Applies to:Jeep Gladiator JT

Jeep Gladiator Shop Build - Whistler

A Gladiator That Changes With the Job

Whistler is our 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel, used for shop work, overland travel, and product development. Its bed layout has changed as we have tested storage, mounting, and enclosure ideas.

The photos document those different stages: an open rack carrying camp equipment, drawers and slides extending over the tailgate, and the Load-Bearing Enclosure (LBE) with exterior accessory mounts. Use them to compare layouts and access, then check the current components for your own truck.

Questions About This Build?Browse Jeep Gladiator JT Gear
Whistler, AAL’s EcoDiesel Gladiator shop build.
Whistler, AAL’s EcoDiesel Gladiator shop build.
Documented SetupEquipment verification date not recordedPhotos may show different stages. Check current product fitment and included components.

Build Details

Build at a Glance

Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon JT
Powertrain: 3.0L EcoDiesel, 8-speed automatic
Bed Systems: Rack, modular storage, and LBE development
Role: Shop truck and development vehicle

An earlier open-rack configuration with camp equipment packed above the bed rails.
An earlier open-rack configuration with camp equipment packed above the bed rails.

Build Story

Compare the Open Rack and Enclosed Layouts

The earlier rack configuration carries equipment above the bed rails while leaving the load visible from the sides. Later photos show the LBE providing an enclosed upper storage area and mounting surfaces for accessories.

Those arrangements serve different packing needs. Start with the items you carry most often and decide which need enclosed storage, which need quick access, and how much bed space you want available for hauling. Whistler’s gallery records several answers to that question over time.

Whistler Jeep Gladiator with Load-Bearing Enclosure open and rear cargo drawers extended
Whistler with the LBE open and the rear cargo system accessible.

Build Story

Build the LBE From the Bed Rails Up

The Gladiator Load-Bearing Enclosure mounts through AAL’s Bed Rail Attachment System. Install that rail system first, following the current instructions.

The enclosure uses 3mm aluminum panels with steel supports, locking latches, and seals designed for weather protection. Its gas struts hold the opening panel up for access. The photo shows how the open enclosure and the equipment below it share the rear working area.

Plan the complete combination before ordering. Bed racks, side MOLLE panels, and rooftop-tent brackets are configuration options on the current bundle page.

Drawers and slides extended over the tailgate during development of the bed layout.
Drawers and slides extended over the tailgate during development of the bed layout.

Build Story

Bring the Bed Storage Into Reach

The fridge used in this build was a Dometic CFX3 55. The linked Dometic CFX5 55IM is a current alternative. Both models list exterior dimensions of 720 × 455 × 480 mm, including handles, so they occupy the same space in the cargo layout. Check the slide mounting arrangement and lid clearance for your installation.

The development photos show red Milwaukee Packout cases, metal storage drawers, and sliding trays extending toward the open tailgate. The open rear view makes it easier to see what can be reached without climbing into the bed.

Plan around that access when choosing a layout. Check the travel of each drawer and slide, the tailgate’s opening path, and the equipment you need first at a stop. Fridge handles, lids, wiring, and ventilation also need room around them.

The gallery includes prototypes and earlier parts. Confirm the current product dimensions and mounting combination before reproducing a photographed setup.

Recovery equipment mounted along the LBE’s side panel in an earlier photographed configuration.
Recovery equipment mounted along the LBE’s side panel in an earlier photographed configuration.

Build Sheet

Use the Outside for Equipment You Need to Reach

The LBE photos show equipment mounted along its sides, including recovery tools and a first-aid kit. Exterior mounting gives those items their own locations while keeping the enclosed storage available for other gear.

Choose mounts for the specific item and panel, then check clearances around doors, the tailgate, and nearby accessories. If you are adding a tent, confirm its mounting pattern against the LBE Rooftop Tent Brackets. The slotted brackets are not compatible with every tent.

Build Story

See the Load-Bearing Enclosure

This short AAL product overview shows the enclosure and its construction. It complements the build photos without turning this page into an installation guide.

For another view of the equipped truck, watch the Gladiator LBE visual tour.

A Different Gladiator, a Different Job

AAL’s four e-bike transport clip documents a customer Gladiator using an LBE and 12-inch bed rack. It is a separate build, offered here as an example of another layout. Confirm your rack, mounts, equipment weight, and vehicle limits for the load you plan to carry.

Gladiator Load Bearing Enclosure Overview▶ Gladiator Load Bearing Enclosure Overview

Build Sheet

Recorded Build Specifications

Vehicle

  • Platform: Jeep Gladiator JT
  • Trim: Rubicon
  • Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel Turbo
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Driveshafts: JE Reel

Suspension

  • Lift: Teraflex Long Arm
  • Shocks: Falcon 3.3
  • Springs: Teraflex Overland Rear Springs

Wheels and Tires

Build Priorities

  • Lightweight components
  • Modular, organized storage
  • Long-distance travel and exploration
  • Easy conversion back to an open truck bed

Understand the Setup

Equipment Layout Guide

Follow the numbered locations to understand this photographed setup.

Photographed bed and equipment layout in Jeep Gladiator Shop Build - Whistler.123
Photographed bed and equipment layout in Jeep Gladiator Shop Build - Whistler.

  1. Bed Storage

    The bed equipment includes the Dometic CFX3 55 used in this photographed build configuration.

  2. Rear Work Surface

    The extended tray brings equipment into reach beyond the tailgate.

  3. External Boxes

    Hard-mounted storage and equipment occupy the left side of the working area.

This photo explains one configuration, not a complete installation plan. Confirm the current product version, mounting requirements, seating needs, and clearances.

Build Questions

Questions About Whistler

Equipment, fitment, and planning details from this build.

Which Fridge Was Used, and What Is the Current Alternative?

This build used a Dometic CFX3 55. The CFX5 55IM linked in the product section is a current alternative with the same listed 720 × 455 × 480 mm exterior dimensions, including handles. Confirm the slide attachment and opening clearance when fitting your own fridge.

What Does LBE Stand For?

Load-Bearing Enclosure, AAL’s bed enclosure for the Jeep Gladiator JT.

Do I Need the Bed Rail Attachment System?

Yes. The LBE instructions require the JT Bed Rail Attachment System to be installed first. Follow the current installation guide and have a second person available for the enclosure installation.

Do All the Photos Show the Same Configuration?

No. Whistler is a development vehicle. The galleries include an open rack, enclosed layouts, and prototype storage components from different stages.

Are the Pictured Accessories Included With the LBE?

Check the selected bundle contents. Racks, MOLLE panels, tent brackets, and the equipment attached to them are separate configuration choices.

Can You Help Plan a Similar Gladiator?

Use the questions button above the main photo. Include your model year, bed layout, fridge dimensions, equipment list, and whether you need space for a tent, bikes, or regular hauling.

Still Have Questions About This Build?

Tell us about your vehicle and the setup you want to build.

Ask About This Build

Your inquiry includes this build page so our team has the context.

Build Equipment

Products Used in This Build

47 products

Compare current product details with the photographed configuration. Versions and included components can differ.

47 products shown

Bed Storage and Development Gallery

These photos document the open-rack and storage-development stages.

22 photosClick any photo to enlarge
Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 1 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 2 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 3 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 4 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 5 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 6 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 7

Full-size photos open in the gallery viewer

Whistler Build Archive

Exterior, LBE, interior, and trail photos from multiple stages of the build.

36 photosClick any photo to enlarge
Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 1 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 2 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 3 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 4 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 5 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 6 Jeep Gladiator Shop Build – Whistler: gallery photo 7

Full-size photos open in the gallery viewer