Josey Wales
New Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2020
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 1
- Location
- Corbin, KY
- Vehicle(s)
- 2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys, 2017 Audi Q7, 2017 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
- Thread starter
- #1
As a brand new member of this community, I wanted to share my background as a Jeep owner with my sights set on a new Gladiator set up just for me.
Prior to 2015, I had zero experience with Jeeps. On the other hand, I live and work in a mountainous region and I am constantly on the road in all weather conditions. I convinced myself that a Wrangler would help me to get around but frankly, it was a somewhat tentative purchase decision. My in-laws had the same hesitancy when they retired from the workplace and bought their first diesel pusher RV. Traveling the country together without a schedule seemed like it would be enjoyable but still, even a large motor coach is less than 400 square feet and after 45+ years of marriage they had had never been so closely confined for such long periods. They were wise to purchase something used and relatively inexpensive in the beginning, until they were sure that RV-ing was truly something they wanted to do; and eventually they crossed that threshold and traded up to a first class unit.
I followed their example and my initial Jeep purchase was a new 2015 Wrangler Willys Edition, a definite "everything you need and nothing you don't" vehicle. Although a stripper in many ways (e.g., roll-up windows), it was a near-Rubicon in others (rock rails and BFG mud-terrains). 90,000 miles later, the experiment has gone well and I am ready to commit to a bigger and even more satisfying Jeep experience--a new Gladiator. My research and my knowledge of how I would use the vehicle has led me to the Overland trim level and I am in the process of exploring the vast array of aftermarket products for Jeeps. This forum will be a valuable resource as I consider the best choices for me and work my way through the process.
First question: I intend to install AEV's 2-inch spacer lift and Goodyear Duratrac LT295/70R17 tires on AEV wheels. The Gladiator carries the spare tire under the chassis. It occurs to me that my tires, with a width of 11.6" and a diameter of 33.5", may not fit in that space properly. Is that going to be a problem?
Prior to 2015, I had zero experience with Jeeps. On the other hand, I live and work in a mountainous region and I am constantly on the road in all weather conditions. I convinced myself that a Wrangler would help me to get around but frankly, it was a somewhat tentative purchase decision. My in-laws had the same hesitancy when they retired from the workplace and bought their first diesel pusher RV. Traveling the country together without a schedule seemed like it would be enjoyable but still, even a large motor coach is less than 400 square feet and after 45+ years of marriage they had had never been so closely confined for such long periods. They were wise to purchase something used and relatively inexpensive in the beginning, until they were sure that RV-ing was truly something they wanted to do; and eventually they crossed that threshold and traded up to a first class unit.
I followed their example and my initial Jeep purchase was a new 2015 Wrangler Willys Edition, a definite "everything you need and nothing you don't" vehicle. Although a stripper in many ways (e.g., roll-up windows), it was a near-Rubicon in others (rock rails and BFG mud-terrains). 90,000 miles later, the experiment has gone well and I am ready to commit to a bigger and even more satisfying Jeep experience--a new Gladiator. My research and my knowledge of how I would use the vehicle has led me to the Overland trim level and I am in the process of exploring the vast array of aftermarket products for Jeeps. This forum will be a valuable resource as I consider the best choices for me and work my way through the process.
First question: I intend to install AEV's 2-inch spacer lift and Goodyear Duratrac LT295/70R17 tires on AEV wheels. The Gladiator carries the spare tire under the chassis. It occurs to me that my tires, with a width of 11.6" and a diameter of 33.5", may not fit in that space properly. Is that going to be a problem?
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