sheath
Active Member
- Thread starter
- #1
(Disclaimer: Just because I've done something doesn't make it the best or even a good way of doing something. It simply fits my specific needs. Hopefully the information is helpful to someone who may be looking to do something similar. So they can make something even better that fits their needs).
Trying to keep as much payload as possible. Using the "light is right" approach.
The back of the Gladiator is mostly used to haul my hunting pup, and gear. She is just a bit too big to be comfortable on long trips with the rear seats in place. Hence the reason for a rear seat delete setup.
Made a flat floor out of 1/8" Aluminum composite Material.
This stuff is lighter than solid aluminum sheet, but not near as sturdy. Made it so either side could be easily removed, if a seat needs to be reinstalled temporarily.
Used aluminum 1/8" x 1" flat bar to create supports. You can see in the below picture the aluminum rivets and screws where those supports are located.
Picture below you can see how thin the aluminum is. Almost like aluminum foil bonded to the plastic material on either side. It is very easy to work with. I used a razor knife for the long straight cuts, and a jig saw with a fine tooth blade for the curves.
Down sides to this floor are:
* The lack of a hatch over the jack. the jack and tools can be removed from under the floor, but not so easy. So a hatch will get added.
* If more than about 15 lbs is applied in any small unsupported spot the floor will flex. With the load spread out it is surprisingly strong. Just for fun I put a 65 qt 12V fridge in, and it was very well supported.
It helps that there is plenty of gear stuffed under the floor, adding more support.
When Super Pup walks on it, there is very little flex.
This was the first of four projects to complete the "Dog Mess Containment System". It has been in the Gladiator for a couple of months now, with custom made cushions on top for her comfort. Seems to be holding up fine. Will see what happens over time. Can always use it for templates to cut aluminum sheet if it turns out to be too flimsy to last.
Hope this is helpful for someone who is considering something similar.
Trying to keep as much payload as possible. Using the "light is right" approach.
The back of the Gladiator is mostly used to haul my hunting pup, and gear. She is just a bit too big to be comfortable on long trips with the rear seats in place. Hence the reason for a rear seat delete setup.
Made a flat floor out of 1/8" Aluminum composite Material.
This stuff is lighter than solid aluminum sheet, but not near as sturdy. Made it so either side could be easily removed, if a seat needs to be reinstalled temporarily.
Used aluminum 1/8" x 1" flat bar to create supports. You can see in the below picture the aluminum rivets and screws where those supports are located.
Picture below you can see how thin the aluminum is. Almost like aluminum foil bonded to the plastic material on either side. It is very easy to work with. I used a razor knife for the long straight cuts, and a jig saw with a fine tooth blade for the curves.
Down sides to this floor are:
* The lack of a hatch over the jack. the jack and tools can be removed from under the floor, but not so easy. So a hatch will get added.
* If more than about 15 lbs is applied in any small unsupported spot the floor will flex. With the load spread out it is surprisingly strong. Just for fun I put a 65 qt 12V fridge in, and it was very well supported.
It helps that there is plenty of gear stuffed under the floor, adding more support.
When Super Pup walks on it, there is very little flex.
This was the first of four projects to complete the "Dog Mess Containment System". It has been in the Gladiator for a couple of months now, with custom made cushions on top for her comfort. Seems to be holding up fine. Will see what happens over time. Can always use it for templates to cut aluminum sheet if it turns out to be too flimsy to last.
Hope this is helpful for someone who is considering something similar.
Sponsored
Last edited:
