Building a Gladiator for adventure

[Flyin6]

Up to this point, I have been reducing weight in a failed attempt to give me the illusion of more power.

So, I did get rid of a bunch of stuff I wouldn't use anyway and replaced those items with things that would work, while reducing weight.

But after some threads here and on my website, I'm tossing in the towel. I will not be able to get this JT to perform to what I deem as acceptable standards with this V6 engine no matter if I saw off the whole back end aft of the windshield. The little motor just doesn't have truck-like torque... period!

I have decided to just live with it for now.

Before I completely soak my crying towel, I decided to just start using the JT as is with respect to the power plant situation and get to exploring. So, from here on I will be adding weight and miles to the thing instead, and perhaps toss a hemi in there at some future date.

To see how it will do, I will be leaving on a short trip into the Appalachian Mountains in a week to do as many trails and nights as my better half will permit. First I promised her a week at Hilton Head where we can soak in the sun and get fat and become lazier, but then it's off to the hills.

For the fun part of the trip, I decided to add a rooftop tent and bed rack assembly for the wilderness overnights.

My selections were a FishBone full-size rack and a brand new IKamper 2.0 full-size tent. I placed paid for it today and will pick up tomorrow, then mount it all up on Wednesday.

We tried out the IKamper mini, a 2-person tent coming in at 125 lbs, but settled on the larger 4-person tent @ 160 lbs. Pictured is the mini. My full-size sky camp is on the bottom shelf.

IKamper is now building the 3.0 models at $4K+. High-Lift off-road still had several brand new 2.0's in stock and I was able to score one of them at a discounted price.

The one on the bottom is mine.

[Flyin6]

Vehicle build thread is here:


http://real-man-truckworks-and-survival.com/index.php?topic=5198.0

[JR]

 

[Flyin6]

Before I drop on the RTT and the cage, I'll have to swap out the rear springs. I am running a Clayton 3.5" suspension made for the unladen vehicle. I was advised to switch to the heavier-duty springs when I added rooftop tents and cargo consistent with normal over-landing gear.

So that is shaping up to be the initial project here. I just so happen to have a brand-new set of heavy-duty rear springs made for the Gladiator that constantly carries additional loads in the bed. I guess I had better get after that.

[Flyin6]

Here is the target area to test the tent, Pisgah National Forest near Ashville N.C.

[Flyin6]

Prepped the truck this afternoon with the addition of slightly heavier-duty rear springs to carry the approximate 200 additional pounds the truck is about to get.

All total there should be another 100 or so pounds of cargo along with Kat to round things out. This first outing will be light while we sort of work into it so to speak to figure out what we may like to take along.

It developed a lot more nose-down attitude with the rear getting a bit taller than before.

[Flyin6]

How the thing sets up/stows

Easy/fast


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mpy9znXX48

[Flyin6]

I picked up the new rack and IKamper yesterday

[Flyin6]

The FishBone brand full-sized rack:

[Flyin6]

FishBone manufacturing supplies robber pads for all contact points that self-adhere:

[Flyin6]

The thing goes together quickly. You simply set in place the three uprights then toss on the two straps on the top and loosely bolt all that together.

[Flyin6]

Next, you bolt on the two side rails which serve as anchor points for whatever you are thinking of adding.

[Flyin6]

Once that is done all that remains is to attach the six two-bolt clamps that attach it to the bed rails and you're done

[Flyin6]

That all completed the installation of the rack system.

It was here where my son and I lofted the 160 lb tent onto its new perch. I quickly discovered the rack positioned the tent so that it's mounting rails were touching the roof and required some spacer.

I decided on a short section of 2" X 4" steel tubing.

I will have to create a unique "T-Bolt" to slide into the tent's extrusion and fit through one of the myriad or holes in the top of the rack.

[TexasRedNeck]

Well if your wife will sleep in that count your blessings.  When I wanted to camp with my wife the minimum acceptable equipment was…




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[Nate]

Well if your wife will sleep in that count your blessings.  When I wanted to camp with my wife the minimum acceptable equipment was…

i remember that set up!!!

[Flyin6]

Well if your wife will sleep in that count your blessings.  When I wanted to camp with my wife the minimum acceptable equipment was…




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Copy that.
Couple thoughts
First I am rolling (conceding) on buying the fiver. Caveat: Farm must first sell...
Second, psychology
There is always a gladiator-based adventure vid playing in the background
Learned that trick by studying the Koreans and their brainwashing techniques.

[Flyin6]

Here's how I solved the roof-to-tent clearance issue:

I cut small sections of steel tubing, 2" X 3" instead of the 2" x 4", then using that as a spacer welded up some "T-bolts that perfectly fit the aluminum extrusions from a 1.5" wide steel strap.

I used six clamps instead of the provided 4 clamps that didn't fit anyway!

[Flyin6]

It fits very securely and with that done, I repositioned the backbone straps on the cargo rack.

I'm happy with this for now.

[Flyin6]

And just as predicted, it settled about 1" ish lower. It still has some nose-down attitude, but with some camping cargo and two people, it might get to being level.

[Flyin6]

Next having observed the cargo floor flex a little in the middle when, Chester, our large male Bernese Mountain Dog was jumping in, I decided to reinforce it with a 1" aluminum angle.

That's probably going to be it as far as mods before we depart on the mountain adventure next week. I may fit a shovel, a jack, and an axe, I have to see. I am camping at an improved forestry service camp site so I probably won't need all that much pioneering equipment. Perhaps I'll trade it for some good DVD's and an I-pad for movie(s) night!!!!!

[Flyin6]

Oh, and I ditched the cheapo plastic wheel caps.

[JR]

Take the measurement with an old armee pilot sitting in it.

[Flyin6]

Take the measurement with an old armee pilot sitting in it.

It be like saggin' to the ground, bro

[Flyin6]

1st time open!

I waited until the Pre-Ranger's going away party, which was today. Tomorrow, he ships out to Ft. Benning to begin his Army career. Kat crawled up in there along with a bunch of the grandkids. It seems they all fit well.

[Flyin6]

We sort of used it as a sun shelter, but the kids treated it more like a tree fort.

There is an abundance of room in there.

The next stop is a national forest at about 3,000 feet.

[TexasRedNeck]

Yeah, as long as the kids don’t snore….


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[oklawall]

Or you get a foot in the face or headbutt

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[Atkinsmatt]

I have seen it.  It is a great looking capable rig.

[Flyin6]

I have seen it.  It is a great looking capable rig.

Thanks Matt!

I think the first time it was out on the trails was the approach to your house! Our GPS took us on a shortcut through almost four miles of forest on some hunting reserve and through a mud hole. So got a cherry there in Georgia.

[Flyin6]

So, we just completed our first summer "Adventure in the Jeep,

Kentucky to Ashville for the Biltmore, then to Hilton Head for beach time, then to Savannah to visit Matt and Kathy. Then we returned to the vicinity of Ashville for camping and exploring in Pisgah National Forest, then over to Maggie Valley N.C. to visit more friends, then back to the Tuck.

Post operations review: In a few words, Surprisingly, it all went quite well!
The trip we just completed started with a 6+ hour drive at 63, then 65, then 68mph from Kentucky to Ashville where we toured the Biltmore estate. We had adequate power for the most part, and the mileage varied between 15.5 to 17.2.
The next leg was from Ashville to vcty Savannah then thereabouts for a week. That went well too, no worries, although mileage slipped to 15 with all the stop-and-go slow driving.

The next leg was from Savanah up to near Mount Pisgah in the forest where we camped and wheeled for a few more days.
The Jeep showed its colors there with great slow and at-speed dirt road/trail riding. We had it all the way up to 4,900 ft on dirt and later took a drive over to Mount Mitchell at 6,600 for some hiking. The jeep ran very well on the Blue Ridge Parkway. No real power issues, nor brake fade after going downhill for 5+ miles at a time.

We carried all the stuff two people would need to camp and vacation along with my Fishbone rack and IKamper Skycamp.
The final leg home netted us another 17+ mpg at 68-72 mph with most down at the lower number.
So, I am surprised to say, the heavy gladiator did just fine with the wee-wittle 6 cyl engine.

[Flyin6]

Now we have one "Adventure in the books!

THe first outing with the tent proved to be a success. We covered five states and up to 6,600 feet in altitude. We were down in the humid deep south and well up into the mountains of North Carolina.

I consider this first outing as a test to see how the tent worked out, and to see what we needed to change/add/delete.

We identified the following items:

1. You definitely need a step ladder of some kind to more easily pack up the tent when tearing down camp. I had carried a 2- step, and I think a 3-step would fit the bill.

2. The IKamper factory mattress is unsat and needs an upgrade

3. The tent is hot above 70's farenheit.

4. You need shelter from the rain, we had none.

5. We did not cook food, so we will have to add that capability.

6. We started off with our existing mummy type sleeping bags. With all the room in the tent, a square bottom bag more generous in proportions would be nice.

7. Sleeping on an angle is no fun, so some leveling device is needed.

8. We started out with Coleman action packers, the ones I used in the Army, but the new ones are thinner and in the heat failed to keep their shape. I am now using them for hard items such as tools. Our other plastic bins, however did hold up.

9. We seemed to work off the tailgate a lot, so I think we will make that into a work station and build that out some.

10. We did not need heat, but our next big trip up to the Alpine Loop in Colorado is coming right up in September. Looking at forecasts at the 11,000 ft campsites, we will likely see 30F temps.

11. The Roto mold cooler we use for warm weather works great. Ice can hang around for 4 days!

12. The Apple GPS and SIRI are absolutely horrible. Using just the UCOMMECT factory jeep road nav is much better, but full of glitches.
      A. The On-X off-road trail GPS nav software is really good. We will use that more.

13. We need some satellite communications for emergencies. The phone service in the mountains was nonexistent. I am thinking of purchasing the Garmin 67I nav/satellite test unit for safety and back-country hiking (Which we did).

So, it's off to solving for what we know we need and some of that is already done. So far, I picked up the 3-step ladder, some leveling blocks and a really cool 270-degree awning. I will post that stuff when it gets here.

[Bigdave_185]

Sounds like you need to pull your camp trailer you build, heat, ac, shelter from rain, kitchen sink …


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[JR]

I bring a small stool all the time if items are up top. Standing on a tire or similar never seems to work.

Angles are no good, I like air mattresses, light and you can get anything.

Unless you prechill, nice coolers dont' last much more than 2 days. I found blocks or 12v coolers work great. Had the 12v cooler in the container for a year plus now.

Regular GPS has taken me to foot bridges while driving, not fun.

[Flyin6]

Sounds like you need to pull your camp trailer you build, heat, ac, shelter from rain, kitchen sink …


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As much as I'd like to the Gladiator can barely pull itself let alone a trailer of any kind. I will actually be removing the tow hitch from it soon.

[Flyin6]

I bring a small stool all the time if items are up top. Standing on a tire or similar never seems to work.

Angles are no good, I like air mattresses, light and you can get anything.

Unless you prechill, nice coolers dont' last much more than 2 days. I found blocks or 12v coolers work great. Had the 12v cooler in the container for a year plus now.

Regular GPS has taken me to foot bridges while driving, not fun.

I found the Apple nav system would routinely route us through alleys and back streets instead of just going one more block to an intersection and a turn. I give it a solid "Fail" and unreliable for routine use.

[stlaser]

I use google maps which does an ok job unless on a goat trail…..

[Bigdave_185]

I use google maps which does an ok job unless on a goat trail…..

Alec one google maps,

What’s the tow capacity of that jeap?


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[Flyin6]

I use google maps which does an ok job unless on a goat trail…..

Alec one google maps,

What’s the tow capacity of that jeap?


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Well that is somewhat confusing. I believe the gasser can tow up to around 7,000 lbs.
So, in my opinion, that motor would do a darned poor job pulling that much weight. Secondly, with a family of four and camping gear, the Gladiator is already at or over MGWT. Maybe if you pull the roof and doors off, leave everyone home, depart with 1 gallon of gas in the tank and dump a couple of quarts of radiator fluid you just might get near the 7K, but that would be in a Willeys model without all the add-ons found in a Rubicon.

[Bigdave_185]

Did you ever scale the pop up trailer?


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[Flyin6]

Did you ever scale the pop up trailer?


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Scale??
You mean sell?
I have not sold the pop up camper. I play around with it from time to time.

[Sammconn]

Think he’s referring to the weight of the trailer boss.

[Bigdave_185]

Think he’s referring to the weight of the trailer boss.

Did you scale the trailer?
Drive over a truck scale and get a final build weight?


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[Flyin6]

Think he’s referring to the weight of the trailer boss.

Did you scale the trailer?
Drive over a truck scale and get a final build weight?


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Oh, my bad!
No, I never did...not yet.

[Bigdave_185]

It would be interesting to see real world numbers. You pulled it with the burb which was a boat anchor in its own right.
Not sure if ya pulled it with your 12’ Duramax.  Which would make that trailer all but non existent


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[BobbyB]

13. We need some satellite communications for emergencies. The phone service in the mountains was nonexistent. I am thinking of purchasing the Garmin 67I nav/satellite test unit for safety and back-country hiking (Which we did).

Emergency Comms:
Garmin Inreach mini 2

Nav:
Garmin Foretrex 801

Unless you have forewarning of trips, then map and compass as backup.

[Sammconn]

13. We need some satellite communications for emergencies. The phone service in the mountains was nonexistent. I am thinking of purchasing the Garmin 67I nav/satellite test unit for safety and back-country hiking (Which we did).

Emergency Comms:
Garmin Inreach mini 2

Nav:
Garmin Foretrex 801

Unless you have forewarning of trips, then map and compass as backup.

I’ll second the In reach.
They work well. Everywhere.

[TexasRedNeck]

Mountain House single serve packs and a MSR Reactor backpack stove is all you need for food.  Light and doesnt take up space.


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[JR]

I use a single burner butane stove you can get about anywhere. Works great and about 1/2 the size of a coleman, used to be $20.

I have a couple tubs of that mountain house, not bad really but gotten way $$$

[Flyin6]

Good suggestions, thanks!

We went Blackstone shopping this morning and crap canned the whole idea. Staying with the 2-burner Eureka and 16" fry/grill plate I already have.

Working on aux lighting at the moment. Utilizing some under-vehicle light kit Kat found for a couple of bucks used, I am repurposing those LED strips. One for the bed, one for inside the tent, and another for beneath the tailgate for some camp mood lighting. The cool part is they are color adjustable so we can run a red, insect-defeating illumination outside to see where we are stepping while avoiding hoards of skitters.