New From Az

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

Hello Overlander's,

I'm looking at purchasing my first rig to start my Overland journey. I've grown up camping, fishing, etc. but I've never had a vehicle like I've seen members create to Overland. I'm interesting in building out a new jeep. My question(s) which jeep do I start with as the base platform? Which lift... I feel like I want at least 37 in tires... this will give me the ability to handle most trails.. I think. I feel like the rest will be to my taste and what I really want to do with the rig. Any thoughts or recommendations is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Prerunner1982]

Hello John (@JM_OvrlndAZ ) , welcome from Oklahoma.
Going alone or with family? Alone you could get by with a 2 door Wrangler, but more than that and you may want a 4 door Wrangler or new Gladiator for the extra room and ability to run 37" tires. With cut/flat fenders on a Wrangler you run 37" tires with little-no lift. Not sure what rear fender options may be available for the Gladiator at this time in order to run minimal lift.

You are in the Southwest Region. Check out the Southwest Region sub-forum for local information and involvement opportunities.

Here is the link to the forum calendar and Meet-Up event page: Overland Bound Meetups. There is a meet up in Gilbert in a couple weeks, https://www.overlandbound.com/event/east-valley-phoenix-meet-up/
Or to check out what other members are planning go here: Overland Trip Planning

I am the SW Region Member Rep so if you have any questions let me know.

 

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

Hello @Prerunner1982, Going out would be with my Wife or sometimes our children. I was considering the 4 door wrangler... I do like the Gladiator, but I think it "needs to grow" on my wife.. she isn't a fan.. Thanks for the links to the Southwest Region sub-forum. I appreciate the feedback! Thank you.

 

[Prerunner1982]

Your thoughts on a trailer for your gear? You could get by with a smaller Jeep.
I plan on building a trailer in the future (hopefully near future) to keep all my gear. Will make going on adventures much easier when I can grab a bag of clothes hook the trailer up and go.
No all trails are trailer friendly I realize.

 

[007]

If you go 37's,. You will have to re-gear $$$$

 

[1Louder]

If you go 37's,. You will have to re-gear $$$$

and there is no need to go to 37" tires for Overlanding but do whatcha want to do. Plenty of threads on Jeep builds so search through them. Welcome to OB. Regardless of vehicle most folks, including me, HIGHLY recommend driving your chosen rig STOCK first. Then find out what you may really need or not need. Plenty of Jeep groups in AZ as well so meetups will help you see what you like and don't like.

 

[Lead Dog]

Hello John (@JM_OvrlndAZ ) , welcome from Oklahoma.
Going alone or with family? Alone you could get by with a 2 door Wrangler, but more than that and you may want a 4 door Wrangler or new Gladiator for the extra room and ability to run 37" tires. With cut/flat fenders on a Wrangler you run 37" tires with little-no lift. Not sure what rear fender options may be available for the Gladiator at this time in order to run minimal lift.

You are in the Southwest Region. Check out the Southwest Region sub-forum for local information and involvement opportunities.

Here is the link to the forum calendar and Meet-Up event page: Overland Bound Meetups. There is a meet up in Gilbert in a couple weeks, https://www.overlandbound.com/event/east-valley-phoenix-meet-up/
Or to check out what other members are planning go here: Overland Trip Planning

I am the SW Region Member Rep so if you have any questions let me know.

I believe Fabtech already has Metal fenders for the Gladiator available!

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Before I would invest $60,00+ in a new rig, I would buy a used one from someone on OB and drive it a year or so to make sure this is the sort of thing you want to do with this sort of investment. After a year you will know exactly what your needs are. It's a little different than just a fishing or camping trip.
You can experience just as much fun on a smaller budget as a starter. Just saying...think twice, leap once.

 

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

@1Louder Thanks for the feedback.. My thought on 37's was the ability to do some intermediate rock climbs. I'm aware of the re-gear. Buts why i'm asking the questions beforehand. Thanks for the feedback.

@Lanlubber - Thanks I'll look around for a used rig as well. This truck whether it be jeep or truck will be my daily as well.

I appreciate the input... Keeps me thinking about options. Thanks!

 

[Jim SoG]

IF it was me, I would buy a newer model Cherokee that has a mild lift and tires, air con, roof rack and is mechanically sound, drive that for a year or you may find you got your rig and never change. I got a Liberty and take that thing all over and have not met many rigs that can leave me behind ( I am locked).....But that is rock crawling, overlanding I do not need rock crawling all that much.....

Save money till your 1000% sure you want and need what your going to drop 40-60, 000 on, go with 6,000 or so and get time aqnd experience under your belt and I bet you will find you will not want another rig, you might , but might not. Also many excellent Toyo's out there, I know a Jeep guy talking nice about the big T's is causing lightning bolts to fly but they are very capable and nice rigs as well.

Welcome!

Jim

 

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

I believe Fabtech already has Metal fenders for the Gladiator available!

Thanks @Lead Dog

 

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

IF it was me, I would buy a newer model Cherokee that has a mild lift and tires, air con, roof rack and is mechanically sound, drive that for a year or you may find you got your rig and never change. I got a Liberty and take that thing all over and have not met many rigs that can leave me behind ( I am locked).....But that is rock crawling, overlanding I do not need rock crawling all that much.....

Save money till your 1000% sure you want and need what your going to drop 40-60, 000 on, go with 6,000 or so and get time aqnd experience under your belt and I bet you will find you will not want another rig, you might , but might not. Also many excellent Toyo's out there, I know a Jeep guy talking nice about the big T's is causing lightning bolts to fly but they are very capable and nice rigs as well.

Welcome!

Jim

Hello Jim @Jim SoG - I'm in no rush... I've been back and forth with Jeep wrangler, Gladiator, a toyo, and land cruiser... So many options.. I do love the Toyo! I had a 92 once upon a time ago with a nice lift and 33's. Great truck. This will be a process for sure. Thanks. When I'm truly ready I just need to get out and drive a few options again.. I also had a Cherokee TSI for awhile. Great rig... that thing could wheel in the snow!

 

[1Louder]

@1Louder Thanks for the feedback.. My thought on 37's was the ability to do some intermediate rock climbs. I'm aware of the re-gear. Buts why i'm asking the questions beforehand. Thanks for the feedback.

I am not a Jeep owner, never will be :), I guess it depends on your definition of intermediate rock climbs. How I would define those they could be accomplished with stock size tires. You have to understand the majority of what goes on these vehicles is 90% looks and 10% function. I am sure folks will chime in and say I'm wrong. We all have our opinions.

I run 33" tires for looks. Everything I have done with 33" tires I could have done with the stock 31" tires. I have not re-geared and suffer with the loss of power. I have a 2.5" lift. That has made some difference in clearing minor obstacles. The FJ didn't look right with 31" tires and a 2.5" lift. Functionally it was fine. For me to do things "right" with regearing it is a large expense to do so. One that I debate all of the time. I also run mud terrains which are mostly for looks too. I will be switching back to a lighter tire this winter.

Go out with a group that hopefully has at least a few near stock Jeeps and see what they can do. While I have no regrets with any of my purchases 90% are not required.

 

[JM_OvrlndAZ]

I am not a Jeep owner, never will be :), I guess it depends on your definition of intermediate rock climbs. How I would define those they could be accomplished with stock size tires. You have to understand the majority of what goes on these vehicles is 90% looks and 10% function. I am sure folks will chime in and say I'm wrong. We all have our opinions.

I run 33" tires for looks. Everything I have done with 33" tires I could have done with the stock 31" tires. I have not re-geared and suffer with the loss of power. I have a 2.5" lift. That has made some difference in clearing minor obstacles. The FJ didn't look right with 31" tires and a 2.5" lift. Functionally it was fine. For me to do things "right" with regearing it is a large expense to do so. One that I debate all of the time. I also run mud terrains which are mostly for looks too. I will be switching back to a lighter tire this winter.

Go out with a group that hopefully has at least a few near stock Jeeps and see what they can do. While I have no regrets with any of my purchases 90% are not required.

@1Louder :-) I should have added... Yes - I want it to look badass. I agree with you.. "90% are not required" Its all about the "want" and not always about the "need" There's no doubt I could keep a truck on 33's or even small if I wanted.. Key word there is "if I wanted" regardless of the direction I go.. I want to consider all options and make the most educated one... if possible.. but the "want" might get in the way. :-)