The Jeep Gladiator changed the way the compact pickup market was looked at. We finally have a hardcore truck that is as versatile as any other truck it competes against. We’ve covered the Gladiator as a daily driver, an off-roader, and a work truck; but, how about as an adventure truck? We guess this was the only thing left on the list.

Here’s FiftyTen, a German company that makes camping gear. The company recently teased a foldable camping gear earlier this year, and now, it has revealed the product by shelling out some details on the Gladiator-based camper that will make its debut over the coming weekend.

Exterior

The prototype that the company has based it on is the Rubicon model. The majority of the changes come at the back. Up front, it does not bear a lot of differences when compared to the stock Gladiator. The seven-slat trademark grille and the circular headlights remain as it is. The metal bumper comes with a bull-bar that adds to the rough look of this Gladiator. The company has opted for an all-black theme on this vehicle.

The cab remains as it is. The square-ish fenders feature the turn signal indicators. Move to the side of the truck bed and this is where all the action begins. FiftyTen has installed something known as the ‘Tray’ here, which is basically the base of the truck bed. It allows free access from all three sides and does not feature any sidewalls, or hatches in front of your legs, unlike the standard Gladiator. Any stuff laid here stays safe from slipping around.

There’s nothing much to talk about in the rear. The taillights are the only things that are carried over from the stock Gladiator. It is actually very cleverly designed and the company has managed to capitalize on maximum space while keeping it from looking very bulky. The angle of the sidewalls and the overhang at the back creates additional room. Finally, there’s a tent. The company says it takes merely a few seconds to set it up. You just need to undo the hook and push it open. The system will take care of the rest of the process on its own. When closing it, you just need to pull it down, stuff the fabric inside and let the system do its magic.

Interior

This particular FiftyTen Jeep Gladiator is based on the Rubicon trim. Although the aftermarket company is yet to reveal any pictures or details about the interior, here’s what the Rubicon comes with: power windows, power locking for the tailgate and doors, heated mirrors, and a seven-inch touchscreen UConnect 4 system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The optional packages on offer let you upgrade to stuff such as a bigger 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen system and leather-trimmed seats. All the lights inside are LEDs, thus making for a bright cabin. TrailCam off-road camera is another accessory available exclusively on this trim.

Drivetrain

There are no changes made to the drivetrain by FiftyTen. So, the Gladiator comes with the same 3.6-liter, V-6 engine that develops 285 ponies and 260 pound-feet of twist. Power is sent to all the wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox. An eight-speed automatic transmission is optional. The output figures may not make you go 'wow', but Jeep has focused on low-end torque and a broad torque range to begin with.

In the Rubicon trim, Jeep has installed the Rock-Trac 4x4 System with up to 84:1 crawl ratio. This trim also benefits from stuff like a two-speed transfer case, an electronic sway bar disconnect, locking front and rear differentials, and FOX shocks. Jeep has introduced a new Off-Road+ mode that can adjust the throttle, transmission and stability control depending on the situation. For instance, when you put the Gladiator in 4WD Low, it slows to maneuver over rocks and boulders and better navigate through the rougher stuff at lower speeds. In 4WD High mode, it sets itself for higher-speed performance and pretty much replicates a Land Cruiser's performance in the deserts of UAE.

Jeep Gladiator specifications

Pricing

FiftyTen sells this Midsize Camping System for $32,880. It’s a little too expensive for what’s on offer, but the company is targeting a niche customer base here and in such cases, there is nothing known as ‘bang for the buck’.

Final Thoughts

FiftyTen won’t be selling the system directly, but it has partnered with Goose Gear to sell its equipment in the States. The company teased this camping gear at the Overland Expo West in May earlier this year. Now that the company has found an ally here, it will be getting the Gladiator-based camper to the Overland Expo East where it will be unveiled officially. The camping system sure seems pretty cool, we're not sure if it’ll find a lot of buyers. I’m quite sure FiftyTen is not looking at volume here, that is why it decided to channel the stuff through a distributor in the States instead of setting its own shop here.