My Dream Jeep Gladiator Expedition Build is Becoming a Reality

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you all for the support with Doc! It's genuinely the most excited I've ever been about a project and I'm all ears if you have suggestion for me! ** onX Off-Road: bit.ly/onXTrailRecon *** TrailRecon First Aid Kit: bit.ly/TrailReconTraumaKit **** Jeep Gladiator Build Page: bit.ly/TrailReconGladiator

[@pmcg55123]

The accountant in me started going, whoa whoa whoa. Then i cooled off and realized this is as much a promotion of the product lines you carry. Well done I appreciate the presentation and the business model

[@duanegrover537]

I love your build, I’m building a 2023 Mohave. What is your ham radio and mic hanging on

[@cheveyok9]

Does anybody else think Brad is the Mr. Rogers of offroad?! Every time you setup camp, I want you to change shoes and put a sweater on. Lol

[@mrpeabodythethird]

That's hilarious! I do think Brad's a pretty good guy though, his content is really excellent too. But, yes, Mr Rogers!

[@mrpeabodythethird]

2nd comment ... I didn't care for Mr Rogers when I was a kid, but Brad's got some excellent stuff here.

[@danielcalderon1254]

That was my first thought 😅

[@leecaldwell1029]

I heard this in another podcast. absolutely fitting. Just something about him that is just cliche mr rogers.

[@graysonbrown2774]

Props on the mudflaps. Has a distinct look, but they are practical, and benefit others on the road.

[@John-yf4ie]

Glad to see your Gladiator is receiving the kind of respect they deserve!! Maybe one day I can get enough cash together to really add the additional components to my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Just after my Jeep was delivered, we found out that the builder we hired to complete our home walk off and claimed bankruptcy. Both of us had just retired 5 years before this occured. We had to go into our retirement savings to get our home completed. Both of us worked for the state so we had great benefits. Nothing was done to the builder as he filed for bankruptcy prior to this. Last year I also had to go thru cancer treatment and at least I'm cured. I read you retired from the Military. I spent 9 years in the Army as a Military policemen. I retired as Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher! I'm 75 and enjoying life! Wish you the best!! Yanni

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for your service to our country and I'm sorry to hear about your challenge. I hope you are still able to get out and have some great adventures, a stock Gladiator Rubicon will take you just about anywhere. Safe travels brother!

[@MSTRgme]

I’ve always appreciated your approach to your builds…. Not rushed, detailed, intentional, clean & classy! Always a pleasure to watch! semper fi

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome, thank you!

[@terribolding8162]

It is so fun to watch the progress of the gladiator, but also to listen to your excitement over it!

[@jmsuitter5]

You should get the snorkel upgrade pre filter to keep the dirt out especially when in a convoy

[@JessDeeganIIPhD]

in terms of the battery system, my question is always about how often I access. If not often, then put it deep and stack on it. I would probably put everything under the floor.

[@JGMan0011]

Plus, if he does more than 1 battery, they are heavy & since it's an off-road vehicle lowering the center of gravity that much, could make the difference in a "tippy situation."

[@therenaissancetinker2972]

Came here to say exactly this.

[@joerghallbauer6595]

I agree, it's all about how often you access it. While you're not going to access the battery itself very often, and so putting it under the floor seems like a good idea to me, you probably want to place the inverter and the battery management system someplace you can easily access them. So, I would recommend a "hybrid" of the batteries under the floor, and maybe that box to hold the battery management system and the inverter. Then you would still have room in there to store some cables, extension cords, , etc. that you might need/want to go with that equipment. Just a thought...

[@bradytodd3551]

I've seen guys put the batteries in the front of the bed, then mount the management system in the back by the tailgate. That way, there is easy access to the manager, but the batteries are out of the way.

[@garrettm949]

Loving the proportions in this. The 35’s keep it looking very utility which I think is very fitting of the builds direction and objective. Also a sucker for AEV stuff. That front bumper blows the others out of the water.

[@KenEBeckOutdoorAdventures]

Great to see your build progressing! Thank you for raising awareness of the need to be prepared for medical emergencies out in the wilds! Having a stocked First Aid Kit and taking the time to take a Certified First Aid Course removes the panic felt when faced with a serious injury on the trail. Your build raises awareness and looks awesome all at the same time! Win-Win!!!

[@bwofficial1776]

This build is shaping up nicely. AEV makes good stuff. I love the amber lights and setting the lightbar further back so it doesn't light up the hood. You're going to want to get some red reflective tape to replace the reflectors you took off both to make your Jeep noticeable when parked and for legal reasons.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Good call on the reflective tape!

[@tombuckley4600]

Brad the Gladiator looks fantastic. Thank Master Chief for sharing her with us.

[@TheSixsixsick]

Honestly the starlink flat mount could be the best upgrade of the build. The ability to call, text , and communicate instantly when you are outside of cellular coverage is huge. Great build so far. $$$

[@toddshook1765]

Really looking great. This rig will truly be an asset to the off road community. Your passion really shows.

[@GriffinConway]

The Gladiator build is really coming along nice Brad! Thanks for the update.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks 👍

[@wesbagnell88]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@MitchellEarl]

The production value of your videos has always been great, but I can tell you've stepped up your game even more. The audio, video and drone work is excellent.

[@gainesj1]

I enjoy the overland community because most builds are a reflection of the operators personality. Yes, we all get inspiration from one another, but for the most part it is for the user and built for those specifics. Great job on the continued growth of the channel, and your magnificent build.

[@Ksweezy96]

Really happy to see a gladiator back on the channel. I bought mine Late 2019 in San Diego after i saw you got yours. Moved out to the east coast for a few years but I'm in AZ now. This truck has brought my first child home, all over the united states, everywhere from Rausch creek PA to Anza Borrego CA. I love this thing and I'm hard pressed to ever let it go!

[@Swissboy510]

Nice, I like that the tires aren't overdone. For solar, consider changing out the hood for a non-rubicon and installing a Cascadia hood solar panel; you will save room on the roof rack and probably pull in the same wattage

[@matthew.tamasco]

Looks great. These videos have been an inspiration for my off-grid Ford Ranger Comms vehicle build! Has been so much fun to build it out.

[@raymonddietz8668]

Brad, I personally think you should visit a place that builds ambulances. I think you could get some good storage management ideas and pinpoint your needs and wants. Personally not a fan of the box for battery management. I think it should be tucked away but accessible. Also lowering your center of gravity. The GP looks good!

[@TrailRecon]

I worked ambulance duty for about 2 years many moons ago, so I'm pretty familiar with their layouts.. I've got some pretty good idea. I hear you about the lower center of gravity, something I keep going back to. Thanks!

[@raymonddietz8668]

@@TrailRecon Also, I realize there maybe some reason to monitor the battery system. What about router-ing some type of glass/plexiglass window for your viewing pleasure.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Why the need for such a battery system? I still have not heard any load analysis or even a reason for such overkill. Now, if you simply enjoy putting massive systems together and are not trying to optimize the ENgineering, well, then have at it. I do that too and derive personal gratificatiion, but in the end it is overkill

[@JGMan0011]

Yes, unlike an ambulance, this will go off-road and could be subject to unexpected, "tippy situations" always be thinking about lowering your center of gravity Brad!

[@zmotorpro]

You have some awesome ideas for this build and I really like how it's progressing. One suggestion... avoid mounting components on access panels 7:27 as this causes wiring harness movement each time the panel is accessed. This could introduce harness issues down the road.

[@alexandersnow1963]

I’m also a military guy. In two months I’m gonna be on the hunt (finally), for a Jeep Gladiator Diesel. I had the V6 and life circumstances took it from me, but I love the utility of the platform. I’m excited to get my hands on a diesel. I love your channel and it continues to inspire me while I patiently wait to start my build!!! Thanks 🙏

[@mjo326]

I purchased the onX Offroad Elite subscription and really enjoy its functionality and ease of use. I use it with my Polaris General (Galaxy tablet) and Gladiator (iPhone to Apple Carplay). It also comes in handy while exploring my forest property on foot. I enjoy your videos.

[@eqrocks2974]

@6:40 of the video you talk about power options. You can get twice the battery storage if you look at other LiFePo4 battery options. We have 280-300Ah of battery storage, 50A DC-DC charger with MPPT Solar and 3000W pure sine wave inverter contained within 25"x18.25"x8".

[@JohnBarrios-x7l]

It's good to hear you happy!!!!! I like the build. Looking forward to seeing the complete build.. keep Wheeling

[@sbcbaits994]

Fellow navy guy here. Just picked up my rubicon gladiator yesterday. Can’t wait to get away from Wisconsin and actually get to wheel it. 😂😂😂 ***former navy*** did 11 years as a 60B/60R aircrewman (AWR) split between north island and Pax River.

[@1oldarmyguy]

Brad, the Gladiator looks great! You will love the Bract seat covers, I have had mine now for 6 years...and just starting to show some wear. Love what you did with the reflectors to chase lights.. awesome idea. Overall .. it looks amazing!!

[@kevinrabito8516]

Have the same mud flaps. Easy to take off and reduces some of the mess that gets up there. Like the KC lights in the bumper. Was going to go with something else, but think this is the way to go. Thanks!

[@jerseyrednek]

I’m so glad you’re back in a gladiator. It was obvious that you’d be back in one as soon as you got rid of the last one

[@gm7542]

Very fun to see this coming together. KC has finally joined the modern era of design with that bar lol. Cheers

[@scottclukey2424]

Hey MC, I can whole heartedly agree with the build, the Bartac set covers are the boom, I've had mine on my 2010 Tacoma for over 6 yrs of hard us, from Baja to Freezing cold Montana and are just now starting to show hard use wear but still in good shape

[@Chadlad27]

Always love your videos and projects, Brad!!! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Only thing I'm concerned about is that battery in the back floor board getting wet if you do some deep water crossing. However, I'm sure you'll have it all under control.

[@JimMedlin-id1rc]

Really looking good Brad. Fun to watch the process of your build.

[@odysseyusa]

She’s coming right along. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress!

[@jamescliftonbates]

Looking awesome, Brad! I'd definitely get your med kit on a quick detach velcro pad so you don't need to fumble with snaps in the molle if you need the kit fast!

[@Minnesota_Vance]

Looks great so far. Your plans sound like it will be very cool. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[@dmwil1]

My Wrangler and Gladiator both have RockBlokz mud flaps. They are fine off-road. I´ve done Moab 3 times with them. I only have fronts, but I´ve never taken them off or hurt them on the rocks. Keep them on there! They are great!

[@johnomahony7364]

The Gladiator looks awesome awesome Brad. I was hoping you were gonna talk about the sear covers..I saw them a couple videos back ..they look really comfortable and the molle panels are cool.

[@lda7473]

So excited for the future adventures in this vehicle. Great job! Safe travels always.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@Jeepguy75]

Brad it’s looking great!! Much different from any other build I’ve seen.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@hashemm]

i'd use the storage area where the rear seats were for a fresh water tank, you could even run something up to the front area for easy water access from the drivers seat. as well as having the water tank inside the trucks cabin just means it'll stay cooler when its hot out. you could also route the air from the rear vents into that storage area... not sure that would make a difference but its an idea. love your build and I'm really enjoying your content... keep it up!!

[@bboylorettoEight08]

Red is dope ! What goes good with red is carbon fiber accents maybe you have some ideas for more additions but I know that would make your ride look siiick

[@BuckBitting]

Great idea with the chase lights. I always hated the reflectors and wanted a place for some chase lights and since I never wanted or needed a rack system this is perfect for my Gladiator. Hope you don't mind me copying your idea, But you know what they say, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".

[@ianpowers1571]

I’m picking mine up from Jerry next week! I can’t believe how full his shop is after only opening the new location earlier this year

[@karlanderson1791]

So happy to see you back in a Gladiator! I'd love your advice on gearing for mine. It's a 2020 automatic on 37's and it's my daily driver and trail toy. I'll never tow more than 3000 lbs or haul much weight. Thanks!

[@martysoulard7349]

Well done Brad. Enjoy the process. I think 488 gears will be very effective for your added weight and larger wheel circumference. I am pretty sure on circumference only, the 456 gears would account for the reduction in RPM. Then add the weight and 488 answers the bell. that AEV bumper system is really attractive. Great video. Enjoy EJS.

[@Dbowman78]

Awesome job!!! As always, great information and quality work. Keep up the good work.

[@Logan-de3xx]

Appreciate the in depth review on all of your tasteful modifications !

[@stevef8344]

So glad to see you back in a JT as that is what I have, white rubicon. My build is about done. Rascal and I will be looking for you at Flagstaff show.

[@DronePilotIloilo]

way to go, brad! excited with the transformation of your new jeep gladiator!

[@abbasforamerica7508]

I watch trailrecon often it’s so good to learn something new about upgrading your wranglers and what works and what it doesn’t! Thx for the nice video Brad! Best of luck and be blessed brother 🙏👍🏼

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@mgkeleher]

Use locktight on those mud flap bolts, they were constantly backing out, especially after a week on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. (not just the thumb screws, the bolts that attach the flap to the mounts).

[@Cfdoose]

Love how it’s coming together! I’d keep batteries out of the passenger area - ideally somewhere where they can vent in the event of catastrophic failure. See the videos of 4XE battery failures. Batteries inside the vehicle not the best situation.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and I hear you on the batteries, lots to think about.

[@mikemckenna8530]

Super clean build! Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Doc!

[@TJY2K]

I cant wait to one day be able to buy myself a Mojave. Great video brad. Thank you.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Loving the look/stance of the Gladiator... Your doing an amazing job Brad. Very practical 👍🇦🇺🚙

[@Andy-x3i8y]

Super clean looking build. I’m considering sizing down from 37s to 35s myself.

[@Meanderthal-Adventures]

Looking great. As someone else just mentioned about the rear reflectors, I’ll add that when they install them separately from the taillights, it’s generally because the taillights have no rear facing reflector in them. I’ll presume it’s just temporary because you mentioned moving the amber lights higher after the cap went on.

[@GIGrandpa]

Brad, I too added Rokblokz mud flaps on my Mojave and picked up a set of Mopar fender flair extensions which helps keep the side of the Jeep clean along with the mud flaps. If we see each other at EJS I'll show how it looks.

[@eshutchak5233]

Hi Brad. Nice rig. A suggestion for your 120v power. Companies like Grecell 2400 and Anker C1000 make really nice battery generators. LiFePO4 technology. The Anker is under 30lbs. I have one. If you set up your rig with an onboard inverter, say 2000w, you can recharge the Anker while driving. Or Idle for 15 minutes and charge it 50% capacity. You can set the Anker to charge at whatever wattage you choose between 1w and 1000w. 1000w will recharge it from flat dead in an hour.

[@Will_N4WIL]

Looking good 👍. I’m liking the direction you’re taking with this project

[@DorkPrince]

8:50 personally, if you're going to cover the bed, I would keep anything possibly (no matter how unlikely) fire-instantiating or even explosive somewhere exterior to the cabin. Lithium batteries are generally safe today but there is still risk with them and honestly any rechargeable battery. The cabin is your safe space, keep all the fragile or perishable goods in the cabin with you and anything that can cause damage in the bed. If you DO put the power bank in the bed, there is a vent panel just behind the passenger side seat back, accessible through the "removable Bluetooth speaker" tray (the tray itself being removable) behind where the seat used to be. I think there's one on the driver side, too, but I couldn't gain access to it when I installed my 2-meter amateur radio antenna so I went passenger side. Anyway, you should be able to use that (perhaps with some mild modification) for passing power cables through without modifying the actual sheet metal of the cab. The bed, however, is another story.

[@litfuses7765]

Brad you may look into the cyclone attachment for the snorkel AEV sells. Great for dust!!

[@royfreitas7583]

Definitely can sense your excitement about the build. I actually like the mud flaps, they seem to fit well on the Gladiator. Though those boxy tail lights got to go!

[@gogerwi]

Great call on the mud flaps and gear change.

[@craigversetti5700]

I been following Brad @ TrailRecon almost since it's beginning and LOVE the channel !!! Brad and his service to our country and all of us is one real big reason , I find his experience & his drive/love for for our community truly addictive and a breath of fresh air !!! I know us regular folk find it hard to afford things needed & wanted to support our rigs & lifestyles & we often question how some can ask us to fork over our hard earned money for products but Brad seems to keep this in mind with most of his products so when I was asked why a trauma kit was so expensive I immediately said look at its contents and think about the years of experience that went into making this kit. Brad knows first hand what a real Trauma kit should contain and put it all into this kit , a tourniquet by itself is at least 30 bucks and there are two in the kit asking with alot of other things that wouldn't be in that eighty dollar kit ! I plan on adding this kit to the others I already carry with me and look forward to more things to come based of experience and needs not wants. As ALWAYS Brad THANK YOU for all you do , did , and continue to do to help us and this awesome community were apart of !!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for being a long time follower.... some of those early videos were a little rough, LOL!

[@krasnaludek298]

The seat covers look very nice & comfy for road trips. 👍🏻

[@hillrunner2]

Truck is looking good 👍 Informative stuff , good luck on adventures enjoy the content.

[@ringdahlj]

You should look into clocking your swaybar disconnect to make room for your light bar.

[@PeakDecline]

I'm excited to see what bed cap you are going with... I am planning on replacing a bed rack with a cap on my Gladiator in the future. More covered storage is what I need.

[@TrailRecon]

Coming soon!

[@chrissoutherland4356]

I really like the look of it without a topper.

[@dbrekke6570]

Keep the battery management system in the cab, for sure 100%. But ditch the box and build a panel system to mount on the rear wall. In the end you'll conserve space, have better access to your electrics for maintenance and monitoring

[@carlosnsosa99]

Glad to see the build coming together

[@furious7515]

Another amazing video! One idea for your back seat area organization. What if you were to fabricate some sort of a back wall and with some shelves/small cabinets either mounted on or built in? You could have it go all the way to the hard top. Hinge it where the bottom of the window is so when you are using it, you could flip it down/remove it and have access to the rear window.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I've thought about something like that and there are a few others that have some pretty nice builds. I want to wait and see how things look once I have the cap on and see if I need to expand more. Honestly, I like having the rear window visibility and don't want to loose it if not necessary.

[@thebadguy3764]

Brad I passed you & Marcos heading out on the Cajon pass around Dec 03, you both were towing adventure trailers, you in the bone stock Gladiator, Marcos 392 Wrangler both getting with it I mean really burning fuel, I’m surprised you neither discovered the eco diesel! I have an identical 2023 Rubicon Gladiator eco diesel 32 mpg highway with 435 lbs torque, my buddy (Gladiator eco diesel) towed his razor with 37’s on the truck thru the Cajon to lone Pine 25 mpg! Yeah I was ready for it!!

[@dinobm13]

He sold the diesel too many def issues

[@thebadguy3764]

He should have gotten a long lasting warranty, mine being 2023 that went thru the nation wide recall before I bought it, I was told fuel pump granading, still not sure but no problems yet and an extended warranty. BTW my buddy’s eco diesel I mentioned had a transmission problem they couldn’t fix, lemon lawed and got the eco Diesel 2023, must have been built on a Monday 😂

[@80_kanon_08]

Damn that looks good. I'm really digging the mud flaps too.

[@scottymac5174]

kind of seeing where you are going with this. All The Best! STTN.

[@Btown871]

My suggestion for the battery system would be a bluetti system. You can add as many batteries as needed and it manages its own self and ot has an app for control as well. And they have solar panels for there system. Worth looking into. And because they are portable you could you it in camp or move it to help someone who can't be moved, but you need power for something.

[@Longrangedisco]

Hey Brad, starting to look really Gucci mate. Have you tried turning the air intake 180°? Keeps some more debris out of the intake & stops damage when you go throught trees. Always a pleasure seeing your shows 🫡

[@jessenielsen3459]

If your planning to do deep water crossings thoughts on the batteries low would be a consideration.

[@InvertedAerials]

Brad, I’m still trying to catch up on all of your videos, so if I mention something you have already done, I apologize. I am in Nova Scotia Canada and am buying my first gladiator. I am building a Rescue/Medical vehicle of my own. I am applying to the local volunteer GSAR unit and would love a TrailRecon Kit, but wondering if you could do a three step/ level. Such as … A First Aid Kit / A First Responders Kit / and a Full on gotta keep you alive until medivac arrives Kit (the latter being within reason). Thanks again! Been watching you for a while! Please keep up the awesome vids and amazing information

[@alonka11023]

Curious to know where you got your red roof insulators and the patches! Love the jeep!!

[@DM-fv7hw]

Nice, your build is great. As far as those chase lights in the rear bumper, I'm wondering if they can also be part of the turn signals? Cheers!

[@JarradShaw]

Allll… you did it!!! Go OnX Offroad ❤

[@motoacquatico1967]

Member: a brother across the vast ocean who shares with me a passion for his White Jeep Gladiator! (mine is an 80th anniversary Ecodiesel 2021 with the Bestop Sunrider (I live in Italy, in Florence))😃👍💪🇺🇸🇮🇹🏁

[@DuyenNguyen-ui6mo]

Sir the Gladiator looks awesome!

[@rik999]

Great build so far. Two questions, why mount the snorkel intake facing forward, if it's raining hard, won't you flood the intake pipe? Also lights mounted on the roof rack that face to side might be useful at night in a camp site.

[@karmicforce01]

AEV bumper looks nice but what if you have a front camera... Relocation?

[@gstev1]

When you added the lift kit and tires how did it affect the day-to-day ride? I am looking to do exactly what you did and it makes my research a million times easier! Thank you, I love the channel!

[@ajyoussef2927]

Great video as always, Brad! Slightly off topic question. When you were filming yourself talking about the inside of the gladiator or the outside talking about the snorkel etc, the camera was following you. Left to right, it would go up and down as you moved your head. Can you please explain what you're using? Thanks

[@eartiles56]

Great build so far Brad! Could you tell me where you got the red headliner panels for your top?

[@mikehale83]

Any plans to do something similar AMAL Blocks? Able to fine tune gear based on where you’ll be? Maybe a crash cart style drawer system?

[@cocherafg]

Excelente camioneta cada paso fuerte y constante!! Saludos! Buena vibra 🔥✌️!

[@chriskendzierski4226]

What wheels and tires did you pick Brad? Rig looks great!

[@mikechandler3791]

I know you will get to locating a spot for the battery/power to your personal liking/need. My approach with our build has been not to take easily accessed areas away for support pieces that will not need everyday access. We have put those kinds of pieces in the bed near the cab where it is in space you may not necessarily have access to unless in a must need situation (maintenance, unexpected repair). Once the power unit is built your need to access should be minimal.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Two questions Number one, why is the snorkel not facing to the rear? Number two, why did you not select the Mojave trim?

[@TrailRecon]

I suppose you could swing it around if you wanted, but I guess there is some minute benefit to having the "forced cold air". The Mojave is a great option, but when I was shopping and looking at the incredibly steep discounts being offered, this was what came up locally with the options I wanted.... happy with my choice.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

@@TrailRecon I ask about the snorkel since it could force dust in. Some designs face rear to minimize dust Thx !

[@The92renegade]

Nice gladiator. I think if you put your battery system in the floor storage,it’s 1and done. Meaning, if you store other things in there and you have stuff on top of your access panels, you’ll have to move things to get to things in the floor. Electrical system in the floor will be out of the way.

[@my2centsworth]

The Mud flap thing is interesting. Here in Australia and even in Arizona I believe, they are required by law.