Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

It would be nice to form out of aluminum instead of using fiberglass.

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[Mules]

Exactly. I didn't want to keep picking that fight but that video did nothing to alleviate any of the concerns I'd have with cracking. I mean I did the same static cross-up test when i was debating about hanging my cap rack over the cab a little and saw much more flex out of my truck to the point my cap shifted slightly relative to the bed. All was well after but the reality is that a slow-loaded flex test tells you nothing - its the sudden and often harsh flex that comes with off-roading that will put the most strain on the structure.

With the added cage I have no doubt that truck is fine on road or down forestry roads or even light to moderate off road but an n=1 case is not something I'd trust as a universal all is well for all off-roading. It appears they have separate roof panels as well which would alleviate a lot of that stress and make it a completely different use case than a full camper. Either way, a thick foam seal to the bed and a coupling between shell and camper would likely be all you need.

But in response to your other comment, Ursa Minor is reportedly developing a Gladiator camper but it's TBD how it will be designed. Might just be a cap with a pop-up but it's something that is supposedly on their roadmap.

I agree, we have to accommodate the flex somewhere.

 

[LostWoods]

IMO a truck bed has no place in what you're looking for. Removing the bed for a box design will give you a lot more space and flexibility with a larger floor. Honestly the dream for me in the distant future is to remove the bed and half the cab and build a camper box in the back with a pop-up. Even chopping a bit of the ass end off to improve departure, should be able to get about 6x8 ft of floor space in the back to build up a camper setup.

Basically the dream for me is this one you posted but on a longer chassis.

 

[Mules]

IMO a truck bed has no place in what you're looking for. Removing the bed for a box design will give you a lot more space and flexibility with a larger floor. Honestly the dream for me in the distant future is to remove the bed and half the cab and build a camper box in the back with a pop-up. Even chopping a bit of the ass end off to improve departure, should be able to get about 6x8 ft of floor space in the back to build up a camper setup.

Basically the dream for me is this one you posted but on a longer chassis.

Yeah, I sure love the Outpost II with a four door. Removing the bed will get you a wider camper anyway. Now go from a $10K idea to a ?.

IMO a truck bed has no place in what you're looking for. Removing the bed for a box design will give you a lot more space and flexibility with a larger floor. Honestly the dream for me in the distant future is to remove the bed and half the cab and build a camper box in the back with a pop-up. Even chopping a bit of the ass end off to improve departure, should be able to get about 6x8 ft of floor space in the back to build up a camper setup.

Basically the dream for me is this one you posted but on a longer chassis.

I'm with you brother! Here's a mock up of a 4 door Outpost.

 

[mog]

Am I really going to have to build this or can I convince Ursaminor or Alucab to prototype one form me?

Bite the bullet and build it. That way it will be just the way you want it with no compromises. Also no waiting, you can start this week.

 

[mog]

Yeah, I sure love the Outpost II with a four door. Removing the bed will get you a wider camper anyway. Now go from a $10K idea to a ?.

I'm with you brother! Here's a mock up of a 4 door Outpost.

Below is a true-to-scale photochop and I don't think it works with a 4 door. With a 4 door cab, it would be like having an 8 foot plus bed length on the back. It works perfectly on a 2 door Gladiator with the standard back roof top (11") as the front seats all the way back are 6" behind the seam, giving you 4-5 inches of room for extra recline and room behind the seats (12" at the bottom)
[Outpost cabin has been ghosted at 60%]

I'm just waiting on FCA to fill my 2 door chassis cab order with a two-tone paint job. I'm sure it will arrive any day now

 

[jeepstertim]

Here's one from a Turkish manufacturer Hotomobil , Looks well thought out but i question the available sleeping space/ length.

 

[Mules]

Below is a true-to-scale photochop and I don't think it works with a 4 door. With a 4 door cab, it would be like having an 8 foot plus bed length on the back. It works perfectly on a 2 door Gladiator with the standard back roof top (11") as the front seats all the way back are 6" behind the seam, giving you 4-5 inches of room for extra recline and room behind the seats (12" at the bottom)
[Outpost cabin has been ghosted at 60%]

I'm just waiting on FCA to fill my 2 door chassis cab order with a two-tone paint job. I'm sure it will arrive any day now

I like it!

 

[Mules]

Alright, now it is a three piece top. Front cap, back cap, and tent. Rubber seals between each and pass through to front.

 

[mog]

Another way to keep the 4 doors. Have a rear entry door, you could leave the cab/bed bulkheads and have a forward kitchen insert to mount where the back seats have been removed. Perhaps a slide-out fridge by opening the passenger rear door?

 

[Mules]

Another way to keep the 4 doors. Have a rear entry door, you could leave the cab/bed bulkheads and have a forward kitchen insert to mount where the back seats have been removed. Perhaps a slide-out fridge by opening the passenger rear door?

Start the build! Nice.

 

[Mac Attack]

Here's a shot of my truck with a couple more concepts like the AEV Outpost

Like the bottom one....more room for overhead bed

 

[Mac Attack]

This is what I want on the Gladiator. I keep the front sun roof with a rack on top. From the front seat back the roof lifts for a walk through. I keep the back seats but when folded down, the large seat can be used or turns into a bench for the back and the small seat is where the fridge goes. Access the fridge from the front, outside, or back, and it's even next to my back seat power. I'm guessing add a roll bar tied to the front to stiffen the frame. Am I really going to have to build this or can I convince Ursaminor or Alucab to prototype one form me?

Yep, you hit the nail on the head. This is the one for me.

 

[Mules]

Well if I'm going to have to build this, I'll forgo the side windows and put in a couple gull wing doors, and an Alucab awning. Next I have to figure out the rear entry, how to open up the interior, and build a wedge tent with a push up bed (walk through).

 

[Mules]

Like the bottom one....more room for overhead bed

Here's one to keep Mog happy.

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