Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack Review

    The Jeep Gladiator is one of the most popular pick up trucks in USA. Introduce into the market in 2019, the Jeep Gladiator JT has quickly cemented itself as one of the preferred overlanding vehicles available.

    With a solid payload of 1,700 lbs and an impressive towing capacity of 4,000 lbs (standard model), you know this is a true overlander truck. As a matter of fact, the Gladiator includes and off road or overlanding trim, name the "Overland".

    That said, the Jeep Gladiator JT bed has a length of 60.3 inches by 56.8 inches wide, except between the wheelhouses where the width is of 44.8 inches. This same bed has the possibility of adding different accessories from tonneau covers to bed racks.

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    Best Jeep Gladiator Bed Racks

    Defining the best bed rack for a Jeep Gladiator is not easy, nor will it be a shared opinion by everyone. Nonetheless, there are certain features and specifications that stand out in order for a few select models to be considered the top Jeep Gladiator bed rack systems. 

    The first thing is to understand what is considered a great bed rack:

    • Ease of installation
    • Load rating
    • Quality
    • Aftermarket bed rack accessories to fit onto it

    There are clearly many other factors that can come into play depending on what you are after. For example, price can be a very big factor to determine if you want one bed rack model or another. Then we can also consider the height to be a deciding feature. As a matter of fact, there are those who prefer low height racks to avoid wind resistance and noise when they are driving, other prefer mid size or cab height bed racks, so they can carry longer objects that need a longer area than that of the bed.

    As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration, but the bullet points we listed above make up for perhaps the most popular factors to consider when choosing the best bed rack for Jeep Gladiator.

     

    Leitner Designs ACS Forged Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack System

    Leitner Designs ACS Forged Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack System

    The Leitner Active Cargo System Forged, or ACS Forged, is perhaps one of the best bed rack systems in the entire world. With a patented design, this beast of a system comes at a near cab height, made of forged aluminum. Thanks to the aluminum construction, this Jeep Gladiator bed rack systems is only 85 lbs of weight, yet it can take an impressive OFF ROAD dynamic weight capacity of 400 lbs. Its static weight capacity is of 1,400 lbs

    Leitner had designed a wide variety of aftermarket gear that perfectly fits onto their ACS rack. From gear Pods (storage pods), to Hydro pods (a road shower with a pressurized hose), to mounts for tracks, water and fuel containers, you name it. 

    How about installation? Well, the ACS bed rack mounts quickly and quite seamlessly to the factory trail rail system of the Gladiator. If yours doesn't come with one, it can be purchased from Mopar, and installing this outstanding bed rack will not take long.

     

    CBI Off Road Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    The CBI Off Road Bed Rack for Jeep Gladiator JT is an excellent option. Made of steel, this bed rack systems sits at the same height as the cab of the Gladiator. That will enable you to carry from kayaks, to boards, lumper and any other longer items and cargo that can be longer than the bed.

    Weighing only 67 lbs, this is quite a lightweight bed rack. It can be easily installed over the factory trail system, of your Gladiator doesn't have one it can be purchased from Mopar. Add to that a dynamic weight capacity that goes over 500 lbs, and you can be certain this bed rack will hold enough weight for any overlanding adventures with your Jeep.

    It's quite sleek in design, as it's CNC laser cut almost to perfection, and you can get it either powder coated in black, or leave the bare metal look. Regardless of your choice, it will look modern and tough on your truck.

     

    Front Runner Outfitters Slimline II Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    Front Runner Outfitters Slimline II Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    Slightly different in design and height when compared to the other models mentioned above. This Jeep Gladiator bed rack by Front Runner Outfitters is actually an excellent choice. Designed with the Slimline II tray, this bed rack includes 4 legs that sit over the factory bed rails, and then support the rack tray.

    This Gladiator bed rack has a very safe and reliable load rating of 660 lbs, once again enabling you to mount quite a large amount of heavy cargo to it.

    One of the best features is perhaps the low height at which this bed rack sits. Not everyone wants or likes low bed racks, but amongst their advantages are the little noise and wind resistance they have. 

    Front Runner has plenty rack accessories that are really easily installed to the Slimline II tray. Amongst them they have roof top tent mounting kits, bike rack systems, and other tie down systems that will make your life easier when it means carrying things over this rack system.

     

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack With Tonneau Cover

    Perhaps one of the most searched bed rack models out there for a Jeep Gladiator truck: a bed rack system that can fit a tonneau cover with it. Well, it's not easy to find many of these, especially because the Gladiator is a fairly new vehicle, and on top of that the bed rail system is slightly different than that of other trucks.

    However, this is not a problem, and at Off Road Tents we have a few models that actually work. We will feature our preferred two bed rack systems that can simultaneously install the bed cover, and explain as well as we can how they work and which tonneau cover brands they can accomodate.

    After reading this section you will be able to finally have a Jeep Gladiator bed cover with rack, and go on road trips or exploring new paths, as you carry more gear over the rack, and safely store cargo, items and accessories under the bed cover. The ideal world for a pick-up truck owner.

     

    RCI HD 12" Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    RCI HD 12" Bed Rack For Jeep Gladiator

    This heavy duty steel made bed rack, has the great option of adding tonneau cover adapters (which you must purchase separately). These tonneau cover adapters will literally make this bed rack work with almost any tonneau cover over the bed of your Jeep Gladiator.

    Which tonneau covers work with this rack? We will start by saying this bed rack is incompatible with the Jeep Mopar Soft-Side Tri-Fold cover, as well as with the TRUXEDO Deuce. Then, it's incompatible with most tri-fold tonneau covers, both hard and soft sided. 

    This particular Jeep Gladiator bed rack, has a recommended static load rating of 750 lbs, which is once again very reliable and enables you to carry considerable weight, even a roof top tent. It's also quite smart in its design, and installing from Rotopax, to Maxtrax or other overlanding gear will be an easy task. 

     

    Fishbone Half Tackle Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack

    Fishbone Half Tackle Bed Rack For Jeep Gladiator

    The Fishbone Half Tackle Bed Rack is a mid height rack model, that has the great feature of enabling you to also install or use a bed cover.

    This overlanding bed rack will easily install to the existing factory bed rail or alternatively clamp onto the bed side. As a matter of fact, thanks to the mounting options of the rack, it will allow you to use a bed cover that mounts on the inside of the bed rails. Bear in mind, these will only be roll up or folding style covers.

    The weight capacity of this Jeep Gladiator bed rack with tonneau cover is of 500 lbs static. It's a good and reliable load rating, which still allows you to do some mild overlanding.

    Thanks to the easy installation process as well as its assembly, this steel bed rack is one of our favorite picks for a Gladiator from the 2020 and to the current model.

     

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack Accessories

    It's just predictable that after you equip and upgrade your Gladiator. n aftermarket bed rack, you will want to buy accessories and gear to keep improving and upgrading your gear. Most of the bed rack models we offer have the option of adding other accessories to improve the carrying capacity of the rack itself, or to make your life easier and allow you to either carry larger objects, or modify your Gladiator and turn it into a full overland setup.

    That said, in this section, we will very briefly take a look at a bed rack bike carrying accessory, as well as a recommended bed rack tent.

     

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack Tent

    For the bed rack on your Gladiator, you will have quite a lot of roof top tent models to choose from. Hardshells, softshells, different designs and sizes but especially brands. Well, it's our duty to quickly make a recommendation on a model we feel and know by first hand experience, it's an excellent fit with any bed rack for Jeep Gladiator JT.

     

    Guana Equipment Wanaka 55" Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack Tent

    Guana Equipment Wanaka 55" Roof Top Tent For Jeep Gladiator

    The Wanaka 55" roof top tent by Guana Equipment is perhaps one of the best roof top tents available for your Gladiator JT.

    With dimensions, when closed of roughly 55" x 48" x 12" it's the perfect fit for any bed rack you may have on your Gladiator. Then, when you open it, it's spacious enough for two adults and a child or a pet. The quality is out fo this world, thanks to a 600D poly oxford risptop canvas.

    The base is made of black diamondback aluminum, which is one of the toughest out there, as well as providing great insulation and protecting against scratches. This Jeep Gladiator bed rack tent also comes with a lot of extra accessories such as an LED light strip, two boot bags, bigger windows than usual for better ventilation, and a special protecting material inside the rainfly to provide better insulation and reduce the sunlight coming in.

     

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Bike Rack

    There are quite a few bed racks that offer the possibility of integrating a bike carrier onto them, therefore the problem is solved. With your bed rack, you also have a bike rack for your Gladiator. We are not going to mention each and every single bike rack in the world, but rather one that's great with an excellent bed rack system for your Gladiator. You can read about it below, but just in case, another model that can work with your Gladiator's bed rack is the Front Runner Pro Bike Carrier, but you must own a Gladiator Slimline II bed rack system.

     

    RCI Bed Rack Bike Mount  

    RCI Bed Rack Bike Mount

    As said above, we are just going to introduce a very specific model of a bed rack bike mount, and that's the RCI model. Made to fit exclusively the RCI bed racks, this bike mount comes at a very reasonable price, and it's extremely easy to install and use.

    Weighing only 5 lbs, installation is a breeze as all you have to do is bolt it to the side panels of the Jeep Gladiator bed rack from RCI. Then, place the front handle part of your bike and bolt it to the "l" shaped bracket you bolted to the side panel. At the back you can just place the back tire over the same "L" shaped bracket, and finish it off by tying it to the rack for an added safety.

    Simple, efficient, affordable and really easy to install and uninstall. Need more bikes to go with your bed rack? Get another one for the other side.

     

    Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack FAQs

    How much weight can I put on my Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack?

    Let's start by reminding you that you must look at different values here. The Jeep Gladiator has a hauling capacity of 1,700 lbs, that's how much it can tow.

    However, the weight capacity of the bed rack is different and it will change from one model to another. That will depend on how the rack is built and how it is installed onto the bed of your Jeep.

    Most bed racks sold by Off Road Tents have a weight capacity of over 500 lbs when the vehicle is parked. That means, that the static weight capacity or SWC of your bed rack, will be of easily over 500 lbs. Kayaks, bikes, roof top tents, plywood, whatever you need to carry shouldn't be a problem.

    There are some bed racks that can handle more weight, make sure to check the static weight capacity of each bed rack system.

    How easy is it to install a Jeep Gladiator bed rack?

    That depends on how capable you are with tools. Generally, it can be a 1 to 2 hour job for one person, but ideally you want someone with you. Most racks have very clear and easy to follow instructions, and all the bed racks we sell come with all the tools you need to put them together and install them.

    However, if you don't feel confident with tools, you might want to get someone who's handier to assist, or look for a mechanic in town to help with the task. Most Gladiator bed racks will mount to the rail channel or bolt into the inner side of the bed.

    How do I know if I'm getting a Jeep Gladiator overland bed rack?

    Good question. The bed racks we sell for Jeep Gladiator are all overland or off road bed racks. However, there are other brands that make bed racks perhaps not as tough or as "flexible" in the sense they might not have aftermarket accessories to be attached to them.

    What really defines an overland bed rack is the weight capacity, which the ones in this collection all have a great weight capacity, and the ability to install other items and gear that will help on an off road or overland trip, and most racks we sell do.

    Should I get a low profile bed rack or a can height bed rack for my Jeep Gladiator?

    That's entirely up to you and your needs. A low profile or mid height bed rack will block a bit of the vision of the rear window in the cab of your truck.

    However, it will also reduce the wind resistance and noise from whatever you install over the bed rack.

    A cab height bed rack will allow you to carry much longer items, from lumber, to ladders, surfboards, kayaks, canoes or install longer roof top tents.

     

    All Jeep Gladiator Bed Racks