2023 Gladiator Rubicon Update and Explore Elevated Topper First Look

We've been very busy continuing the build out on our new 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Lots of work has gone into the bed and the biggest change is the new Explore Elevated Truck Topper.
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[@sonnicman]

I really like this truck topper, Matt. One of the things I noticed is it seems like it does an exceptionally good job of sealing out the dust. Additionally, the molle panels are a nice touch!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'll be making a separate video on the things I did to keep the dust out. Most truck tailgates don't seal AT ALL!!

[@sonnicman]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Awesome, I'm looking forward to it!

[@trackexplore]

We have a saying here in Australia, "happy wife, happy life". Lol Ansel is a great looking overlanding rig. Sully is coming up to being 4 years old. When the time comes, you always could get another one. One in gecko green would be cool.

[@officialmallcrawler]

Dude the topper looks awesome. I really like the pass through to the tent along with how the topper doors open up completely.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@ReConGrpTx]

Awesome rig!! I REALLY dig the tent and the ability to convert sleeping/storage space to office space. Add a Starlink Mini (which I know Cara already has 🙂) and it's the PERFECT remote work rig.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

You need to drive this to Kentucky so I can 3-d scan the camper!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

YES!!! And we need to talk about other things. LOL.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Matt and Cara, really nice build. The Gladiators look awesome! 🚙🚗

[@MooreAdventures.]

This is a great build I love seeing all the new stuff you add to it.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We have a lot of work to do when we Cara gets back from her trainings.

[@LivingTheDreamUSA]

Beautiful setup, congrats ❤

[@jimmethven8074]

Great new addition. I agree, the topper is a huge improvement from a bed rack. I went with something similar on my 2020 Red Rubicon launch a few years ago. I used a gen 1 Toyota aluminum topper I shortened 13 inches with a roof nest on top. The side doors are very handy. Standing up looks great, but my back won't let me climb in and twist around in the bed, so a side ladder is all I need. Keep up the great work, very enjoyable video.

[@takenpictures]

Oh hell yeah, that Topper is sweet! I'm 6'5", so even after trying a couple of different RTT's, I was just never really comfortable because of lack of room to move around. A topper was a game changer. Can't blame your wife for claiming it lol. Enjoy!

[@mikefoster5663]

I agree. The Gladiator is the best overall overlanding vehicle. Trying to decide between the Project M, Tune M1 and Alucab campers. Enjoy all your vids.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It's hard to wrong with so many great options.

[@marccavit3298]

Cara you are looking very nice. Amazing how you’ve done on the weight. Really looks nice you don’t have goofy color in your hair. 😉

[@sonnicman]

Slow down with the videos Matt. I'm still back enjoying the views on Enginneer Pass. Will catch up with you soon!!!

[@OnlyVisitingThisPlanet]

Matt...ignore this message. 😂

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂😂😂😂

[@sonnicman]

@@OnlyVisitingThisPlanet 👍🤣

[@sonnicman]

Seriously it was an awesome video and the camera never does those views justice. Amazed at the time of this posting the views aren't higher cause in my opinion they should be.

[@OnlyVisitingThisPlanet]

Glad to see you caught up on the videos @sonnicman 😂. And I agree, Matt does a really good job on the production!

[@TonyEdwards-cm2qh]

Nice guys can't wait for the pink look that topper will really pop with that color

[@desertdawg7727]

I was looking at the alucab and the gfc but thinking I’ll be going this route, I like the fact I can keep my tailgate

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'll have a video soon on how I did the dust prevention that's working very well.

[@desertdawg7727]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures awesome can’t wait to see it

[@vinboughton4751]

Sounds like Matt has to shop for his own dang new Gladiator! 😂

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

FACTS!!! LOL. Waiting to see if they drop a Hurricane engine in the 2025s.

[@redbeastadventures]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventuresThat would be a game changing engine for the Gladiator platform. Although the Red Beast is big it has plenty of power with the 392 Hemi. I can’t even tell I have 38s on the truck with the 392 Hemi, 4.10 axle, and the 8 speed transmission. The first gear in that transmission is really low, so the tire size is irrelevant.

[@michaelptm2269]

Awesome rig, I think as a husband it would give me peace of mind to know that my wife is in a roof top tent that locks. 🔐

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It is a nice feature for sure!

[@fredbonjour5443]

Nice. I like the concept of SDI shocks for suspension. Varying shock action depending on what the vehicle is doing, 250 times per second. Other than cost your thoughts for overlanding

[@JamesWilliams-bl1fm]

Love the new setup for Ansel that topper is really cool & not crazy expensive for all the features you get with it.👍🏜️

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I totally agree!

[@EvergreenOG]

Hope to meet you in The Rockies this week.

[@rsisente]

That fieldcraft survival EDC bag 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It's a very nice bag for sure.

[@rsisente]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures I have their mobility bag. Works great.

[@ohnoadventures]

Looks good 👍 👍😃

[@markperza384]

Looking good!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@markmoore9191]

Ton of room in that topper

[@OverlandAddiction-qj1cn]

looks like its wifeys gladiator now😆😆

[@WolfOverland]

That topper has a lot of cool features. Im holding out for the new 4 person alucab mod topper. (because kids)

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That is a very cool setup. Wasnt' sure if they made that for the midsize trucks or not. I've only seen it on a full size.

[@user-yi2yx4uf8d]

Matt - Love your channel always super excited when a new video come out. Anyway I'm just jumping in here to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind 1. What's the best light setup? Do you use a mix of amber and white, all one color i do mostly desert/dusty/fire road/low speed stuff. 2. How do you do this stuff alone? I'm worried about breaking down and having no help etc. Just having a hard time getting started. Point of reference i drive a moderately built Tacoma (sorry :) Thank you

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Great questions. For lights I like to mix them up with amber and white and have them on separate switches. The amber is much better in snow and dust. I've been wheeling alone. I do almost all my own work on my Jeeps so I know what to do if something breaks. I also take very good care of my Jeeps and keep them maintained well. Having a satelite messenger like a Zoleo or Spot or Garmin InReach is also key to getting help if something went wrong.

[@OverlandAddiction-qj1cn]

i see your gona be at jay ok next month👍 see you there👋👋

[@Eveloffroad]

12k miles already?!?! Our 2021 Wrsngler is only at like 17.5 haha. But it does get trailered for long trips. So I guess when we traded in the last truck with over 35k miles in under 2 years. Same same lol

[@gregoryblock9083]

It looks like a great topper camper. Seems remarkably similar to the Super Pacific. Are they connected to each other? Happy Trails ✌🏼❤️😊

[@jhbryaniv]

I thought the same thing when I saw it... It has some of the unique looks of the SP X1... Elevated looks to be based out of Utah and I don't see a connection between either company... (ie employee took design and ran with it) this topper looks like it does have some nice details that the sp doesn't come with... Will be interesting to see if there are any of these at overland expo this weekend to look at. :)

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

No affiliation at all. Similar designs but the EE topper has some designs and features SP doesn't have.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@jhbryaniv Explore Elevated will be at Expo this weekend. See you there.

[@GATORADDAM]

Looks great. Will you be at Overland Expo East?

[@andrewstocker7457]

As i have said before, I love the Red Ansel, not a big fan of pink "Poppy" (it is to become) BUT, it is your Jeep... ,ah hem, (HER), jeep to do with it, as is wanted... I am curious as to what the POS price will be to the average consumer for the cab/RTT combo? (i really like it).

[@Uhhhhhhhhhh_23]

metalcloak vs clayton? Would love to see a comparison video and your thoughts on each. Been trying to decide which one to go with.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Comparison video is coming after we take the new Jeep on some more technical trails. So far both are excellent lifts and I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

[@SurreyLesley-z1o]

Minnie Street

[@gregstrange3794]

If I remember correctly, I thought you were going to use Ansel as the tow truck for your overlanding trailer and not build it out as your other Gladiator. Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I never said anything about pulling a trailer with it but I did say we were keeping it a truck which obviously didn't last long. LOL

[@gregstrange3794]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thanks for your reply and I wish you both many blessings on your adventures. My wife and I have enjoyed your content!

[@mrunneradventure5369]

What mount do you have for your dometic water tank?

[@outofreception]

Love the space! How does it do in the wind?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Excellent!!

[@brian_hamlett14]

Good looking set up! How do you like the Spot X compared to the Mini Inreach ?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We like it a lot. Having the keyboard and not being tied to the phone is very handy.

[@jamesc2072]

How do you like the MC GC 3.5” compared to the Clayton on Sully? Did you install a new driveshaft? I’ve been considering both for my 392. Huge fan! Thx!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Honestly we have no complaints from either lift and you can't go wrong either way. No new driveshaft yet on Ansel but it's needed because the boot is already torn.

[@paulsanchez4141]

Bad ass

[@explor360]

Can you keep your bedding including pillows in the top when closed? Thanks.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes! That is very important for us.

[@OnlyVisitingThisPlanet]

Really wondering how all this will impact the living full time on the road plans. Which two Jeeps will make the cut? And will you still be towing the trailer? Going to be interesting....

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Right now we are seriously considering living out of two Gladiators with no trailer.

[@OverlandAddiction-qj1cn]

looks like sully is not going any where😂😂

[@vince4316]

🛻Yo Matt, so she's got two rigs to your one??? Gotta catch up bro

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Nah, I really like my one. LOL

[@AliceEmma-l5x]

Caesar Crossing

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

huh?

[@meinthe303]

Uh-oh, sounds like the intrepid is falling out of grace... I DO like the idea of a camper tent. Sadly the market for the R1T doesn't offer much yet. I'm sure it will pick up in the coming years.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

The Intrepid is the best tent option for sure!! I need Explore Elevated to design their tent like the Intrepid and it would unreal amazing!!

[@larrybriggs2920]

Ansil is cool. However, I don't share your opinion that Gladiator's are the most capable overland vehicle. I own a For Bronco. I have yet to be stopped by any obsticle.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Broncos are great. But if you haven’t been stopped, you haven’t tried hard enough. 😂

[@tonyjohndrow2454]

Where's the spare tire?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Under the bed where the spare goes. Lol.

[@Mikelen11]

So they copied GFC, but it’s about $5k more. I’ll wait to see how it treats you. Honest review of it would be great.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Not even close to a GFC other than it being a topper. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@paulsanchez4141]

Hard to find camping in Communist California everywhere is closed

[@VanWo]

Time to move friend.

[@GoSlowTaco]

You obviously have no idea what your talking about. Probably because you’re a bot.

[@Warpetrie]

@paulsanchez4141 where in CA? there's tons of places I'd love to explore in NorCal, SoCal in the San Diego area is pretty scarce as it's mostly desert but still few good places to check out there as well

[@regislesaint4290]

Same process in France, the leftists have destroyed our économie and full migrants everywhere...

[@richardagostino5085]

I’m not sure where you’re located it’s a massive state up here in NorCal we have pretty much endless trails and camping