Sponsored

Papas Truck

OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Baja Designs Squadron-R SAE Sport LED Fog Pocket Light Kit

THESE DO NOT FIT THE RUGGED RIDGE VENATOR BUMPER without modifications

I had to modify the Rubicon brackets and still it was a tight fit. The sport model beckets are useless.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210302_190101


Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210302_213723


Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210302_213715


is it sloppy, absolutely. however its on tight and wont go anywhere and you cant notice from the outside. ill go back when the weather is nice and trim the top of the brackets so it sits flush.


The finished product. the plastic inserts do not align properly. I think some washers placed under the lights will lift them up just enough to align properly however I think they look fine without.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210303_083043
Sponsored

 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Added Hella Valuefit Driving Light Kit. Are they the brightest or as fancy as Baja Design? No. but they look great and put out plenty of light so I'm happy.

I did cannibalise the wiring harness to make it work with the aux switch and I like the little accent lights that work as DRL.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210314_104910

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210314_105000

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210314_105044
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Found a stopping point ...for now

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20210327_160517
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
The above post was a lie

Installed the Maximus 3 sports bar this past week. Very happy with how it turned out and the unique look it offers. Not a whole lot of functionality yet but I'm working on it.

Install was reasonably straight forward. It does require you to drill into the bed which I was fairly apprehensive about however the holes made seem like they could have been put there by the factory if I ever choose to remove it so in the end it wasn't too bad.

The fitment could be a little better but I suspect that with a little elbow grease and effort I could close the gaps a little more/completely.

I opted top to purchase the bed lights and break lights with the kit. Wiring is a bit of a challenge as the instructions leave it up to the installer for routing. Currently I have the wiring running along side the tubes and held in place by some black tape. in the end, the only real way to truly hide the wires is to drill in additional hole in the tube, run the wires inside, then make a further modification to the either the bed trim or the bed its self depending on the rout you want to take. I think the bed trim may be the way to go since that can be replaced fairly easily if I ever choose to remove it.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 170656924_4469429503071662_1690086793481794712_n
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck Gladiator sports bar (1 of 1)
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck Gladiator sports bar (2 of 2)
 
Last edited:

Sponsored

OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
First, I am aware there are cheaper ways of doing this. Not to mention, through trial and error, I absolutely spent more then I needed. But below is the list of the parts I actually used and I am very happy with the results. I added a Milton valve so it can be used at any gas station air pump if needed. the total for this set up was right around $200.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck Gladiator sports bar (2 of 2) Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck Gladiator sports bar (2 of 2)
For instructions, generally all YouTube vids follow the same general setup and I kinda picked and Chose what features I liked from each one.
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220223_083818


So the project started last year when I first got the Gladiator. I promptly purchased the chase rack when I saw it on here featured at Sema from Maximus 3.

After much debate, I ended up with the KC Slimlite LED's as I felt they were middle of the road. I couldn't afford some fancy Baja Design lights (although I think the LP9 series would look killer up there), and I didn't want some cheap Nilight spotlights (although I had these on my wrangler, and they really are great)
20220216_122500-jpg.jpg



First step was to cannibalize the wiring harness. All I needed was the ends with the plugs and I used those to create my own wiring harness to run all four lights in parallel. I added a connection for quick removal and then about 25 feet of extra wiring to get me all the way back to the auxiliary leads and negative terminal in the engine bay.

I wish I had taken a picture of the wiring harness I made as I am really proud of how it turned out, but I was on a roll and the kids turned this into a 3-day affair.
20220216_201717-jpg.jpg



The top of the chase rack comes off and comes pre-drilled in all the right places for lights and wires. I wrapped a little tape around each connection, and they fit snugly in each predrilled hole.

20220218_180050-jpg.jpg


20220218_180056-jpg.jpg


20220218_180120-jpg.jpg


20220218_180125-jpg.jpg



I went back and tapped off all the exposed bits for a nice clean look and better protection after that last pic was taken. like I mentioned elsewhere, my next step is to drill a hole in the tube and run the wires in the rack itself. The amount of zip ties is getting out of hand.

Anyhow, I had a lot of fun with this project, hope this helps or inspires someone.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220218_182918

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220218_215945
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
ARB Dual Compressor

Grimm Offroad mounting kit.

I installed the ARB dual air compressor using the grim off-road kit for the wheel well. I specifically ordered the kit for the Spod (I don't own an Spod) because I didn't want the switch in the engine bay. the extra mounting plate I plan on using for something else.

I also didn't want to run the chuck to the mounting bracket. basically, I don't want to have to open my hood every time I want to use my compressor. so I ran it to the front bumper instead.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220309_202932
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_064510
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220312_141113
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_064516
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Rock lights
  • KC Cyclone x6
*Important note, I was not aware that KC sold a kit for rock lights, just individual Cyclone lights. so, imagine my disappointment when I found out AFTER.

Nevertheless, I like the way I set it up and I don't intent to change anything.

I started by creating my own wiring harness with 16-gauge wire that split 3 ways. One branch to the front bumper, one that runs to the passenger side and one to the right driver side. Both wiring harnesses reach just to the front door, and I ended those with a female Deutsch 2 Pin Connector. Once that part of the harness was set, I went off and built the brackets I would need. My goal here was I did not want the actual LED's visible (nothing more annoying than getting blinded by direct light) and I didn't feel they would be verry solid tucked inside the plastic fender lining.
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_184608


I mounted two just behind the front bumper, tucked in just a bit for the bumper to provide some protection.

The other 4 were mounted under the side steps.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_184642

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_184618

the side steps provide adequate protection as the cyclone lights are much thinner than the tubing.

Next, I wanted these lights to double as courtesy lights. I found multiple ways of doing this online but what worked for me was using a Roadmaster Diode. The first input went to the aux switch, the second to the courtesy light located in the driver footwell.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20220315_184710


I tried this with and without using a relay. it worked fine both ways but without a relay, the lights fade off like the interior dome light so that's nice and the cyclones draw verry little amps (I think 0.5) but this needs to be verified.

Now I can activate them by either pressing my aux switch or by unlocking my doors as I walk up to the truck.

I have a night crawl event I'm going to this weekend and Ill test the position of the lights for functionality then. As well as take some photos.

I am by no means an electrical engineer and can't begin to say with confidence if I am doing this right however the end result is what I wanted. If you spotted a mistake, please let me know. My main concern is if tapping into the footwell for the power to run all six is too much? so far, no problem but time will tell.

Next up, Wire management. I want to turn that Spod mounting bracket into a mounting point for a power distribution enter and clean up all my leads.
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Adding functionality to an already awesome product.

I've wanted a bed rack or basket tied into the chase bar since it first arrived. The challenge was finding one that was the proper size and a solid mounting solution.

I finally went with the Rhino Rack 37X56 and it's the perfect size. To mount it, I went with 2.5 in mounting brackets, and they clamp tight enough that I feel is going to be adequate.

I'm going to wait to mount anything because I really want to see how well it holds but so far it feels super sturdy and I'm very happy with the results.

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20221022_121141

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20221022_120950
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20221022_113904


Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20221022_120942
 

Sponsored

OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
Bed Rack finally complete.

Its a combination of Maximus 3, Rhino Rack, and Pelican. none of it was meant to fit together and it all came together seamlessly (almost).

Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20230308_162012
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20230309_083708
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20230309_083724
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20230309_083751
Jeep Gladiator Papas Truck 20230309_083751
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager

Josh00333

Well-Known Member
First Name
Josh
Joined
Mar 24, 2021
Threads
34
Messages
758
Reaction score
978
Location
ID
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Freedom
Build Thread
Link
I love the radio connection there, have details on that? What's behind the bracket?
 
OP
OP
Edub

Edub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ed
Joined
Oct 23, 2020
Threads
38
Messages
347
Reaction score
530
Location
Houston
Vehicle(s)
2021 Gladiator Sport S (FULL PULL)
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Security Response Manager
I love the radio connection there, have details on that? What's behind the bracket?
my wife got it for me on Christmas.

Amazon.com: LASFIT Auxiliary Switch Bank Kit, No Software Update Required OEM Style Plug&Play Front & Rear Locker Switch Dash Switch Panel 4 Buttons for JL 2018-2023 & JT 2019-2023, Red : Automotive

it comes with a line extension that just plugs into the radio. its also a great alternative to adding lockers on anything other than a Rubicon.
 

SD Rider

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jeff
Joined
Jun 1, 2023
Threads
8
Messages
139
Reaction score
128
Location
Sandy Eggo, KA
Vehicle(s)
2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Location Specialist
my wife got it for me on Christmas.

Amazon.com: LASFIT Auxiliary Switch Bank Kit, No Software Update Required OEM Style Plug&Play Front & Rear Locker Switch Dash Switch Panel 4 Buttons for JL 2018-2023 & JT 2019-2023, Red : Automotive

it comes with a line extension that just plugs into the radio. its also a great alternative to adding lockers on anything other than a Rubicon.
I have the same switch kit! Quality, so far. Only using 2 switches. 3rd looking to add onboard air, so ran across your thread.

Any issues with it behind the inner fender?
Do you have aftermarket inner fender liners?
Sponsored

 
 



Top