Thanks Derrick! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I put a lot of thought and planning in to it. The goal was to create something as capable as possible while maintaining practicality. I think it turned out alright!
That's the best overall private build I've seen. Also thanks for explaining in an understandable way. Smart decision to add the SmartCap instead of the open air bed rack. Especially love the lighting and solar, very well thought out. Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate the kind words! I put a lot of time, thought and work in to the Jeep. I've tried to make sure that every piece has its place and purpose. I do all of my own modifications, so it has been a ride. I'm very happy with how it has turned out so far. I have plans for some further changes, but the core of the build is in place. Now I just need more time to get out and put it to use! I considered a bed rack for a while, but there was just nothing that fit the bill for me. Waterproof storage was mandatory, and my fridge would have interfered with any tonneau out there, so that drove me towards a full cap, which I honestly wanted anyway. For me, this provides the best of just about everything, with the only downsides really being a bit more weight, and cost. The RSI was definitely a "buy once, cry once" type of decision.
The SmartCap is still my favorite addition! It makes the Jeep that much more versatile. Life has been downright crazy this year. I'm hoping to put another video together here soon, so stay tuned! Appreciate the interest!
Thanks! It took me a while to piece together. I think it turned out well! I agree with you 100%. A manual transmission diesel is absolutely the direction that I would have gone if it were available.
Thanks! A lot of time and thought went in to it! The only things I really have left that I want to do are some moderate suspension changes. For now though, stock components are working out just fine.
Appreciate it! It's definitely hard to keep so many wires managed. It looks a bit busy, but everything is done safely, and that's my primary concern. I may make minor adjustments in the future, but it works great for now!
Thanks! The main catch with the electronics was finding one or two routes that worked. After that, it was just a matter of sticking with it. It took a little bit of trial and error. I'm really happy with how the bed area turned out. I used to carry tools externally, but after seeing the wear and tear from the elements I knew I wanted an internal solution this time around. Luckily, BuiltRight had a killer product that could make that happen.
@@TerraOutdoors I love how all the things are put neatly around the corner of the bed and the sliding tray! Your build will definetly be inspiration for me! Thks!
@@backcountryportal4774 That means a lot! I worked hard on it! I honestly took a bit of a gamble on the sliding bed. I only saw one other instance of it being installed on a Gladiator, and the review wasn't very in depth, so I wasn't 100% sure what I was getting. I was afraid it would take away some usable space in the bed, but it pretty much fills it corner to corner, and leaves space in the voids in front of the wheel wells for my tools on the panels. I originally planned on just installing a fridge slide, but then I saw this and figured why not the whole bed? Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Very nice, familiar to my build. I went with the same Front Runner racks also. I dedicated the front to 2 140 watt panels, the rear to a RTT. Because I have the diesel my second battery had to go in the bed, went with the Equipt Expedition Outfitters DC25 Power Pack (still waiting on it). Also went with the A.R.E. CX-HD topper. FYI I was going to go with the same rear bumper you went with but after calling them I asked if you loose the spare tire under the bed if you install the winch and he said yes, so I decided aginst it. He thought they were going to develop the same bumper but with a tire carrier like a Wrangler bumper. We'll see. Keep us posted on your build, I may steal some of your Ideas. Thanks.
Nice! That sounds like a solid setup. Honestly, I was a bit hesitant to swap out my solar slide, but after looking at my available space and how much power I was actually using, I found that 100 watts was still plenty for me and didn't take up much space topside. For the rear bumper, I've measured it out, and I see no reason why it wouldn't fit a winch, especially with the solenoid remote-mounted. Last I measured, there was almost exact clearance for the WARN VR EVO 10-S, which is the one that I intend to use. Once I get around to attempting to mount one, I'm sure I'll eventually have a video up to report findings. Thanks for checking out the video!
Thanks man! Hell yeah! I'm telling you...I'm so tempted to step up to 37s once I figure out which 2"-2.5" lift I'm going with down the road. They just look downright fantastic. Maybe after I wear out these 35s. These haven't let me down yet, so I can't really justify stepping up quite yet.
@@TerraOutdoors I did some research and talked to a few People. I decided on the AEV 2.5 lift over the Mopar lift. It was a toss up between the two. I’m paying 1600 for parts which honestly was more than I wanted to. Your rig looks awesome with the 35s!
@@jakec2009 Thanks! The AEV does look like a solid kit. That's one of the ones I was considering. I've heard great things about Rusty's and Clayton kits as well.
Awesome build! I ended up putting the extra 10mm spacers on both rear end of the RSI smartcap. It helps with opening/closing the rear door and tailgate. It is smoother and easier. Give it a try.
Much appreciated! My gripe was mainly with the fact that it was overlooked during R&D. It was legitimately the first thing that I noticed, within about 30 seconds of having it mounted. I did actually attempt the spacer fix and it didn't do much for me. It's very possible I have the clamps torqued a bit tight, but with the weight that I have up top and the types of trails I drive on, I wanted to be sure the cap wasn't going anywhere! To be completely honest though, it's pretty much a non-issue for me. I simply pop the tailgate latch before opening the rear hatch so that they separate from each other, instead of trying to drag the hatch across the top of the tailgate. The positive of all of that though is that there's definitely not any dust or water intrusion in that area.
@@TerraOutdoors Yeah the weight on the top could be causing a tighter seal on the back. You could add extra spacers at the back. As long as you are used to it, i guess it is all good. My weatherseal was starting to come off even with the superglue so i ended up placing the spacers. no issues yet. Looking forward to more content from you.
Thanks man! I've been having a blast with it. Hanging on to the JK as well or looking at trading? One of these days, I plan on finding a nice older 2-door to cruise around in. Such great vehicles.
Thanks for checking it out man! Nope, no soft shackles (yet). I thought about picking up a couple to toss under the rear seat. With the Factor 55 hook, it's very easy and safe enough to just use the hard shackles that I have on the bumpers so I've just been rolling with those for the time being.
I can *barely* shimmy them out with the rack wind deflector in place (it mounts to the bottom of the rack). If I unbolt the deflectors, there is plenty of space for quick/easy removal.
Sweet Gladiator! I'm impressed by all the mods you've done. Very clean and well appointed. I'm going to watch this video again and take notes. Gotta borrow some of your ideas for my own build. Thanks for sharing the detailed tour of your awesome Jeep. Cant wait to see your adventures, I just subscribed to your channel.
Much appreciated! I've put a lot of thought and work in to it, that's for sure! If you have any questions on anything, feel free to ask. Thanks! More content to come in the near future!
@Elevate Expeditions do you like the Genesis Dual Battery Setup and how well does it work? It basically comes prewired correct and you just add batteries, install and hook up auxiliary to the bus bars? Awesome setup!!!
Appreciate the kind words! I absolutely love the Genesis setup. It's hands down one of my favorite modifications. It's spendy with the two Odyssey batteries, but I can honestly say its well worth it. It pairs very well with the solar panel up top constantly feeding it. I've been out of town for months at a time on trips for work, or have run lights/fridge/compressor/charged devices at camp with the engine off and have never had an issue. The Jeep always cranks like it has a brand new battery. I've never had to link the two batteries together in order to start either, but it is nice to have that as a fallback option. I feel like you have to have done something incredibly wrong to find yourself unable to start your vehicle with this setup. But yes, you're correct: It comes completely wired up and ready to go! I've heard of complaints about installation, but it legitimately is mindless. You just follow the instructional video on their website, and an hour or two later it's done. Easy! Eliminating the problematic auto stop/start battery is a plus too. In my nearly 3 years of ownership, I've yet to have an issue.
@@TerraOutdoors Awesome! I greatly appreciate the feedback as that's the next modification I plan to make! Yeah its not a cheap mod but I'm glad to hear that it works as intended and that it hasn't left you stranded. Did you also install the G Screen? I didn't see it in the video but if you have it I was wondering how you felt about it? The data at hand would be nice but definitely not necessary. I can't wait until I can afford a topper either, that RSI SmartCap is so Sweet!
Thanks for checking it out Ed! If money were no object, I would probably have opted for it. That thing is downright awesome, but to be honest, my entire kitchen setup is so collapsible that I just don't think I would get my money's worth. My entire setup fits in to one of four storage boxes (Plano 68 qt) that I allot space for in my bed on trips--with room to spare. Also, since I primarily head out solo, I think it would be overkill for me.
Thanks! And no worries! You didn't miss anything there. No suspension modifications just yet! Contrary to most, I want to keep it on 35s and the center of gravity as low as possible. I haven't decided which way to go, but I'm considering sets 2 inches and below with stiffer springs to help control the extra weight. I'll definitely put up an update when I figure it out.
Kinda late to the video but how do you like the cargo glide? I've been trying to see how people feel about them but I'm not hearing much sadly. Very sharp and well put together JT!
Never too late! Honestly, I love it. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do. I use it pretty much every day, and it's holding strong. If money was no object, I would have gone for a 100% extension one. I believe this one is 70%. The price difference was drastic though, and I got this one on sale, so I'm perfectly happy overall. There are beefier ones too that hold more weight, but they're also notably thicker/taller, which means less storage space. This 1,000 pound capacity one was the perfect all-around choice for me. My one knock on it is that I wish it had a locking mechanism on both sides. It only has a handle/lock on the left, and glides freely on the right, which causes a bit of side-to-side shimmy/play when the left side is locked. I think that can also cause it to lock up under heavy weight, but usually a firm shake or pull or a bump with the hip fixes it. Overall I'm incredibly happy, and it's insanely useful for what I built the Jeep for.
Is there a huge gap between the cap and cab? Some pics make it look huge, and some do not. I'm trying to decide between the smart cap and a Leer fiberglass. Appreciate any help.
It really depends on how you seat the cap. I'm not sure what people use as their point of reference, but I lined mine up flush with the bulkhead, and have, at most, a 3/4" gap between the rear of my cab and the front of the cap.
@@TerraOutdoors Yours looks great in the video, but if you Google the cap and look at Images some look horrible. Not sure why the big difference, some just look to not belong on the back, and others like yours look amazing. Didn't know if it's the angle or what. I'm gonna pull the trigger on one and hope I like the looks once it's installed in person. I found one local in stock and don't want it to get away. Thank you, nice jeep and great content!
@@BigRandyR Now that you mention it, I guess I have seen some with larger gaps. To my knowledge, I was one of the first to actually install the cap, and mine turned out like that, so I didn't pay others much mind. If I had to guess, I'd say the ones with gaps try to line up with the tailgate, instead of with the bulkhead. The instructions didn't offer any guidance, so I just did what felt right and I'm happy with how it turned out. I appreciate it! I think you'll enjoy it. It's a fantastic piece.
Bought a Sport this past December. I love it. I want to take my time modding and building, doing my research. If you were to start over with a new build, what would you do first?
Very nice! I slow rolled a few mods over the first few months, but once the bug bit me it bit hard haha. That's a good question. I honestly don't think I'd change a whole lot. Personally, I'd always recommend swapping out stock wheels and tires ASAP if you know you're going to upgrade anyway, in order to maximize resale value. I sold mine in essentially brand new condition with just under 900 miles on them. I would have bought the camper shell sooner for sure, but there was no good option for me until the RSI came along. If I had to change something, it probably would have been buying the Cargo Glide sooner, right after the RSI SmartCap. It's just so convenient. I've never owned a bed slide before, so I didn't really know what I was missing until now.
Sweet setup! Do you have an aftermarket suspension system? I know those RSI SmartCaps have a little weight to them but how much do you think you added with the rooftop racks and the slide out bed system? I just installed a molle panel bed rack system in my JT and I really love it so far.
Thanks! I haven't done suspension just yet. I wanted to have everything added so that I could tune my suspension for my end state weight. I'm pretty much there, so now I just need to decide which direction to go. I'll be getting bags or sumo springs for sure. That will likely be my first step to help manage the excess weight on the rear. I've been eyeing the Falcon 3.3s, but as far as a lift kit I'm undecided. I want to stay under 2 inches of actual lift. I haven't done my "final" weigh in just yet (I have my stock weight slip to compare against), so I can't say for sure how much weight I put on, but I'd wager I've added a little over 600 pounds between the bumpers, cap, racks, sliders, bed system and winch. The molle bed system is one of my favorite additions. In combination with the cap, it turns the bed in to a swiss army knife, in my opinion.
Thanks man! I've done everything myself. I've gotten to be very careful/meticulous over the years with my vehicle wiring and I constantly improve on it/clean it up as I find more efficient ways to do it. Also, the spod makes it nearly fool-proof. I'd recommend that to anyone looking to do their own wiring.
Great build you have going here. You do an excellent job of explaining the pros/cons/reasoning for your mods as well. Did you happen to look into the Cascadia 4x4 VSS solar panel for the hood of your Gladiator? I’m curious as to your thoughts on it
Thanks for checking it out man! I did look in to the Cascadia offering. In fact, I wouldn't stop bothering them about it when they first released the standard version without a Rubicon option. I understand that they did what they could within the space between the hood vents, but 30W just didn't provide enough peace of mind for me. I was hoping for at least 50W-60W. I was able to build the 100W setup that I'm running now--panel, controller, and wiring, for $50 or so less than their cost. I could have gone as high as 175W for a little more. I do love their products, and the ingenuity of that piece, and I get that theirs is a plug-and-play, prepackaged type of deal, but in my case the price:performance ratio just didn't line up. Having said that, for people that aren't running a lot of electronics, camp lighting, a huge fridge, etc, and aren't comfortable putting together their own setup, it's a fantastic option. I would encourage people to do some research and check out their options as far as building their own though.
@@TerraOutdoors It’s going to be similar to yours. My “inspiration” is the Wayout and Farout concept vehicles. I’ve already ordered more of the stock spares and when they come in I’m going to have them powder coated in Nashville.
This is amazing. I have the 6MT too - I am curious about your experience on the road. With all the extra weight did you have to do anything special on suspension? What about gearing?
Thanks! I'm on stock gearing. I haven't felt the need to regear with 35s, which is the max size I plan to go. I rarely used 6th gear prior to the swap anyway since I typically cruise at around 65mph. Suspension is also stock...for now. I will be upgrading everything and adding bags or sumo springs in the rear sometime in the near future. As equipped in the video, it's not too bad (the Rubicon suspension is notoriously soft to begin with, even moreso with the extra weight), but when fully loaded (tent, awning, fridge, gear, etc.) it wallows quite a bit at highway speeds.
Much the same as it was in this video, honestly. The only addition since then has been rear awning mounts on the rear roof rack. All I really have left is suspension, so I don't expect it will change much more in the future. Now, I just need to find more time to actually get out and enjoy what I've built!
Great build! Your channel came up as I searched for SmartCap reviews, and nice to see you have a CargoGlide as well. Do you hear any rattles from the CargoGlide during everyday driving? Especially when it isn't loaded? I'm planning a Ranger build, and both the SmartCap and CargoGlide are looking like the way I'll go. I look forward to seeing more of your videos and your impressive build!
Hey Steve! Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for checking out the channel! I haven't had any issues with rattling at all. I was pleasantly surprised with how tight the cargo glide locked in. Also, since you're looking at building a Ranger, the Gladiator actually shares the Ranger model number, so I can definitely recommend this unit. The one thing I'll say is that I wish it had a bit more extension, but that's a tradeoff, because the models that have more extension sit higher, and therefore take up more cargo space. For me, this model is the best compromise.
Absolutely love your build! I have had the same line of thought with the Smart Cap + Front Runner racks. I only just got my Gladiator and just got 2.5" lift and 35s last week, bumper and winch is on order. With the FR roof rack and drilling through the cap, did you have sealing issues in the roof after a while?
Thanks! Everything has meshed very well. Zero regrets about the direction I went in. I haven't had a single issue with leaking through the roof. The washers that frontrunner provided have been more than adequate since install.
Hey Ed! Man, I'll tell ya, life has been busy this year. I've been out of town for work more often than I've been home. I'm going to try to squeeze in a couple of trips this fall that I'll be putting footage together for. I'm planning on another part of the Trans-America Trail through TN, MS and AL, and a trip out to UT hopefully. As far as the build itself, there really hasn't been much to report! I'm still debating on what direction to take the suspension, but aside from that, it's pretty much complete! Appreciate you checking in! I hope you and yours are well! I'll try to get an update out for you folks soon.
@@TerraOutdoors glad you’re doing well and keeping busy! All good as well here. Ended up with an AluCab. RSI was about a four month wait and I am going on a trip so needed one ASAP. Thanks for the quick reply! Looking forward to your future mods.
@@edwhite4992 Yeah, I had heard that they were sitting on some lengthy backorder times. The AluCab looks excellent too! You really can't beat that capacity:weight ratio. Thanks! I hope you enjoy the trip!
The cost is...more than I care to admit haha. Although all of the labor was free since I did it myself, so I've easily saved thousands. I don't have the numbers handy because I'm out of town. I kept pretty in depth records at first, but stopped counting along the way when I started forgetting to add in some of the smaller mods. The rails are BuiltRight as well. Great product and easy install--aside from shearing a bolt on the right side because Line-X failed to properly mask the holes in the bed, despite me explicitly requesting it, but I digress...
@@Optimum-Price I think either would serve the purpose just fine, but they are very good quality. I have never held the Mopar ones, so I can't honestly compare. I got the package on BuiltRight's once a year black friday sale, so price was the deciding factor for me.
Not nearly as often as I'd like to! Life sometimes gets in the way of living, if you know what I mean. I'm away for work fairly often. I did post a video of my three day Trans-America Trail trip through Arkansas in January. Feel free to check it out if you're interested! I have a couple more trips planned for this year as well, so more to come on that front.
Nine times out of ten, I'm waiting for steep sales to buy parts. Even if I had to pay full price, if it saves me hundreds in rock chips, dings, or corrosion, I'm fine with it. I can confidently say that the sides of my Jeep would be pretty jacked up without them. I also do dig the style, and the quick-detach is a really nice touch.
This is by far the best Gladiator build I've seen that I particularly like.
Thanks Derrick! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I put a lot of thought and planning in to it. The goal was to create something as capable as possible while maintaining practicality. I think it turned out alright!
Bro, your Jeep is sweet.
Much appreciated! I have a few more changes in store for it, but I'm loving it as it sits right now.
That's the best overall private build I've seen. Also thanks for explaining in an understandable way. Smart decision to add the SmartCap instead of the open air bed rack. Especially love the lighting and solar, very well thought out. Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate the kind words! I put a lot of time, thought and work in to the Jeep. I've tried to make sure that every piece has its place and purpose. I do all of my own modifications, so it has been a ride. I'm very happy with how it has turned out so far. I have plans for some further changes, but the core of the build is in place. Now I just need more time to get out and put it to use!
I considered a bed rack for a while, but there was just nothing that fit the bill for me. Waterproof storage was mandatory, and my fridge would have interfered with any tonneau out there, so that drove me towards a full cap, which I honestly wanted anyway. For me, this provides the best of just about everything, with the only downsides really being a bit more weight, and cost. The RSI was definitely a "buy once, cry once" type of decision.
Been waiting for an update video! Your first video on the rsi smart cap sold me on wanting one !
The SmartCap is still my favorite addition! It makes the Jeep that much more versatile.
Life has been downright crazy this year. I'm hoping to put another video together here soon, so stay tuned! Appreciate the interest!
The Smartcap and everything in the bed is sick! The interior air pump is dope! I wish the gladiator had a standard transmission diesel model
Thanks! It took me a while to piece together. I think it turned out well!
I agree with you 100%. A manual transmission diesel is absolutely the direction that I would have gone if it were available.
That's a really nice build. Congrats man.
Thanks! A lot of time and thought went in to it!
The only things I really have left that I want to do are some moderate suspension changes. For now though, stock components are working out just fine.
First class !! On my way
Thanks Ed!
Excellent walk around.
Thanks for checking it out Eugene!
nice thanks for sharing, i am currently building a gladiator
Thanks for checking it out!
What are your plans for it? What kind of build are you going for?
Look awesome with great functionality
Appreciate it!
Looks great. Awesome build.
Really appreciate it!
Nice layout off all the wiring, really clean.
Appreciate it! It's definitely hard to keep so many wires managed. It looks a bit busy, but everything is done safely, and that's my primary concern. I may make minor adjustments in the future, but it works great for now!
Fantastic video, incredible jeep!! 🤙🏼
Much appreciated!
Awesome build! Wiring those lights and electronics inside must have been some work! And having your jack, shovel, etc inside is a brilliant idea!
Thanks! The main catch with the electronics was finding one or two routes that worked. After that, it was just a matter of sticking with it. It took a little bit of trial and error.
I'm really happy with how the bed area turned out. I used to carry tools externally, but after seeing the wear and tear from the elements I knew I wanted an internal solution this time around. Luckily, BuiltRight had a killer product that could make that happen.
@@TerraOutdoors I love how all the things are put neatly around the corner of the bed and the sliding tray! Your build will definetly be inspiration for me! Thks!
@@backcountryportal4774 That means a lot! I worked hard on it!
I honestly took a bit of a gamble on the sliding bed. I only saw one other instance of it being installed on a Gladiator, and the review wasn't very in depth, so I wasn't 100% sure what I was getting. I was afraid it would take away some usable space in the bed, but it pretty much fills it corner to corner, and leaves space in the voids in front of the wheel wells for my tools on the panels. I originally planned on just installing a fridge slide, but then I saw this and figured why not the whole bed?
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Very nice, familiar to my build. I went with the same Front Runner racks also. I dedicated the front to 2 140 watt panels, the rear to a RTT. Because I have the diesel my second battery had to go in the bed, went with the Equipt Expedition Outfitters DC25 Power Pack (still waiting on it). Also went with the A.R.E. CX-HD topper. FYI I was going to go with the same rear bumper you went with but after calling them I asked if you loose the spare tire under the bed if you install the winch and he said yes, so I decided aginst it. He thought they were going to develop the same bumper but with a tire carrier like a Wrangler bumper. We'll see. Keep us posted on your build, I may steal some of your Ideas. Thanks.
Nice! That sounds like a solid setup.
Honestly, I was a bit hesitant to swap out my solar slide, but after looking at my available space and how much power I was actually using, I found that 100 watts was still plenty for me and didn't take up much space topside.
For the rear bumper, I've measured it out, and I see no reason why it wouldn't fit a winch, especially with the solenoid remote-mounted. Last I measured, there was almost exact clearance for the WARN VR EVO 10-S, which is the one that I intend to use. Once I get around to attempting to mount one, I'm sure I'll eventually have a video up to report findings.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Looking amazing!!! I’m getting my AEV lift with 37’ KM3 tires Monday on my Gladiator I’m really excited
Thanks man!
Hell yeah! I'm telling you...I'm so tempted to step up to 37s once I figure out which 2"-2.5" lift I'm going with down the road. They just look downright fantastic. Maybe after I wear out these 35s. These haven't let me down yet, so I can't really justify stepping up quite yet.
@@TerraOutdoors I did some research and talked to a few People. I decided on the AEV 2.5 lift over the Mopar lift. It was a toss up between the two. I’m paying 1600 for parts which honestly was more than I wanted to. Your rig looks awesome with the 35s!
@@jakec2009 Thanks!
The AEV does look like a solid kit. That's one of the ones I was considering. I've heard great things about Rusty's and Clayton kits as well.
Very impressive, I'm quite jealous. Can't wait to see some of your trips coming up.
Appreciate that!
And, you and me both! I'm planning a couple of options--now I just need to find some time.
This is my type of build.....Awesome job.
Much appreciated! Thanks for checking it out.
Thanks for sharing the details on your build. There's a lot of great ideas there.
Happy to share. Thanks for checking it out!
Awesome build! I ended up putting the extra 10mm spacers on both rear end of the RSI smartcap. It helps with opening/closing the rear door and tailgate. It is smoother and easier. Give it a try.
Much appreciated!
My gripe was mainly with the fact that it was overlooked during R&D. It was legitimately the first thing that I noticed, within about 30 seconds of having it mounted. I did actually attempt the spacer fix and it didn't do much for me. It's very possible I have the clamps torqued a bit tight, but with the weight that I have up top and the types of trails I drive on, I wanted to be sure the cap wasn't going anywhere! To be completely honest though, it's pretty much a non-issue for me. I simply pop the tailgate latch before opening the rear hatch so that they separate from each other, instead of trying to drag the hatch across the top of the tailgate. The positive of all of that though is that there's definitely not any dust or water intrusion in that area.
@@TerraOutdoors Yeah the weight on the top could be causing a tighter seal on the back. You could add extra spacers at the back. As long as you are used to it, i guess it is all good. My weatherseal was starting to come off even with the superglue so i ended up placing the spacers. no issues yet. Looking forward to more content from you.
Pretty damn impressive man!
Appreciate it!
Nice work man on the build and solid vid. I’m getting my JT soon and can’t wait to start my build. Working on my Jk now.
Thanks man! I've been having a blast with it. Hanging on to the JK as well or looking at trading?
One of these days, I plan on finding a nice older 2-door to cruise around in. Such great vehicles.
@@TerraOutdoors keeping it.. they are way to much fun to sell lol.
any soft shackles? I went 7/8 too, but chose the 30 foot rope. Thanks for the complete walkaround.
Thanks for checking it out man!
Nope, no soft shackles (yet). I thought about picking up a couple to toss under the rear seat. With the Factor 55 hook, it's very easy and safe enough to just use the hard shackles that I have on the bumpers so I've just been rolling with those for the time being.
Are you able to take the freedom panels off with that front roof rack on?
I can *barely* shimmy them out with the rack wind deflector in place (it mounts to the bottom of the rack). If I unbolt the deflectors, there is plenty of space for quick/easy removal.
Very impressive!
Thanks Glen! Now, I just need to find the time to get out more so I can put it to use!
Sweet Gladiator! I'm impressed by all the mods you've done. Very clean and well appointed. I'm going to watch this video again and take notes. Gotta borrow some of your ideas for my own build. Thanks for sharing the detailed tour of your awesome Jeep. Cant wait to see your adventures, I just subscribed to your channel.
Much appreciated! I've put a lot of thought and work in to it, that's for sure! If you have any questions on anything, feel free to ask.
Thanks! More content to come in the near future!
@Elevate Expeditions do you like the Genesis Dual Battery Setup and how well does it work? It basically comes prewired correct and you just add batteries, install and hook up auxiliary to the bus bars? Awesome setup!!!
Appreciate the kind words! I absolutely love the Genesis setup. It's hands down one of my favorite modifications. It's spendy with the two Odyssey batteries, but I can honestly say its well worth it. It pairs very well with the solar panel up top constantly feeding it.
I've been out of town for months at a time on trips for work, or have run lights/fridge/compressor/charged devices at camp with the engine off and have never had an issue. The Jeep always cranks like it has a brand new battery. I've never had to link the two batteries together in order to start either, but it is nice to have that as a fallback option. I feel like you have to have done something incredibly wrong to find yourself unable to start your vehicle with this setup.
But yes, you're correct: It comes completely wired up and ready to go! I've heard of complaints about installation, but it legitimately is mindless. You just follow the instructional video on their website, and an hour or two later it's done. Easy! Eliminating the problematic auto stop/start battery is a plus too. In my nearly 3 years of ownership, I've yet to have an issue.
@@TerraOutdoors Awesome! I greatly appreciate the feedback as that's the next modification I plan to make! Yeah its not a cheap mod but I'm glad to hear that it works as intended and that it hasn't left you stranded. Did you also install the G Screen? I didn't see it in the video but if you have it I was wondering how you felt about it? The data at hand would be nice but definitely not necessary.
I can't wait until I can afford a topper either, that RSI SmartCap is so Sweet!
Nice set up and another good review! Have you given any thought to the RSI Kitchen cupboard?
Thanks for checking it out Ed!
If money were no object, I would probably have opted for it. That thing is downright awesome, but to be honest, my entire kitchen setup is so collapsible that I just don't think I would get my money's worth. My entire setup fits in to one of four storage boxes (Plano 68 qt) that I allot space for in my bed on trips--with room to spare. Also, since I primarily head out solo, I think it would be overkill for me.
what a fantastic video. Thank you so much for the in-depth details.
Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed!
Sorry if I missed this part, but did you lift this at all? It looks great!
Thanks! And no worries! You didn't miss anything there. No suspension modifications just yet! Contrary to most, I want to keep it on 35s and the center of gravity as low as possible. I haven't decided which way to go, but I'm considering sets 2 inches and below with stiffer springs to help control the extra weight. I'll definitely put up an update when I figure it out.
Kinda late to the video but how do you like the cargo glide? I've been trying to see how people feel about them but I'm not hearing much sadly. Very sharp and well put together JT!
Never too late!
Honestly, I love it. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do. I use it pretty much every day, and it's holding strong. If money was no object, I would have gone for a 100% extension one. I believe this one is 70%. The price difference was drastic though, and I got this one on sale, so I'm perfectly happy overall. There are beefier ones too that hold more weight, but they're also notably thicker/taller, which means less storage space. This 1,000 pound capacity one was the perfect all-around choice for me.
My one knock on it is that I wish it had a locking mechanism on both sides. It only has a handle/lock on the left, and glides freely on the right, which causes a bit of side-to-side shimmy/play when the left side is locked. I think that can also cause it to lock up under heavy weight, but usually a firm shake or pull or a bump with the hip fixes it.
Overall I'm incredibly happy, and it's insanely useful for what I built the Jeep for.
Is there a huge gap between the cap and cab? Some pics make it look huge, and some do not. I'm trying to decide between the smart cap and a Leer fiberglass. Appreciate any help.
It really depends on how you seat the cap. I'm not sure what people use as their point of reference, but I lined mine up flush with the bulkhead, and have, at most, a 3/4" gap between the rear of my cab and the front of the cap.
@@TerraOutdoors Yours looks great in the video, but if you Google the cap and look at Images some look horrible. Not sure why the big difference, some just look to not belong on the back, and others like yours look amazing. Didn't know if it's the angle or what.
I'm gonna pull the trigger on one and hope I like the looks once it's installed in person. I found one local in stock and don't want it to get away. Thank you, nice jeep and great content!
@@BigRandyR Now that you mention it, I guess I have seen some with larger gaps. To my knowledge, I was one of the first to actually install the cap, and mine turned out like that, so I didn't pay others much mind. If I had to guess, I'd say the ones with gaps try to line up with the tailgate, instead of with the bulkhead. The instructions didn't offer any guidance, so I just did what felt right and I'm happy with how it turned out.
I appreciate it! I think you'll enjoy it. It's a fantastic piece.
Awesome build! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more videos.
Appreciate it! More to come!
Bought a Sport this past December. I love it. I want to take my time modding and building, doing my research. If you were to start over with a new build, what would you do first?
Very nice! I slow rolled a few mods over the first few months, but once the bug bit me it bit hard haha.
That's a good question. I honestly don't think I'd change a whole lot. Personally, I'd always recommend swapping out stock wheels and tires ASAP if you know you're going to upgrade anyway, in order to maximize resale value. I sold mine in essentially brand new condition with just under 900 miles on them.
I would have bought the camper shell sooner for sure, but there was no good option for me until the RSI came along. If I had to change something, it probably would have been buying the Cargo Glide sooner, right after the RSI SmartCap. It's just so convenient. I've never owned a bed slide before, so I didn't really know what I was missing until now.
@@TerraOutdoors Thanks, that is a big help!
Sweet setup! Do you have an aftermarket suspension system? I know those RSI SmartCaps have a little weight to them but how much do you think you added with the rooftop racks and the slide out bed system? I just installed a molle panel bed rack system in my JT and I really love it so far.
Thanks!
I haven't done suspension just yet. I wanted to have everything added so that I could tune my suspension for my end state weight. I'm pretty much there, so now I just need to decide which direction to go. I'll be getting bags or sumo springs for sure. That will likely be my first step to help manage the excess weight on the rear. I've been eyeing the Falcon 3.3s, but as far as a lift kit I'm undecided. I want to stay under 2 inches of actual lift.
I haven't done my "final" weigh in just yet (I have my stock weight slip to compare against), so I can't say for sure how much weight I put on, but I'd wager I've added a little over 600 pounds between the bumpers, cap, racks, sliders, bed system and winch.
The molle bed system is one of my favorite additions. In combination with the cap, it turns the bed in to a swiss army knife, in my opinion.
Epic build man, so many accessories! I'm curious, do you do much of the wiring yourself, or do you generally have an auto-electrician wire them up?
Thanks man!
I've done everything myself. I've gotten to be very careful/meticulous over the years with my vehicle wiring and I constantly improve on it/clean it up as I find more efficient ways to do it. Also, the spod makes it nearly fool-proof. I'd recommend that to anyone looking to do their own wiring.
Great build you have going here. You do an excellent job of explaining the pros/cons/reasoning for your mods as well. Did you happen to look into the Cascadia 4x4 VSS solar panel for the hood of your Gladiator? I’m curious as to your thoughts on it
Thanks for checking it out man!
I did look in to the Cascadia offering. In fact, I wouldn't stop bothering them about it when they first released the standard version without a Rubicon option. I understand that they did what they could within the space between the hood vents, but 30W just didn't provide enough peace of mind for me. I was hoping for at least 50W-60W. I was able to build the 100W setup that I'm running now--panel, controller, and wiring, for $50 or so less than their cost. I could have gone as high as 175W for a little more. I do love their products, and the ingenuity of that piece, and I get that theirs is a plug-and-play, prepackaged type of deal, but in my case the price:performance ratio just didn't line up.
Having said that, for people that aren't running a lot of electronics, camp lighting, a huge fridge, etc, and aren't comfortable putting together their own setup, it's a fantastic option. I would encourage people to do some research and check out their options as far as building their own though.
What part of Tennessee are you from? I’m from Jackson, TN and just got my Gladiator yesterday
Nice! Congrats! Any plans for it, or leaving it stock for now?
I'm just west of Nashville.
@@TerraOutdoors It’s going to be similar to yours. My “inspiration” is the Wayout and Farout concept vehicles. I’ve already ordered more of the stock spares and when they come in I’m going to have them powder coated in Nashville.
This is amazing. I have the 6MT too - I am curious about your experience on the road. With all the extra weight did you have to do anything special on suspension? What about gearing?
Thanks!
I'm on stock gearing. I haven't felt the need to regear with 35s, which is the max size I plan to go. I rarely used 6th gear prior to the swap anyway since I typically cruise at around 65mph.
Suspension is also stock...for now. I will be upgrading everything and adding bags or sumo springs in the rear sometime in the near future. As equipped in the video, it's not too bad (the Rubicon suspension is notoriously soft to begin with, even moreso with the extra weight), but when fully loaded (tent, awning, fridge, gear, etc.) it wallows quite a bit at highway speeds.
what's the build like today ????
Much the same as it was in this video, honestly. The only addition since then has been rear awning mounts on the rear roof rack.
All I really have left is suspension, so I don't expect it will change much more in the future. Now, I just need to find more time to actually get out and enjoy what I've built!
Great build! Your channel came up as I searched for SmartCap reviews, and nice to see you have a CargoGlide as well. Do you hear any rattles from the CargoGlide during everyday driving? Especially when it isn't loaded? I'm planning a Ranger build, and both the SmartCap and CargoGlide are looking like the way I'll go. I look forward to seeing more of your videos and your impressive build!
Hey Steve! Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I haven't had any issues with rattling at all. I was pleasantly surprised with how tight the cargo glide locked in. Also, since you're looking at building a Ranger, the Gladiator actually shares the Ranger model number, so I can definitely recommend this unit. The one thing I'll say is that I wish it had a bit more extension, but that's a tradeoff, because the models that have more extension sit higher, and therefore take up more cargo space. For me, this model is the best compromise.
Absolutely love your build! I have had the same line of thought with the Smart Cap + Front Runner racks. I only just got my Gladiator and just got 2.5" lift and 35s last week, bumper and winch is on order.
With the FR roof rack and drilling through the cap, did you have sealing issues in the roof after a while?
Thanks!
Everything has meshed very well. Zero regrets about the direction I went in.
I haven't had a single issue with leaking through the roof. The washers that frontrunner provided have been more than adequate since install.
Haven’t seen you In a while?
Hey Ed! Man, I'll tell ya, life has been busy this year. I've been out of town for work more often than I've been home.
I'm going to try to squeeze in a couple of trips this fall that I'll be putting footage together for. I'm planning on another part of the Trans-America Trail through TN, MS and AL, and a trip out to UT hopefully. As far as the build itself, there really hasn't been much to report! I'm still debating on what direction to take the suspension, but aside from that, it's pretty much complete!
Appreciate you checking in! I hope you and yours are well! I'll try to get an update out for you folks soon.
@@TerraOutdoors glad you’re doing well and keeping busy! All good as well here. Ended up with an AluCab. RSI was about a four month wait and I am going on a trip so needed one ASAP. Thanks for the quick reply! Looking forward to your future mods.
@@edwhite4992 Yeah, I had heard that they were sitting on some lengthy backorder times. The AluCab looks excellent too! You really can't beat that capacity:weight ratio.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the trip!
liked and subscribed bro
Much appreciated man!
Total cost for your build so far?
Also, are you using the mopar bed rails or the builtright industries bed rail?
The cost is...more than I care to admit haha. Although all of the labor was free since I did it myself, so I've easily saved thousands. I don't have the numbers handy because I'm out of town. I kept pretty in depth records at first, but stopped counting along the way when I started forgetting to add in some of the smaller mods.
The rails are BuiltRight as well. Great product and easy install--aside from shearing a bolt on the right side because Line-X failed to properly mask the holes in the bed, despite me explicitly requesting it, but I digress...
@@TerraOutdoors So in your opinion they are better than the mopar bed rails? I guess I will buy them also. Thanks for the response.
@@Optimum-Price I think either would serve the purpose just fine, but they are very good quality. I have never held the Mopar ones, so I can't honestly compare.
I got the package on BuiltRight's once a year black friday sale, so price was the deciding factor for me.
8 months and no trip videos? Do you ever go anywhere with your Jeep?
Not nearly as often as I'd like to! Life sometimes gets in the way of living, if you know what I mean. I'm away for work fairly often.
I did post a video of my three day Trans-America Trail trip through Arkansas in January. Feel free to check it out if you're interested! I have a couple more trips planned for this year as well, so more to come on that front.
$250 for mud flaps. 🤦♂️
Nine times out of ten, I'm waiting for steep sales to buy parts. Even if I had to pay full price, if it saves me hundreds in rock chips, dings, or corrosion, I'm fine with it. I can confidently say that the sides of my Jeep would be pretty jacked up without them.
I also do dig the style, and the quick-detach is a really nice touch.