The Gladiator must be pretty exciting for you. Everything that can be done to a wrangler, has already been done. The Gladiator is a blank canvas waiting to be painted. I can’t wait to see all the builds.
Grew up wheeling in the desert in pickup trucks, only to have to eat a ton of dirt while unpacking everything and setting up camp. Then I bought my first poorunner, now Wrangler JLU. I like the Gladiator, but in my opinion for desert offroading, the more gear you can keep inside out of the dirt the better at the end of the day.
Great video Brad as always. I’ve got an ‘89 YJ in the garage that will go to my kid. I’m intrigued & impressed by the Gladiator so far. My plan is to pickup a slightly used model with the diesel power train in a couple of years. In the mean time I look forward to watching some of the first Gladiator builds, including yours maybe!
Can't wait to see what the aftermarket community will come up with for the Jeep Gladiator over the next 2 years. Evo Manufacturing is building up a Gladiator as we speak. Cant wait to see it!
Good video Brad. I have a 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71, with the six foot box, diesel engine and can tow 7700 lbs. I love it and it sips fuel. When I'm not towing or loaded down with a lot of junk, I can get 34 MPH on the highway. I never expected to do "off-roading" with that vehicle other than drive through farm fields, hills, and snow. It is not for rock crawling. Granted, if Jeep made the Gladiator back in 2016 when I needed the truck, I would have probably bought it. The best thing about Jeeps are they are the last vehicle made with the notion that average to above average wrench heads can actually do stuff to the vehicle. There is no way I would want to start customizing my truck for fear of breaking it. My truck is for working on the farm while my Jeep is fun. By all means and even if you decide to get the Gladiator, keep your Rubicon. It is a classic.
growing up as a kid my dream vehicle was always a Jeep. Took me until I was 40 to get. Had her for almost 10 years now. Wouldn't trade her for the world. As NICE as the gladiator is.. I'll stick with my Blue baby.
Had a 97 tj, 5 spd I6. Mild 2.5” lift 33/12.50’s, winch, onboard air and a few other mild upgrades. Was built as a weekend warrior for the snow only..... (4-5 months per year in the mountains) used to go every weekend for that time frame. Got to where friends didn’t go anymore, So it sat. Neighbor made me an offer and I sadly (8+ yrs of memories) accepted. He bought it for his son who just got his license. My daily driver is a dclb Tacoma. I have a spare set of tires and beadlock wheels (for the snow only) , mobtown front receiver and cradled winch. I have to have a double cab, I also must have a bed. JEEP!.... just filled Checked ALL my boxes. The Tacoma trd is an awesome vehicle with unbelievable resale value, but just to fit 33’s for (in my opinion) actual off-roading, articulating... is a job, cmc and all that. Jeep, thank you! And here I come! 👍🏻
Agree 100%. Soon as some CPO rigs hit the market, I will be all over it. Will rock the JKU and skip the JL for now. As far as aftermarket, from what I understand the Gladiator is essentially a JL from the cab forward, meaning parts like suspension should fit day one.
Funny, my wifes on the same fence. My 04 tj sport, runs great , needs front end work, no problem w/taking care of that , be done by june, needs sticker then. But w/200k im not complaining at all. Her 14 jku, 147k, oh-no !! Parts replaced on jku, lmao, set of rear pads and tires. Thats it. It is a 6speed manual. Its been awfully good to us from the start. Dealer was closing its doors to move up the road to thier new lot. They really wanted that inventory gone, $26,500. So 6 years later ? Really considering top end. We can go get one but if were gonna sign again, better be a red rubinator. Which i dont think we'll be getting a good deal at all this time ? Too many ppl are gonna go after these, been a long time coming
It cost about $10,000+ starting to get a IFS up to 17 inches of wheel travel. After that cost goes up exponential for durability as you enter custom fabricated territory. And thats just the front end.
I will be buying one ☝️ but........sadly I need to wait until I pay off my 2016 Sahara unlimited. I still have a few more things I would like to upgrade to get it where I want it first as well. I’ve been told I have the patience of a saint......I’m going to need it here for sure! The Gladiator would make for an amazing addition in my Garage!! Also I agree if you’re planning on serious upgrades. There is no need to go for a Rubicon, especially if half the things your paying top dollar for will be on a Jeep site, or Facebook dirt cheap to clear out your garage! Keep up the great videos!
Every once in a while a new vehicle hits the roads that is a real game changer. I think that just maybe the Jeep Gladiator may be that vehicle. What other mid sized pickup could compete with it right off the showroom floor?
guy proulx you are correct, but let's not compare apples and oranges. I didn't say anything about it being the best off roader. What I said was, "What other mid sized pickup could compete with it right off the showroom floor?" So my original point still stands.
RobDTom pros and cons to the longer wheel base. Climbing is easier. Climbing over is harder lol thing is you can lift the truck to make up for the brake over angle. You can’t stretch a wheel base as easy or cheaply.
I got the Gladiator Sport Max tow! Love love love it! The 3.6 has got more power than you think and the upgrades are limitless!!! I literally cannot make my mind up! I have been in contact with almost everybody on lift kits for the truck and boy it’s not easy to find anything that puts it back to factory spec!! Rock Krawler DID! A Quad rated coil and tuned in shocks will accommodate 37s with a smoother then factory ride! AND GIVE YOU BACK TOW Capabilities now I am looking into 513 gears and lockers! Going with air lockers and a compressor..... lol see what I mean you can keep building and building
Good information Brad, we share the same mindset, I would consider the Sport S and add the upgrades I desire, the front and rear Dana 44 axles is very persuasive .
outstanding thoughts here. i have gone back and forth on the gladiator and i decided i'm gonna buy one, and i'll make it a rubicon and just do a basic lift to get my 37s back on it. run it for a few years and see what the aftermarket does for 40s. "40s by 40" might be a thing. haha
I will wait a year or two as others have said, but I love imagining all of the after market stuff that could fill that bed. For my kind of travel a maxed out Gladiator would be AWESOME! Would love to have a photography platform over the cab and fold out tent over the bed, and like you said, you could haul all that extra fuel. (I am retired Navy 21 years, HMC(SW) ).
Hey I just subscribed, a great video. Great discussion and reasoning put into the video. The Jeep does surprise me, pricing a little better then expected. If I was in the market for a mid size it would be the Jeep, but for now I love my 17 Grand Cherokee and my Ram 1500. FICA is killing it, nothing compares for "fun in rigs".
Brad, I appreciate all the thought and time you put into everything you do. I love watching your videos and I always learn something. I also really like your video production. They are very enjoyable and easy to follow along with. In regards to this video and the Gladiator...This seems like a no brainer for your needs. I say go for it and still keep your JK.
I've got the same thoughts. the Sport S with max tow package. The only thing the rubicon package offers me is lockers and a swaybar disconnect. I can regear and add lockers to the Sport S, and add some manual quick disconnects.. and save a *ton* of money over the rubicon. The only two things that I'd *like* and wouldn't have, would be the front facing trail cam, and the proximity based keyless entry. I suspect the trail cam will be an aftermarket thing in short order.. so really, only missing 1 convenience feature... and again, saving thousands.
Since the RubiCON has a light carrying cap (1180 lbs) BUT it has a decent towing capacity (7000 lbs), you could hitch a 3500 lb trailer (easy to find decent ones) and put the bulk of your load in that trailer. Then park the trailer and take what you need in the ROOB.
I hope a company makes either a hard or soft top that extends over the cab to the end of the bed. make one big interior and a roof rack over the whole thing.
Ever since the buzz started on the Gladiator, I’ve had the itch to get back into overlanding now that the kids are older. After I watched a couple videos on the wayalife channel of the EVO Gladiator build, I’m ordering one next spring and building the exact same rig. Mel picked up a Sport, totally rebuilt the suspension and axles, put on 40’s, bumpers, skids, and a RTT for just $10k more than a loaded rubicon. For me, it’s a no brainer. My buddy and I can do all the work and keep it at the same price. Though I might take advantage of my buddies shop, and let them tackle some of it, just to get me on the road quicker. Hope to see you on the trails, and maybe hit some adventures with y’all.
AFugax Another way of looking at it is as a starting platform the JK/L is the ultimate RockCrawler; the JK/LU is the ultimate RockLander; the Gladiator is the ultimate serious trails OverLander.
Watched about two dozen or so Gladiator videos, but this is the one I’ve been waiting for. I’ve been curious about your thoughts on Sport S vs Rubicon. Thanks, Brad
Gladiator Gang OMG I saw that blue in San Diego last month for the first time in person, it is INCREDIBLE!!! My wife is tired of hearing about “this amazing blue.”
I have been on the fence for a new overland vehicle for a while. I agree....the sport with the tow package might make me stray away from buying a Tacoma? (I used to build the Tacoma in the 90s when the factory was in California) yes....I might leave Toyota!!!
Brad you are in the Jeep life, business. Trade-in the wife's Jeep! You owe it to the channel and to yourself. For people NOT doing over-land and off-road, get a Ranger, Tacoma, Ridgeline, Frontier, or Colorado, save $5k to $10k.
The Toyota is king when it comes to overlanding. 200 series, 80 series, hilux, Tacoma etc. Toyota has been doing it for far longer. Look at any Australian channel.
@@Th3unknownuser111 , you could be right. I do watch 4WD-Action channel, and they seem to love the Toyota Land Cruiser. I don't see them using the Tacoma much.
I’m with you Brad, get the Sport S and HD tow package...! A medium lift with 37’s or 38’s, and outfit with some overlanding gear... Would be very nice addition, and I too am pondering the same question !
I thought the same thing about the Sport vs Rubicon. And EVO Mfg is even building a Sport that they will race in Stock class. It certainly is a very capable and will be well supported vs the other brands.
I've been watching the EVO build with Eddie on Wayalife's channel. Really good stuff and looking forward to seeing all these guys in Moab in less than 2 week.
The only downside is the Dana axles on the Sport S only allow you to have an automatic and substitute out the manual. At least according to their online builder.
I like the way you're thinking... Probably give it a couple years to work the bugs out and allow the aftermarket suppliers to catch up but it will definitely be on my watch list.
I agree the Sport S with the tow package is the hot set-up! Yup a Sport S with tow package and the Dana 44's as you mentioned, will have the factory heavy duty equipment already there. All you need is a small lift, wheels/tires, and a rear locker and you're pretty much set for some serious overlanding/trail work. I don't think of the Gladiator as a rock crawler, but it'll make a very capable trail rig! I'm also thinking it's time for something exactly like that. So, I may be right behind you on the customer list at Jeep! I'd take one in Mojito Green, unfortunately that color is not available in the Gladiator!
I just bought a leftover JK at a great price. But I’ll tell you it is tempting looking at the gladiator. I read a few other reviews in the Major car magazines just telling you what a fantastic alternative it is and size trucks. I think jeep hit a homerun here and they’re going to sell these by the boatload. I’m going to have to wait for a few years but I think gladiator is in my future LOL
I have a sport and have been building it up. It’s extremely capable off road especially in The SoCal desert and mountains and I love it but in the future I’ll be going the rubicon route. I have quick disconnects but it’s a hassle and have needed lockers a few times. I’m getting the gladiator sport S (because I miss power windows and door locks) with the tow package. 4.10 gearing and wider axles would be nice out of the box. Great perspective! I’m sold! 😎
Can’t wait for the videos on the gladiator, I have a feeling that you’re going to buy one lol, and my buddy Ray is going to ride in the jeep Easter run also, would be awesome if you two meet so keep an eye out for a red 74 Cj5!
If you're a hunter...The Gladiator might be the best vehicle made. Much more off road capable than other trucks, but it has a bed for deer and elk etc...
I follow another channel called Patriot Campers from Australia and they make a perfect replacement for the Gladiator box great for overland trips. Last year they came out to California to try out the Jeep Wranglers for the first time they loved them. Check their channel great company they have. Keep up the awesome videos Brad 👋
Something to consider, if you think they are higher priced than their competition. Doug DeMuro recently reviewed the new Jeep truck and did a comparison on pricing. Equally equipped Toyota's, the Jeep was only $1500 more. I suggest you watch the episode, as he breaks down the costs compared to other manufacturers. Jeep holds its own, and turns out is not really higher in price. If I had the money, I'd be in line right now to purchase one! :)
I would get it. The gladiator is awesome uts combining both worlds. Idk if u like diesel or not but they're gonna be releasing a diesel version later. That would be the one to get in my opinion.
If you add the Max Tow package it comes with matching fender flares. Getting the black hardtop prepped and painted to color match should be less than $1000. So still cheaper than what Jeep offers.
My wife and i are planning our 25th Anniversary trip to Alaska. It is going to be easier getting there than we ever thought possible. Easy enough we are building our 03 TJ to make this trip in.
Rubitrux in Boone NC has been building them for years....used the same AEV kit that Jeep is using since Jeep bough the rights from AEV for it. I wasn’t really as excited about the trucks since I’ve been seeing them for years. But the price is what’s going to be the killer. At Rubitrux a Rubicon 4 door truck with a 6.4 hemi is 110-125k
I like you're take on the new truck , as you said it has overland potential . With a 4 Wheel camper on the back may the slide on camper . I'm a old Land Cruiser kind of a guy but Jeeps are hard to put down. Thanks
I too am wondering if getting a sport model, then upgrading it over time is the way to go. Jumping into a Rubicon model is a bit cost prohibitive at the moment.
Great video Brad, Very good thoughts starting out with the base model and building up that one. I'm having fun in my old school CJ7 1978 Base model Love the channel
Happy with my JL. Could have bought a house for what's invested. And not done...... I complain about length already. That price for that special edition is similar to my diesel 2017 F-350 4x4. Neat vehicle. Just not not for me right now. I will enjoy watching what people do. Big axles and 40' will be needed on that thing. Thanks for your input. Always fun. OllllllO
I think the Rubicon would be perfect for me. It has everything I want already. I don’t want to go bigger then 35. Maybe 37 on a second set of rims. I am trying to decide between a JL or a Gladiator. Needs to be a daily driver and has to fit 3 kids in car seats. With enough room for groceries and a stroller. Yet be able to do some trail riding. I figured having then locking diff and disconnected sway bar would make up for not runnin 40s with a 6 inch lift lol
Yes the best is sport S model . That way you build it your way. I'm getting gater green when it comes out. Putting new bumpers ,winch ,etc on it. It will be a year or so but yep. The only way to go topless
