Stellantis South Africa highlights the Maximus 6×6, a specialist third-party conversion based on the Jeep® Gladiator platform. While independently engineered and produced by a conversion specialist, the project demonstrates the flexibility, durability and capability that have made the Gladiator an attractive platform for bespoke vehicle builds around the world.
The conversion begins with a production Jeep Gladiator (JT) and introduces extensive modifications, including a chassis extension, enlarged load bed and additional axle. The resulting six-wheel vehicle is intended for customers seeking a bespoke vehicle with increased load-carrying capacity, distinctive styling and enhanced off-road capability.
Developed and executed independently of Stellantis, the Maximus 6×6 transforms the Gladiator platform through structural modifications that extend the wheelbase by 1,040 mm between the second and third axles, increasing the overall vehicle length to 6,577 mm. The revised design also extends the load bed to 2,530 mm.
Alex Shahini, Jeep Brand Communications Manager said the Gladiator remains a unique foundation for specialist vehicle projects.
“The Jeep Gladiator’s unique combination of body-on-frame strength, Trail Rated capability and open-air freedom has made it one of the most distinctive vehicles in its segment. Those same qualities make it an appealing foundation for specialist builders seeking to create highly customised vehicles for specific customer needs. Projects such as the Maximus 6×6 highlight the versatility of the Gladiator platform and the enthusiasm it inspires within the wider off-road community.”
Stellantis South Africa has not participated in the engineering, development or manufacture of the Maximus 6×6 conversion. The project nevertheless reflects the strong reputation of the Jeep Gladiator as a capable platform for specialist aftermarket and custom vehicle applications.
Independent Specialist Conversion
According to the conversion specialist, the Maximus 6×6 incorporates significant structural and mechanical modifications beyond a conventional accessory package. All conversion engineering, component selection and vehicle modifications are undertaken independently by the conversion specialist.
These modifications include chassis and body extensions, the integration of a third axle, revised drivetrain components and modified gearing. According to the conversion specialist, payload capacity increases to 1,090 kg, while gross vehicle mass increases to 3,490 kg.
Customers can configure a range of upgrades according to their intended use, including suspension, wheel, tyre, braking and performance packages.
Available suspension upgrades include a six-inch lift utilising Teraflex coil springs, Skyjacker 2.0 Reservoir shocks and adjustable control arms. The braking system may be upgraded with larger 350 mm front discs and six-piston calipers, while steering modifications are available to accommodate the revised vehicle configuration.
Wheel and tyre combinations are available with either 17-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 37 x 12.5-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.
The conversion specialist also offers a variety of accessory packages, including roof racks, bed racks, storage systems, auxiliary lighting, recovery equipment and winches.
Built on the Jeep Gladiator Foundation
The conversion is based on the Jeep® Gladiator currently available in South Africa, powered by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine producing 209 kW at 6,400 rpm and 347 Nm at 4,400 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Gladiator’s Trail Rated capability includes the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, Dana 44 front and rear axles, 4.10 axle ratios and Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Additional performance enhancements, including a supercharger system, may be specified through the conversion specialist.
The Gladiator’s capabilities have made it a popular platform globally for aftermarket customisation and specialist vehicle builds. The Maximus 6×6 represents one example of how independent builders can adapt the vehicle to meet unique customer requirements.
Important Information
The Maximus 6×6 is an independently engineered and independently executed conversion based on a production Jeep Gladiator. It is not a factory-developed, factory-produced or factory-validated Jeep model. Stellantis South Africa’s involvement is limited to communicating information about the Jeep Gladiator platform on which the conversion is based.
All conversion-related engineering, certification, homologation, warranty, service support, performance claims and product specifications remain the responsibility of the conversion specialist.
Customers should consult the conversion specialist directly regarding warranty coverage, vehicle specifications, certification requirements, towing capacity, performance figures and after-sales support.
Pricing
According to the conversion specialist, pricing for the Maximus 6×6 conversion starts from R3.5 million, including the six-wheel conversion, suspension lift, revised gearing, steering upgrades, upgraded front braking system and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 37-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.
Final pricing depends on the chosen specification, optional upgrades and accessory selections.