Second Gladiator build up recommendations

[SleepyJeep]

So, I have been floating around this idea about maybe possibly having a second Gladiator in Gator&Diesel when it is available and build it up mainly for overlanding, camping and towing. What would be the cheapest recommendation to start from if I am going to just swap out a bunch of stuff? Do I still have to start with an Overland model like the Rebel guys did? @steffen707 @JP1 @Ole Cowboy - any thoughts?

Or should I just go with some other model and a different setup all together like a LC or an LR?

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[smlobx]

Depending on what type of overlanding you plan to do you could start with a Sport and build up from there.

Putting a LR or LC in the same sentence as “cheapest recommendation” is pretty funny!

 

[SleepyJeep]

Putting a LR or LC in the same sentence as “cheapest recommendation” is pretty funny!

LOL I know that it will cost $$, but I do love the LC and the new LR Defender so I want a dedicated rig that I can keep forever and I don't mind spending a reasonable amount cuz I know it will add up. I am trying to keep an open mind with the rigs, and I like the new Defender more than the LC, but I have time and they do say the Defender is less reliable and the LC is the most reliable. Having not owned either the LC or the LR I am intrigued... But, I would use it exclusively to drive across the country to Alaska, etc and maybe even to certain parts of Mexico and South America. But, I am not gonna lie and would be worried about crime in those countries a bit but I have seen people do a bunch of these overlanding trips in groups and seems safe...

 

[Rex3rd]

So, I have been floating around this idea about maybe possibly having a second Gladiator in Gator&Diesel when it is available and build it up mainly for overlanding, camping and towing. What would be the cheapest recommendation to start from if I am going to just swap out a bunch of stuff? Do I still have to start with an Overland model like the Rebel guys did? @steffen707 @JP1 @Ole Cowboy - any thoughts?

Or should I just go with some other model and a different setup all together like a LC or an LR?

It also depends if they let diesel go across all trims. If they only put it in a Rubi it's gonna get expensive

 

[SleepyJeep]

It also depends if they let diesel go across all trims. If they only put it in a Rubi it's gonna get expensive

Ohh, I thought the Diesel would be an option across all trims... That's just crazy to provide that in only certain trims.

I guess I was also asking because doe choosing a trim affect max load and towing capacity etc?

 

[Rex3rd]

Ohh, I thought the Diesel would be an option across all trims... That's just crazy to provide that in only certain trims.

I guess I was also asking because doe choosing a trim affect max load and towing capacity etc?

Different trims get different towing and payload . The specs might change with the diesel and there are no specs available right now so it's anyone's guess. I know they did talk about it getting less towing capability

 

[SleepyJeep]

Depending on what type of overlanding you plan to do you could start with a Sport and build up from there.

Putting a LR or LC in the same sentence as “cheapest recommendation” is pretty funny!

I guess I chose the words poorly initially. What I meant was - what would be the most cost efficient starting point based on trim for a Diesel JT, if I was going to rip out a lot of it and say install a system like PCOR which would bring my price to the same level as an LC or an LR. I def have no illusions that this would be a cheap rig... My reference to cheapest recommendation was only to the trim that I start with would be sufficient enough to get me to the setup I want. I understand that this endeavor would cost me a little over $100k or around that and that would be my budget. I am not sure if I would want to spend more than $100k on this rig, even though I would like to keep it for a long time (hopefully rest of my life LOL) and travel across NA.

 

[smlobx]

The inspiration for me purchasing the Gladiator and building it into an overlanding vehicle comes from the Land Cruiser 79 Series we rented in Africa that were amazing vehicles. See below for details of these trucks..
https://bushlore.com/toyota-land-cruiser-79-4x4-camper-cruc2/

I decided to go with the gas version instead of waiting for the diesel because most of México has not converted to ULSD and running anything but that would be a disaster in a new Diesel engine. (We have an Ecodiesel Grand Cherokee). I am working on trying to get an extended fuel tank so that the mileage won’t be an issue..

 

[steffen707]

So, I have been floating around this idea about maybe possibly having a second Gladiator in Gator&Diesel when it is available and build it up mainly for overlanding, camping and towing. What would be the cheapest recommendation to start from if I am going to just swap out a bunch of stuff? Do I still have to start with an Overland model like the Rebel guys did? @steffen707 @JP1 @Ole Cowboy - any thoughts?

Or should I just go with some other model and a different setup all together like a LC or an LR?

well @smlobx knows WAY more about overlanding than I do, but this is how i would tackle your question.

Look at the sport, sport S, overland and rubicon trims. Look at what you get in each of them, and then start asking yourself if you're going to upgrade that part.

easiest place to start is the axles of the rubicon. They're beefier and come locking front/rear. If you buy a sport/s are you going to pay $12,000 plus install for Dana 60s (i thought that's what somebody said it cost), or buy take offs and do the install/wiring to have lockers?

i'm no expert, but i bet a lot of wheeling can be done with the stock dana44s of the rubicon and typically overlanding isn't going to be as hard on the drivetrain.

So IMO, for super rock crawling, sounds like a sport/S is where to start, but for an overland rig, I think a rubicon would be the best.......

there are some other forums dedicated to overlanding, might get some answers about what parts of suspension/drivetrain need to be moded.

 

[giskard]

Ohh, I thought the Diesel would be an option across all trims... That's just crazy to provide that in only certain trims.

I guess I was also asking because doe choosing a trim affect max load and towing capacity etc?

I have zero experience with overlanding and very little with offroading, but I am good at researching specs. The Overland JT has the lowest payload and tow ratings of the 4 trims. It has the lower 5800 lb GVWR and is heavier than the Sport or Sport S (more standard equipment). If you're looking to maximize payload and towing the Sport or Sport S with max tow option is your starting point. This will give you the max tow rating of 7650 lb and around 1500 lb of payload depending on options. These may be a bit less with the diesel given its higher weight and probable cooling challenges.

That being said, as others have mentioned if you would be adding protective armor and lockers to bring your drivetrain up to the spec of a Rubicon anyway then you'll likely want to start there. It will still give you 7000 lb of tow capacity and 1200-1300 lb of payload depending on options. If you wanted to upgrade to even beefier axles/lockers/suspension than come on the Rubicon than you might want to go back to the Sport S with max tow as you would be replacing a lot of the differences between that model and the Rubicon anyway. The Sport S max tow and Rubicon have pretty much the same axles - just no lockers on the Sport S.

Good luck, sounds like it will be a fun build!

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