Jeep fatigue is a real thing. After years of being the off-road automaker to the masses with its unflaggingly popular Wrangler, all the lifted Jeeps with big tires can get a little stale. But every time we sink into Jeep complacency, they always find a way to win us back.
This time, they’re doing it with a Gladiator, their relatively new pickup truck, to which they’ve added a hot dog roller (yes, like the kind you see at the gas station) and bun warmer (and we’re not talking about seat heaters).
It’s called the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept, and the build — straight out of Xzibit’s Pimp My Ride dreams — comes courtesy of Mopar (which is part of Jeep’s parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). As a concept, it’s unfortunately not available to purchase as is, but unlike other concept cars this is an example of a Gladiator you could build yourself from Jeep Performance parts and other accessories, rather than a futuristic model you’ll never be able to own.
As The Drive noted, this was going to be Jeep’s entry into the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show before it was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. If you’ve ever attended SEMA, you know it’s traditionally chock-full of grotesquely modified, overstuffed custom builds, which is why we appreciate the Top Dog Concept even more: it’s actually driveable, but doesn’t sacrifice in the resourcefulness department.
Apart from the ability to cook a whole pack of hot dogs at once, this Gladiator features a K-9 Blue paint job, two-inch lift kit (see, sensible), beefy BF Goodrich KM3 mud tires on beadlock aluminum wheels, and even a custom PCOR flatbed storage system that replaces the standard cargo box (that’s where the hot dog roller and refrigerator are located, and on the opposite side there’s a full-on mountain bike tool kit).
Want a closer look? Mark Trostle, head of design for Ram Truck and Mopar, thankfully did a walkaround video.
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