Overland Jeep Gladiator - WHYS of the build!

[@ESUSAMEX]

I am an American who wants to travel around the US and Canada in a pickup truck or Jeep. During the pandemic, I have watched a ton of videos by people who have overlanded throughout my homeland and other nations. Some of these videos just show the product and that's it. I like the fact that you explain your reasoning behind your choices for your gear and equipment. I, like you, am self-funding my trip and I would hate to waste money on useless items.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I'm happy to hear my reasoning is helpful, and I hope it helps you get on the road!

[@Alan.livingston]

The way to improve the back access to your tub is to have the sides of the canvas canopy zip so you can roll them up. I went from a fibreglass canopy to a canvas canopy to save weight and it has zippered sides. I love it and the access is easy.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Everyone keeps saying that - but at 6 foot 2 I can't easily reach over the sides far, and when I do I get covered in mud anyway. So for me, that's not something I'm interested in.

[@Alan.livingston]

@@TheRoadChoseMe That’s fair enough. I’m always fascinated by the different considerations each individual puts into their fitouts. It really is about what works for you.

[@cliffmorgan31]

I appreciate your answering questions on here without being snarky like some responders. You come across to me as being quite genuine, and I like that.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I appreciate that!

[@marcusslade9804]

One of your best videos to date (and there are many). Your rationale of “why” on each component of your build really resonates. Love the common sense approach to so many aspects. I tend to think too many of us in North America “over-wheel” or “over-tire” their vehicles, otherwise diminishing their capability. Nicely done throughout.

[@darylnd]

Big wheels and tires are essential if you're planning to go to Starbucks.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad you liked it!

[@JonathanACarr]

Congratulations on reaching 50k subscribers!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks!

[@robertvoss9111]

Congratulations on the 50K Dan!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Cheers!

[@mikehzz9848]

Dan, you'll need fly protection in the outback, they can be absolutely horrendous. I suggest a pop up mesh tent, maybe a Coleman 3m X 3m and weighs 7kgs. Honestly, I've been in the desert and just cannot get out of the car without having a million flies trying to crawl in every hole I have. Once you've swallowed 10 or twenty of them you'll know what I'm talking about.

[@errhka]

I had no idea how bad they were until I watched Andrew's video and they looked like hell on earth - honestly diminished my desire to go to almost zero hehe

[@gdefendi]

Dan you are not only a legend, you are an inspiration. Especially regarding the building for your needs and not for ego and others approval . Hopefully our gladiators will cross path in Queensland.

[@NigelNaughton]

I love your thought process and your design ethos. Sooooooo many people building "overland" rigs just keep adding the latest and 'greatest' stuff burdening down their rigs and, I like how you put it, overloading the "weight on your shoulders" It's almost like they absolutely have to bring every single comfort of home with them to the great outdoors or they wouldn't even go outside.

[@pdm1942]

You make perfect sense when you explain your set up with your jeep ! You have plenty of experience so you know what will work best for you or at least what seems like it will work best for you. I am looking forward to seeing Australia with you , I know nothing about the back country there ! I have watched you since Alaska . Good luck to you in your travels ! I am from Michigan of USA .....

[@geraldhuber4452]

Great video Dan, Your experience and sharing the "WHY" is a the best video yet. Waiting for the reports on the real adventures you will be experiencing in the near future. God Speed my friend.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Will do!

[@questioner1596]

"Maybe I'll bump into you on the road." I appreciate you considering my safety with a full width bumper, it's very thoughtful! 😁

[@robertsegura6451]

Again, you always make to much sense. Thank you for grounding the reality of overlanding, camping, or just plain road tripping.

[@Graciegunfire]

You are a trend setter Dan. In a few years time we will be inundated with the term "Game changing JT Gladiator" all over KZbin.....!

[@00ninja00]

It’s amazing that you can do it with 33” tires! Here I never even considered 35s, just went straight to 37s and even considered 39s. Only reason why I didn’t do 39s is cuss I know that’s a bit much for the d44s that come on the JTR to handle safely, or else I would’ve went 39s/40s hahaha. But it’s amazing to see someone doing real overlanding and actually using their vehicle daily and doing it on 33s. Here in America, I’ve never seen anyone use the 33s permanently on their JTR for overlanding/ off roading. In fact, our JTRs come with some nice falken 285/70/17, which would be awesome to stick to that size cuss it would save sooooo much money. I’ve watched your other videos, and I am considering going back to 35s if and when I do travel out of the USA, cuss it makes a lot of sense, for cops to stay off me and availability of tires. I know 37s are common here in America, so that’s why I went 37s, I know I won’t have an issue finding 37s anywhere in America, but outside of America, I think 35s will be a good choice, 33s probably even better. My issue is that I love the way it looks with the bigger tires, and I know that function is a lot more important than looks, but luckily in America, where I’m overlanding for the next couple years, i can easily get 37s. Here 37s are the new 33s.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I drove from Alaska to Argentina on 31" tires, and all the way around Africa on 33". Never once did I wish I had bigger tires, but virtually every day I wished I got better gas mileage. Bigger tires cost waaaaay too much in gas for what I'm doing.

[@marauderhot]

Great video, lightweight is the way to go. I no longer carry 1/2 the stuff I did so much better.

[@jasonwishart6800]

Had a Ute with a pick up bed and canopy. Access is the big problem. Next one will be a tray with side gull wing doors. Much more practical.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Yup, the bluetooth Renogy mnitoring is great, we have an all Renogy base system in our camper.

[@midnite22767]

Great video! Very informative! You can tell how much your experience has informed this build. Two things I noticed that other people have commented on. One is an enclosed tent for the batwing. I would think it would be nicer to sit outside and not be bitten up by all types of flying pests. Two: I may be wrong but it seems like the batwing doesn't cover the stove? Cooking in the rain? Sounds like that might get old quick. I wish more people would do videos like this explaining the reason for what they chose to put on their vehicle other than it looks cool.

[@kentac1911]

Great review and explanations! Thank you for sharing.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

I don't know if its "better" but a friend from Overland Bound created his own pull out kitchen and it turned into a side business for him. Its called "Pull Kitchen". Like the one you have its too expensive for me to justify a purchase but its undeniably cool.

[@morganwest95]

I really appreciate your insight on these videos, Dan. Most people in the influencing space and even most regular Joes who I go on small trips with will all have the same old setup with the bed rack and rooftop tent, and they do it because that's the generally agreed on "best" way to go. Then you have the folks with deep pockets who will bolt all of the most expensive and heavy gadgets onto their vehicle because they don't also drive it every day for work and general getting around town. Your use case of living out of the Jeep full time is still much different that my weekend warrior to week long trips - I don't want to bolt anything into my Ranger that will compromise its ability to be a 4 passenger truck/ute, first and foremost - but you do such a great job of explaining why you pick these parts that it really helps me figure out what I can make better about my setup. I was looking for battery solutions to buy with my fridge in a couple months and was seriously cringing at the price tags of the most popular solutions, but I think you've really sold me on your solution. As always, thanks for the great content.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Happy to hear it was helpful and you're very welcome!

[@Onward4x4]

Come to think of it, I haven't really seen you cook? I think there was an instance in one old video, but I think we are due for a nice camp cooking video 😁

[@joshmontgomery4040]

Lots of good points very practical.

[@DaciaProject]

Probably your best build video! Thanks Dan!

[@wildcatoutdoors]

To each their own for sure! for me without interior living space I don't think I could do it long term. During inclement weather interior is king.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I totally agree, and my plan is to avoid inclement weather in Australia. I'd do it totally different if I was doing an arctic trip.

[@webersteve1547]

I tried to get thise spare wheels for my Gladiator here in Europa but they are more expensive than the alloy wheels.

[@MojaveTrails]

Thanks for the walkthrough! Great build I really appreciate the experience and thought that has gone into your build. It still looks great but it's obvious you need and not what looks good on Instagram! I definitely review your videos and take your experience into consideration as I build out my Gladiator! Keep up the awesome videos and walkthroughs.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dz-uq3nf]

well done Dan. I know how much you will love and enjoy thet jeep. Hopefully we will able to travel around again with you in future.

[@schmoab]

Awesome timely video. I’m looking at buying a Gladiator. I’m leaning toward the Rubicon so I won’t have to modify much to do our western trails in North America. Looking forward to your trip reports.

[@briangudger3466]

Fantastic, Dan. Really enjoyed hearing your thought process for each piece. Will definitely try to apply these principles to my own build. Love your focus on practicality vs "bling".

[@buffalolizard]

Dan, i used to know a man that worked in the oilfield that drove a truck with a topper..he used a garden hoe to retrieve and remove things from the truck box. Also he carried the hoe for protection against rattle snakes in the oil pump stations!

[@barryhughes5082]

Hi Dan can you please post a video of your kitchen and fridge setup. I have chnaged my Gladiator many times over the years with soft top, drudhes, rood racks and awnings, but have just installed full canopy so want to maxmise space and get this right.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Here you go, let me know if you have any questions - mkzbin.info/www/bejne/epq1hYeshsR-iJI

[@vincedagiel3905]

Nice build. 👍🏻

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

Hi, for next time would you put side opening windows to improve the access to the bed?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

No. The drawers I used for the kitchen and storage meant I didn't need it. I didn't want to reach up and over the tub all the time

[@blurglide]

If you're wheeling in remote areas by yourself, a winch is absolutely essential. You might even consider a small (UTV 2000 lb) hitch-mounted winch you could hook up to the rear to help pull yourself out of a sticky situation, as well as additional rope and something you can use as a sand anchor. I mean...if you get stuck in the sand or mud by yourself, often times pulling yourself forward will just make things worse. I'd at the very least carry a come-along, or high-lift jack that could be improvised to do the same job

[@duane4972]

I use a 3500 lb. Winch and pulley to double it , on a receiver mount at either end of my van. It's been a life saver the few times I have needed it !!

[@blurglide]

@@duane4972 That's a good idea. I put a 12k pound Badlands in my GX460, but it's only for rare emergencies. I should've saved the weight and used something very small with a snatch block on order to save weight.

[@ozbowling]

First a would go for Maxtraxs as there is a lot of sand in OZ and no trees to pull yourself out.

[@1Coolbanana]

Loving your build and intend to copy a few of your ideas when I get my Gladiator. I also like to keep things light and as it will also be my daily drive, I dont want a top of stuff hanging off the vehicle. Keep it simple and efficient is the way to go. Look forward to more vids. Hope to see you on the road sometime 👍

[@DB-yj3qc]

1Coolbanana Check out the Gladiator forum sometime too. Anyone else getting or thinking about a Gladiator too.

[@duane4972]

I absolutely agree with you about washing dishes ! I have been 4 years living in my van and I have never used the plastic wash basin I have carried. I use 2 hand spray bottles, 1 for water/vinegar mix and 1 with just water. Scrape the plate, spray a little mix on it, use a paper towel to clean, rinse with a little water, dry with paper towel. Uses very little water and a roll of paper towels lasts average of a week. I use the wash basin for storing utensils and spices etc. Works great for my situation, might not be best for everyone.

[@duane4972]

I also use a 30 liter Dometic CFX fridge, set ar 20°f, to keep frozen meats etc. and to freeze ice packs to use in a 28 liter cooler as a refrigerator. It's been working great for going on 5 years !!

[@chrisanderson4044]

Awesome video man thanks for making this. Side note Australia seems like it sucks.

[@StephenStHill-si7en]

There is a lot to see here. Something for everyone. On a long trip it is nice on occasions to find a place which resonates with home. Australia is very multicultural, especially in the cities. Someone here speaks your language.

[@janhbhugo5085]

Great video !

[@WolfOverland]

You def. inspired my build! I came from a toyota tundra crewmax with all the room! Size, fuel mpg and weight and no lockers were my biggest issues! I have 2 kids that go with me and we camp in a new spot EVERY night! A roof top tent is a must for speed AND all in one storage (no cots, sleeping bags in bed) I did go with a 2022 rubicon diesel that is being build jan 10th! I have the arb duel that i have from my previous build, I have a gmrs hard mounted radio. i hear you on the payload. i literally put everything in buckets and weighed it from interior stuff to the fire extinguishes to the alu-cab topper (125 pounds) and arb awning! i ordered my rubicon with 33in mud tires. factory is falcon wildpeak mud tires. i am going to stick with 33s too. do you sag at all in the rear? I carry all the tools and recovery for our convy as i am a mechanic by trade, so no worries on kitchen stuff although i have a iceco 60 fridge. its a good fridge but like you, the dometic i had before that i grew out of was better quality

[@mjdynamicproperties5701]

Show us the solar on the roof .... view from above 🙃

[@black_widow_overland]

Love the setup. Safe travels

[@J.Young808]

A good way to access the front of the bed is a bed slide. Check out LLOD ‘s Freedom Tremor build.

[@jorgelabrada6149]

Beautiful build mate 💪

[@brentp556]

How have has the Coleman dual burner stove been? Have you had any issues with it? If you were doing the trip solo, would you have gone for the single burner again?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

It's been flawless, I'm really liking it. This vehicle provides more space and more creature comforts because it's bigger, so part of this for me is about learning if I like the ability to have "more" - i.e. I can cook two things at the same time. So far I like the option!

[@grahamperkins9542]

Watch out for Kangaroo's! (said no ever in California) Very cool walk through Dan, always respect your choices and rational.

[@Defender110SLO]

Nice improvments. Cheers. 🍻 You two have a Happy New year wiith lots of travels and problems.🎁🎄

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

cooking outdoors with the flies?

[@thelazyoverlander]

Hey Dan just a quick question if I may, I get why you installed the Batwing from Rhino ( have one on my 105), but I'm wondering what's your thinking re mounting it on the drivers side??? Also if I could afford one I would have NO qualms about running a Jeep, VERY impressed with them, I also so agree.... the 70 series (as good as they are, I had a 76 and HATED IT), they have been done to death.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I put it on the drivers side for a few reasons - it covers the storage box in the backseat area, it balances out the weight with the aux fuel tank, the solar panel needed to be on the other side, etc. etc.

[@markschlief8565]

Your video is a nice splash of reality, thank you. I am reaching retirement age, my bucket list is to tour the America's in retirement. I will be living in my vehicle for long periods (yrs) so a van (indoor space) is appealing. I enjoy travelling off the beaten path, exploring the backroads and true culture of the countries I am visiting. In your opinion, can this be accomplished in a 4WD Sprinter or similar platform, or am I better served with a +1 ton truck/camper set-up? I would appreciate feedback from those who have come before me. Cheers all!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Absolutely, TONS of people are doing exactly as you describe in a Sprinter or similar platform. They provide awesome living space.

[@Kevin90909]

Did you ever consider a powertank option instead of the compressor?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

No. They take up more space, which is always at a premium. Compressor has always worked for me around the world, I'll continue to rely on it.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

compressor every time, as long as your engine-battery system works you have unlimited air available

[@melvin5818]

You cant install 35"+ in Australia 😫😫

[@donaldwatson6342]

2 things Im curious about, are the auxiliary lights on the bumper causing any overheating issues, and how good is the canopy keeping out the dust?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

No overheating issues, though I'll have to keep a close eye on it when I get into really hot places (over 45C/110F) and so far there is just a tiny bit of dust getting in the back corners, but it's nothing to worry about.

[@hanenlos]

Hey Dan, do you not get a petrol/gas smell when cooking with the dual fuel stove? That would be the only thing that could put me of a petrol/gas-driven stove!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Not even a little bit while cooking, though when I turn it off it does smell a bit - usually I walk away with my food/drink.

[@michaelnugara1]

Nice set up. I almost bought a Jeep but the lower payload on the gladiator and tow capacity changed my mind. How have you gone with staying within the GVM? How do you find dust ingress into the tub with the canvas canopy? Thanks for sharing and enjoy where it will take you

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I'm right on the limit of GVM, so happy I went lightweight where I could. I get a bit of red dust in at the back corners, but nothing bad and everything back there is sealed up (kitchen, drawers, etc.) so it doesn't matter.

[@michaelnugara1]

@@TheRoadChoseMe well done on keeping it light and simple. It's not easy keeping the weight down. Thanks again

[@philliplehn3600]

Great videos. Does the 285 tyres rub on the rear inner right guard where the inner guard comes outwards a little over two plastic tubes. It does on the wife’s JL Sports with standard wheels. I have the rubicon 2 door and was considering 255/80R15 but not available here in Australia . The US rubicon with 285/70R17 uses slightly different off set with the wheels. Here we get positive 44.45mm offset . The 285/70R 17 on the US rubicon gets positive 37mm offset bringing the wheel outwards a tiny more. All their other skinnier tyres have a positive 44.55mm offset wheel.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

No, no rubbing at all.

[@GATORADDAM]

Good video. There's a lot of stuff I agree with you on..... There's a lot I don't. For example, that most overlanding vehicles are over weight. Well, actually you might be right, but mine certainly isn't. Which brings us to rooftop tents. I have one on my Tacoma, mounted just inches above the Ridgelander aluminum bed cover, nice and low. It weighs 130 pounds. No big deal. All my gear, including water weighs around 600 pounds, or about half the vehicles capacity. Add my 270 lbs (I'm 6'10" - not fat. Haha) and an occasional girlfriend along at about 150lbs and I'm still under capacity. And that was at stock. Now, running the Ironman suspension with their coilovers and rear leafs, even better. My thoughts are that if anyone is overweight on a vehicle with a 1200 pound capacity they're carrying to much crap! And yeah, I don't drive around a continent or country for years at a time. But I do take 2 month long trips. We all have to resupply water, fuel and food so I see no difference in gear needs between them. So how then are you carrying so much weight? The only other thing I disagree on is tire size. I only run 33s myself, but it's a Tacoma. Much shorter wheelbase and narrow. You've said that it's illegal to run tires outside the wheel wells and / or fenders in Australia and many countries in Africa etc. But a 2 inch lift 35s don't need to stick out of anything. I doubt any cop would even know the difference as rare as Gladiators are over there. Other than that I like what you've done and I enjoy the videos! If you're gonna keep hangin' at those campgrounds with the RVs though you probably won't need much of an offroader. Lmao.

[@juliussigurorsson3509]

Great video Dan. I think on same notes. But I think for me I would remove the tray and custom build box that is living space and storage. Then I can access it from all sides and use the space better. But I agree on your thoughts for this build and your needs.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

A custom built box would be absolutely awesome... but it would cost so much and take so long to make... I'd rather be on the road instead of building a vehicle for the next 18 months!

[@juliussigurorsson3509]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Time I have - some kids around the home that needs to finish school before I can go.... hehe

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

I've been binge watching the past week. Great channel. Great looking setup looks like you got the hood map figured out. 👍 I didn't notice if you found a solution for the overhead storage issue? 🤔 Any new ideas for the center console box and putting in lock boxes?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Nothing yet on those fronts. I did put a generic Amazon "cargo net" above where the backseat would be.. but it's not great by any means.

[@jitneytony]

Question, would u get a diesel rubicon or a gas version for overlanding around europe? Especially if the truck will be sitting in storage during the fall/winter months.?

[@MuddyRuttzz]

Great video. My wife’s got the Gladiator diesel. I have a Wrangler diesel. Have you ever considered a trailer? We have a US made Xventure XV3. We are in California. Thanks

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

How do you like the diesel? Trailers certainly have a lot of upsides, but also downsides. For what I'm doing, I don't think they make sense. I talked about it all in this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYPVaXSAjr2sq5Y

[@MuddyRuttzz]

You convinced me to get steelies and tires that fit inside the wheel wells. Im adding the 2” Mopar lift and a little bigger tires. Wrangler we bought 2 years ago 23,000 miles on it. It has been magnificent with torque allowing it to crawl over obstacles and we don’t notice the 1800 lbs trailer. Willys does not have lockers but but that diesel is a game changer. Going to need to put more miles and time on the motor for a fair assessment of its longevity. Gladiator Rubicon diesel is a beast. My wife’s daily driver. After some mods it will go off-road also. Totally awesome channel!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Great to hear! - what kind of mileage are you getting with the two diesels?

[@arrzfr]

Dan, why no roof tent? Too hot and exposed in Australia?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Too much weight up high, too big of a hit to mileage

[@AK-vk6wg]

Love it 👍

[@colinrose3852]

how do you get on with a canvas canopy with driving on dirt ,does it get sucked into back?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

A little bit gets in at the rear corners, but it's not a big deal.

[@tomosan1967]

What setup do you have powering the fridge?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I've got a 50Ah Lithium battery, 100W solar panel and an all-in-one DC/DC charger and MMPT charge controller. Details here kzbin.info/www/bejne/n17KfGN4d92fqKs

[@invictuscenturion8468]

You are definitely the real deal when it comes to overland travel. I have been struggling with the decision of what drawers to put in the bed of my Gladiator . I like your set up. What stacked drawers did you use? Also, love the auxiliary fuel tank you have. Regard’s

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad it was helpful - they're just cheap junk sold by an Aussie company, you can only get them here in Australia. from 4x4supercenter

[@andredupuis5432]

Love this walk around and your logic. Quick question: Warn is definitely a leader in winches. But did you consider the Australian company Sherpa? I’ve had their winch and thought it was great 👍🏻. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Actually I've never even heard of them...

[@leonkane8240]

I wanted larger tires on my vehicle on account of my small pea nice. I suspect that getting closer to the more extreme end of 4wding, that perhaps in some situation there may be a valid argument for going for a larger tire that has nothing to do with pea nus size. But I am yet to see that scientifically proven. & in many cases you go up in tire size it may mean @least some modification to the wheel arch & modification or upgrades to the suspension to make it work well. But @ some point in escalation, hybridizing something that is 4wd capable & over lander sensible will make both in combination impractical. I like your videos on build choices, it help me for when I get too fixated on my lock pecker.

[@MUDMAD83]

35” tyres in Victoria is legal if the tyres Aren’t sticking out

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

In Vic tires can only increase vehicle height 50mm and suspension another 50mm, but only to a MAX of 75mm total height increase. (so in reality only one can be 50mm and the other can only be 25mm) So it depends what size came on your vehicle stock if going up to 35s will mean it's gone up more than 50mm allowed from tire height increase alone.

[@anthonymarino4260]

Experience talks thanks

[@markrigney4372]

Your cooking area is not covered. Any plans to fix that for rainy conditions?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I have walls for the awning that I use to extend the covered area.

[@markrigney4372]

@@TheRoadChoseMe that still wouldn’t cover your cooking area though.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

It does actually - the walls can be made horizontal with poles to create more "roof", then walls can go on that - it can be extended infinitely.

[@markrigney4372]

@@TheRoadChoseMe fair enough, seems a little finicky to do at a pinch. Best of luck to you.

[@KOTW.Adventures]

How does the canvas go with keeping out the dust Dan?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Really well. A little is coming in the corners, but it's nothing to worry about.

[@yorkchris10]

Is there an Aussie rule about cooking under a tarp?

[@Alan.livingston]

Only one I think “son, don’t set the f***ing tarp on fire”

[@guidok3762]

Great video, but Dan, don’t go to Kazachstan……… at least at this moment ☹️

[@ronparker4015]

You may need a desert sand flag on parts of your travels Dan.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks Ron, I'm working on one now!

[@SamS-lq4bn]

is a pinzgauer good as it fits under 2.1m and it has room and 4x4

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I think they're awesome, though they're getting old and parts are expensive and hard to find now... also driving it is going to rattle your teeth out!

[@SamS-lq4bn]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks so much for replying. I was thinking for along time and a vw syncro is perfect with the pop roof like yours cause the height is good and i can go to many arduous places

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Absolutely, a great choice, especially if you could get a syncro with a diesel.

[@SamS-lq4bn]

@@TheRoadChoseMe it's been really hard to find a lhd with large space under 2.2m

[@davidthomas7651]

might want to rethink the visit to Iran!!

[@Furniture121]

It's always better to know why something is done, rather than just copying it because "that's the way things are done". I hate to be picky, but the camera shake was a bit distracting. Otherwise this was a great video, as always.

[@Silentway247]

Having watched several of your videos, I found this one to be of equal quality but it seemed to contradict a lot of your previous advice, left hand drive requirements, no need for aux fuel tanks due to weight and complexity, bought a Jeep because LC's are so common and a Jeep isn't yet the previous reason for a Jeep was part availability and how common they were.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

LHD / RHD is because this vehicle will never leave Australia, and it saved about $20,000 buying one here rather than shipping one over back. Also I can't legally do that because I have an Aussie passport. Aux fuel tank is because for this particular continent, and where I want to go, I genuinely need one otherwise certain routes are impossible. I've never needed one before for where I have gone in the world. Bought a Jeep instead of an LC because the last thing Australia needs is another tan troopie touring the country. If I had done that, what would we learn?

[@Silentway247]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Appreciate the response and explanation, looking forward to your vids

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@Daniel-pv8jl]

What is the total weight fully loaded with two or three people? I am very certain your jeep is way over weight

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Getting it onto a scale is my next job so I can spec out the correct suspension.

[@luomilly306]

Hello,we want to invite you to review our product,what should we do?

[@sandislv]

Camera is shaking a little bit more than usual.

[@brandons3624]

It’s the wilderness of Australia, not Hollywood 😆

[@andypaskmack9309]

Australia does not seem like a very fun place to live. Such strict gun control laws, laws about this and that, you can’t even run 35s or 37‘s? I hear the cost of living is also astronomical.

[@StephenStHill-si7en]

I love visiting the USA, but imagine living in a place where you do not need to carry a gun. Imagine living in a place where you would be looked after even if you were poor. Imagine you could sit down and eat with someone who voted differently from yourself.

[@andypaskmack9309]

@@StephenStHill-si7en absolutely understood my friend. I live in Canada. I’ve lived here my whole life. I hope to visit Australia one day. You are part of the Commonwealth as are we. And none of us carry guns. It’s absolutely illegal to carry a pistol. I’m grateful for gun control. That said, I am permitted to own the variety of firearms for sporting. I can’t believe the Australian government won’t allow people to run big tires.

[@StephenStHill-si7en]

I would say our gun laws are similar in intent and content. I was of the impression 35" tyres were legal but can vary from state to state. Queensland has tightened up recently. They may simply require tighter engineering approval. For a country like Australia I think many laws like licencing and registration should be Federal not State. Fundamentally such restrictions are driven by safety for the driver and others on the road. You can always drive whatever you like on private property within reason. The owner would not like being charged with negligence. Who wants to see tragedy driven by ignorant exuberance?