Introduction to the JPOD
The all-new JPOD from South Carolina Jeep outfitter Gr8tops turns an everyday Wrangler into an all-out tour de force of overland exploration. Gr8tops chops off the rear cab of the Wrangler Unlimited, creating space for what it bills as a "Personalized Overlanding Den" (POD). Beautifully simple in execution, the resulting truck becomes a nimble, go-anywhere Jeep that carries its own squaredrop accommodations on its chassis.
History of Gr8tops
For nearly two decades, Gr8tops has been working hard to fill in the unofficial Jeep order sheet with the type of vehicle options people want but Jeep doesn’t make. That work has long included creating half-top and pickup bed kits for various generations of Wrangler, turning the iconic 4×4 into the maneuverable mini-pickup Jeep itself wasn’t making.
The JTRUK Conversion
The Gladiator Jeep introduced in 2018 isn’t exactly the same tiny pickup that Gr8tops offers, but it’s certainly taken a bite out of that particular market. Still, Gr8tops has continued to offer smaller, more integrated two- and four-door pickup conversions for older Wrangler generations. It’s also launched a "JTRUK" kit for both the Gladiator and newer Wrangler Unlimited models, which shaves off the rear cab area to leave a two-door cab and bare rear chassis.
Key Features of the JTRUK Conversion
On the Gladiator, that open chassis affords room for an extended 8-foot (2.4-m) bed, while on the Wrangler JLU/JKU it provides space for a 6-ft (1.8-m) bed. Either way, the kit offers a pickup alternative unique from what Jeep offers with the four-door-only Gladiator and its 5-ft (1.5-m) bed.
The JPOD: A Game-Changer for Overlanding
It’s that JTRUK conversion that opens the door for the JPOD, which might just be Gr8tops’ most impressive piece of kit yet, at least for the camping and overlanding crowd. It fills another major hole in the Jeep universe: a lack of full-blown off-road motorhomes built on a Wrangler platform.
Limited Options for Wrangler Unlimited
The 218-in-long (554-cm) Gladiator pickup, of course, offers various camper and topper options, but the shorter 188-in-long (478-cm) Wrangler Unlimited isn’t a particularly natural RV conversion candidate, leaving options pretty minimal. And some of those that are available look a little less than comfortable.
Design and Features of the JPOD
Gr8tops gives buyers another reason to consider a JTRUK Wrangler Unlimited conversion in place of a two-door Wrangler buy, using the extended JLU or JKU chassis as the foundation of the JPOD build. In the process, it creates what might be the most striking little Jeep expedition vehicle we’ve seen since the Earthroamer XV-JP. The new build reminds us of a large expedition vehicle like this Bimobil, only shrunken down to maneuverable, two-track size.
Compact and Cozy Interior
Gr8tops keeps the JPOD about as compact and cozy as it can while maintaining a livable interior. Still in the prototype stages, the unit measures in at 7 x 6 x 4 ft (2.1 x 1.8 x 1.2 m, L x W x H). That height figure is of particular interest because, much like the style of small squaredrop trailer that seems to have inspired the design, it doesn’t allow for standing room. Instead, campers will have to crouch while moving around the interior and sit or lie down during their stay.
Customization Options
Gr8tops ultimately plans to work with individual customers on custom interior builds, but the prototype features a basic layout with sofa/bed, chest fridge, overhead storage, and a few hanging organizers. Buyers will be able to spec it out in solo or double configurations, but the two-seat Jeep cab naturally negates any need to make a larger family version.
Weight and Construction
The JPOD’s all-composite construction keeps weight down between an estimated 475 lb (215 kg) for the empty shell and 550 lb (249 kg) for a model with basic floor plan. That’s about as lightweight as truck campers get and is further aided along in this case by trading out the weight of the rear Wrangler cabin.
Conclusion
The JPOD is an innovative solution for overlanding enthusiasts who want a compact and capable vehicle. With its simple design, lightweight construction, and customization options, it’s an attractive alternative to traditional RVs and campers. While it’s still in the prototype stages, the JPOD has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about overlanding and off-road adventure. As Gr8tops continues to develop and refine the JPOD, we can expect to see more exciting features and options become available.
