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

[@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

[@JS-ov9jb]

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

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@lucwilson1]

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

[@johndc7446]

35s are the best all around tires and those wheels look cool and tough.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!❤

[@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.

[@GIGrandpa]

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

[@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.

[@richardmaiden8810]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! I was running a ram for years she finally had to go. Got my ruby gladiator now ! Keep up the good content!!!!

[@JohnPierce-y7z]

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.

[@austinb5735]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@colechapman1886]

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

[@bluemori3162]

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

[@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

[@karenjacobi5809]

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

[@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 !

[@GatorAaron]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻😁😎

[@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!

[@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 👍👍👍👍

[@danielhigley8543]

I love that you stuck with a 35" tire. That's exactly what I'm gonna do, though I'm doing a 35" 10.5 tire and using the stock wheels. And instead of a 3" total lift, I gonna do a 2.5" leveling kit.

[@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.

[@4BoysProductions]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@rockyp544]

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

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@AbdinasirJamal-e2j]

It should have a front sports light and roof rack ...will make this vehicle more beautiful and serve the off road purposes or capabilities .

[@AbdinasirJamal-e2j]

2 spare tyres should be on roof rack with rubber bushes under the tyres so that it cannot make much noise on off roads very important.

[@AbdinasirJamal-e2j]

Metal like bumper front and at the back.... with front winch is also very important.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@dougfarrell9268]

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

[@jameslinderman6825]

That’s awesome! The older I’m getting, the more I realize “The right tool for the right job.” Hate when people talk trash when you don’t “go big or go home”. Scalpel, not hammer. Looks awesome!

[@RogerCampillo]

That is a great tire size!! 35” tall but not too wide. That’s perfect!! I’m on 34” just because the 35” must be 12,5” wide here in Europe. You’re lucky in the states for having such a huge tires options and sizes available.

[@ssarkees]

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

[@ingold84]

Just bought that same OVS winch and man I’m glad to see someone I trust running one too! I spent hours researching it and comparing its specs and overall form factor to the warn Evo and I am fully convinced that it is the same winch off the same line in China. For about $200 less. But it is so new there is hardly anyone using it, and reviews are Almost nonexistent.

[@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.

[@johndc7446]

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

[@andysolorzano4126]

To the party late this time. Had my first cup of Jo and watched this episode with great interest. To each their own is certainly true with the Jeep community. We all build our Jeeps to our own style and functionality. I'd love to go higher, larger tires but I'm 71 with back and knee issues. My 2.5 lift on 33's is doable for me and my wife. I'm not out to impress anyone with going higher and bigger tires. Great to see Jerry's new shop. Need to get back there for some work soon. Great vid, as usual, Brad. 😉✌

[@OmarAl-c3v]

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

[@ajjones977]

I have a Bronco after thinking I’d be a gladiator owner. I prefer the driving dynamics of the Bronco but living vicariously through this build. Wheels and tires look great. Love the channel and will be following along wondering what could’ve been!

[@AbdinasirJamal-e2j]

Metal like bumber with winch is also important .

[@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!!!

[@richardpeebles8492]

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

[@robindunn385]

Hope you enjoy your new lift kit as much as we are. Just installed the AEV a couple of weeks ago on our 2020 JLU. It's our second lift kit and far surpasses the ride and performance of the first. We think it's a better ride than we had right off the lot. As we pull a fairly heavy (for a jeep) off road trailer, we have also installed a set of AirBag Man airbags from Australia. Fantastic!! Enjoy

[@E-MTBs]

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.

[@marytorbert5212]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@paulherrington5837]

Love my ridge grapplers, I personally think they are the best choice for an a/t tire. 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!!

[@royfreitas7583]

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

[@TsavoTouring]

Very similar to ours. Pretty much all AEV stuff on the Gladiator… but we went with the Raptor/Recon package size tires thinking that they’d be easier to source in Mexico / Central / South America. I sort of wish the I’d gone with the heavy springs but they we built ours before they were available. Also the saltas are awesome… made in Italy and have held up well against wear and tear and constant sun / dog pee.

[@67wildwolf]

That looks really good Brad. While I like 37s and 40's on my jeeps 35s are the practical everyday world size. I once destroyed a 37 down in Mexico and had to use a spare that had been patched more than once! coming home because they had lots of 35s but not a single 37. A friend that has been to Africa said 35s are the tire size you want over a bigger tire they are easily found. But he also said 33s are the norm.. I went to 35s on my current jeep for another reason its my daily and it fits in the parking garage at work. I love my AEV lift. And you can't beat the price. Looking forward to the project progressing.

[@Groovy-z3x]

I love the BFG Mud and all terrain tires. Those are the 2 types of tires I buy. 35s are plenty big for on and off road. Less stress on the axles.

[@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!

[@norm5785]

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

[@LivingTheDreamUSA]

Great tire and wheel choice! ❤

[@lyndonhamby7432]

I run those tires. I have 23 thousand miles on them and they have worn very little. You will love em Brad 👍👍

[@kimos_jtfreedom8448]

I have a 21 JT “ Freedom edition “ that came from the dealer with the Mopar 2” lift. I’m running 35” M/T Baja boss AT on AEV Salta XR wheels too. I also tow a camping trailer and highly recommend installing a Hellwig rear swaybar. Makes a huge difference in handling.

[@davidj6578]

WOW, that looks better than I was expecting. I have been struggling to figure out what lift/tire combo to put on my JT. I really wish that someone made a 37.10.5 But I am liking what you did here.

[@SteegeFish]

So happy you are working with AEV!

[@tzubieta001]

Looks great! I have the same set up on my gladiator but with the 5100 shocks. Make sure you check the front brake lines, mine were rubbing on the upper control arms due to the drop bracket. i installed a teraflex brake line anchor so they wouldn't rub on the control arms.

[@fscottgray9784]

Sometimes restraint is better than overzealous. I think your controlled build will serve your needs better. I always felt you liked the Power Wagon better when it was on 35s and not 37s. I sure do. This build is going to be one of your best.

[@olered7760]

Perfect choice on those tires n lift

[@thinde88]

I love the route you’re going with this. Not enough practical builds out there. I LOVE the 11.5 wide. I feel like the ratio of height to width makes it look taller too.

[@rhekman]

Love the tire choice! I've recently watched some of the tire investigations by Tinkerer's Adventure, Robert Pepper, Rugged Life, 4xOverland, etc. Based on the science, it makes a lot of sense to go with taller, narrower tires in a more backcountry hauler focused build like this. As mentioned in the video, they weigh less than an equivalent wide aspect tire, and you don't sacrifice contact patch because it just grows lengthwise if you have to air down (rather then width-wise).

[@abninf501]

Your setup is Awesome! It's not over the top and perfect for what you need it for...👍🏼🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, I'm really liking the direction this is heading.

[@jaystewart9947]

Looks good. The lift and new wheels and tires definitely helped the look for sure. If 35’s work for your purpose then do it!

[@DV8shredder]

I've been running toyo 35x11.50s for awhile, C rated and perfect for jeeps IMO.

[@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

[@ExpeditionaryJeep]

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!

[@jeremykiesewetter4251]

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

[@jackrotter9434]

You went with a solid and function over form combo (that still looks badass). I’ve noticed on my TJ I get much more articulation with a 2.5” lift and smaller tires (I only have 31s) than most of my buddies who opted for the larger tires and smaller lift combo. They rub before max flex while my tires tuck all the way up into my wheel well, and I can almost always keep all 4 on the ground. Was able to get more flex than a stock rubicon gladiator on 33s with my sway bar disconnected and theirs as well.

[@Jermy337]

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

[@victorramos6361]

AEV for the win

[@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.

[@garydavidson8273]

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

[@johnsweeney4257]

Very clean looking. It looks 'athletic' and not bloated.

[@x.NoJeep.NoLife.x]

Look Amazing! Haters will Hate! But you know what you are doing, keep up the great work.

[@harleymichael281]

In addition to the weight savings, an added benefit to a thinner tire when aired down will provides more contact patch.

[@AndrewTurner251]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks for making it. I run nitto ridge grappler tires and I love them. For what I do they are perfect for my setup.

[@TrailRecon]

Right on!

[@destination_lost]

The Jeep looks epic Brad. I think the 35's tie in perfectly with the build. I hope you are going big with the spotlights and exterior lighting? every rescue vehicle needs good lighting. Im keen to see the end product!

[@WACONimages]

Nice updates + video again & not to forget those great album covers in the background, Van Halen & Def Leppard

[@LeeVanRuskenveld]

Love it Brad. We need to meet up in Inuvik on your trip to Tuk. I’ll give you the insider edition that all the other travellers miss.

[@steverhodes3054]

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

[@slowhands4313]

I'm running 35s on mine with a 2inch lift, and I don't mind the gap at all, more room to flex. BTW looking to get the same wheels, and this gave a pretty good preview! As always, thanks for the great info.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@redline4200]

I am loving the whole project. The detail that caught my eye is the mudflaps that you have. What are they?

[@frenchie4wd]

Can't wait until we get together again to see the changes!! -Cara (and crew)

[@InGratitudeIam]

This makes perfect sense. It looks really good too!