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Gladiator Expedition Rigs

lkosh

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Take a look at this:

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/diy-wedge-camper-gfc-replica.213267/

I'm thinking a roof and bed support similar to what he did and made out of 8020 would be pretty simple to put together and graft/assemble to the extended gladiator shell/roof.

I saw you posted about an idea you had for the frame flex... Care to share any insight on how you might incorporate for that into the build?
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Take a look at this:

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/diy-wedge-camper-gfc-replica.213267/

I'm thinking a roof and bed support similar to what he did and made out of 8020 would be pretty simple to put together and graft/assemble to the extended gladiator shell/roof.

I saw you posted about an idea you had for the frame flex... Care to share any insight on how you might incorporate for that into the build?
That's a great 8020 build thread. I'm going to steal his idea to use Jeep Hood latches to hold down the roof.

As far as the roof flex, I'm going to test an idea I have when I finish the shell. Worst case I crack the shell and go back to cutting the flex joint. It will be worth the risk if it works. It might be a while until I'm comfortable sharing the idea.
 
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Mules

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I thought I'd share this idea. I came across these rolling tool boxes at Lowes (Kobalt). Until I get the shell done, these are a great fit in the Gladiator for storage and they were only $54 ea. If you put a 2x6 in the back bed slots, these fit perfectly tight in the front. You can open them from the sides of the truck. I used one for food and one for gear on my last couple cross county trips. There was even room for the cooler and gas for toys.

IMG_3448.JPG


IMG_3449 2.JPG
 

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If my roof doesn't work out, . . .
Watching your build process so far, I have 100% confidence that your creation will work. :like:
I'm betting crating and shipping a 'roof cap' would be as much or more than the purchase price given the current shipping situation.
The side opening style would give you more headroom while on the bed, but is more difficult to build the fabric portion as that style needs 'hoops' for support. It is easy to build the hoops locally, but getting the fabric just right (if not using the factory option), is certainly harder than plain fabric hanging from the top.
 

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Looking good. are you adding any additional supports for a future roof rack?
 

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Mules

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Looking good. are you adding any additional supports for a future roof rack?
It will have internal support if I want to strap on a light bag or two, but I’m not planning for a rack on back. Later I would like to add a rack above my freedom tops. The trick will be to build it so I can still open the tops similar to the picture below.

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Land Rover.PNG


Wouldn't it be nice to crawl out of the roof top tent and have your cup of coffee on the roof rack:)

Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Screen Shot 2021-10-15 at 7.01.12 AM
 
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Ribs are almost done. The band saw couldn't cut the curves, but my jig saw didn't let me down.

IMG_5431.JPG
 
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Why is it that I never have enough clamps? Back to Home Depot for another dozen.

IMG_5439 2.JPG


IMG_5453.JPG


IMG_5454.JPG
 
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Looks like the corners fit. Just dry fitting everything before I fasten everything together.
7D07AF04-DD04-48FD-9100-6F61C6A1B6CB.jpeg
 
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Double checking and squaring everything as I Gorilla Glue the stringers and ribs.
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs IMG_5467.JPG
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs IMG_5466.JPG
 

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Thought I’d share another nice find. I watch a lot of YouTube, Netflix and Hulu from my truck (not while driving). Below is a CMM grab bar ball mount with an IPad RAM mount. It works great and stays out of my line o sight when driving.
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs DF865B27-9CFF-4CAD-912D-489FC52B18F8


IMG_5477.JPG
 
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I have a ram mount for my phone and GMRS radio and it’s a solid mount option. Handles the rough stuff well with no slipping or shifting around.
 
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Mules

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I'm still not settled on the roof hinge or lift system yet. I keep thinking about how easy a side hinge would be like the Dormobile or AEV's rig below. What do you think? Side hinge, front hinge, scissor hinge, or four point lift?
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Screen Shot 2021-10-19 at 11.17.01 AM
 

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I'm still not settled on the roof hinge or lift system yet. I keep thinking about how easy a side hinge would be like the Dormobile or AEV's rig below. What do you think? Side hinge, front hinge, scissor hinge, or four point lift?
Four point - the most room for all of your hard work
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs 4-point
 
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I'm getting ahead of myself, but the roof top rack above the freedom top would be a good place for my 38" spare tire. A bit heavy to get down, but out of the way. I love the look and ease of the spare on the back of the Gladiator, but I'd like to keep the back clean for my mountain bikes and for pulling my trailer.

Any opinions on spare location? (38's won't fit under the rig)

Below is an interesting RTT hinge/lift.
Jeep Gladiator Gladiator Expedition Rigs Screen Shot 2021-10-20 at 6.58.56 AM
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