Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

Look what I got in the mail! I’m pretty excited to try out the pneumatic lift cylinders after I finish the transition.

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[Mules]

I’m putting on a second layer of fiberglass on the transition lip.

 

[Mules]

This video makes me want a high end interior. Sink, stove, microwave, fridge, all in a small build.

 

[Mules]

Sanding the fiberglassed transition and smoothing with bondo. Seems like I’ll never be done sanding.

 

[Mac Attack]

Sanding the fiberglassed transition and smoothing with bondo. Seems like I’ll never be done sanding.

On the bright side...you'll have forearms like Popeye!

 

[JRobes]

"Seems like I’ll never be done sanding" will change to "Seems like I can't stop staring" when she's done.

Awesome progress and thanks for sharing the build.

 

[Mules]

Here's a view of the back. Building the hatchback will be a bit tricky. I made the back of the shell narrower to fit the bed and can't use a stock Gladiator rear window. My plan is to use 3/16" or 1/4" Acrylic (plexiglass). Polycarbonate (Lexan) is stronger and easier to cut and drill but will yellow with time. The tricky part will be making a slight bend in the window, since it is not flat, and making it thick enough and not flimsy. It will have hinges, pneumatic struts, and probably a latch on each side.

 

[A 2]

Here's a view of the back. Building the hatchback will be a bit tricky. I made the back of the shell narrower to fit the bed and can't use a stock Gladiator rear window. My plan is to use 3/16" or 1/4" Acrylic (plexiglass). Polycarbonate (Lexan) is stronger and easier to cut and drill but will yellow with time. The tricky part will be making a slight bend in the window, since it is not flat, and making it thick enough and not flimsy. It will have hinges, pneumatic struts, and probably a latch on each side.

What’s the plan for getting in and out of the rig?

 

[Mules]

What’s the plan for getting in and out of the rig?

From the back:
Lift hatchback, drop tailgate, and climb in. The bottom window sill, shown in the picture just above the tailgate, will be cut from the shell and attached to the the acrylic hatch window. This will weaken the shell quite a bit, when it is not on the truck, but I've got a solution for that.

From the cab:
Crawl over the back seat into the camper, since it is open.

 

[Mules]

Time to figure out the lift mechanics. The inside feels pretty big now.

 

[Mules]

Making sure there are backing plates for the pneumatic connections.

 

[Mules]

I faintly remember someone saying don't open a Roof Top Tent without the tent material. Oh well, the pneumatic struts work!

 

[Mac Attack]

I faintly remember someone saying don't open a Roof Top Tent without the tent material. Oh well, the pneumatic struts work!

HA! Reminds me of myself!

 

[sarguy1941]

Maybe I missed in it the 30 pages but what's the plan to keep the bed from flexing different than the cab ? I know the cap will be still be stiff but is that a concern ?

 

[Mules]

Maybe I missed in it the 30 pages but what's the plan to keep the bed from flexing different than the cab ? I know the cap will be still be stiff but is that a concern ?

Yep, the question comes up every handful of pages. The short answer is I designed in 1/2" of clearance. If she flexes more that that, you'll have to read the 30 pages for the backup plan

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