Overlanding Gladiators - Need Help

[Pizziola29]

As many of you know, I am adding the ARE CX Shell. I cannot decide between the Decked Storage Drawers or a bedslide. I like the idea of the Decked as I can store things easily in there, but I lose headroom, and I like the bedslide as it takes up less space and you can put storage boxes etc of your items in there and maintain some decent head room. Ask any questions but its time to make a decison as my shell will be here in the next month or 2.

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[WhatExit?]

Neither!

Well, it depends on what you’re carrying and how often you need to get into it as they may make sense. But both will add weight.

I personally like the bedslide much better as I see the drawers actually taking up a lot of space for the cost

 

[Pizziola29]

Neither!

Well, it depends on what you’re carrying and how often you need to get into it as they may make sense. But both will add weight.

I personally like the bedside much better as I see the drawers actually taking up a lot of space for the cost

Always appreciate your perspective @WhatExit? I need to go with something, leaning towards the Decked system as I got the Outdoorsman fold down side windows so access to the front of the box will be easier if the decked is in as its 12" high.

 

[jurfie]

The Decked system is really nice, but there is a lot of wasted space. If you plan on carrying a lot of gear, you may find yourself running out of storage space quickly. If you are a minimalist, the Decked system would probably work for you and the flat top surface is a nice feature.

If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with a full extension bedslide with storage boxes and soft drybags to fill in the gaps.

 

[TheHops]

I've been in to the overlanding scene for a while, and in my personal opinion and experience gained from various trips, the DECKED system is a massive waste of space. You lose so much vertical storage space, just to get two relatively small drawers. I'm with the others above: If I had to choose, I would take a bedslide. With that being said, I am personally just a fan of a good old fashioned truck bed. At most, I would bolt in a fridge slide for my massive 95qt Dometic. I've never had an issue accessing anything that I need from the bed at any time, with or without a camper shell, so the trade off just isn't worth it to me.

 

[Pizziola29]

I've been in to the overlanding scene for a while, and in my personal opinion and experienced gained from various trips, the DECKED system is a massive waste of space. You lose so much vertical storage space, just to get two relatively small drawers. I'm with the others above: If I had to choose, I would take a bedslide. With that being said, I am personally just a fan of a good old fashioned truck bed. At most, I would bolt in a fridge slide for my massive 95qt Dometic. I've never had an issue accessing anything that I need from the bed at any time, with or without a camper shell, so the trade off just isn't worth it to me.

Good points. Thanks!

 

[TheHops]

Good points. Thanks!

Also, for what it's worth, I too plan on going the camper shell route for my Gladiator. I'll be waiting until A.R.E. releases the CX HD though, as I need the extra rooftop weight capacity. Looking forward to actual pictures of them on some rigs!

 

[Pizziola29]

Also, for what it's worth, I too plan on going the camper shell route for my Gladiator. I'll be waiting until A.R.E. releases the CX HD though, as I need the extra rooftop weight capacity. Looking forward to actual pictures of them on some rigs!

Totally agree, I was going to wait for the HD but after speaking with my fabricator we are going to make a skelaton brace so we can hold more weight. I have been waiting long enough for a shell and they could not give me a single hint as to when the HD would be coming so I am making due with what I can.

 

[Nitroexpress]

You probably know this, but just in case - The Frame inside the ARE HD takes up a lot of interior room.

 

[SoCalGladiator]

Hi there,

I've been overlanding a little bit in my gladiator as well as doing tons of research on the topic. Overland Journal just did a podcast.
It basically states, simpler and lighter is best. Weight in the enemy while overlanding. I debated going decked or bed slide but too much weight without adding too much value.

My overlanding build os going to go with Husky rolling tool chests. They're under $100 and have wheels. I'm going to attach a tether to the handles so i can pull them to the rear of the truck bed, get what I need, then just roll them back in.
Simple, low cost, i can bring different boxes for different trips and still have full use of my truck bed when daily driving.

https://overlandjournal.com/ten_com...fications/?utm_source=NL&utm_medium=Jan2,2020

 

[TheHops]

You probably know this, but just in case - The Frame inside the ARE HD takes up a lot of interior room.

Huh? Unless I'm misremembering, the frame is hidden inside of the fiberglass. I don't recall any noticeable difference between the CX Classic/HD, and the same for the Leer equivalents. Are you sure you're not thinking of the optional toolboxes that go inside of the windows?

EDIT: I used the google machine, and perhaps I did misremember. All of the ones I came across do in fact have visible internal frames. I don't recall that at all. With that being said, it doesn't seem to take up too much room, but the pictures may be deceiving. Either way, hopefully you can order with just roof tracks, instead of those huge crossbars.

 

[velogeek]

Both are just extra dead weight on a vehicle that doesn't have a lot of extra surplus and a relatively short bed. Unless you truly find yourself unable to reach back to grab stuff, I'd avoid both and get some quality cases (used/surplus Hardigg are excellent and relatively cheap) instead.

 

[steelponycowboy]

I thought about the fiberglass toppers too but settled on the RLD stainless steel topper. I've been building Jeeps for overlanding since 2007 and prefer the strength of steel or aluminum over fiberglass. I agree also with those who say the drawer systems take up a lot of space and I've decided on a CargoGlide bed slider.

The RLD model looks good on the JT

Something similar in aluminum is the Alu-Cab

The CargoGlide Model CG1999XL holds 1000lbs and has 100% extension so you can pull it entirely to the end of the bed to access all of your gear easily.

 

[bgenlvtex]

How much does that shell weigh?
Decked system?

Point being when you start deducting passengers, shell, decked, a frige, you are going to be using most of your capacity before you attach a trailer or anything else.

Has anyone done the math on this?

I like the shell, looks good, good utility, but I'm very concerned with weight

 

[velogeek]

How much does that shell weigh?
Decked system?

Point being when you start deducting passengers, shell, decked, a frige, you are going to be using most of your capacity before you attach a trailer or anything else.

Has anyone done the math on this?

I like the shell, looks good, good utility, but I'm very concerned with weight

I have a sizeable spreadsheet for weights from when I was planning my build. Top one (white/black) is about 160lbs. The lower one from Alu-Cab is about 140lbs according to their media. The glider is about the same as them in weight. Decked is like 200lbs last I read.

The metal shells are lighter than fiberglass... the standard ARE CX cap is 200lbs. Hell you'll have 100lbs for a steel rack or 75 for aluminum so the cap is well worth the weight for the utility IMO. The glider or drawers are not for me.

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