2020 Jeep Gladiator proves door-free is carefree

I took the doors off this 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland at the beginning of the week, and I didn't want to put them back on.

From here you can't even tell the doors are off -- at least if you don't notice that the side mirrors are gone.

In profile, you can really see how airy the cabin becomes with the doors off.

Securing oversized cargo like this kayak is child's play with the Gladiator's optional in-bed movable cleats.

The Gladiator delivers a convertible-like feeling with the doors off, even with the roof still on.

At about 50 pounds each, the doors are more awkward than heavy to remove. 

If you've got a second person available to help take them on and off, that makes things much easier, but it is doable for most adults as a one-person job.

Plus, when you take the doors off, you can build an excellent yard fort for your kids.

If you're looking for a convertible pickup, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator literally stands alone.

Yes, even Jindos love the Gladiator. Just ask Doug. 

Going doorless makes it easier to channel your inner beach bum -- or at least your local mail carrier. 

It's fantastic.

That's right, when you take off the doors, you lose blind-spot assist.

Duh.

4x4 FTW.

I never did feel the need to remove the roof panels on this Gladiator with the doors off, but it's a pretty easy process that I've done before with a Wrangler.

The rear headrests are a bit cumbersome and visibility restricting. The rear seatbacks do fold forward, however.

Rear-seat under-floor lockable bins are optional, but if you plan to run with the doors off optional, you're definitely going to want them.

This nylon pouch holds what few tools you'll need to take the doors and roof panels off the Gladiator. You can even lower the windshield.

The included nylon tool pouch includes a branded 5-5/16-inch ratchet, T40 and T50 Torx bits, a 15mm socket and pictographic instruction card. 

Replacements, if you lose them, are about $25 online.

12 bolts -- three per door -- is all it takes to go wide open. 

(Just remember to put the bolts in the rear-seat storage caddy, not loose in the center console like we did).

Pry off a protective cover on all four doors, and you'll find a wiring harness you'll have to unclip, as well as a retention strap to remove.

You thought the Gladiator was long before...

The Gladiator's bed is only 5 feet long, but it was pretty easy to use the adjustable rail cleats to secure this kayak.

From here you can't even tell the doors are off -- at least if you don't notice that the side mirrors are gone.

Fortunately, many easily installed aftermarket side mirror solutions exist. 

Investing in a pair of hinge-mounted mirrors is highly recommended if you're going to go doorless.

A-pillar grab handles and a set of running boards makes clambering in and out of the Gladiator surprisingly easy.

No door dings!

A small openable rear window is optional, and nice to have -- just don't count on it reducing wind buffeting much.

The tailgate's backup camera provides a bright and crisp image.

This firecracker red Gladiator is the Overland spec model, one rung shy of the range-topping Rubicon.

Base Overland models start at $40,395 plus $1,495 delivery. This heavily optioned tester rang up at an eye-watering $55,040, but loaded-up pickups are expensive these days.

The Gladiator's tailgate's opening action is nicely damped.

Obey those warning labels, kids. Buckle up.

Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Despite the Rubicon's much longer wheelbase, the Gladiator still gets the badge that says it's ready to tackle the legendary Rubicon Trail.

Unlikely driveway companions -- the 2020 Jeep Gladiator and the author's Japanese-market Nissan Pao.

(Yes, the Nissan really is that small, and the Gladiator really is that big.)

With the doors off, every day is a parade.