My Dream Jeep Gladiator Expedition Build is Becoming a Reality
This Jeep Gladiator is very a very different type of Jeep build than I've done in the past. The focus for this truck is to be a practical expedition vehicle with a focus of brining awareness to the importance of first aid off the grid. In this video I explore the desert and share with you some of the recent upgrades I've done as we near completing the foundation of this project.
onX Off-Road: bit.ly/onXTrailRecon
TrailRecon First Aid Kit: bit.ly/TrailReconTraumaKit
Jeep Gladiator Build Page: bit.ly/TrailReconGladiator
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🌐 TRAILRECON.COM 🌐 bit.ly/trailreconstore
Check out our website if you’re looking for off-road or overland gear and equipment for your rig and off-the-grid adventures. We have everything you need, including recovery gear, tents, cooking and kitchen gear, sleeping bags, TrailRecon clothes and stickers, and a lot more.
If you’re interested in reading in-depth articles about the places we go, products we use, and our personal insights about overlanding, you’ll want to check out our blog.
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TrailRecon Patreon: / trailrecon
Join for extended footage, behind the scenes, exclusive patch, some live content and invitations to exclusive events, and you’ll be helping support some of our upcoming adventures.
Thank you all for the support with Doc! It's genuinely the most excited I've ever been about a project and I'm all ears if you have suggestion for me! ** onX Off-Road: bit.ly/onXTrailRecon *** TrailRecon First Aid Kit: bit.ly/TrailReconTraumaKit **** Jeep Gladiator Build Page: bit.ly/TrailReconGladiator
The accountant in me started going, whoa whoa whoa. Then i cooled off and realized this is as much a promotion of the product lines you carry. Well done I appreciate the presentation and the business model
I love your build, I’m building a 2023 Mohave. What is your ham radio and mic hanging on
Does anybody else think Brad is the Mr. Rogers of offroad?! Every time you setup camp, I want you to change shoes and put a sweater on. Lol
That's hilarious! I do think Brad's a pretty good guy though, his content is really excellent too. But, yes, Mr Rogers!
2nd comment ... I didn't care for Mr Rogers when I was a kid, but Brad's got some excellent stuff here.
Props on the mudflaps. Has a distinct look, but they are practical, and benefit others on the road.
Glad to see your Gladiator is receiving the kind of respect they deserve!! Maybe one day I can get enough cash together to really add the additional components to my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Just after my Jeep was delivered, we found out that the builder we hired to complete our home walk off and claimed bankruptcy. Both of us had just retired 5 years before this occured. We had to go into our retirement savings to get our home completed. Both of us worked for the state so we had great benefits. Nothing was done to the builder as he filed for bankruptcy prior to this. Last year I also had to go thru cancer treatment and at least I'm cured. I read you retired from the Military. I spent 9 years in the Army as a Military policemen. I retired as Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher! I'm 75 and enjoying life! Wish you the best!! Yanni
Thank you for your service to our country and I'm sorry to hear about your challenge. I hope you are still able to get out and have some great adventures, a stock Gladiator Rubicon will take you just about anywhere. Safe travels brother!
It is so fun to watch the progress of the gladiator, but also to listen to your excitement over it!
I’ve always appreciated your approach to your builds…. Not rushed, detailed, intentional, clean & classy! Always a pleasure to watch! semper fi
Awesome, thank you!
Really looking great. This rig will truly be an asset to the off road community. Your passion really shows.
Brad the Gladiator looks fantastic. Thank Master Chief for sharing her with us.
It's good to hear you happy!!!!! I like the build. Looking forward to seeing the complete build.. keep Wheeling
Great to see your build progressing! Thank you for raising awareness of the need to be prepared for medical emergencies out in the wilds! Having a stocked First Aid Kit and taking the time to take a Certified First Aid Course removes the panic felt when faced with a serious injury on the trail. Your build raises awareness and looks awesome all at the same time! Win-Win!!!
Really happy to see a gladiator back on the channel. I bought mine Late 2019 in San Diego after i saw you got yours. Moved out to the east coast for a few years but I'm in AZ now. This truck has brought my first child home, all over the united states, everywhere from Rausch creek PA to Anza Borrego CA. I love this thing and I'm hard pressed to ever let it go!
Looks great. These videos have been an inspiration for my off-grid Ford Ranger Comms vehicle build! Has been so much fun to build it out.
Awesome job!!! As always, great information and quality work. Keep up the good work.
Honestly the starlink flat mount could be the best upgrade of the build. The ability to call, text , and communicate instantly when you are outside of cellular coverage is huge. Great build so far. $$$
The Gladiator build is really coming along nice Brad! Thanks for the update.
Thanks 👍
Glad to see the build coming together
Really looking good Brad. Fun to watch the process of your build.
She’s coming right along. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress!
Super clean build! Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Doc!
I enjoy the overland community because most builds are a reflection of the operators personality. Yes, we all get inspiration from one another, but for the most part it is for the user and built for those specifics. Great job on the continued growth of the channel, and your magnificent build.
So excited for the future adventures in this vehicle. Great job! Safe travels always.
Thank you!
Appreciate the in depth review on all of your tasteful modifications !
brad glad to see you on board with on x too🤙🤙
in terms of the battery system, my question is always about how often I access. If not often, then put it deep and stack on it. I would probably put everything under the floor.
Plus, if he does more than 1 battery, they are heavy & since it's an off-road vehicle lowering the center of gravity that much, could make the difference in a "tippy situation."
Came here to say exactly this.
I agree, it's all about how often you access it. While you're not going to access the battery itself very often, and so putting it under the floor seems like a good idea to me, you probably want to place the inverter and the battery management system someplace you can easily access them. So, I would recommend a "hybrid" of the batteries under the floor, and maybe that box to hold the battery management system and the inverter. Then you would still have room in there to store some cables, extension cords, , etc. that you might need/want to go with that equipment. Just a thought...
I've seen guys put the batteries in the front of the bed, then mount the management system in the back by the tailgate. That way, there is easy access to the manager, but the batteries are out of the way.
I’m also a military guy. In two months I’m gonna be on the hunt (finally), for a Jeep Gladiator Diesel. I had the V6 and life circumstances took it from me, but I love the utility of the platform. I’m excited to get my hands on a diesel. I love your channel and it continues to inspire me while I patiently wait to start my build!!! Thanks 🙏
Looks great so far. Your plans sound like it will be very cool. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
The production value of your videos has always been great, but I can tell you've stepped up your game even more. The audio, video and drone work is excellent.
Absolutely love this build
This build is shaping up nicely. AEV makes good stuff. I love the amber lights and setting the lightbar further back so it doesn't light up the hood. You're going to want to get some red reflective tape to replace the reflectors you took off both to make your Jeep noticeable when parked and for legal reasons.
Thanks! Good call on the reflective tape!
way to go, brad! excited with the transformation of your new jeep gladiator!
Loving the look/stance of the Gladiator... Your doing an amazing job Brad. Very practical 👍🇦🇺🚙
brad🤷 your more excited on your gladiator build then iv seen you in a while😂😂😎😎🤙
Hey MC, I can whole heartedly agree with the build, the Bartac set covers are the boom, I've had mine on my 2010 Tacoma for over 6 yrs of hard us, from Baja to Freezing cold Montana and are just now starting to show hard use wear but still in good shape
Brad, the Gladiator looks great! You will love the Bract seat covers, I have had mine now for 6 years...and just starting to show some wear. Love what you did with the reflectors to chase lights.. awesome idea. Overall .. it looks amazing!!
kind of seeing where you are going with this. All The Best! STTN.
Have the same mud flaps. Easy to take off and reduces some of the mess that gets up there. Like the KC lights in the bumper. Was going to go with something else, but think this is the way to go. Thanks!
I purchased the onX Offroad Elite subscription and really enjoy its functionality and ease of use. I use it with my Polaris General (Galaxy tablet) and Gladiator (iPhone to Apple Carplay). It also comes in handy while exploring my forest property on foot. I enjoy your videos.
Nice, I like that the tires aren't overdone. For solar, consider changing out the hood for a non-rubicon and installing a Cascadia hood solar panel; you will save room on the roof rack and probably pull in the same wattage
Allll… you did it!!! Go OnX Offroad ❤
Looking good 👍. I’m liking the direction you’re taking with this project
LOVE the AEV accessories
Keep the battery management system in the cab, for sure 100%. But ditch the box and build a panel system to mount on the rear wall. In the end you'll conserve space, have better access to your electrics for maintenance and monitoring
Always love your videos and projects, Brad!!! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Only thing I'm concerned about is that battery in the back floor board getting wet if you do some deep water crossing. However, I'm sure you'll have it all under control.
Excellent video Starlight!!! 😁
It’s looking awesome bro!
Loving the proportions in this. The 35’s keep it looking very utility which I think is very fitting of the builds direction and objective. Also a sucker for AEV stuff. That front bumper blows the others out of the water.
My Wrangler and Gladiator both have RockBlokz mud flaps. They are fine off-road. I´ve done Moab 3 times with them. I only have fronts, but I´ve never taken them off or hurt them on the rocks. Keep them on there! They are great!
The seat covers look very nice & comfy for road trips. 👍🏻
Great call on the mud flaps and gear change.
Excelente camioneta cada paso fuerte y constante!! Saludos! Buena vibra 🔥✌️!
I watch trailrecon often it’s so good to learn something new about upgrading your wranglers and what works and what it doesn’t! Thx for the nice video Brad! Best of luck and be blessed brother 🙏👍🏼
Thank you!
Sir the Gladiator looks awesome!
awesome and outstanding as always
Hi Brad. Nice rig. A suggestion for your 120v power. Companies like Grecell 2400 and Anker C1000 make really nice battery generators. LiFePO4 technology. The Anker is under 30lbs. I have one. If you set up your rig with an onboard inverter, say 2000w, you can recharge the Anker while driving. Or Idle for 15 minutes and charge it 50% capacity. You can set the Anker to charge at whatever wattage you choose between 1w and 1000w. 1000w will recharge it from flat dead in an hour.
Truck is looking good 👍 Informative stuff , good luck on adventures enjoy the content.
Very fun to see this coming together. KC has finally joined the modern era of design with that bar lol. Cheers
Brad, I personally think you should visit a place that builds ambulances. I think you could get some good storage management ideas and pinpoint your needs and wants. Personally not a fan of the box for battery management. I think it should be tucked away but accessible. Also lowering your center of gravity. The GP looks good!
I worked ambulance duty for about 2 years many moons ago, so I'm pretty familiar with their layouts.. I've got some pretty good idea. I hear you about the lower center of gravity, something I keep going back to. Thanks!
@@TrailRecon Also, I realize there maybe some reason to monitor the battery system. What about router-ing some type of glass/plexiglass window for your viewing pleasure.
Why the need for such a battery system? I still have not heard any load analysis or even a reason for such overkill. Now, if you simply enjoy putting massive systems together and are not trying to optimize the ENgineering, well, then have at it. I do that too and derive personal gratificatiion, but in the end it is overkill
Yes, unlike an ambulance, this will go off-road and could be subject to unexpected, "tippy situations" always be thinking about lowering your center of gravity Brad!
I cant wait to one day be able to buy myself a Mojave. Great video brad. Thank you.
Excellent! Looking forward to more.... stuff.
Awesome, thank you!
You should get the snorkel upgrade pre filter to keep the dirt out especially when in a convoy
Damn that looks good. I'm really digging the mud flaps too.
Looks Great Brad!!
Thank you!
Looking awesome, Brad! I'd definitely get your med kit on a quick detach velcro pad so you don't need to fumble with snaps in the molle if you need the kit fast!
Hi Brad, very nice video. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching
i knew it✊✊✊ your really into your gladiator💪💪💪
....and we are waiting for those adventures🤙🤙🤙
i'd use the storage area where the rear seats were for a fresh water tank, you could even run something up to the front area for easy water access from the drivers seat. as well as having the water tank inside the trucks cabin just means it'll stay cooler when its hot out. you could also route the air from the rear vents into that storage area... not sure that would make a difference but its an idea. love your build and I'm really enjoying your content... keep it up!!
Definitely can sense your excitement about the build. I actually like the mud flaps, they seem to fit well on the Gladiator. Though those boxy tail lights got to go!
Great idea with the chase lights. I always hated the reflectors and wanted a place for some chase lights and since I never wanted or needed a rack system this is perfect for my Gladiator. Hope you don't mind me copying your idea, But you know what they say, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
Well done Brad. Enjoy the process. I think 488 gears will be very effective for your added weight and larger wheel circumference. I am pretty sure on circumference only, the 456 gears would account for the reduction in RPM. Then add the weight and 488 answers the bell. that AEV bumper system is really attractive. Great video. Enjoy EJS.
The Gladiator looks awesome awesome Brad. I was hoping you were gonna talk about the sear covers..I saw them a couple videos back ..they look really comfortable and the molle panels are cool.
So glad to see you back in a JT as that is what I have, white rubicon. My build is about done. Rascal and I will be looking for you at Flagstaff show.
espectacular!!!
I’m so glad you’re back in a gladiator. It was obvious that you’d be back in one as soon as you got rid of the last one
I really like the look of it without a topper.
Lookin good!
Super clean looking build. I’m considering sizing down from 37s to 35s myself.
Fellow navy guy here. Just picked up my rubicon gladiator yesterday. Can’t wait to get away from Wisconsin and actually get to wheel it. 😂😂😂 ***former navy*** did 11 years as a 60B/60R aircrewman (AWR) split between north island and Pax River.
Looking good .
Looking great. As someone else just mentioned about the rear reflectors, I’ll add that when they install them separately from the taillights, it’s generally because the taillights have no rear facing reflector in them. I’ll presume it’s just temporary because you mentioned moving the amber lights higher after the cap went on.
Doc is looking good! 👌
Thanks!
I’m picking mine up from Jerry next week! I can’t believe how full his shop is after only opening the new location earlier this year
You have some awesome ideas for this build and I really like how it's progressing. One suggestion... avoid mounting components on access panels 7:27 as this causes wiring harness movement each time the panel is accessed. This could introduce harness issues down the road.
Brad it’s looking great!! Much different from any other build I’ve seen.
Thanks!
Red is dope ! What goes good with red is carbon fiber accents maybe you have some ideas for more additions but I know that would make your ride look siiick
I'm excited to see what bed cap you are going with... I am planning on replacing a bed rack with a cap on my Gladiator in the future. More covered storage is what I need.
Coming soon!
I love all of it
Brad, I too added Rokblokz mud flaps on my Mojave and picked up a set of Mopar fender flair extensions which helps keep the side of the Jeep clean along with the mud flaps. If we see each other at EJS I'll show how it looks.
Love how it’s coming together! I’d keep batteries out of the passenger area - ideally somewhere where they can vent in the event of catastrophic failure. See the videos of 4XE battery failures. Batteries inside the vehicle not the best situation.
Thank you and I hear you on the batteries, lots to think about.
Looking good so far brother
Much appreciated
Brad you may look into the cyclone attachment for the snorkel AEV sells. Great for dust!!
So happy to see you back in a Gladiator! I'd love your advice on gearing for mine. It's a 2020 automatic on 37's and it's my daily driver and trail toy. I'll never tow more than 3000 lbs or haul much weight. Thanks!
looking awseome🤙🤙🤙
Thanks!
Wow, thank you so much!
I know you will get to locating a spot for the battery/power to your personal liking/need. My approach with our build has been not to take easily accessed areas away for support pieces that will not need everyday access. We have put those kinds of pieces in the bed near the cab where it is in space you may not necessarily have access to unless in a must need situation (maintenance, unexpected repair). Once the power unit is built your need to access should be minimal.
Needs a graphics kit with a nod to your service. 👊🏼. Fantastic build, as always. Functional and practical for your needs.
Oh ya, will be working on that for sure, but need to get everything else in place first.
Love it
Another amazing video! One idea for your back seat area organization. What if you were to fabricate some sort of a back wall and with some shelves/small cabinets either mounted on or built in? You could have it go all the way to the hard top. Hinge it where the bottom of the window is so when you are using it, you could flip it down/remove it and have access to the rear window.
Thanks! I've thought about something like that and there are a few others that have some pretty nice builds. I want to wait and see how things look once I have the cap on and see if I need to expand more. Honestly, I like having the rear window visibility and don't want to loose it if not necessary.
I'm still rocking the xj life! Looking for a Comanche to build here soon 😅
So I'm not the only person who ground off the silly pencil clips on the RAM Mount iPad mini holder. :) I have a 2021 JLUR. Removed the rear seats and bought a full Goose Gear stealth plate, and CampKitchen 2.3, with dual drawer module. So my Dometic fridge and Partners stove side out the back. My 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is mounted behind the fridge. Two of the four Goose Gear compartments are stuffed with tools and recovery gear. One compartment is where all the electronics go (so they're protected). The last compartments is behind the passenger seat, I keep it empty until I start to pack for a trip. I'm really looking forward to your Doc build. It would be great if Elon Musk could sponsor your Starlink Roam. Though he might want you rolling in a Tesla Cybertruck.