M1 Compatibility
The mid-size Tune M1 fits the Jeep Gladiator 2020–present. The Gladiator has a 5-foot steel bed (60" x ~57"), and the M1 mounts directly to the bed rails with standard clamps. No bed stiffeners needed.
The Gladiator Sport is one of the best mid-size M1 platforms on paper: 1,700+ lbs of payload, a steel bed, and a truck built for off-road abuse. The Rubicon is a different story.
Your payload number is on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. The Gladiator's advertised "best-in-class" 1,725 lbs applies only to the lightest Sport configuration. See the payload guide for why your sticker is the only number that matters.
Jeep Gladiator Payload by Trim
The Gladiator has the biggest payload gap between base and off-road trims of any mid-size truck. 500+ lbs difference between a Sport and a Rubicon.
| Trim | Approx. Door Sticker Range | M1 Build Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport / Sport S (4x4) | ~1,700–1,725 lbs | ✓ Strong | Best-in-class mid-size payload. Excellent M1 platform. |
| Willys | ~1,600–1,700 lbs | ✓ Workable | Off-road appearance package. Modest weight over Sport. |
| Mojave | ~1,200–1,350 lbs | ⚠ Tight | Desert-rated suspension and skid plates add weight. |
| Rubicon | ~1,200 lbs | ⚠ Tight | Heavy off-road hardware. Lean build required. |
| Rubicon X | ~1,100–1,150 lbs | ✗ Very Tight | Heaviest Gladiator. Every pound matters. |
The Rubicon Payload Problem
Why does the Rubicon lose 500+ lbs of payload compared to the Sport? Because everything that makes it a world-class off-roader adds weight:
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles (front and rear), heavier Rubicon-spec components
- Electronic front and rear lockers
- Electronic disconnecting front sway bar
- Fox shocks (on some years)
- Rock rails (steel side steps)
- 33" BFG KO2 tires on 17" beadlock-capable wheels
- 4.10 axle ratio and transfer case skid plate
None of this is removable weight. It's baked into the truck's curb weight. If you own a Rubicon and want the M1, it works, but you need a lean build: minimal water, LiFePO4 battery, no heavy accessories. Use the calculator to model every item.
Realistic Payload Budget: Gladiator + M1
| Item | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100Ah LiFePO4 battery | ~26 lbs | Varies by brand |
| Mattress (4" foam) | ~18 lbs | Custom cut to platform size |
| 7 gal fresh water | 58 lbs | 8.34 lbs/gal |
| Camper gear & accessories | ~50 lbs | Estimate, varies widely |
| Driver | ~175 lbs | Use actual weight |
| Passenger | ~150 lbs | If applicable |
| Cab gear (bags, food, etc.) | ~25 lbs | Easy to underestimate |
| Full fuel tank (~22 gal) | 139 lbs | 6.3 lbs/gal |
| Subtotal (everything except the M1) | ~641 lbs | What loads onto the truck before the camper |
| Tune M1 (base, mid-size) | ~400 lbs | Dry weight, no gear |
| Grand total (with M1) | ~1,041 lbs | What you're actually putting on the truck |
On a Sport at 1,725 lbs: ~684 lbs of headroom. Extremely comfortable. Add a DECKED system, more water, whatever you want.
On a Rubicon at 1,200 lbs: ~159 lbs of headroom. Workable, but tight. Don't go heavy on accessories and check your sticker for the exact number.
Gladiator-Specific Tips
- Steel bed means no prep work. No composite bed stiffeners, no rivnuts. The M1 clamps directly to the Gladiator's steel bed rails.
- Top configuration doesn't affect the M1 mount. Hardtop, soft top, or no top — the camper attaches to the bed, not the cab. The one caveat: without a top, you'll get more dust and weather intrusion in the cab while driving since the M1 doesn't seal against it.
- Aftermarket bumpers hit Rubicon owners hardest. A steel front bumper and winch can add 100–200 lbs on a truck that's already at ~1,200. On a Sport with 1,700+ lbs, that same bumper barely registers.
- The 5' bed is on the short side. The mid-size M1 fits fine, but interior bed storage is more limited than a 6' bed truck. Plan your floor layout carefully. DECKED drawers are popular for maximizing accessible storage.
- Off-road clearance. The M1 raises your center of gravity. If you're doing serious off-road work (especially on a Rubicon), be aware of the higher CG when loaded. Take corners and off-camber sections slower than you would unloaded.
- Bed width: The Gladiator bed is ~57" wide at the top and ~44.8" between wheel wells, standard mid-size dimensions. The M1 extends ~4" beyond each side.