The first glimpse of Quadratec’s JTe creation at the 2022 SEMA show was undeniably captivating. It presented a vision of what many Jeep enthusiasts have longed for: a 2 Door Gladiator with a substantial 6-foot, 6-inch bed. This unique configuration, a collaborative effort with Greg Henderson of Unofficial Use Only, immediately sparked interest as it was a Gladiator variant notably absent from Jeep’s official lineup. Recently, Quadratec provided the opportunity to test drive this custom build, and while the initial enchantment has tempered, it’s through no fault of the JTe itself.
The Quadratec JTe’s tailgate, featuring a map charting progress on their 50 trail cleanups in 50 states initiative, highlighting its purpose-built nature as a trail cleanup vehicle and its spacious bed for hauling gear and debris.
Quadratec conceived the JTe as a dedicated trail cleanup vehicle, a mission it has demonstrably embraced. Evidenced by the map displayed on its tailgate, the JTe actively participates in Quadratec’s ambitious “50 for 50” trails initiative, aiming to host 50 trail cleanups across 50 states. Enhancing its functionality as a robust 4×4 trail cleanup machine, the 2 door gladiator is equipped with heavy-duty steel bumpers, crafted by Carnivore, at both the front and rear. Complementing these are Res-Q winches at both ends, providing powerful recovery options for extracting stuck vehicles and maneuvering heavy trail debris for collection. The JTe’s off-road prowess is further amplified by 37-inch tires and locking axles, rendering it virtually unstoppable across challenging rocky terrains. Moreover, its custom-stretched bed significantly boosts its cargo capacity, enabling the effortless removal of substantial and cumbersome payloads from remote backcountry locations.
The front of the Quadratec JTe, showcasing its robust Carnivore steel bumper and Res-Q winch, essential equipment for off-road trail cleanup and vehicle recovery tasks.
The primary drawback of a regular cab Jeep pickup, and indeed, the increasing preference for four-door pickups across the market, stems from the limited practicality of a smaller cabin. Embarking on a desert excursion in the JTe immediately highlighted this compromise. Accommodating two occupants left virtually no space within the cab for luggage beyond small backpacks. A standard carry-on sized Pelican case, essential for camera equipment, proved impossible to fit. Gear prioritization and downsizing became necessary, a compromise that might deter many prospective Wrangler or Gladiator owners. This very constraint underscores the surging popularity of the Wrangler Unlimited, which has become the quintessential 21st-century Jeep, outselling the two-door Wrangler by a significant 3:1 margin.
The Quadratec JTe navigating a rocky trail, demonstrating its off-road capabilities and the rugged terrain it is designed to handle as a trail cleanup vehicle.
While shorter drivers and passengers will likely find the JTe’s interior comfortable, taller individuals may encounter spatial challenges. The custom-fabricated roll bar’s rear cross-member, constructed from OEM Jeep replacement components, presented a potential head injury hazard with every bump encountered. Even with the seat lowered to its maximum extent, a comfortable driving position necessitated moving the seat further forward and reclining it slightly to create vital headroom. This adjustment resulted in the driver’s right knee being in constant contact with the dashboard—a less than ideal, though preferable, compromise.
However, despite these initial ergonomic concerns for taller drivers, extended time behind the wheel of the 2 door gladiator JTe reveals an adaptive comfort. Similar to the phenomenon of acclimating to the snug confines of a sports car, the body gradually adjusts to a more comfortable posture, often subconsciously. Highway driving in the JTe becomes surprisingly effortless, with the hybrid 4XE powerplant powering the 37-inch tires at highway speeds without strain. The Lynx suspension system, which elevates the Jeep by 2.5 inches and accommodates the oversized tires, delivers a comfortable highway ride, and the Nitto Recon Grappler tires surprisingly minimize the road noise often associated with aggressive, large-diameter tires. Nevertheless, the JTe remains inherently a Jeep, inheriting the aerodynamic profile characteristic of the marque. Wind noise becomes noticeable at speeds exceeding approximately 50 mph.
The interior of the Quadratec JTe, showing the two-door configuration and custom roll bar, highlighting the cabin space limitations and potential headroom issues for taller occupants in this modified Jeep Gladiator.
Off-road, the expansive 37-inch tires empower the JTe to overcome almost any obstacle, although this capability comes with certain trade-offs. Traversing bumpy desert trails is best executed at lower speeds, as the substantial tires and solid axles exhibit a slower response to sudden impacts. The JTe is engineered for utility and durability, not high-speed desert running. It excels as a robust pack mule, fulfilling its intended purpose with notable success. Its maneuverability is commendable, sharing the identical wheelbase with a Wrangler Unlimited, and the extended bed facilitates the transport of oversized cargo.
A close-up of the Quadratec JTe’s Nitto Recon Grappler tire and Lynx wheel, emphasizing the upgraded suspension and tire setup crucial for off-road performance and the vehicle’s rugged aesthetic.
Regrettably, the chosen trail revealed instances of illegal dumping, presenting an opportune moment to assess the JTe’s practical utility. Discarded lumber, Venetian blinds, a solitary shoe, and even a toy electric Jeep were among the debris collected and loaded into the 2 door gladiator’s bed.
The bed of the Quadratec JTe filled with trash collected during a trail cleanup, demonstrating the vehicle’s practical application and ample cargo space for its intended purpose.
Another view of the Quadratec JTe’s bed loaded with collected refuse, reinforcing its role as an effective trail cleanup vehicle and the capacity of its extended bed.
This assessment isn’t intended to dissuade enthusiasts from desiring a regular cab Gladiator. Those who remain convinced of the appeal of a production 2 door gladiator are not necessarily misguided, but rather represent a minority viewpoint within the broader market. While Jeep is unlikely to introduce such a model in the near future, the option remains to commission a bespoke, identical custom build. Personal preferences might even lean towards an extended cab version, offering slightly more cabin space and potentially enhanced rear visibility for trail navigation. Perhaps Jeep’s 2005 Gladiator concept has left a lasting impression, or maybe it’s simply the allure of the unattainable. For those interested in experiencing the JTe firsthand and participating in or organizing a trail cleanup initiative, further details can be found on Quadratec’s site.
The driver’s side profile of the Quadratec JTe, showcasing its two-door configuration and overall design, highlighting the unique appeal of this custom-built Jeep Gladiator variant.
