Alu-Cab Gladiator Bed Cap

[Padre]

How is it with the RTT

In fact, you can see more here. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/shadow-of-the-rockies-trail.50808/#post-828027

Sponsored

 

[trrubicon06]

New to the Gladiator crowd and thought I'd share my Alu-Cab canopy that I've had for a couple months now. Purchased from OK4WD back in September. I've been in the process of adding things to the canopy to make it useful for me. I'm not an overlander or running trails every weekend...yet. So, instead of kitting it out with all the "cool" stuff, I'm doing mods that are useful and do not alter the vehicle or mess with warranty. This canopy is an awesome blank canvas for many use cases...not just overlanding.

These are gas strut activated switches that I installed. I tied all the switches together, that way they all will activate the canopy lights from any door. I did this to make it basically impossible to leave the lights on by accident. At some point I will modify all the lights to work independently and also have a master off switch for leaving the doors open when the lights are not needed.

I also utilized one of these switches under the hood since I installed Redline hood lift struts.

Warning!!! Work in progress!

Crossbed extrusions for mounting Milwaukee Packout boxes. The extrusions shown are old leftovers from other projects and is not my final design. There will be supports tied into the canopy tracks on the canopy ceiling at some point.

Cheers!

 

[smlobx]

Here’s a shot from our recent trip on theWhite Rim Trail..

 

[JPN DRS]

How is everyone's LEDs powered/wired (the white lights on the doors)? Straight from battery? Tapped into anything existing in the back? I do not have the bed outlet. I have the AUX switches, anyone use those?
Like others have done, for the brake light I'll tap into the tailgate brake light.
Thanks.

 

[MDV Hank]

How is everyone's LEDs powered/wired (the white lights on the doors)? Straight from battery? Tapped into anything existing in the back? I do not have the bed outlet. I have the AUX switches, anyone use those?
Like others have done, for the brake light I'll tap into the tailgate brake light.
Thanks.

Still waiting on delivery of my Alu-cab explorer and this is what I plan to use to connect my third(forth) brake light it seems must easier and cleaner than dealing with the tailgate wiring.
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
Item # C55384

 

[trrubicon06]

How is everyone's LEDs powered/wired (the white lights on the doors)? Straight from battery? Tapped into anything existing in the back? I do not have the bed outlet. I have the AUX switches, anyone use those?
Like others have done, for the brake light I'll tap into the tailgate brake light.
Thanks.

Still waiting on delivery of my Alu-cab explorer and this is what I plan to use to connect my third(forth) brake light it seems must easier and cleaner than dealing with the tailgate wiring.
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
Item # C55384

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/56070

This 7 pin extension is what I had used to get power for the lights and access to other wires for future use. I ran this extension up to the driver side tail light and ziptied it inside the body for access to the wires when needed. I did cut the extension plug off and capped all unused wires for future use.

I did not use any of these wires for the "4th" brake light. I actually cut the harness for the tailgate's center 3rd brake light and ran my own wiring with a waterproof disconnect at the tailgate up to the canopy brake light. The reason for this is that the brake and turn signals are actually on the same circuit and would make the single light flash with the turn depending on which side you tap. Then I used matte black vinyl and wrapped the tailgate brake light to hide it, because I did not feel a need for 4 brake lights.

Check this image for what I mean on the turn/brake lights.

 

[phreak480]

You can use a module like this https://www.amazon.com/CURT-56196-2...3rd+brake+light+adapter&qid=1638541337&sr=8-3

to convert trailer style combined lighting to automotive style separate lighting and then use just the brake light lead for your 3rd brake light. This could then easily tap into that harness already mentioned

 

[trrubicon06]

You can use a module like this https://www.amazon.com/CURT-56196-2...3rd+brake+light+adapter&qid=1638541337&sr=8-3

to convert trailer style combined lighting to automotive style separate lighting and then use just the brake light lead for your 3rd brake light. This could then easily tap into that harness already mentioned

That would work. I looked into similar modules and diodes, but all had issues for some people on different setups. So, I just used the center mounted light wiring to make it simple and not use extra parts. It's also very easy to access the center light, by removing the tailgate access panel.

Using the Curt extension was more for accessing the extra wiring for things like constant 12v power, running lights, and backup. I used the constant 12v to power the canopy lights and will probably utilize for adding 12v outlets in the bed, since the 12v power is on a 30amp fuse. The running and backup feed will be utilized when I receive my Diode Dynamics backlit SSC2 flood lights for my backup light setup.

 

[Drock67]

Thanks for all the detail pics on this. Are you going to leave the 80/20 single point lift on the cap or just save it in the garage when you install/remove the cap?

I'd love to know the cross-section profile of the black aluminum extrusions on top if you have a rough pic or any measurements? I'd like to do something similar to what you've done and add 80/20 crossbars for Kayak, canoe, ...and maybe a future tent.

 

[Gringo&Gun]

Favorite MOD thus far.

 

[YO_Doc]

Has anybody installed the Alu-Cap Ammo Rack in their cab?

Is there any adjustment for with of boxes that are used?

 

[LaterGator]

Has anybody installed the Alu-Cap Ammo Rack in their cab?

Is there any adjustment for with of boxes that are used?

I have the ammo rack. I use the front runner boxes. I also cut 2 aluminum plates to fill in the ammo rack so that it is more of a shelf.

 

[Mac Attack]

New to the Gladiator crowd and thought I'd share my Alu-Cab canopy that I've had for a couple months now. Purchased from OK4WD back in September. I've been in the process of adding things to the canopy to make it useful for me. I'm not an overlander or running trails every weekend...yet. So, instead of kitting it out with all the "cool" stuff, I'm doing mods that are useful and do not alter the vehicle or mess with warranty. This canopy is an awesome blank canvas for many use cases...not just overlanding.

These are gas strut activated switches that I installed. I tied all the switches together, that way they all will activate the canopy lights from any door. I did this to make it basically impossible to leave the lights on by accident. At some point I will modify all the lights to work independently and also have a master off switch for leaving the doors open when the lights are not needed.

I also utilized one of these switches under the hood since I installed Redline hood lift struts.

Warning!!! Work in progress!

Crossbed extrusions for mounting Milwaukee Packout boxes. The extrusions shown are old leftovers from other projects and is not my final design. There will be supports tied into the canopy tracks on the canopy ceiling at some point.

Cheers!

Great job! I will also rely upon OK4WD as my outfitter.

 

[YO_Doc]

I have the ammo rack. I use the front runner boxes. I also cut 2 aluminum plates to fill in the ammo rack so that it is more of a shelf.

Do you have some pictures of your set up?

 

[JPN DRS]

@Gringo&Gun what is the height of the cross bars from the canopy roof? Thanks

Sponsored