The Gladiator JT's 5-foot bed is shorter than most truck buyers expect — but it's wider than a Wrangler's cargo area and comes with factory tie-down cleats that make organizing a trail rig or overland setup much more manageable than it sounds.
The JT's bed is 60 inches long (5 feet exactly) and 44 inches wide at the narrowest inside point. That's shorter than a Tacoma's standard 5-foot bed by about 0.5 inches, and shorter than most full-size trucks by a significant margin — but it's a truck bed that a Wrangler doesn't have. For overlanders used to packing everything into an XJ or Wrangler cargo area, the JT bed feels like an upgrade even at 5 feet.
Factory tie-downs are one of the JT's practical wins. The four factory cleats in the bed corners are rated and useful. Use them before buying additional hardware.
**Most-asked cargo questions:**
**Tonneau cover compatibility**: Most 5-foot tonneau covers fit the JT. Soft roll-up covers (TruXedo, Extang, Gator) are the most trail-friendly because they fold away when you need full bed access for camp gear. Hard tri-fold covers add security but limit what you can haul sticking above the side rails.
**Does a full-size mattress fit?** No. A 5-foot bed is too short for any standard mattress without hanging over the tailgate. A 54×80 full mattress hangs out 20 inches. Overland-specific sleeping platforms with foam cut to 54×58 inches work in the bed with the tailgate down and a tailgate pad extension.
**Bed drawers (Decked):** The most organized solution for overlanders. Decked's JT system installs without drilling, uses the factory stake pockets, and leaves the top surface of the drawers as a full flat floor — sleeping platform if you add a sleeping pad. Drawers lock and are waterproof. Heavy and expensive ($1,299) but it's the right answer for a dedicated overland rig.
**Cargo nets and straps:** The cheapest and most flexible option. Factory cleats accept standard tie-down straps. A cargo net across the width of the bed (Mopar or aftermarket) keeps loose gear from shifting. Zero permanent modification.
**Bed cargo rack (crossbars):** Rough Country and Thule make crossbar systems for the JT that use the factory stake pockets. A crossbar system adds high-mount points for overlanding bags, recovery gear, or a rooftop tent if you're using the truck without a cab-height rack. Pair with a cargo bag rather than loose items.
**Tonneau cover + tray combo:** A soft tonneau over a shallow plastic bed tray keeps gear organized without the cost of a drawer system. Removable when you need full bed height for a large haul.
Cargo net (Mopar or aftermarket): $40–90. Most straightforward option, gets the job done.
Soft roll-up tonneau (TruXedo TruXport): ~$280–320. The most popular cover for trail-going JTs — folds up in seconds when you need the full bed.
Hard tri-fold (Tyger Auto or similar): ~$300–400. More security, better for daily use, slower to remove for large hauls.
Cargo crossbars (Rough Country stake-pocket): ~$150–200. Bolt-on, no permanent modification.
Decked drawer system: ~$1,299. The premium organized solution — do it once and stop fighting with loose gear.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Decked JT Truck Bed Drawer System | Decked | ~$1299 |
| Gladiator JT Bed Cargo Net (OEM-style) | Mopar | ~$89 |
| TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover — JT | TruXedo | ~$295 |
| Rough Country Bed Cargo Rack (cross bars, JT) | Rough Country | ~$189 |
| Tyger Auto Tri-Fold Hard Tonneau Cover — JT | Tyger Auto | ~$349 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.