THE WORLD'S FIRST PRODUCTION FULL REPLACEMENT BOBBED BED FOR THE JEEP GLADIATOR
Capability without the steel weight. The Motobilt Aluminum Bobbed Bed replaces the Gladiator's vulnerable factory bed with a complete 3/16-inch aluminum system, supported by a 3/16-inch steel rear bumper. It shortens the truck, protects the rear corners, and gives serious builders a lighter, corrosion-resistant foundation for trail and overland use.
Not sure which Bobbed Bed is right for your Gladiator?
Compare steel and aluminum construction, trail protection, installation, compatibility, hitch options, and frequently asked questions in the complete Motobilt guide.
Read the Complete Jeep Gladiator Bobbed Bed Guide
18 IN.Approximately shorter overall than the factory bed and bumper
19.5 CU. FT.Usable cargo space below the bed rails
236 LB.Combined listed weight of bed, fenders, bumper, and mounts
NO WELDINGBolt-on conversion designed for installation with basic hand tools
Built in Alabama. Proven around the world. Motobilt Bobbed Bed builds can be found across the United States and in customer builds around the globe. See the latest installations on Motobilt Instagram.
The bed is the armor
The factory Jeep Gladiator bed leaves a long rear overhang that can drag on ledges, rocks, and other obstacles. Shortening the factory sheet-metal bed is possible, but it still leaves thin panels and exposed taillights in harm's way. Motobilt engineered a complete replacement instead.
The Bobbed Bed is laser cut, formed, and welded from heavy plate. Its tucked rear profile, recessed lighting, protected camera location, integrated bumper, and reinforced structure turn the bed itself into functional body armor. The stock frame is trimmed approximately 14-5/8 inches, producing an overall length reduction of approximately 18 inches compared with the factory bed and bumper.
Choose your material
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Aluminum MB1178-A
Best for: Builders prioritizing lower weight, corrosion resistance, and serious trail capability.
- 3/16-inch aluminum bed sides, floor, bulkhead, tailgate, and fenders
- 11-gauge aluminum inner fenders
- 3/16-inch steel rear bumper
- 236-pound combined listed system-component weight
MAXIMUM TRAIL-DAMAGE RESISTANCE
Steel MB1178
Best for: Hardcore rock crawling where repeated contact with rocks, trees, and obstacles is expected.
- 3/16-inch steel main panels and fenders
- 11-gauge steel inner fenders
- 3/16-inch steel rear bumper
- 525-pound combined listed system-component weight
View the Steel Bobbed Bed
The aluminum version is 289 pounds lighter when comparing the listed bed, fender, bumper, and mounting-bracket weights. Final vehicle-weight change depends on the factory parts and accessories removed.
Engineered for the way a Gladiator is used
- Heavy-duty 3/16-inch aluminum plate construction
- 11-gauge aluminum inner fenders add structure and support
- Heavy-duty bolt-on aluminum fenders
- 3/16-inch steel rear bumper and frame mounts
- Approximately 18 inches shorter overall
- Substantially improved departure clearance
- Fold-down tailgate with automotive-grade cables
- Flush, adjustable, rattle-resistant latches with rubber bumpers
- Recessed LED taillights with reverse lights included
- Protected rear-camera mount inside the bumper
- Rear park-sensor provisions
- Recessed license plate and included illumination
- Integrated rear recovery points
- Accessory-light mounting provisions
- Slotted top rails for modular accessories
- Larger wheel openings for large-diameter tires
- Forward and rear cargo tie-down points
- Roll-bar or headache-rack mounting plates
- Reusable factory 120-volt bed outlet provision
- Gas and diesel fuel-filler provisions, including DEF on diesel models
What arrives with your bed
- Main bed sides, floor panel, bulkhead, and tailgate
- Rear fenders and steel rear bumper
- Rear bumper frame mounts
- Tailgate hinges, cables, flush latches, and rubber bumpers
- Aluminum license-plate trim bezel
- Taillight mounts and aluminum trim bezels
- Round LED taillights with integrated reverse lights
- Resistors for Gladiators originally equipped with non-LED taillights
- 3/4-inch LED side-marker lights where required
- License-plate lights and third-brake-light components
- Fuel-filler relocation parts for gas or diesel models
- Roll-bar plates, bed stiffeners, tie-downs, and wiring tabs
- Block-off plate for vehicles without the factory 120-volt bed plug
- Assembly and installation hardware
- Complete assembly and installation instructions
Home-shop friendly installation
The conversion is designed so capable owners can install it at home in a driveway or small workshop using basic hand tools. No welding is required. The bed ships disassembled, and the factory frame is permanently shortened approximately 14-5/8 inches. Read the complete instructions before beginning and verify local laws and insurance requirements for a modified frame.
The aluminum components arrive in raw aluminum. The steel bumper and steel hardware require paint or powder coat. For the cleanest finish, Motobilt recommends test assembly first, followed by disassembly and finishing as appropriate for your chosen coating process.
Your factory bed and an existing aftermarket rear bumper may be sold to help recoup part of the investment. Resale demand and value vary by location and condition.
Vehicle systems and compatibility
- Designed for Jeep Gladiator JT models
- Compatible with gas and diesel fuel-fill systems
- Factory fuel system and emissions system remain functionally unchanged; some filler-neck tabs are trimmed
- Factory rear park-assist sensors are supported
- Factory rear camera is relocated into a protected bumper position
- Not compatible with factory taillight-mounted blind-spot sensors
- A compatible Tazer programmer may be used to disable the factory blind-spot feature when equipped
Specifications
| Bed material |
3/16-inch aluminum plate |
| Inner-fender material |
11-gauge aluminum plate |
| Rear-bumper material |
3/16-inch steel plate |
| Bed weight |
154 lb. |
| Fender weight |
12 lb. |
| Bumper and mounting-bracket weight |
70 lb. |
| Listed system-component total |
236 lb. |
| Exterior bed dimensions |
48.3 in. L × 64.5 in. W × 16.6 in. H |
| Interior bed dimensions |
45.6 in. L × 40.6 in. W × 14.9 in. H |
| Cargo space |
19.5 cu. ft. |
| Frame trim |
Approximately 14-5/8 in. |
| Overall length reduction |
Approximately 18 in. versus the factory bed and bumper |
Designed as a complete system
Use the slotted bed rails for racks, baskets, lighting, and campsite accessories. A high-clearance receiver hitch engineered specifically for the Motobilt Bobbed Bed is available separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the aluminum bed strong enough for off-road use?
Yes. The replacement bed is constructed from 3/16-inch aluminum plate and is a major durability upgrade over the thin factory sheet-metal bed. Choose the steel version if your build routinely puts the bed directly into large rocks, trees, and repeated hard trail contact.
How much lighter is aluminum than steel?
Using the listed bed, fender, bumper, and mounting-bracket weights, the aluminum system totals 236 pounds and the steel system totals 525 pounds—a 289-pound difference. This is a component-to-component comparison, not the final net change to the complete vehicle.
Does the frame have to be cut?
Yes. The factory frame is permanently shortened approximately 14-5/8 inches. The completed truck is approximately 18 inches shorter overall than the factory bed-and-bumper configuration.
Is welding required?
No. The system is a bolt-on conversion designed for installation with basic hand tools. Many customers complete the installation in a home driveway or small workshop. Review the instructions before starting.
Does it work with gas and diesel Gladiators?
Yes. The kit includes provisions for the factory gas filler or diesel filler and DEF system. The fuel and emissions systems are not functionally modified, although some filler-neck tabs are trimmed during installation.
What happens to the camera and parking sensors?
The factory rear camera is relocated into a protected position in the rear bumper. The bumper includes provisions for the factory rear park-assist sensors.
What about factory blind-spot monitoring?
The system is not compatible with the factory taillight-mounted blind-spot sensors. A compatible Tazer programmer may be used to disable that factory feature.
Can I add a receiver hitch?
Yes. The Motobilt MB1190 high-clearance receiver hitch is sold separately and is designed specifically for the Motobilt Bobbed Bed.
How does the bed ship?
The bed ships disassembled by freight and does not qualify for free shipping. Contact Motobilt before ordering if you need help with a commercial address, international delivery, or freight coordination.
Does the bed arrive finished?
No. Aluminum parts arrive raw, and the steel bumper and steel hardware require a protective finish. Test-fit and assemble components before final coating.
Talk to a Motobilt builder
Need help choosing steel or aluminum, planning a home installation, or coordinating freight? Send Motobilt your Jeep year, engine, sensor equipment, ZIP or country, and how you plan to use the truck.
Important: This conversion permanently shortens the factory frame. Check local laws and consult your insurance company before modifying the vehicle. Rear-facing accessory lights, a Tazer programmer, protective finish, and the MB1190 receiver hitch are not included. This product ships by freight and does not qualify for free shipping.
