Any JT Scuba Divers Here?

[FlaParrotHead]

OK .. so I have watched the JT and eventually may push the button on a very expensive “toy”. We live in the Southern Caribbean and while we have plenty of Wranglers and service available, there are no Gladiators at the time.

I am so tempted to bring one down, either a Sport S or an Overland most likely.

It would be our daily shore diving truck ... usually top and even doors off. Tanks and gear in the back, parked at over 80 shore diving entries.

I’m curious if there is anyone using their JT for diving and how it is working out.

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[uplandgunner]

Not an answer but I was recently diving in Grand Cayman, Lots of JK's and JL's but no one had even heard of the JT. It would make a great shore dive truck for certain.

 

[Gobi Wan K]

OK .. so I have watched the JT and eventually may push the button on a very expensive “toy”. We live in the Southern Caribbean and while we have plenty of Wranglers and service available, there are no Gladiators at the time.

I am so tempted to bring one down, either a Sport S or an Overland most likely.

It would be our daily shore diving truck ... usually top and even doors off. Tanks and gear in the back, parked at over 80 shore diving entries.

I’m curious if there is anyone using their JT for diving and how it is working out.

Wish I could help but I just ordered Friday. I have a ram 2500 now with the 6 foot bed. 6 tanks, gear for 3 people plus luggage fit under the hard tonneau. I am hoping I can get a good amount in the Gladiator. If I can stack 2 rows of tanks under a hard tonneau I will be good to go.

 

[Racer_X]

Keep us updated on this. Whilst I live in the midwest, my son and I are planning a tour of U-Boats off the east coast this summer, and looking forward to setup advice. I can't remember how many debates on the pros/cons of mounting tanks lengthwise versus crosswise in various forums.

 

[DebT]

I’m a scuba instructor and have used my Sport S many times to haul tanks and gear. I made a tank rack out of PVC and rope and it works great. The rack can hold 4 tanks at a time. The bed of the Gladiator is a great place to throw all your wet gear. I would have plenty of room to carry far more than 4 tanks, but I don’t carry students gear (liability). The lower sides of the bed also make it easy to get gear in and out over the sides if needed. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[DebT]

BTW: I just got back from Bonaire. The Sport S is a huge step up from the trucks we rent from Belmar! Ha!

 

[DebT]

Keep us updated on this. Whilst I live in the midwest, my son and I are planning a tour of U-Boats off the east coast this summer, and looking forward to setup advice. I can't remember how many debates on the pros/cons of mounting tanks lengthwise versus crosswise in various forums.

Ha! The things people debate about! I’ve never seen anyone transport tanks crosswise, but if it works for someone, then go for it. Personally, I transport mine lengthwise with valve pointing toward tailgate and put something to stop the tanks from sliding backwards. The attached is a photo of how I carry mine when I’m not using my PVC rack. It’s not my setup, but a friend of mine that owns a dive operation in Austin, Texas.

 

[Racer_X]

The debate always was: lengthwise mounted tanks, in the event of an accident such that they lose their valves, go through you on their way to freedom. Mounting them crosswise means they simply go into traffic and harm other people (or perhaps onto the side of the road). Mounting them with the valves facing the driver/passenger compartment means if there is a rear-ending that results in the valves failing, it goes into the driver behind you.
<insert 50 opinions with varying degrees of support for other human life, your /family human life, debates on physics, lane positioning>
End thread.

 

[guittarmaster]

Diver here, also in the midwest but have been to St. Thomas and dived there, beautiful water! I'm jealous that's your life! I'm very excited to guild my gladiator towards overlanding and scuba dives! I eventually see a truck bed rack on mine that I can hang my gear on to dry between dives.

Also, why doesn't anyone mount tank holder to the cargo rails such that the tanks are stored vertically? I mean, the tanks are vertical on the dive boat, why not mount them similarly in the truck for transportation?

 

[Clayton Off Road]

I was really excited to read through this thread and possibly see some cool diver-modded JT's! We need some pictures!

 

[stingrey]

Diver here, also in the midwest but have been to St. Thomas and dived there, beautiful water! I'm jealous that's your life! I'm very excited to guild my gladiator towards overlanding and scuba dives! I eventually see a truck bed rack on mine that I can hang my gear on to dry between dives.

Also, why doesn't anyone mount tank holder to the cargo rails such that the tanks are stored vertically? I mean, the tanks are vertical on the dive boat, why not mount them similarly in the truck for transportation?

Dive boats don't go from 70 to 0 mph in a few seconds like a vehicle if slamming on the brakes.

 

[stingrey]

I was really excited to read through this thread and possibly see some cool diver-modded JT's! We need some pictures!

Just keep it simple. A small rack to place a few tanks so they won't roll around. Use a cargo bin or dive bag for gear. I dive 1-2 times every week and this simple has held up well. 2x4's sprayed with rocker panel paint.

 

[guittarmaster]

Dive boats don't go from 70 to 0 mph in a few seconds like a vehicle if slamming on the brakes.

The trucks that carry dewars of compressed gasses to resturaunts, construction sites, and laboratories carry their tanks vertically, in holders, securely strapped in place. I would think something like below images attached to the front wall of the bed, would safely transport them. (with strapping of course)

 

[Cape taco12]

Just did my last class for PADI openwater beginner Sunday. Looking forward to picking up my own gear. I have been snorkeling for bay scallops the past 10 years in New England OCT-DEC. Figured I would give scuba a shot and hopefully start diving for lobsters as well. As long as the damn white sharks stay away.

 

[rr11]

In the Gladiator I stack the tanks side ways in the front of the bed place the dive bags behind to lock the tanks in place. It's a short ride and it works fine for me.

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