Custom Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is an impressive ride, offering pickup truck versatility with the off-road capability of the iconic Wrangler SUV. And for owners who want something special to personalize their trucks, FCA’s Mopar brand offers countless ways to customize the Gladiator. Recently Jeep and Mopar put together the Top Dog Concept — a Gladiator tricked out with Jeep Performance Parts sourced from Mopar to create a unique rig for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Jeep Performance Parts
“Loaded with nearly 20 Jeep Performance Parts, we [sic] built this go-anywhere Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept for passionate mountain-bike enthusiasts,” said Mark Bosanac, the head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care at FCA North America. “Across the entire Jeep lineup, we offer more than 500 quality-tested, factory-back parts and accessories,” Bosanac observed.
K-9 Blue
For this Top Dog Concept, Jeep replaced the traditional truck bed of the Gladiator with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system. And with a name like Top Dog, this Gladiator gets painted in an appropriate K-9 Blue.
Clever Functionality
“Built to handle the demands of an active lifestyle and offering one-of-a-kind open-air freedom, Jeep Gladiator is the perfect canvas for Mopar to push the envelope even further with the addition of an array of Jeep Performance Parts,” said Jim Morrison, who heads the Jeep brand at FCA North America. “Mopar’s new Top Dog Concept results in even more clever functionality and versatility for Jeep Gladiator,” Morrison enthused.
Dogs and Drinks
On the driver’s side of this Jeep Gladiator’s custom storage system, panels open to reveal a battery-powered refrigerator as well as a hot-dog roller grill. We’re not sure how many hardcore mountain bikers are going to be filling up on hot dogs before a downhill run on the A-Line at Whistler or Kamikaze at Mammoth, but for spectators a dog and a cold beverage might hit the spot.
Cooking Hot Dogs
Built in hot-dog roller grill.
Hidden Grill
When the hot dog grill of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept is closed, it looks like a Snap-on tool chest.
Storage
Opposite the fridge and grille, pull-out drawers work well for tool storage or other bike supplies. Or perhaps hot dog buns.
Electrical
The storage system of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept also features exterior lighting and additional power supplies — all within easy reach.
Racks and Racks
Perched above the cab and cargo box of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept, flat rack systems feature dual bike carriers as well as additional space for storing gear and tools. A set of traction mats to aid vehicle recovery are also stored up top.
Rear Storage
At the rear of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept, a hidden drawer in the bumper works well for ladder storage — a necessary piece of equipment to easily access bikes and gear stored on the roof racks.
Go Anywhere
Enhancing the Gladiator’s already impressive off-road capability, the Top Dog Concept has a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks for increased ground clearance. Also included are 17-inch JPP beadlock-capable aluminum wheels and 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires.
Custom Front Bumper, Hood
Jeep equips the Top Dog Concept with a Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon Bumper. The bumper features a 2-inch steel grille guard and a JPP 8,000-lb capacity Rubicon Warn winch that includes 100 feet of Spydura Synthetic Rope. The hood is also custom, featuring black Mopar latches and a JPP snorkel to help direct clean air into the engine if the terrain gets too dusty.
Additional Winch
A second JPP Warn winch is ready for duty at the rear of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept.
More Lights
A pair of Jeep Performance Parts 5-inch off-road LED lights get mounted at each A-pillar to help illuminate the trail in darkness.
Rock Rails
Even though the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept has plenty of ground clearance, there’s always a chance of scraping the vehicle on obstructions. The Top Dog’s sides get protected by JPP rock rails customized with welded 2-inch steel tubes.
Interior
The Gladiator Top Dog’s K-9 Blue paint appears throughout the cabin, including an instrument panel that matches the K-9 body color.
Blue Stitching
Contrasting blue stitching accents the black Katzkin leather seats, armrests, shifter boots, steering wheel and the parking-brake handle.
Shiny Pedals
Further interior enhancements on the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog include Mopar stainless steel pedal covers for the accelerator and brake pedals.
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