Thanks for this, Matt. I'm in a transitionary period in my life and am just beginning to outfit my Gladiator so I can hit the road. I sincerely appreciate you passing on your lessons learned.
Watching this channel and the story till now motivated me to finally go out and purchase my first truck. I bought myself a 2023 Jeep gladiator rubicon today and I couldn't be happier!!! The rebates and discounts added up to 11k below MSRP! I couldn't believe it!! Plus as a disabled vet i didn't have to pay sales tax!! After everything said and done I paid 55k out the door for a 66k truck!!! I don't know what I'll do with the soft top but they did throw in some free rubber Jeep floor mats lol man I love it. Now some tires wheels and a decent lift.
Thanks for this video - I'm particularly impressed by how you use and rate the more economical build components. I get tired of seeing the rigs where the owner has spent silly amounts of money simply because the brand fed the ego. I'm about 2/3 done with my 2021 Gladiator Willys and I get a lot of ideas (or validation) from watching your channel.
Great video as always, I actually just got my own 37" Milestar Patagonis MT02s installed today and so far love them both in look and how they did with the little city driving I did to break em in.
Great update Matt. I know it's 6 mo old but I'm still getting caught up on some of your stuff. I was sold on getting an A.R.E. topper but I've been watching your vids on the extrusion and I think I really might go that way. No RTT for me though, I can't climb a ladder any more.
Good video Matt we went to the Ozarks last weekend the water crossings were really deep we had a blast I want the snorkel like you used to run I have no lights on top
Thanks AGAIN Matt...I LOVE seeing your build !!!!! I Am SOOOOOOO Envious.....🥰 And I CANNOT WAIT to see the MOAB trip !!!!! This is gonna be EPIC i feel !!!!!! 🥰
Appreciate the video! You probably saved me close to $200 just on your winch review alone. I ordered a Badlands Apex 12k rope winch last week(on sale), will be taking it back and getting the Open Road now that I know they're legit. Thanks again for the time you put into your videos!
Matt, Have you considered a better sealed enclosure for the rear of the JT? While the rack you have is really nice and functional, one of the issues I get annoyed with is dust or dirt transfer. It gets on your hands and clothes, then you touch something else and so on. Constantly, feeling the need to clean the dust and watching what I touch gets on my nerves. And I am no dirt-phobe. It's just the living with it long term and the inconvenience of it.
No one makes a sealed enclosure that isn't full height and I didn't want my tent up that high. All my gear lives in the drawer and totes so while the exterior may get dusty at times, all my gear stays dust free. I also keep towels under the driver seat so I can quickly wipe something off when needed.
The ACE Industries rock rails that I've had for 1 year. I was washing my Jeep with a pressure washer and the paint came off on the top of the rail. Not the end of the world I can rattle can it but it's annoying for how expensive they are you would think that the powder coating would be high quality. Other than that they have been really great.
Great video. Love all the info you provide. How about the rotopax. I have read a few comments from others that they leak. What is your experience. Thanks
Mine have never leaked but I'm not a huge fan of them because the spout is super annoying and they are more expensive than they should be. But they mount really well so I just live with it. I do love the water rotopax.
Thank you very much. What is that little white box attached to the bottom of your tent, next to your Amazon led lights? It looks like a small white box with a small circle in it. Thank you in advance.
Are you sure about the fridge slide manufacturer? I just looked at global road outdoors site and don’t see that or any slides listed. Bummer. I’m very intrigued by that.
On your fridge, did you cut the end of your 12v cord and then hook it straight to the battery or did you use a inline fuse? If you used an inline fuse what size? Thanks
If the Gladiator came in the recon extreme recon edition i would have bought that first sorry. I love my recon. I got it just before they where release
I don't get a lot of really cold weather that I have to worry about. Like all Lifepo4 batteries they can't charge if the batteries are below freezing but with 200ah I have enough power that that shouldn't be an issue.
Just starting out with over landing & whatnot with a stock 22 Colorado ZR2, also smurf blue. Wanting to do the Ozark Overland Adventure trail the week prior to the MOORE Expo with my dad. What kind of reservations should I be making? Can the stock ZR2 handle this trail? Going cheap on this first outing just to learn what's what before I spend THOUSANDS of dollars.
I’d say you def need better upgrades more beefy aggressive and bigger tires and a lift to start. Then add some real full armor. Those Ozark trails are so big and so many different trails in there and it can get pretty damn tough depending on which ones you choose to take with some real deep water crossings depending on the time of year and the weather prior to you going. Def don’t think a stock truck could handle some of those water crossings. Even lifted heavily built up rigs on 35s, 37s, 40’s have the water coming up over the hood at times and a stock zr2 has some tiny tires on it, 265-65-17 which are pretty small for an off road truck tackling legit trails. Easier trails you’ll be good, moderate trails it’s a flip of a coin depending on the trail, but difficult tough trails you will come out the other side with tons of damage. Better to build it up and protect your rig and yourself before taking the chance and doing some extensive research on the exact trail you’re going on and it never hurts to mod and build up your truck over stock anyways if you are an actual off roader who goes out and tests your vehicle in remote places all the time. If you aren’t that serious and more worried about on road comfort and mpg, then just stick to the easy trails mainly consistenting of dirt fire roads and keep it stock but the stock tires on the zr2 are embarassing but luckily the new Colorado zr2 stock size will be 285-70-17.
@@andyham6094 thanks, I agree I intend to stick to the easy trails. The issue with the previous generation of ZR2’s ending in 22 is that they are expensive to lift and need gears and a LOT of cutting for 35’s. However, it’s the midsize I fit in, and daily driving a Chrysler product was not something I wanted to deal with again. I am in Mn, but my fam lives in the ozarks so I am familiar with the area.
Go back to some older videos and you'll see my friend's stock ZR2 handling everything great! You'll be fine on the OOAT as long as water levels aren't too high. The ZR2 is an excellent truck and probably better than the Gladiator in stock form.
Have you had issues with the rear tail lights with the oracle tail light. I really want them but everywhere I research the quality is bad and they go out all the time and replacement from customer care is terrible from what ive read.
The only issue I had was the blinker out error on the dash. But that was fixed with a recent harness that Oracle released. So far I'm pleased with them.
I have those same lights on my Gladiator. I haven't had any issues, I've only had them 9 months. I did have the error but Oracle sent out a little wire kit and it worked perfectly (no taser needed) I also did not tighten the screws down really tight but just snug because I read the comments about the brackets breaking.
@Ozark Overland Adventures thanks, don't you have them wired to the qux swith and reverse lights? Also, do you have a video for the auxiliary battery install?
Hi Matt, have you done any ball joint, axle shafts, or steering upgrades? Been following your channel for a while now and I don't recall seeing you do any. I just used your promo code to order the Clayton 3.5" lift for my JT. Appreciate that 5% off!
I have Teraflex balljoints in now. I should have mentioned that as something that failed quickly. I'll be shooting a video tomorrow on steering upgrades. I plan on keeping the stock axle shafts because I like that being my failure point instead of something inside the diff.
You described the batteries in the bed of your Gladiator as "Lithium iron phosphate", but the batteries shown in the video say "Lithium ion". I’m confused.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures, I'm in Alberta and believe me, we don't have the same temperature 🤣 Thank you for your answer. Another excellent video. I love!
Thanks for this, Matt. I'm in a transitionary period in my life and am just beginning to outfit my Gladiator so I can hit the road. I sincerely appreciate you passing on your lessons learned.
You're very welcome!
Matt this is the best channel on TH-cam very informative my wife is even addicted to it. We are new to over landing thanks for what y’all do
Thanks so much!!
Watching this channel and the story till now motivated me to finally go out and purchase my first truck. I bought myself a 2023 Jeep gladiator rubicon today and I couldn't be happier!!! The rebates and discounts added up to 11k below MSRP! I couldn't believe it!! Plus as a disabled vet i didn't have to pay sales tax!! After everything said and done I paid 55k out the door for a 66k truck!!! I don't know what I'll do with the soft top but they did throw in some free rubber Jeep floor mats lol man I love it. Now some tires wheels and a decent lift.
Wow that’s incredible!!!
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures omg I was absolutely over the moon about the whole situation lol
Again THANK YOU, Matt for your insight and inspiration to the overlanding community.
Very welcome!
See you at the Moore Expo!
Thanks for this video - I'm particularly impressed by how you use and rate the more economical build components. I get tired of seeing the rigs where the owner has spent silly amounts of money simply because the brand fed the ego. I'm about 2/3 done with my 2021 Gladiator Willys and I get a lot of ideas (or validation) from watching your channel.
Thanks!!
Matt, you're a big part of the reason I decided to pick up a Gladiator instead of waiting for a Bronco.
Excellent choice!!
Good to Hear about the Skid Plates... I've been waiting to hear the long term review... Getting ready to order these for my JLU..
Awesome!!
again right in time for baby feeding, thank you
Great video as always, I actually just got my own 37" Milestar Patagonis MT02s installed today and so far love them both in look and how they did with the little city driving I did to break em in.
Awesome!!
Great update Matt. I know it's 6 mo old but I'm still getting caught up on some of your stuff. I was sold on getting an A.R.E. topper but I've been watching your vids on the extrusion and I think I really might go that way. No RTT for me though, I can't climb a ladder any more.
Great build Brad. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Love your adventures keep the vids coming. 👍
Thanks!!!
Good video Matt we went to the Ozarks last weekend the water crossings were really deep we had a blast I want the snorkel like you used to run I have no lights on top
Thanks AGAIN Matt...I LOVE seeing your build !!!!! I Am SOOOOOOO Envious.....🥰 And I CANNOT WAIT to see the MOAB trip !!!!! This is gonna be EPIC i feel !!!!!! 🥰
Appreciate the video! You probably saved me close to $200 just on your winch review alone. I ordered a Badlands Apex 12k rope winch last week(on sale), will be taking it back and getting the Open Road now that I know they're legit. Thanks again for the time you put into your videos!
Glad I could help!
Hi Matt, was a little under the weather and missed out on previous videos. I hope all is well? Sully is an awesome build. Thank you for the content 👊🏽
Thanks 👍
Matt, Have you considered a better sealed enclosure for the rear of the JT? While the rack you have is really nice and functional, one of the issues I get annoyed with is dust or dirt transfer. It gets on your hands and clothes, then you touch something else and so on. Constantly, feeling the need to clean the dust and watching what I touch gets on my nerves. And I am no dirt-phobe. It's just the living with it long term and the inconvenience of it.
No one makes a sealed enclosure that isn't full height and I didn't want my tent up that high. All my gear lives in the drawer and totes so while the exterior may get dusty at times, all my gear stays dust free. I also keep towels under the driver seat so I can quickly wipe something off when needed.
If the Coldwater Run, trail from hell, didn’t ruin the snorkel I doubt that anything will!
Great content as always! Keep up the great work Matt!
Thanks! Will do!
Great Video...Going to the Moore Expo looking forward to meeting you guys!! Coming from Pittsburgh.
Awesome! Thank you!
The ACE Industries rock rails that I've had for 1 year. I was washing my Jeep with a pressure washer and the paint came off on the top of the rail. Not the end of the world I can rattle can it but it's annoying for how expensive they are you would think that the powder coating would be high quality. Other than that they have been really great.
Not sure they would cover it but I’d definitely let Ace know.
Thanks for the video, Matt. I bought the iceco on your recommendation and I love it.
Great to hear!
That is a beautiful rig.
Thanks!
Nice setup 👍
Great video. Love all the info you provide.
How about the rotopax. I have read a few comments from others that they leak. What is your experience. Thanks
Mine have never leaked but I'm not a huge fan of them because the spout is super annoying and they are more expensive than they should be. But they mount really well so I just live with it. I do love the water rotopax.
How has the gladiator held up reliability wise? any repairs on the engine or weird things like that?
Zero issues. It’s doing awesome.
Maybe give the Dura Trac tire a shot I’ve got 40,000 miles on mine and they do need to be replaced but I do a lot of the same stuff you do
Thank you very much. What is that little white box attached to the bottom of your tent, next to your Amazon led lights? It looks like a small white box with a small circle in it. Thank you in advance.
It's a bluetooth thermometer so I can check the outside temp from my tent. I show it off in an upcoming trip video. It's pretty handy.
69.6K Appreciate the video!
Looks like many truck guys are going with Alucab, style camper. Why bed rack instead of Alucab style topper for you?
$$$$$ and weight. Lol
Has it really been two years since you got Sully? She came a long way.
I can’t believe it either.
Love the build Matt! What’s the brand of the tailgate trash bag? I saw it in a previous video but find it.
Thanks! www.atelierxa.com/
What backspacing are you running on your wheels and have to had any rubbing?
Are you sure about the fridge slide manufacturer? I just looked at global road outdoors site and don’t see that or any slides listed. Bummer. I’m very intrigued by that.
Totally sure. Just call them.
what about that Fuel Bag?
I don't see you using it anymore and you put the Rotopax back on
I still have them and like them. They just don’t mount as well as the Rotopax.
Awesome set up. Really like your channel. Where do you keep the spare tire?
Under the bed in the spare tire location. Clayton Offroad rear track bar allows for a larger spare. the 38 is tight but it just fits.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures oh dang I knew I should’ve went Clayton instead of rock krawler
what do you used to stick badges to your head liner
I have the Hot Heads Headliner. Patches stick great to it.
Hi Matt, where does your battery charger get its source in charging your batteries?
Alternator.
Hey Matt! I’m local to Conway too! Where did you get your Milestar tires through? Was it Discount Tire?
Yes that's where I have ordered them in the past. That's the only place I will get tires in Conway.
@Ozark Overland Adventures
Any recommendations for a manual can opener; something that won’t fail in a few uses?
Thanks.
I just buy cheap ones from Walmart. lol
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Thanks. Been doing that, but they fail in short order. I’ll stock up on them 😊
Who makes your fridge slide out? Thanks!
Global Road Outdoors. Same as my tent.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Thank you
So no problems with the skid plates bending or not sliding across rocks?
Nope. They are great!
Matt,
Do you think the Clayton 2-1/2 in lift will work for 37inch tire or should I go 3-1/2?
I would like to keep my factory fenders.
keeping factory fenders, go 3.5"
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you for the quick response … I so respect your opinion
cant find your trash bag or the tailgate deck. I did see them in another video but can't remember which one.
www.atelierxa.com/
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Thank you Matt
Hey whats the shelving system you are using in the back of the bed above your battery boxes? Or is that a custom built shelf?
It's just something I put together with leftover extrusion I had from the bed rack.
Hi Matt, were you able to fit a 38” in stock spare location or are your running a 37” there?
Yep. Fully inflated 38 under there. Barely fits.
On your fridge, did you cut the end of your 12v cord and then hook it straight to the battery or did you use a inline fuse? If you used an inline fuse what size? Thanks
Cut the cord and run straight to battery.
If the Gladiator came in the recon extreme recon edition i would have bought that first sorry. I love my recon. I got it just before they where release
My wife loves her XR Wrangler!!
How well do the battery setup work for cold weather.
I don't get a lot of really cold weather that I have to worry about. Like all Lifepo4 batteries they can't charge if the batteries are below freezing but with 200ah I have enough power that that shouldn't be an issue.
How are the ASFIR skids working out?
Excellent!!!
@@OzarkOverlandAdventuresjust ordered the whole set. Great price compared to Artec or Motorbilt
What kind of bag is that on the tailgate?
www.atelierxa.com/
Just starting out with over landing & whatnot with a stock 22 Colorado ZR2, also smurf blue.
Wanting to do the Ozark Overland Adventure trail the week prior to the MOORE Expo with my dad.
What kind of reservations should I be making?
Can the stock ZR2 handle this trail?
Going cheap on this first outing just to learn what's what before I spend THOUSANDS of dollars.
I’d say you def need better upgrades more beefy aggressive and bigger tires and a lift to start. Then add some real full armor. Those Ozark trails are so big and so many different trails in there and it can get pretty damn tough depending on which ones you choose to take with some real deep water crossings depending on the time of year and the weather prior to you going. Def don’t think a stock truck could handle some of those water crossings. Even lifted heavily built up rigs on 35s, 37s, 40’s have the water coming up over the hood at times and a stock zr2 has some tiny tires on it, 265-65-17 which are pretty small for an off road truck tackling legit trails. Easier trails you’ll be good, moderate trails it’s a flip of a coin depending on the trail, but difficult tough trails you will come out the other side with tons of damage. Better to build it up and protect your rig and yourself before taking the chance and doing some extensive research on the exact trail you’re going on and it never hurts to mod and build up your truck over stock anyways if you are an actual off roader who goes out and tests your vehicle in remote places all the time. If you aren’t that serious and more worried about on road comfort and mpg, then just stick to the easy trails mainly consistenting of dirt fire roads and keep it stock but the stock tires on the zr2 are embarassing but luckily the new Colorado zr2 stock size will be 285-70-17.
@@andyham6094 thanks, I agree I intend to stick to the easy trails.
The issue with the previous generation of ZR2’s ending in 22 is that they are expensive to lift and need gears and a LOT of cutting for 35’s.
However, it’s the midsize I fit in, and daily driving a Chrysler product was not something I wanted to deal with again.
I am in Mn, but my fam lives in the ozarks so I am familiar with the area.
Go back to some older videos and you'll see my friend's stock ZR2 handling everything great! You'll be fine on the OOAT as long as water levels aren't too high. The ZR2 is an excellent truck and probably better than the Gladiator in stock form.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures
Thanks!
How is your rain traction ?
Excellent
Does Xtrusion Overland still make the rack for the Gladiator? I don't see the Gladiator listed on the website.
They do, must be a glitch on their site. Go under "products" instead of by "vehicle".
They definitely do.
So, nothing is not working well or is somewhat disappointing?
the things I mentioned I replaced like my old lift and rack were not working. Everything is pretty dialed right now.
What kind of pants dose Matt wear. Vary cool.
These - amzn.to/3Q0BPjS
Have you had issues with the rear tail lights with the oracle tail light. I really want them but everywhere I research the quality is bad and they go out all the time and replacement from customer care is terrible from what ive read.
The only issue I had was the blinker out error on the dash. But that was fixed with a recent harness that Oracle released. So far I'm pleased with them.
I have those same lights on my Gladiator. I haven't had any issues, I've only had them 9 months. I did have the error but Oracle sent out a little wire kit and it worked perfectly (no taser needed) I also did not tighten the screws down really tight but just snug because I read the comments about the brackets breaking.
Have you guys thought about doing the T.A.T.? Would be a great series.
I've considered it.
What lights for that bumper
Baja Design S1 Flush
@Ozark Overland Adventures thanks, don't you have them wired to the qux swith and reverse lights? Also, do you have a video for the auxiliary battery install?
Hi Matt, have you done any ball joint, axle shafts, or steering upgrades? Been following your channel for a while now and I don't recall seeing you do any. I just used your promo code to order the Clayton 3.5" lift for my JT. Appreciate that 5% off!
I have Teraflex balljoints in now. I should have mentioned that as something that failed quickly. I'll be shooting a video tomorrow on steering upgrades. I plan on keeping the stock axle shafts because I like that being my failure point instead of something inside the diff.
What a antenna mount are you running for your radio?
I think it came from Rugged Radios
You described the batteries in the bed of your Gladiator as "Lithium iron phosphate", but the batteries shown in the video say "Lithium ion". I’m confused.
I don't know why they say Lithium-Ion on the batteries. They are LifePO4.
Would love some info on yj set up s
I’ve never owned a YJ.
What is the front bumper?
Relentless Fabrication. I love it.
When did you shoot this video? It's super nice weather there!
3 days ago. It’s been very nice here.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures, I'm in Alberta and believe me, we don't have the same temperature 🤣 Thank you for your answer. Another excellent video. I love!
What bumper is that? 🤔
Relentless Fabrication
@Ozark Overland Adventures Awesome, Thanks! Your wife's JL videos have been a god send for helping kit ours out.
That is a fancy rack :)
Sorry Matt..dont know why I called u Brad. Lol
👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
Ah. Man. Thought I’d be first lol
"Ozark12" is not coming up as a valid discount code for ICECO FYI
Just Ozark