Why I'm NOT Installing 37" Tires on My Jeep Gladiator

The wheels and tires that come standard on a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon provide a good mix of off-road performance, durability and on road handling. But for this Jeep build I want to increase the ground clearance to make navigating moderate trails a little easier, but because this will be used on long expedition and transporting lots of medical equipment, maintaining drivability is a key factor. So let’s take a close up look of the stock wheel and tire combo and then I’ll show you the new set that I’m installing today. Oh and we just installed a new lift kit… we’ve got a lot to talk about.
Trail Aid Station Build Page: bit.ly/TrailReconJeepGladiator

[@TrailRecon]

I'm very happy with the progress so far, but there is still so much more to do before I leave for the Arctic Ocean. You can visit this page here to see all the items I've installed on Doc: trailrecon.com/doc.html

[@jackbauer9347]

Wise choice on lift and tires Brad.

[@dkasparaitis]

I agree. Put me in the narrow tire camp. Most of the time wide tires are just not a benefit, but all that extra weight sure does wear stuff out.

[@jh276]

Here's how to get weekend started the right way: Having a coffee in hand watching Trail Recon.... my Saturday ritual. Thank you, Brad for always starting my weekend right!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and have a great weekend!

[@blakemarchand6650]

Mine to ! Haha

[@Twix_loves_domo]

Literally same 😂

[@wirnet2084]

Look's great Brad! Great balance for it's intended purpose. Can't wait to see the rest of the transformation! This would also be a great platform for a lot of the search and rescue groups. Awesome!!

[@johndc7446]

Its fun following this type of build. I pray for your full recovery from your injury.

[@IsaacRodriguez89]

Oh man, I love that stance! I like that your builds are unique, you don’t follow a trend and I think that it’s paying off. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrismoeslacher4374]

What a fun project Brad! I love the idea of having purpose built rigs and with you leading so many trips now it makes total sense to have this type of build. I’m sure everyone will be more comfortable knowing they have your support on the trail. But don’t forget to allow others to take the lead so you can enjoy the view from your JL. As far as my own JT it will be a view from 37’s only because it would be my only rig and I do want to do some light rock crawling along with many fishing expeditions. I hope to see you in the trails.

[@carolynslette6073]

Love the AEV and 35s. Very practical. I went the same route with my build, but chose the 5100 shock for now. I can always replace with the 8100. Looking Fab Brad!!!❤

[@austinb5735]

I’m very happy that you’re working with AEV. I loved these products and this company for years!!! Great job guys!

[@GIGrandpa]

Love my AEV lift kit on my Mojave and I too went with 35" tires, very happy. Looking good Brad!

[@user-dw9qf2ub9o]

Excellent Project Brad. Luv watching your channel...you and your family are very inspirational. I will be installing an AEV 2.5" lift as well. Thanks again for your service in the Navy as well as your ongoing service to your Offroading family. All the best from AZ sir.

[@KEVLAR_RC7275]

Can't wait to see the end result Brad and thank you for your content. Being a new jeeper I only really follow a few of you and one of your 'how to's' on winching paid off. Thank you.....at least I think it was your advice that popped into my head 😊

[@steverhodes3054]

I’m loving this build, thanks for all your extra work to share this with us. 👍👍

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Glad you went with the AEV! The Gladiator looks amazing with that setup! I recently added the HD DualSport to my 392 and couldn’t be happier! Looking forward to more videos!

[@kevinp2820]

👍 Brad you really know how to pick the best parts, what an innovative lift kit. The new tires and wheels are perfect for the rig. Can’t wait to see the new bumper installed.

[@lucwilson1]

Thank you Brad!!! For not going extreme!!! About time for an “Everyman” type of build 👍

[@brunnie]

Looks GREAT!! I love how the project is coming together.

[@nick859]

I love that wheel and tire combo, looks gorgeous and very functional. So excited you went with AEV for the lift, I have their 2.5” lift on my JKU and it’s been a game changer

[@karenjacobi5809]

Doc looks very functional, for what you have planned. Excited to see all the new mods!

[@michaeltodd2082]

Looks awesome Brad! can’t wait to see more from this build!

[@rockyp544]

Great choice of tire. Extremely happy with the three sets I’ve gone through.

[@garydavidson8273]

Well thought out suspension and tire choice Brad. Can’t wait to see what other additions you have planned

[@GatorAaron]

You're gonna LOVE the 35x11.5 setup. Had that on my last JKU and they worked amazing!

[@talljeeper]

I really like and support your tire and wheel choice. Your knuckles, differential, steering components and drivetrain will love you so much more long term. Wise choice.

[@ramoneortiz]

Great looking rig. I do not own Jeeps but I do enjoy watching people make modifications to their vehicles. Greetings from Las Vegas, NV.

[@jeremykiesewetter4251]

Looks awesome!! Great choices for lift,wheels and tires!! Looking forward to watching this build!!

[@richardpeebles8492]

Looks amazing! Can't wait to see how it continues to evolve. Semper Fi, Doc.

[@seveydp]

I love the idea of purpose-built light trucks or pickups that are well thought out. My pet peeve is that I have seen too many off the shelf vehicles that are used for work or pleasure, that do not match the intended mission wind up in the shop in a short period of time. I hate seeing in my line of work, people using ½ ton pickups for heavy construction when they should be using a ¾ or 1 ton. I already love this build, because of the potential for public service when called. It pays to draw up a mission statement prior to ordering the vehicle including where you take it, then match it with the right parts before you think about esthetics. This is why you are one of my favorite you-tube overlanders to get good advice on builds.

[@simon-mouse8739]

Looks fantastic and the gap between the arches and the wheels just makes it even more purposeful. Great combo and really excited to see how this build goes 👍🏻😁😎

[@marcobreton4925]

Great set up,i also did the rt lift with the toyo open country at3 on the factory gladiator rims and cant be happier. Cant wait to see more.

[@colechapman1886]

I have that exact build on my gladiator rubicon. The onroad/offroad balance is unmatched. AEV is incredible stuff.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Brad, very nice video. Appreciate you sharing the update of your beautiful gladiator.

[@matiasferrer6400]

Real nice doc, real nice. Happy trails.

[@RoamArizonaAdventures]

I’m a Tacoma owner but your making me want to do a gladiator as well lol. Beautiful looking gladiator and good choice on tires. Love the video you did with overland Ozark and the mud tunnel in Borrego area.

[@newenglandtechguy]

Looking good! I'm excited to see how great this build will turn out.

[@bluemori3162]

Looks great and built with purpose. Also, excellent thought put into camera angles and story driven editing.

[@ssarkees]

Good choice - size to application. Can’t go wrong with those.

[@ganjacats]

This looks great Brad! Congrats!!

[@JacobPerez-rd3zu]

Looking great Brad!! Can’t wait to see the next upgrades.

[@coruptr]

Looks great, can't wait to see it out on the trails.

[@donnapablos8752]

Looks great Brad . Thanks for sharing.

[@mnhockeyone]

That combo is AWESOME

[@rowbradley]

Love it Brad, and taking notes for my modest Gladiator build. 35s and a 2” lift should get me where I want to go and keep me out of trouble.

[@cwwcww7465]

Doc, That is the right set up for what you are doing with this Jeep.... Personally, I have never had a problem with anything we have used from AEV... and we are very hard on the Jeeps and use them....we don't abuse them, but we use them past what they are supposed to be capable of doing..... AEV is great company, with great stuff and NOTHING ELSE out there looks better doing it.... Great choice Doc.... I have lobbied BFG to make a true 35 - 11... or 36 -11.50. ...... I run BFGS on our Jeeps.... Semper Fi brother.

[@NowhereBoundAdventures]

Interesting video! I upgraded my stock '21 Wrangler Willys with the 33" Falken Wildpeak A/Ts and a 2.5" Terraflex lift kit. I'm towing a teardrop camper, I'm not planning on rock crawling, and it's my daily driver as well. I had similar reasons for going with a less extreme tire, and this video was validating! Thanks, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your build!

[@JS-ov9jb]

The mud flaps set the tone, the jeep means business. Looks good! Look forward to more

[@norm5785]

Looks great, thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@qazisalman5012]

Looks fantastic

[@OdysseyOffroad]

Love it Brad! Real inspiration for me with my 23 Mojave. Doing a 2 inch lift and 35s is the route I think I want to go as well. Cant wait to see how it does on the trail!

[@stevetabor4447]

She’s looking sweet perfect setup I’ve always ran 35’s honestly I don’t need anything else, can’t wait to see when she’s finished 👍👍👍👍

[@olered7760]

Perfect choice on those tires n lift

[@Warped2023]

Love the AEV products and the 8100 series shock. Looking great, sir. My Mojave has the same rims and AEV bumper, but my trail rig is a full EV JL370 on 37s. Love what you are doing with this build and reasoning behind it.

[@rodyoung7045]

Looks awesome. Good job.

[@marloncausey392]

I love it! I can’t wait to see it in action!

[@brookeknieriem]

Great video Doc! I really enjoy watching your channel. I have learned a lot from it. Your JT looks great. I can't wait to see the finished product. I went with a similar build on my 21 Gladiator Rubicon.

[@frailey7112]

Looks sharp ! Thanks for sharing !

[@user-lu3oo6fm6c]

Awesome build I love the set up is the right way to install bigger tires with lift at the same time keeping the quality of the ride and also the capability in off road

[@NorthwestBronco]

Love the build plan. Well done indeed!

[@user-xf2sc2px1y]

Love the wheel combo

[@fredbrandl880]

Looks good Brad! Smart choice on the wheels and tires. Looks absolutely great for long trips and over landing. I own a white wrangler though I do like some of the wilder colors in the Jeep lineup I have to admit the white looks the most elegant.

[@texasrubicon3241]

Enjoying this build, but I’m REALLY glad you’re not selling the 392! I was actually listening to your update after dropping off my daughter at daycare in mine. Couldn’t agree more!

[@davidchristensen2898]

Stick to your plans for the Jeep, you have a specific mission & are outfitting to accomplish that mission. Everyone has their own plan for their vehicles & no two are exactly alike ! I’ll be watching for updates on the Gladiator !

[@mjo326]

Looks great!

[@SteegeFish]

So happy you are working with AEV!

[@clintonwilkie8142]

Love it, looks great!

[@zd533]

Really glad to see you back into a Gladiator (I'm biased lol, I have a Mojave). I really like the look, I'm not a huge fan of poke, especially with something that isn't a rock crawler. You may have made up my mind for my wheel/tire upgrade...

[@appleguy1986]

I’m super excited for you, Brad. I believe you will come to love your choice to go AEV. My AEV rig is 10 years old still going strong, and super reliable.

[@1oldarmyguy]

Brad, looks great!! And Congratulations on getting AEV involved in the build. Can't wait to see how it looks with all those goodies you got.

[@RocklanderUSA]

Great tire and wheel choice! ❤

[@1gx619]

I think it looks cool! I personally have 35’s now but only have a level installed. I like it, but that’s my taste. Thanks for the video man! Loving this series!!!

[@tayranger8267]

Great Build so far!

[@CIAG4PNP]

Awsome look! Love the tires!

[@ryanandclarevlog3477]

Just Exact Essential Parts I love the way it looks and for sure to drive it Brad.

[@topsecret5]

J - Fix E - It E - Agan P - Tyrone

[@panaforce]

If you need to chain up, that extra gap comes in handy. Also, driving in muddy conditions, mud doesn’t get packed in but drops out by its own weight. The gap helps to utilize full articulation with no rubbing issues, either with chains or in mud. Another nice build from trail recon. Hopefully Jeep gives us an ultimate overland SUV, a hard top based on gladiator, an American alternative to LC70 and old Def.

[@4BoysProductions]

Looks clean my daughter just got her first jeep gladiator and we are having a blast adding mods.

[@StartBuildingYourDreams]

The AEV Crew is a great team! Excited to see the evolution of your build, wrapping up my new 2023 ecodiesel, but as you know the build is never completely finished!

[@dannyv2335]

I think it looks awesome. You don’t need 37’s 35s look perfect and I love that you went positive offset with the wheels.

[@threadready8078]

Looks great Brad!

[@MountainBikeMusings]

Nice build! Looking good and purposeful. My 23' Gladiator is stock because I tow a travel trailer, but your giving me ideas for after the factory warranty expires.

[@jeffquick7917]

Great…now I’m reconsidering going to 37’s! 😂 Solid vid and that is what I really struggle with in my head going from a 35” on my JK to a 37”, the real difference in weight/rotating mass….good food for thought, thank you sir!

[@dougfarrell9268]

Looks perfect. AEV is top notch. Picking up an AEV Ram 2500 Cummins conversion in two weeks.

[@InGratitudeIam]

This makes perfect sense. It looks really good too!

[@Jan-pw4po]

Looks great Brad

[@catchusoutside4884]

Looks great! Coming along nicely

[@andymagahy1421]

Looks awesome. The mud flaps make it. Looks like an off-road rally truck. Can’t wait to see the bumper and all the rest of the mods!

[@kanon0853]

looks great!

[@jlautomotive6349]

What a beautiful build, I think it looks perfect and as you said once you add weight it’ll settle. Can’t wait to lift my Gladiator this summer! Keep up the incredible work!!

[@jlest3036]

Loving this build!

[@californiagold7764]

Looks great and yet still very functional as a truck. You’ll love the Nitto trail grapplers! I have some on my f150 in 33’s as I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and boat with some off-roading. They are quite for an aggressive tread and have served me well in mud, snow, rain and deep sand aired down.

[@chadgraber4575]

Great look. Love those wheels.

[@royfreitas7583]

That’s a real sharp looking tire/wheel combination. Definitely a nice looking Gladiator!

[@marytorbert5212]

Looks great!! I have the Snazzberry Gladiator and LOVE it! Still original tires though. It’s nice to see all different ideas.

[@aarongriggs4346]

Looks great Bradly

[@user-sg7rl4ez2q]

Looks like perfect!

[@natethuli]

I installed the exact same suspension and wheels (and 35s) on my Gladiator Rubicon eco diesel along with the exact same mud flaps and have been so thrilled with that setup the last couple of years. Very capable and still fairly modest and efficient all at once!

[@Jermy337]

Nice Giving detailed in full on build.. Such as weights & measurements.. Looking good

[@bryanhargett1192]

Looks good!

[@ulysseslima9534]

It looks cool.

[@ExpeditionaryOverland]

What’s a perfect Saturday? After coming back from a run, having a cup of coffee and a light breakfast and watching Trailrecon! Rrah! Another good informative vid Doc!

[@TJrubicon]

AEV makes great stuff, only thing I did is add a good front trackbar to help align the axle and improved the steering/feel slightly