For episode two of Exploring the Smoky Mountains, we look at Ben Wootten’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport with 37-inch Hankook Dynapro XT tires. As an overland and 4WD instructor with over 18 years of teaching experience and operates Classic 4×4 in Asheville North Carolina. Ben also shares his insights into vehicle preparation for the backcountry.
Presented by Hankook Dynapro Tire
Ben’s Jeep Gladiator Sport with Hankook XTs:
Max tow package for over 1,600 pounds of payload
TeraFlex Suspension
Fox Shocks
Asfir Skid Plates
Bumper and Winch
4.88 axle gears
37-inch Hankook Dynapro XT Tires
Ben Wootten’s Insights on Vehicle Preparation for Overland Travel:
1. Reliability is paramount. “Don’t walk home!”
2. His builds start where the rubber meets the road by selecting high-quality offroad tires
3. Despite owning many 4WDs, Ben chose the Gladiator because of its ideal compromise between load capacity, capability, and long-trip comfort.
4. Where Ben travels, he finds that a vehicle-mounted winch is an important investment
5. When choosing a tire, install a large diameter size on a smaller diameter wheel to increase sidewall height for deformation and flotation
6. Keep the lift height modest for a better center of gravity
7. Then squeeze in the biggest tire that will fit without major modifications or rubbing
8. Avoid installing accessories high on the vehicle or the roof
9. Skid plates are an important investment to protect the drivetrain and fuel tank
10. Ben chose a hybrid tire construction for a combination of trail performance and “drive it home” comfort and safety. He runs the 37-inch Hankook Dynapro XT with a 17-inch wheel on his Jeep Gladiator .
