Maximizing Your Gladiator's Bed
The Gladiator's 5-foot bed is its biggest advantage over the Wrangler. With the right accessories, it becomes a complete overlanding platform that can carry everything you need for extended adventures.
Bed Racks: The Foundation
A quality bed rack expands your storage options exponentially. It's typically the first accessory overlanders install.
Top Picks
- DECKED Truck Bed Storage System ($1,200-1,400):Drawer system that slides under a bed rack. Weatherproof, lockable, and organizes gear perfectly.
- Mopar Utility Rack ($800-1,000):OEM quality, factory mounting points, clean look. Limited in height options.
- Go Rhino XRS Overland ($900-1,100):Modular design, good weight capacity, compatible with most accessories.
- Prinsu Gladiator Roof Rack ($1,400-1,800):Premium option with excellent build quality and accessory compatibility.
What to Mount
- Rooftop tent (check weight capacity)
- Spare tire
- Recovery boards
- Jerry cans
- Awning
- Shovel and axe
Tonneau Covers
Keeping your gear dry and secure matters. Here are the best options for overlanders:
Soft Roll-Up
- Pros: Affordable ($300-500), easy access, works with most racks
- Cons: Less secure, less weather resistance
- Best Pick: TruXedo TruXport
Hard Tri-Fold
- Pros: Better security, good weather protection, no tools needed
- Cons: More expensive ($600-900), limits vertical space when folded
- Best Pick: BakFlip MX4
Hard Retractable
- Pros: Best security, full bed access when open, premium look
- Cons: Expensive ($1,200-2,000), more complex mechanism
- Best Pick: RetraxPRO MX
Storage Solutions
Drawer Systems
Drawer systems transform your bed into organized storage. They're heavy but incredibly practical for overlanding.
- DECKED System: Most popular, 200lb per drawer capacity
- TruckVault: Premium option, more secure, heavier
- DIY Solutions: Can be built for $300-500 with woodworking skills
Bed Boxes
Mounted boxes are simpler than full drawer systems but still provide organized, secure storage.
- Swing Cases: Mount behind wheel wells, swing out for access
- Cross-Bed Boxes: Maximum storage but limit bed space
- Side Boxes: Good compromise between access and space
Tie-Down and Organization
Track Systems
L-track or airline track systems allow infinite adjustment for tie-down points. Essential for securing variable loads.
Bed Dividers
Keep gear from sliding around. Mopar and aftermarket options available from $100-300.
Power and Lighting
Bed Lighting
LED strip lighting in the bed makes nighttime camp setup much easier. Factory option or aftermarket kits ($50-200).
Power Outlets
The Gladiator offers optional bed-mounted 115V outlets. Aftermarket inverter setups can add this if you don't have it factory.
Our Recommended Setup
For a versatile overlanding Gladiator, we recommend:
- Bed Rack: Go Rhino XRS or Prinsu for rooftop tent
- Tonneau: BakFlip MX4 tri-fold for weather protection
- Storage: DECKED drawer system for organization
- Tie-Downs: L-track on both sides
- Lighting: LED strips with switch
Budget: $3,500-4,500 for the complete setup.
Weight Considerations
All this gear adds up. A fully kitted Gladiator bed can easily add 500-800 lbs of accessories before you even load cargo. Factor this into your payload calculations.
The Bottom Line
Start with a bed rack and tonneau cover, these provide the most versatility for the investment. Add drawer systems and specialized storage as you refine your setup based on actual use.