Jeep Gladiator Mods: Five Easy Upgrades

It took Jeep over 20 years to get back into the pickup business, but we're sure glad they did. This is the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon edition, and these are five easy upgrades we think you should make.
As the only midsize truck fit with solid front and rear axles, removable top and doors, and an electronic sway bar disconnect feature, it’s the pickup many off-roaders have been waiting decades to build.
While we will have an in-depth review of the all-new Gladiator platform coming to you soon, in this video we cover five mods that will increase the versatility of your new Gladiator without voiding the warranty.
1. Floor Liner: It may not be the most exciting upgrade, but when you're paying as much as you are for a new Jeep Gladiator, it makes sense to protect the interior from getting too dirty too quickly.
Mopar floor liner: store.mopar.com/accessories/2...
2. Bed Cover: If you're buying a truck, it's because you want to be able to store stuff in the bed, so keep what you're storing safe from the elements with a bed cover.
Mopar bed cover: store.mopar.com/accessories/2...
3. Wheels and Tires: In our opinion, the 33-inch stock tires on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon get a little lost in the wheel wells, so we recommend bumping them it up to a 35-inch tire and some matching wheels. And yes, you can run a 35 with no lift.
Nitto Ridge Grapplers: www.nittotire.com/light-truck...
Centerline Patton Wheels: www.centerlinewheels.com/sm1b-...
4. Tube Seal: While the highline fenders help to easily accommodate a 35-inch tire, they create a small gap between the body that gunk likes to lodge itself in. A cheap tube seal can fix this without much time or effort.
Tube Seal: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
5. Removable Roof Upgrade: While the freedom tops on the stock Gladiator are nice, it can be a bit of a hassle to remove and store them every time you want to have the top open. That's why we upgraded to a unit that easily folds back for a much simpler change.
Bestop Sunrider: www.bestop.com/sunrider-for-h...
Full Article Here: www.drivingline.com/articles/...

[@darinmatthews426]

Finally found someone who addresses the fender issue, I work in a gravel pit where they use chip/pea gravel to groom the dirt roads and I’m constantly picking it out of the fenders.

[@oscarurquidi7702]

That wrap on the windows is a really nice touch, I’m gonna do the same!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Those are truly great upgrades! Love that wheel and tire combination. Thanks for sharing.

[@craigversetti5700]

That rubber seal for the flares is on point !!! Doing that tomorrow.... Thanks

[@sspence65]

My 2021 Diesel Willys JT came with Mopar floor mats. A locking Tonneau Cover is on my list. Love that flip top.

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

Awesome video mate, can’t wait to get them in Australia

[@onebridge7231]

I just installed this Mopar Tonneau Cover on my Gladiator. Easy to install, just need a box knife to cut plastic off the bed to get access to bolt holes and T30 and T50 torex bits. I did notice after cleaning and waxing my truck that the cover puts little scratches in the clear coat as it overhangs the plastic top of the truck bed. The material is tough, but I like the look and can deal with a little scratches. Hopefully it doesn’t get to bad.

[@KyleSVT]

Excellent video! The gladiator is so epic

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you! It's a great platform with a lot of potential!

[@wtpence4731]

Nice upgrades , clean,clear and to the point. Good video !

[@bobbyfanman1734]

I just added the Bestop Sunrider on my Gladiator. Wow, what a game changer. It is so nice I can't believe how easy it is to open up the sunroof. It is a bit pricey but worth every penny. It's great!!

[@DrivingLine]

It really is a great add-on!

[@bobbyfanman1734]

@@DrivingLine I just came back across your video again. Almost a year later the Sunrider is without a doubt the best upgrade (other than wheels and tires) that I have ever purchased for my jeeps. I absolutely love it. I must open and close it several times a day year round weather permitting.

[@donthesheek]

You son of a gun, again we do the same mod.........! In addition to the manufacture water proofing I decided to spray on several coats of additional water proofing with U.V. block as well. I've noticed spring and summer U.V. rays are eating up tarps I have covering wood piles in just a couple years. They used to last much longer.

[@Reyviniegra]

Now video ...👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿👍🏼👍🏼🦾🦾🤛🏿🤜🏾🤜🏾I have the launch edition & I can’t wait to get 35’s & 2”lift kit and go wheelin’

[@Verb130]

For your noise test you should have looked at the wind direction. A 15 mile per hour wind can turn 55 mph to 40mph in one direction, and 70mph in the other. That's a big wind load difference.

[@CarsAndKracl]

So sick!

[@firefightingvet9181]

Great video I love my JT Rubicon

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you.

[@krasnaludek298]

That’s a sweet Gladiator; hard to believe that’s stock height (no lift). 👍🏻

[@timothyjacob1167]

Krasnaludek it has a factory 2in lift

[@jordanrick2931]

Yeah factory 2” lift = stock from the factory

[@dans5047]

Does the gladiator have a lift kit on it

[@internationaltrokas6480]

Floor mats are not a mod

[@mikecampbell5856]

Truck U showed the most important mod of all. The Gladiator engine is designed so that 30 minutes after turning off, all of the motor oil drains back into the crankcase, even the filter is bone dry, thus ensuring a total dry start. Baxter Performance has a kit for this.

[@gfinnstrom]

excellent intro music

[@22jeepmojave75]

After spending $63k on a Mojave, I have no money for extra upgrades.

[@kenmartin7613]

Thanks

[@markerasmus]

My favorite Gladiator video so far! Loved the filming. Saved. What's your recommendation for a JL owner looking to trade for a JT? What's it like as a daily driver compared to a JL?

[@DrivingLine]

Thanks. Great question. I'm actually working on a video comparing the two. I've daily driven both. The JL is smaller, which makes it a better trail vehicle, but I've found the Gladiator to be more practical. They both have fairly soft suspension's from the factory, but I prefer the ride of the Gladiator over the JL. The power is basically the same (both with 3.6L and 8spd), so that's a wash. After spending a week in Moab, Utah, hitting trails with my Gladiator, I will say that the truck drags and smacks the rear bumper way more than the JL ever did. That being said, I'm sticking with the Gladiator over the Wrangler for the foreseeable future.

[@rahsadcalhoun7018]

Soft top looks convenient, however having it sticking up while (top back) IMO loses it appeal. Yet GREAT video and super informative to any Jeep Gladiator owner looking to make simple upgrades

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@B-Rob-777]

What stubby antenna did you use? Does is reduce SXM or FM/HD reception?

[@B-Rob-777]

How does the sun rider complicate when you want to go full topless?

[@dillonb.9260]

was the blacked out pillar between the windows a mod because mine doesn’t have that? I’ve only seen that on the 2 door JLs

[@DrivingLine]

Yes. It's a bit of vinyl wrap.

[@johndiakogiannis9171]

Do you use the lockers on the beach? I live there and I am looking at the Gladiator Sport S. Wondering if getting the Rubicon is worth it if I'm only going on the south or north end every once in a while, with the occasional easy trail here and there.

[@DrivingLine]

You really don't need lockers on the North or South End. The South End is softer, which can sometimes put you in a bad spot if you're not careful, but with the Gladiator on 35s, we never even shift into low range.

[@johndiakogiannis9171]

@@DrivingLine Thanks for the info!

[@exodusfivesixfivesix8050]

How well does that top hold in heat/ac? Texas heat is a beast

[@johnhull6363]

They make a factory and aftermarket headliners that really helps heat and sound

[@Snookchaser007]

Bronco badlands will have full rubber floor with drain holes great idea carpet in a vehicle you will actually overland or offroad in is a bad idea.

[@terencegillespie6675]

Nice idea. Mopar strips the Jeep and sells upgrades for $250 to $1500 each…, but not a hotter spark curve so that Jeep is forced to low fuel (fu-el) mileage. Love that low fool mileage, don’t you? 3.6 and 17 to 21. Boy!

[@Dave-vy8wg]

Lol you can leave the carpet take out the cutout that covers the hole then pull the plug under it put in your mat and snap itn in place and put plug in the mat.. amazing, hahaha

[@ericwest6134]

Does the 35" tire upgrade require a programer to keep the spedo and or speed sensors correct ?

[@DrivingLine]

Yes. You can learn more about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpqwn2uehK9lmpI

[@ericwest6134]

Thanks for the quick reply, great info!

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

The white doesn't look so bad. I was expecting it to look a lot worse on a truck.

[@bdo9114]

the only flaw with this truck is it is just a v6 non turbo\ super charged put big 35 on load with people pull a bott you are pushing it to the limit to stay at 60 mph up a hill.

[@Guiltyconscience83]

Do you have a link for the mopar tonneau cover?

[@DrivingLine]

This is the one that is one the truck. It looks like there may be a newer version however. www.moparonlineparts.com/sku/82215617.html

[@dans5047]

Does the gladiator have a lift kit on it

[@DrivingLine]

No. Bone stock suspension.

[@wtbanation6268]

Non-functional camber. I personally don’t like it whatsoever, I think it looks like garbage, but you do you! It’s wild to see how many people get so mad over excessive camber. “Everything over 3° is scrap” is not a fair statement.

[@wyattc9984]

So two out of five easy mods are factory upgrades?

[@DrivingLine]

While you can get two of the five from the factory, not everyone does. In fact, it can often be cheaper to pick them up from an aftermarket vendor, which is one of the reasons why we included them in our list. We hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@wyattc9984]

@@DrivingLine that makes sense I guess. Yes I did, and I hope to see more on the gladiator soon!

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

What other tunneau cover do you recommend from aftermarket? I like the tri folding soft tunneau but it's $600+ from the dealer.

[@markerasmus]

Embarrassed at how many times I've watched this. 🙂 Where did you get the black door wrap from?

[@DrivingLine]

Thanks! The door wrap was installed by a local shop that does tint. You can order the same 1080 3M Wrap in small sections online. It's not too hard to do at home.

[@markerasmus]

@@DrivingLine Thanks. Looks pretty dope! An inexpensive and subtle update.

[@jeffreymcummings]

How do you do that blackout on the windows?

[@DrivingLine]

It’s just 1080 3M wrap material. A local tint shop installed it.

[@sodak_5724]

hey does this truck have a lift on it ?

[@DrivingLine]

No. It’s stock suspension.

[@renniecohen5021]

my advertisement was for the ford bronco and immediately felt like a "they" watching the commercial

[@JMakTlkz4U]

Pretty much any of them can run35s no lift except maybe the base

[@bachoban]

You need a rack ..... quarter height rack.

[@abdulwahabalroumi3934]

i got same this is not a stock gladiator u must lifted it 1 inch my tire to fender gab is not that far like urs so iam assuming u added 1 inch rubber lift into stock jeep fox lift kit

[@DrivingLine]

Completely stock. No lift or spacer on this Gladiator whatsoever.

[@maxlasater]

Yo how did you know I had a Colorado lol jkjk

[@JMakTlkz4U]

How much is that cover

[@DrivingLine]

It’s around $900 from most aftermarket retailers.

[@JMakTlkz4U]

@@DrivingLine that’s insane

[@danwatkins9386]

want a 2 door! I'll buy 1, if they build 1.

[@sylermran]

theres a concept that was shown at sema so theres hope

[@joshuaerickson2458]

this is like a paid advertisement

[@Wombatmetal]

Bed liner

[@Mako2-1]

No offense man but i hate that roof

[@rcud1]

I like it. Would be very convenient.

[@BudgetGunner1]

Sorry to be a downer, but I would not consider any factory options/upgrades to be "mods". Wheels, tires and the rubber tubing are the only mods I see.

[@jwrangler12]

Formats for real did you even wat to be taken seriously

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Wrangler Dog I get that on the surface it may seem like a ridiculous thing to even mention or consider an upgrade. However, if your Gladiator came with carpet mats, you’ll likely be in the market for another set. You can order these OE mats from Amazon. They are not only cheaper than most aftermarket sets, but they fit better. They are also the only ones with the built in drain port.

[@Lonewolf7381]

The audio is horrid, constant hiss.

[@Lonewolf7381]

In the first part of the video

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Lonewolf7381 what you’re actually hearing is the wildlife on the farm. Mostly the insects which were extremely loud that day. Couple that with the constant wind flow and it makes for difficult audio for sure.

[@maholygarcia276]

I prefer buying a humbee

[@n5sdm]

As a lifelong of off roader and jeeper....you fail. Life style signal much? Where are the real easy and not widely known upgrades....function, options, practical use. You know....things that are not in the manual,. Stuff like clear bra material on the door hinges keeping the paint intact and rock chip free....

[@DrivingLine]

Sorry we failed you. Hopefully, you will find some of our other Gladiator videos more helpful.

[@n5sdm]

@Driving Line You did not fail me. You failed to produce quality and informative content. This was almost as painful as an unboxing video or watching a millennial "life hack" a tube of toothpaste by squeezing the bottom first but done at the Ritz Carletons best suite bathroom. Let's see some real tips. Let's learn about driveline angles after a lift. Let's learn about calculating spring rate and damper rates to tire weight and vehicle speed. Let's talk about center of gravity and why sometimes heavy steel rims filled with magnesium chloride is better than aluminum rims. Let's talk about picking a line and how to approach ledges to avoid weaknesses in clearance and maximize wheelbase. Let's see how cargo positioning in the bed affects balance going over and up things. Let's talk about the abs system and traction control and how gladiator drivers without the rubicon package can use and help assist the traction control to achieve locker like performance, and its downsides. LETS SEE SOME REAL EASY MODS! Light strips for night crawling. Banks derringer system. Bed panels to hold gear. Hitch shackle. Hitch bumper dumper. Hitch table / kitchen Hitch umbrella or tarp holder. Tire table. Weld hooks on bumper to wrap a tow strap when used a lot instead of throwing it in back or constantly digging it out every third obstical to pull a bronco up. Hangers that hang from the headrest posts that give passengers a place to hang a thing. Stuff that you see on an old timers rig that he has had forever.... Get real...get into it...get out on the trail and live it.

[@DrivingLine]

I get what you are saying. However, this video wasn't meant to be any of those things. It was meant more as a wide scope video for a new Gladiator consumer, not an avid wheeler. I've wheeled in nearly every state in the U.S., raced the Baja 1000, survived years of Ultimate Adventures, JK Experiences, and built dozens of rigs from the ground up. Last year alone I drove my Gladiator cross country twice just to wheel it. Once to do the Rubicon Trail. The other time to wheel Moab, Utah, for the week. If that's not getting out on the trail and living it, I'm not sure what is.

[@n5sdm]

@@DrivingLine graciously accepted.

[@victorgirouard1543]

Here is 1 very easy upgrade probally the best one to. Buy any other mid sized truck other then the very overpriced gladiator.