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Wilco Hitchgate drop update

JmattNYC

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Can't wait to see your build. Post pics as you get the project going! Sounds exciting.

Will do on the brake light. Should be straightforward to tap into the power circuit for the current tailgate 3rd brake light. The connector is mounted about mid tailgate area under the bed at the rear.

I honest can't believe I have had this truck almost 6 years come October. I have Truck ADD syndrome, so I rarely keep a truck longer then 3 years. I get bored with the build and move on to something new. Exception would be my old 1987 K5 Jimmy, 2010 JKU Rubicon, and now the Gladiator. I can't find anything I hate about this truck which would make me want something new. HAHAHA :)
Thank you!! And with today's prices even more reason to stay with what you have and love. That truck you can keep forever even if you end up with another. Iam on my 3rd Gladiator and almost order the beautiful willy's 41 edition but pulled because i did not feel like the time was right $$. Almost i started to begin to appreciate the simplicty of the max tow sport with no bells and whistle (Do only miss my heated seats lol). Anyway am working with Ryan from Gladius offroad and a few other vendors. . see the pictures for concepts ive created. Let me know what you think
Jeep Gladiator Wilco Hitchgate drop update 0cream (1)
Jeep Gladiator Wilco Hitchgate drop update 0jeep (6) (1)
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mtudb24

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Thank you!! And with today's prices even more reason to stay with what you have and love. That truck you can keep forever even if you end up with another. Iam on my 3rd Gladiator and almost order the beautiful willy's 41 edition but pulled because i did not feel like the time was right $$. Almost i started to begin to appreciate the simplicty of the max tow sport with no bells and whistle (Do only miss my heated seats lol). Anyway am working with Ryan from Gladius offroad and a few other vendors. . see the pictures for concepts ive created. Let me know what you think
0cream (1).webp
0jeep (6) (1).webp
That looks absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to see the final build. I love that hood decal and side decals. Will be a head turner for sure! You will have a 1 off build for sure.
 

JmattNYC

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Thank you!!! I will def update soon. Still working on a few small final details. Thank you for your kinds words
That looks absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to see the final build. I love that hood decal and side decals. Will be a head turner for sure! You will have a 1 off build for sure.
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mtudb24

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Updates. I know its not for everyone and thats ok, but I like the look.
Jeep Gladiator Wilco Hitchgate drop update Vintage plate installed
Jeep Gladiator Wilco Hitchgate drop update Side shot at beach 1
Jeep Gladiator Wilco Hitchgate drop update side shot at beach 2
 

JmattNYC

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Updates. I know its not for everyone and thats ok, b
Side shot at beach 1.webp
side shot at beach 2.webp
Looks awesome. Love how low it sits and wont block your view. Side view looks like a special edition factory. Its beautiful and i am glad your digging it and made it work!!
 

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Klabat

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That's a very sharp-looking vehicle. You've done a nice job with the graphics. I especially like the Bumble on the tailgate...because Bumbles bounce!
 

TARHEELKIDD

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Updates. I know its not for everyone and thats ok, but I like the look.
Vintage plate installed.webp
Side shot at beach 1.webp
side shot at beach 2.webp

It looks fantastic! It gives a cool factor and looks more like a Jeep to me. Do you think a 37" spare will be too tall for this set up?
 
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mtudb24

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Looks awesome. Love how low it sits and wont block your view. Side view looks like a special edition factory. Its beautiful and i am glad your digging it and made it work!!
Thank you. Appreciate the comments. Waiting for updates on yours as well.
 
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mtudb24

mtudb24

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That's a very sharp-looking vehicle. You've done a nice job with the graphics. I especially like the Bumble on the tailgate...because Bumbles bounce!
Thank you for the comments.

Yes, Finally somebody gets it!!! Bumbles do bounce!!!
 
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mtudb24

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It looks fantastic! It gives a cool factor and looks more like a Jeep to me. Do you think a 37" spare will be too tall for this set up?
Thank you! As far as the 37 goes, it all depends on how far you want the tailgate to open when you lower the mount. It will be touching the tire for sure and will be at a bit of an angle too.

So if you use your bed for hauling large / heavy items, then it will something you will have to take on and off.

For me, with the light bar and the tri fold cover, my bed space is limited anyways. I usually just carry small things like groceries etc and our suitcase on trips to the cottage and fishing poles etc. I don't haul wood or heavy items, my son has a crew cab canyon with a long bed and topper for that.

With that said, all of those things I can leave the tire in the up position and drop the tailgate far enough to unlatch to tonneau cover latches on each side and fold it up and put stuff in the bed.

And that is really the reason I went with this set up vs spending huge money on a full rear bumper or even some of the other Wilco hitch mounts that swing vs drop.

I also like that fact that I only have to lift the tire and wheel a couple inches off the ground to mount it to the studs on the carrier vs having to lift a 90lb tire wheel combo 4 feet in the air to attach it to the carrier. I'm getting to old to lift that kind of weight that far :)

I will probably end up getting a matching 37" tire in the near future to swap out the current 35". The 35 is technically 6 years old and probably outside its current shelf life even though its never seen 1 mile of road time.
 

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JmattNYC

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Thank you. Appreciate the comments. Waiting for updates on yours as well.
I have everything almost ready i am just scared to death because i suck at decals lol smh. I think this weekend when rain stops i will finish most.
 
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mtudb24

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I have everything almost ready i am just scared to death because i suck at decals lol smh. I think this weekend when rain stops i will finish most.
You'll just fine. Take your time. Plan everything out and practice before final placement!
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