a Gladiator Rubicon launch edition 2 weeks ago. It was lifted by the dealer with a Mopar lift and and Fox shocks, wench, rock sliders with automatic step. All included. Now it time for some functional addons. So come along for the journey. Share some ideas and maybe even get a few. Thanks Troy

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[Tlhicks]

A few more pictures

 

[MHayes]

Where did you put the wench, in the passenger seat?

BTW, what brand are the sliders with the power step? Looks great!

 

[Tlhicks]

By the way, my wife and I are a Gladiator/JL Husband/Wife duo. She is getting some additions as well which I will post here also. The is relationship "Building" at its finest!

 

[Tlhicks]

Where did you put the wench, in the passenger seat?

BTW, what brand are the sliders with the power step? Looks great!

Nice, you caught that, Just don't tell my wife. LOL.

Here are the sliders:

https://www.quadratec.com/p/rock-slide-engineering/step-slider-kit-jeep-gladiator-jt

 

[Tlhicks]

My Build Rules:

1. Function over form: Yes I want it to look good (form) but more importantly it must work well (function).
2. Quality trusted parts: Yes I have a budget but I am willing to stretch it to get good quality tested parts.
3. Does not restrict daily use or drive-ability: I traded in my dream vehicle that I purchased new after building it online for 15 years straight. A 2017 Lexus LX570 fully loaded. After 2 years it barely had 10k miles on it and I hardly ever drove it. NOT THE GLADIATOR! It's my daily driver. You should enjoy your dream everyday in usage not as a trophy you look at and polish! My wife and I both traded in Lexus SUVs and got Jeeps. Its her 1st Jeep and she's now 100% Jeep girl and I like it!

 

[Desert Outlaw]

Compared to the fleet of Toyotas and Lexus', what do you like and not like about your JT?

 

[Tlhicks]

Compared to the fleet of Toyotas and Lexus', what do you like and not like about your JT?

Well so far there is no comparison. The Jeeps are fun they inspire freedom doors off roof open. Go anywhere freedom.

 

[Tlhicks]

I started with some simple but very functional additions.

1) Jeep OEM Grab Handles:

Front: https://store.mopar.com/accessories...s_and_coat_hangers/grab_handles_82215523.html

Rear: https://store.mopar.com/accessories...s_and_coat_hangers/grab_handles_82215524.html

There is 15% off of Mopar Accessories at the dealership this month also!

2) Jeep OEM Steering wheel cover:
https://www.extremeterrain.com/alte...ring-wheel-cover-black-8718-jeep-wrangle.html

3)Passenger Side grab handle tray for additional storage:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X75B362/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Even holds my ipad pro 12.9

4)MOLLE Bags for rear seat storage and a MOLLE short Gun Case and bags for truck bed side storage:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JWGB3Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GHV5FA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are great just for simple storage.

5) With the lift and 37's a step ladder is a must:

https://www.target.com/p/cosco-174-2-step-all-steel-step-stool/-/A-13130247

Makes it a breeze to get into the truck bed and clean the windshield.

These Last 2 are mostly cosmetic but a nice touch any way.

6) Door lock covers:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QZ445XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

7) Interior mats, cup holders, console etc..:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-Jeep-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

All of these item are fairly inexpensive and add both functionality and looks.

 

[Tlhicks]

Bestop Sunriser top and OEM Jeep Roof rack cross bars installed.

https://www.bestop.com/products/sun...?childId=498411f4-651d-4fec-bfc8-6d59fffd6597

https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/o...mopar-82215387?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM=

Both are amazing additions!

 

[jurfie]

Looks great! I don't have a JT (yet); what is the spacing between the crossbars? I've been looking for ways to carry my 17' kayak and I'd want more than 24" spread (27-30 is better). Waiting to see if Gobi responds to my email asking if they plan to make a roof rack like the one they have for the Brute, but then it looks like the Sunriser wouldn't work with it unless they made the longitudinal bars a little further apart.

 

[Tlhicks]

Looks great! I don't have a JT (yet); what is the spacing between the crossbars? I've been looking for ways to carry my 17' kayak and I'd want more than 24" spread (27-30 is better). Waiting to see if Gobi responds to my email asking if they plan to make a roof rack like the one they have for the Brute, but then it looks like the Sunriser wouldn't work with it unless they made the longitudinal bars a little further apart.

With the sunriser top I'm guessing I only have about 24 inched between the 2 crossbars.

 

[jurfie]

With the sunriser top I'm guessing I only have about 24 inched between the 2 crossbars.

Hmm. Bummer. Mind throwing a tape measure on it the next time you have an opportunity to do so?

 

[Jeep_VB]

Looks good, my wife has a JLUR and I have a JTLE, I'm starting my upgrades as well and moving my LE wheels and tires to her Black JLUR (was going to lift her's as well but as much as she drives going to wait until it's not DD before the mods start on hers).

 

[Tlhicks]

I did a lot of work on the Gladiator this weekend. Here is the list:

1. I painted the aluminum edges and the bottom of my 100 watt solar panel black and installed it on my roof rack crossbars. I bought this from Sams Club and had it installed previously on the JK that was replace by my JT
2. I installed a black aluminum storage box to hold my 2nd battery, 3000 watt inverted, solar panel controller and other gear.42"x18"x16" Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Trailer Key Lock Storage Tool Box (Black) https://www.walmart.com/ip/42-x18-x...ler-Key-Lock-Storage-Tool-Box-Black/693103375 Dual Battery Kit https://www.equipt1.com/products/portable-power-pack?_pos=6&_sid=1d379866f&_ss=r, Dual Battery Controller https://www.equipt1.com/products/dual-battery-controller?_pos=2&_sid=1d379866f&_ss=r, 3000 watt inverter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VPYV78E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3. I mounted the my air compressor, Yeti Gallon jug, https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Mountin...gallon+jug&qid=1571707522&s=automotive&sr=1-1 , https://www.amazon.com/YETI-COOLERS...7C2WKKK3443&psc=1&refRID=XDMJR82S07C2WKKK3443, tool box (Black Ammo can) and my 4000 amp Lithium Ion jumper. https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB150-U...8BTKP0MDY5Z&psc=1&refRID=3T2Y5DC5V8BTKP0MDY5Z,
4. I also Mounted by Yeti bucket.

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