Jeep’s Pickup Truck Just Got a Boost of Two-Door Utility

Since the launch of the Jeep Gladiator in 2019, pickup fans have pined for a two-door version, and it’s not without good reason.

After all, while Jeep teased the world with the tantalizing J6 concept at the Easter Safari that same year, the brand still has yet to deliver a production version itself. It’s a reality that’s only been made worse by the fact that the two-door surfaced once again at the 2025 event.

Acela Truck Company

Now, however, there’s a company in Montana that’s decided to run with the notion for commercial applications. Regardless of whether the resulting work trucks can inspire Jeep to finally join the movement, it at least bodes well for those interested in Gladiator-based overlanders.

A capable Jeep extended cab

Behold the Dispatcher 4×4, a two-door that comes courtesy of the Bozeman-based Acela Truck Company. Having honed its expertise converting surplus vehicles into mission-capable search-and-rescue rigs, the outfit is now turning its attention to the Jeep brand.

Acela Truck Company

Accordingly, the Gladiator-based pickup is intended to be a highly capable option that falls between a smaller UTV and a full-size work truck. It’s available in cab-and-chassis only, flatbed pickup and firetruck configurations, along with a wide range of delivery and trades body options.

For the conversion, Acela starts with a Gladiator Sport S chassis and reconfigures the body as a two-door extended cab. Along with ditching the rear seats and passenger doors for some extra storage, it also adds a new aluminum bed that offers both folding and removable sides.

It’s not just for added flexibility, either. As part of its impressive versatility, the Dispatcher 4×4 benefits from a significant increase in payload capacity.

Acela Truck Company

Beyond being physically larger at five feet wide by seven feet long, this means that the bed can haul up to 3,000 pounds. When you consider that Jeep rates the factory payload at some 1,720 pounds, that’s no small increase.

Off-road equipped from the get-go

Now, Acela is leaving the Gladiator’s running gear alone, but that’s because the pickup already brings a lot to the table that makes it fitting for life as a work truck.

Stellantis

Power, for instance, comes from the proven Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, rated at 285 horsepower and paired with an 850RE eight-speed automatic and a Command-Trac NV241 transfer case with selectable 2HI, 4HI and 4LO modes.

In practice, this means that it offers up to 7,700 pounds of towing stock, so it’s already more than up to trailering equipment (or sleeping accommodations and toys, etc.) to and from the job or campsite.

Moreover, it’s the same story underneath the truck, as you’ll find that Jeep equips its Wrangler-based pickup with features like Dana M210 axles, coil springs, track bars and reinforced control arms to give the pickup its respectable all-terrain chops.

Stellantis

As such, even with the addition of its professional provisions, the Gladiator remains a capable off-roader. With an approach angle of 40.8 degrees and departure angle of 25 degrees, it offers plenty of clearance for remote rescue missions and extended overnight getaways alike.

Begging for a fleet of overlanders

At this stage, Acela is offering the Dispatcher 4×4 as a commercial vehicle intended for fleet sales to upfitters. In other words, it’s not really something for individual purchase.

However, given that the company itself recognizes the appeal for overlanding applications, all it takes is one ambitious upfitter to get the ball rolling. You don’t need much imagination to see a brand like Storyteller with its Grand Bohemian or Supertramp with its Megatron building out a turnkey conversion.

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