Diamondback HD vs Ace Engineering Upper Decker

[warmck]

I have the new smooth Diamondback HD cover and I love it. This is my second one. The previous one was on my Raptor. They are outstanding quality. I use the HD ones because the metal is thicker and add very little weight to the vehicle. It also makes a great platform to walk on for doing photography and whatnot, and to mount my HAM radio antennas. Not to mention they just look sharp. I like that I can remove just one panel if I want and not have to remove the whole thing for some stuff. Plus they lock down with side bolts like the door on your safe. You twist the knob and the locking bolts extend out at the corners. You would have to spend some time with a crowbar to try and pry this up. Very safe.

This looks fantastic. Do you have any photos of the antenna install? I'm looking at ways to mount mine and yours is incredibly clean and with the Diamondback as a ground plane it looks like a great solution.

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[KHam]

This looks fantastic. Do you have any photos of the antenna install? I'm looking at ways to mount mine and yours is incredibly clean and with the Diamondback as a ground plane it looks like a great solution.

Thank you. I did post some in my profile. I need to update those pics since I now have the lift in. I'm falling behind. I think this link should work: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/showcase/ham-radio-gladiator.493/

 

[warmck]

Thank you. I did post some in my profile. I need to update those pics since I now have the lift in. I'm falling behind. I think this link should work: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/showcase/ham-radio-gladiator.493/

Thanks very much. This is my first Jeep in a very long time and I really want to use it as a HAM platform now that I'm restricted in a condo. Would you mind if I ask some questions as I get going on this project? Thanks gain.

 

[KHam]

Thanks very much. This is my first Jeep in a very long time and I really want to use it as a HAM platform now that I'm restricted in a condo. Would you mind if I ask some questions as I get going on this project? Thanks gain.

I don't mind at all. I can tell you that using the Diamondback HD lid and the Tarheel screwdriver antenna that I'm pretty close to a perfect 1:1 SWR on 20 meters which was much better than I could get from my JK. I am extremely happy with the HF performance of this setup.

 

[Rockabillyroy]

I just ordered the diamondback se from the blemished outlet. It was $250 off the regular price. Tried to combine it with the veterans discount, but nogo
I figured it'd arrive a little earlier as well since the order time is about 50 some days. I would have preferred the non-diamond plating, but I'm still looking forward to installing it.

 

[TexasTJ]

I just ordered the diamondback se from the blemished outlet. It was $250 off the regular price. Tried to combine it with the veterans discount, but nogo
I figured it'd arrive a little earlier as well since the order time is about 50 some days. I would have preferred the non-diamond plating, but I'm still looking forward to installing it.

Nice, that must have just been added. I ordered a smooth HD this week. Estimated 45-49 days.

 

[Rockabillyroy]

Arrived one day after my rockhard 4x4 sliders

 

[syreeves]

Upper decker. 100%. Anything that can't fit in the bed goes on top. The upper decker does need some mods though... side load slip prevention mechanism, stronger hinges, topside bedliner coating, aircraft track in the middle of the flat load space (think of a cross running down the centerline with spurs at the halfway mark), underside strip lights and then 100lb hinges. I know diamondbacks are perfect out of the box but I like the idea of being able to load bike and certain other relatively light weight stuff and still being able to access everything in the bed. Heck if you do the right hinges (20in, 150lbs properly situated so the upper decker is installed 1/2 inch rearward) then you may be able to avoid hitting the cab window.

I am in the middle of all of this and will eventually post pics explaining what I mean.

So sum up - DB is great out of the box. For what I need I think the upper decker with mods will be perfect. Ultimate goal would be to be able to carry something potentially quite heavy like a 600lb ATV on the road... admittedly not a smart idea but I think doable...

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