ALUMIBOB

A Fully-outfitted Jeep Gladiator with Aluminum Body Panels and Armor Galore

- LINDSEY FISHER 

When the new Jeep Gladiator hit the market for 2020, it took the Jeep and light truck worlds by storm. Not only did the new truck offer a renewed way to adventure, but it also brought with it decades of Jeep truck history. But some were skeptical with regard to how it would perform from the get-go. After all, how well could an elongated fourdoor Jeep with a bed do off road?

Luckily, it ended up doing pretty dang well on and off-road in applications from running to the hardware store to racing some of the toughest off-road races in the world. The Gladiator also gave overlanders and off-road enthusiasts another platform to build upon, while ushering in a new era of performance and aesthetic products for Jeep. One company that has focused hard on developing unique options for the Jeep Gladiator is MotoBilt of Ozark, Alabama. After one look at MotoBilt owner and CEO Dan DuBose's own built-out 2022 3.0L EcoDiesel Jeep Gladiator Rubicon dubbed "AlumiBOB," you'll understand his dedication !

As you may remember, the original Jeep Gladiator came onto the market as a variant of the 1963 Wagoneer. Offered in both rear-wheel and 4-wheeldrive options right out of the gate, the truck progressed quickly with new engine options, bed sizes, and industry innovations like power-assisted brakes and power steering over the years. The Gladiator name was discontinued in 1971, but in its place came the J2000, J3000, and J4000 models. This line of trucks, though renamed and having the J3000 model dropped early on, remained part of Jeep's lineup until 1987. The final Jeep truck model, which was built on the Jeep Cherokee platform, ran through 1992.