JT Gladiator Upper Decker Hinged Cargo Basket Now Available!

[SKETCHY JEEP]

Wow, that looks fantastic! Now you've got me rethinking my plans...again...

Wish there was a higher clearance version to allow room for a fridge in the bed. Even if you had to lift the Upper Decker to access the fridge slide.

Edit: oh, and thanks for the well-detailed installation video. You mentioned there were advantages and disadvantages of both seal location options, but only talked about the potential issue with the seal on the bed rail location. What would the disadvantage be to install the seal on the Upper Decker underside?

The fridge was a concern for me as well but I came across some fridges that are able to fit. The height of the bed is about 18 inches and after searching Amazon I found a few short enough including this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Alpicool-Tem...7F8805ATEP2&psc=1&refRID=7F3XHNAXV7F8805ATEP2

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[steffen707]

The fridge was a concern for me as well but I came across some fridges that are able to fit. The height of the bed is about 18 inches and after searching Amazon I found a few short enough including this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Alpicool-Tem...7F8805ATEP2&psc=1&refRID=7F3XHNAXV7F8805ATEP2

Is $300 cheap for a frisge/freezer like this?

 

[SKETCHY JEEP]

Is $300 cheap for a frisge/freezer like this?

Absolutely and I've been looking at the reviews and videos on youtube for these smaller brands and they are all pretty good. So for me instead of spending $900 on a big brand, I'll spend $300-$400 on a Costway or Alpicool unit. Balling on a budget lol

 

[jurfie]

The fridge was a concern for me as well but I came across some fridges that are able to fit. The height of the bed is about 18 inches and after searching Amazon I found a few short enough including this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Alpicool-Tem...7F8805ATEP2&psc=1&refRID=7F3XHNAXV7F8805ATEP2

Thanks, I hadn’t considered any brands other than Arb, Dometic, or Engel. I’ll have to look into those other brands.

 

[WhatExit?]

Thanks, I hadn’t considered any brands other than Arb, Dometic, or Engel. I’ll have to look into those other brands.

We have a Whynter brand fridge/freezer (keeps ice for adult beverages) - got it on sale at Home Depot and you can get an extended warranty. It's been great for years

Note: It's too tall for the bed with a cover on it

 

[cgflyer]

Upper Decker install review and tips from my experience. First, the guys at Ace were very quick to respond to emails during the shipping process and the upper decker with tent mounts looks really cool installed. Overall I’m happy with the product and I like it more compared to the other racks out there. But here are a few thoughts after getting it installed:

First: it took longer than I thought it would. I was by myself and it would go much quicker with help. I used a chain hoist to lift it.

Second: it is a very precise fit. I personally would like about another ¼” - ½” overhang all around. I got mine right before the install video was released and I put some of the weather stripping on before watching the video. If you choose to put it on the deck, take it to the very edge.

Third: the nuts and bolts for the gas shocks up behind the taillights were a b****. They took me forever, but I got them.

Fourth: the tent mounts didn’t line up perfectly with the holes on the deck. Hard to really explain, but they fit well where the cutouts are on the deck, but not on the flat surface between the cutouts. I had to open up two holes to get them mounted.

Fifth: the pre-drilled holes for the tent end up being about ½” off front to back for my tent and I elongated them.

Sixth: I busted my 4M mandrel on my nutsert tool after one nutsert for the cam bracket latch...I used self tapping pan head screws on the other side, and one bolt is enough to hold the catch in place. The bolts might be overkill and I recommend just self tappers?

If you aren’t a “shade tree mechanic/engineer” this is probably going be a tougher installation than some.

 

[Whiplash2130]

Updated September 6, 2019

JT UPPER DECKER NOW AVAILABLE!

LAUNCH SPECIAL!
FREE SHIPPING IN THE CONTINENTAL US!
USE COUPON CODE: LAUNCH

Save $250 to offset the regular Flat Shipping rate!

Adventure begins with the ACE JT Gladiator Upper Decker! This versatile hinged Cargo Basket for the JT Gladiator offers a ton of features.

• Heavy-duty hinges for easy bed access
• Interior latches in rear to keep cargo safe and secure (can only be accessed when tailgate is open)
• Includes a pair of 75 lb. gas shocks
• Holds over 1,200 lbs. static weight
• Comes e-coated and black texture powdercoated
• Optional Rooftop Tent mounts
• Optional RotopaX/accessory mounts available
• Provisions around perimeter for a variety of aftermarket mounts such as bikes/kayaks/etc.
• Made from 1/8" steel
• Coming soon: Hi-Lift Jack, Shovel Mounts and more!
• Item does not include RotopaX, RotopaX Handles, Bike Mounts or Tent.

Order now!

Previous development preview and discussions:

Getting started on this multi-functional bed rack/basket. Working title is the "Upper Decker". More info to come as we continue work on this.

Thank you,

I like it!

 

[cgflyer]

with the tent. I can attest, the shocks will not hold the deck up with the tent.

 

[SKETCHY JEEP]

with the tent. I can attest, the shocks will not hold the deck up with the tent.

How is the tent attached to the rack? I'm using the same tent.

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Mine is almost installed. Trying to find more M4 nut zerts. The bedliner was so thick, the nutzerts wouldn’t seat right. Figured out I needed to cut away some to make them work. They only sent the exact qty so I’ve been searching for more. None of the five local home improvement stores or the several auto parts stores have them and most didn’t even know what they are!

 

[steffen707]

Thanks, I hadn’t considered any brands other than Arb, Dometic, or Engel. I’ll have to look into those other brands.

ditto! i've been thinking i'll need a topper to get the fridge under a cover, but that one posted has potential.

 

[steffen707]

Mine is almost installed. Trying to find more M4 nut zerts. The bedliner was so thick, the nutzerts wouldn’t seat right. Figured out I needed to cut away some to make them work. They only sent the exact qty so I’ve been searching for more. None of the five local home improvement stores or the several auto parts stores have them and most didn’t even know what they are!

what's the distance from the top of decked, to bottom of the upper decker?
you're like double decked now, eh?

 

[Pat2Alaska]

what's the distance from the top of decked, to bottom of the upper decker?
you're like double decked now, eh?

5”. Yep! How was the camping trip?

 

[cgflyer]

with the tent. I can attest, the shocks will not hold the deck up with the tent.

How is the tent attached to the rack? I'm using the same tent.

I just used the four holes predrilled into the tent mounts (elongated to fit) and 4 of the sliders/bolts that came with the tent. Going to trim the aluminum T-channel still and get shorter bolts. I added the fender washers. It feels very snug to me.

 

[cgflyer]

Mine is almost installed. Trying to find more M4 nut zerts. The bedliner was so thick, the nutzerts wouldn’t seat right. Figured out I needed to cut away some to make them work. They only sent the exact qty so I’ve been searching for more. None of the five local home improvement stores or the several auto parts stores have them and most didn’t even know what they are!

I ordered nutserts from Amazon, came in a day

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