Since transitioning from a Wrangler to a Gladiator, I've been outfitting it for my trips into the wilderness. From the racks I've put on, to the cargo bay, to the interior, to the GPS, this is how I've done it. I recently did the Enchanted Rockies road trip and lived out of it for two weeks.

1. Into The Wilderness
Outfitting a 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
for Boondocking & Camping

2. I’ve been hitting remote areas for years and
camping. I like to keep off the beaten track and rarely
stay in formal campgrounds.
Lately, with a surge of popularity, most campgrounds
are fully booked and crowded.
With my previous Jeep Wranglers, and now my 2020
Jeep Gladiator, the Wanderer, I prefer to do what is
called “dispersed camping.”

3. The goal is to have
all the supplies I
need to be self-
sufficient for at least
a couple of weeks.
To be able to set up
a tent camp site, or
to sleep in the
vehicle.
This also equips the
vehicle as ‘bug-out’
transport.

4. I have a presentation on transitioning from a
Wrangler to a Gladiator and the differences
between the two vehicles HERE.
I also have a number of free slideshows on survival
on the website along with other interesting
material.

5. I’ll start with what’s outside, then move to what’s
inside.
I had almost all the same amount of gear in a two-
door Wrangler, but it left only room for the driver’s
seat (passenger seat was removed to make a
sleep platform)

6. I have a Rugged
Ridge winch on the
front JCR bumper. It
uses synthetic rope,
which I prefer over
steel cable. If using a
steel cable you
should use a
dampener to prevent
it whipping about if it
snaps.
I’ve used the winch
often to clear forest
roads.

7. I have 2 JCR Racks.
A JCR half rack on top of the cab and the
JCR full-bed rack.
These are both key modifications for storing gear and
outfitting.
For the cargo bed, I have Swingcase Truck Storage Boxes
on either side.
I’ll have images of all on following slides, along with what’s in
each.

8. The JCR full-bed rack allows me to mount all my
Rotopax on the sides:
4.5 gallon gas
Two 3.5 gallon gas
1.5 gallon gas
2 two gallon water cans
I can mount all those on five Rotopax mounts on
the outside of the full bed rack. I have five mounts,
but I can double each mount using the deluxe
mount, thus carrying 10 Rotopax if I want.

9. Something to keep in mind with gas containers.
They need to be vented with changes in
temperature and sunlight.
I often see photos of Rotopax or other gas cans
mounted lying on their side.
First, it’s going to leak.
Second, you can’t vent when it’s like that.
You need to have the spout facing up.
Not venting wears out plastic and eventually, it will
break, which is not fun when it’s full of gas.

10. On the top of the cargo bay rack, I have two RV
hose carriers and two pieces of 5 inch vinyl
hurricane fence posts to carry supplies.
I also carry two, flexible 100 Watt solar panels to
use with a GoalZero Yeti 400. These conveniently
slide between the cab and truck bed with a perfect
fit and are essentially invisible but readily
accessible.
A HiLift Jack is attached to a step bumper in the
rear that is in the hitch.

11. Top roof half rack: 2 Two Rotopax supply cases
on half rack along with Go-Treads (left) and chocks (right)
for winching. 5 inch vinyl fence post forward that holds:
tire repair gear; 2 tow straps; suture set; fishing kit.

12. The two Rotopax storage containers on the
half rack above the cab hold:
Emergency rations; snares; emergency radio;
emergency blanket; poncho; 550 cord; first aid kit;
emergency water packets; splint; thumb chain saw;
Quik-Clot packet; and more.
In essence part of a grab-n-go bag (I actually have
one in the passenger seat well, helping support the
dog’s bed on the seat, when I leave)

13. Bed Full Rack:
From left to right, viewing from
the rear:
Top left vinyl post has:
Complete 2 person tent.
Top left hose carrier has:
Water filter; solar panel cables;
tow strap; fire starter
Top right hose carrier has:
Seasonal supplies; for long
trips, it’s where I carry extra
field rations.
Top right vinyl has:
Camping tarp and a bug net.
Tie downs. Both fit over entire
cargo bay with gate down.

14. I carry two 100
watt flexible
solar panels
between the cab and cargo
bay.
You can barely see them,
but they are easily pulled out
and deployed.
Presentation on solar panel
HERE.
The Yeti 400 makes
everything from inflating tires
to having a small fan, a light,
recharging power tools, and
more, so much easier!

15. In the left back
passenger’s foot
area:
GoalZero 400.
Extra battery linked in
parallel.
It’s currently plugged
into the very
convenient plug at
rear of middle
console.

16. I have an Undercover Swingcase Truck Storage box on either
side.
Pull the yellow lever and it swings back to you. Brilliant.
Left case contains sleeping gear, Right case contains food
and cooking supplies.

17. Note the kayak handle and padded mat I’ve added to the inside of
the tailgate. Easier on the knees and a grip for getting in and out.

18. In the front left of the
cargo bay I have wire
shelving fixed to the
side. Inside is the cloth
container for the roof
panels— this helps
them from getting
banged up and
scratched when taken
off. Also a camp chair.
On the outside of the
wire shelving is a bunch
of bungi cords and
velcro straps. Also an
axe on the inside of the
rack middle panel.

19. My latest addition is the
fold down step for getting
in and out of the cargo
bay.
I used to carry a small
stool for this, but having it
attached to the back gate
makes it more
convenient. It doesn’t
interfere with the swing
cases when folded up.
Great Day Truck N'
Buddy Folding Tailgate
Step/Seat Platform for
Work

20. I bought a Smartliner for the bed.
And Smartliner floor mats.
I added a dead pedal since I have an automatic.
BTW— all Amazon links are affiliate but I donate
all proceeds to the Special Operations Warrior
Foundation, which educates the children of my
fallen Special Operations comrades.

21. Interior:
One of my goals was to keep the seats clear of
stuff. Not only for passengers, but also for my
dogs. To outfit my 2 door Wrangler with the gear
Im listing for the Gladiator, I had to take the back
and passenger seats out. I also custom built a bed
to stretch the entire right side of the interior.
Everything was really tight and it required constant
repacking.

22. Another goal was to NOT have all that gear on the
Gladiator when I was at home, but to be able to load
and unload quickly.
I keep all the gas and water Rotopax and swing
containers along one wall of the garage, leaving the
cargo bay free for my kayak, bike, groceries, etc.
The two emergency supply Rotopax on the cab half-
rack always stay on, but I lock them to the rack. The
two hose carriers and vinyl fencing containers stay
on all the time since they aren’t in the way. I can
pack for a trip in less than five minutes.

23. On the back
driver’s seat
there is:
Smittybilt seat
cover holding
various tools for
easy access.

24. On the back
passenger seat there
is:
Smittybilt seat cover
holding power bars,
batteries, Leatherman
multitool, ear
protection (for the
range), binoculars (on
back of headrest),
lots of zip ties and
more.

25. In the left back
passenger’s foot
area:
GoalZero 400.
Extra battery linked in
parallel.
It’s currently plugged
into the very
convenient plug at
rear of middle
console.

26. GoalZero 400.
For more on this, see my slideshow on Solar Power.

27. In the cargo area
under the rear seat:
Tyger auto-shovel
(very useful multitool),
jack, splint, tie downs,
trauma pak, duct tape;
jumper cables; warning
triangle; warning
flasher; and
underneath is a .22
Henry survival rifle and
ammo.

28. Under the back seat there is also:
Air compressor. Note it plugs into the Yeti
GoalZero.
I deflate my tires any time I go off road.
The basic rule of thumb is
25% for off road;
35% for rock crawling;
50% for sand.
The compressor allows me to get to highway
pressure when I come back to civilization.

29. In the cargo area under
the rear seat:
Plug in air compressor;
running shoes; socket
set; small USB powered
fan (for cargo bay
camping in hot
weather); booster
battery with cables;
heavy winch gloves;
three snatch blocks;
battery powered gas
siphon.

30. Behind the left
back seat there
is:
Crow bar; battery
powered drill and
bits/drills; folding
saw; hammer;
assorted other
tools.

31. Behind the right
back seat there is:
Winch controller;
a collection of
bolts, pins and
other widgets I’ve
found useful to
have as backups,
such as for sway
bar connects.

32. The “cockpit”.
Using Apple car play I can bring up my favorite map
app: GAIA.
I hook my iPad on a bracket to the right of the regular
display. I usually have two different Gaia overlays on
the two screens, showing different things and scales.
The iPad runs off the USB dash outlet while my cell
phone is hooked to the center console USB outlet to
run Apple play and stay charged.

34. Location Apps
There are several topo map Apps you can get. I’ve used a
number over the years but the best one I’ve found is
Gaia. The basic app is free and then there is a premium
membership.
Gaia allows you to layer various types of maps, such as
National Forest Service Roads with Topographic with
Public Lands, and adjust it to your preferences.
The premium, which is discounted 20% via my affiliate
link, is $32 for a year, but for the number and types of
maps you get, it is definitely worth it.
(All proceeds from my affiliate links, including Amazon, go
to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation).

35. Location Apps
One useful thing to using any map app is to download the
map tiles you want to use beforehand (for when you’re
out in the wilds with no signal) and learning how to use
the app before you need it.
Gaia also sends interesting and useful email updates on
various outdoor activities that are very informative from
outdoor experts.

36. To the left is an example of some of the many
maps you can download and use. You can
have multiple maps on screen at the same
time, adjusting them as you need. In this
case, I have the US Forestry Service Map at
max along with USFS roads and trails along
with public lands. I can bring up hidden layers
as needed. Also note the Historic Topo for
1930 which is fun to play with. You also have
National Park Service Visitor, topo maps,
streets maps, weather and more.
They even recently introduced latest satellite
imagery, which is by far, the most up to date
layer.
There are dozens of different types of maps
available to premium members.

37. On top of the dash, I have my GoPro mount, and to
the right, a Blavor solar battery power bank with
cables. I use this to charge the GoPro and any mini-
USB/USB-C devices. Held in place by Velcro.

38. I have a map case hung on the passenger seat.
Holds bear spray, water bottle, waterproof phone
cover; assorted cables. And, yes, maps. I never rely
100% on GPS. Nat Geo map and then state topo
maps. Slideshow on maps on my slideshow page.

39. I have a map case
hung on the left side
rear passenger
headrest. It holds
more topo maps;
toilet kit; windshield
cleaner; body wipes;
etcetera.
You can also see the
red first aid kit
between the right
side headrest and the
bar.

40. I take my dog with me
and she owns the
passenger seat. I put one
of her dog beds there.
The problem was she
‘spilled over’ at times
when adjusting and even
knocked the shift out of
drive.
I use wire shelving now,
inserted between the
passenger seat and shift
console to brace her bed.
She likes that set up as it
gives her support.

41. My previous Wranglers had both soft and hard tops.
I spent years doing the annual transition of taking off
the hardtop and putting on the soft.
Honestly, I prefer the hard top with panels. You don’t
have the totally open experience of the soft top down,
but the trade off in terms of security and ease is more
than worth is in my opinion. I thought I’d miss the soft
top option, but I haven’t at all. It’s quieter and more
secure and I can pop the panels off and put them in
their soft case in the cargo bay (another advantage
over the Wrangler where they had to go inside the
limited space).

42. Like with the Wrangler, you can put on a rack and then put
a pop up tent on the top.
Personally, it’s not for me for several reasons:
The ladder is dangerous to transit in the middle of the
night.
My dog can’t climb it.
The tent is always up there.
Makes it harder to claim a camp site without putting a tent
on it.
The pop up wouldn’t allow me to put the four tubes and
two cargo containers up top that carry essential gear that
would have to go elsewhere.

43. I sleep in the cargo bay when I don’t set up a tent. In
fact, I prefer sleeping there.
I use either a mosquito net or a tent shell which
drapes over the JCR rack completely and the tailgate
which I put down. My dog and I can sleep quite nicely
back there. It’s level and I put my sleeping pad on top
of the soft cargo bay bed.
Also we can set up and tear down in just a few
minutes.
I store the bug net/tent shell (and my poles and tent
interior in case I want to set up) in the containers on
top of the rack.

44. Hose carriers are available on Amazon— used by
RVers to store their waste hose, but can be used
for storage. You can put a lock on them.

45. For a while I used six-inch PVC capped on either end
to hold supplies. I realized that five-inch vinyl
hurricane fence posts are a much better option. They
hold a lot more, have flat sides, and are actually
cheaper than PVC and the caps.
They also attach more easily by drilling through and
using bolts to attach to the JCR rack.
Secure attachment is key when you’re doing off-
roading.

46. The cargo bed.
Here it’s set for sleeping.
In this case I’ve removed
the two swing cases which
is done very easily, but it
works with them in it.
Sleeping pad, poncho liner
(sleeping bag for colder
weather), dog bed, pillow.

47. I bought a Spot-X satellite
messenger.
I spend a lot of time in the
mountains and often don’t
have a cell signal.
With the Spot-X I can maintain
contact with home.
Out west, it’s a must have.

48. This is just an overview.
My set up is constantly adjusting as I learn more from
various trips and experiences.
It’s tailored for the things I like to do.
I have a separate presentation on car preparedness that’s
generic.
Questions, comments, suggestions, email me at
bob@bobmayer.com
Free books and more info on my web site:
www.bobmayer.com
Enjoy and stay safe out there!

49. More Free Information
I constantly update free, downloadable
slideshows like this on my web site for
preparation and survival and other
topics.
FREE SLIDESHOWS
Also, I conduct Area Study workshops
for those interested in properly
preparing for their specific
circumstances.

50. AMAZON
This book walks you through your personal situation,
your home, and your Area of Operations.

51. AMAZON

52. AMAZON

54. New York Times bestselling author, is a graduate of West
Point and former Green Beret. He’s had over 80 books
published, including the #1 bestselling series Green Berets,
Time Patrol, Area 51, and Atlantis. He’s sold over 5 million
books. He was born in the Bronx and has traveled the world.
He’s lived on an island off the east coast, an island off the
west coast, in the Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains
and other places, including time in East Asia studying martial
arts.
He was an instructor and course developer/writer for years
at the JFK Special Warfare Center and School which trains
Green Berets and also runs the SERE school:
Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.
www.bobmayer.com