Can the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator haul two mountain bikes in the bed near Longmont, CO?

Fowler Jeep of Boulder – Can the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator haul two mountain bikes in the bed near Longmont, CO?

If your weekend starts on the St. Vrain Greenway and ends on Hall Ranch’s rock gardens, you probably want a truck that can carry two mountain bikes quickly, securely, and without fuss. At Fowler Jeep of Boulder, we help riders from Longmont, Lyons, Niwot, and Gunbarrel dial in real-world setups for the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator so the drive to the trail is as smooth as the first mile of singletrack.

The short version is that the 2026 Jeep Gladiator’s 5-foot steel bed and integrated tie-downs make it simple to load two modern mountain bikes—hardtails or full-suspension—without needing a bulky hitch rack. Below, we break down practical loading methods, accessories that make life easier, and tips tailored to the lots, dirt roads, and mixed-weather conditions we see around Longmont, CO.

How two bikes fit in the Gladiator’s 5-foot steel bed

The Gladiator bed is designed for everyday utility, and its rugged steel box happily handles bikes, coolers, and camping bins at once. For most riders, two mountain bikes fit in the bed in one of three ways—angled with the tailgate closed, straight-in with the tailgate lowered, or secured to a low-profile rail using fork or wheel mounts. Because the Gladiator offers an available Maximum 4×4 Payload of 1,720 pounds on Gladiator Sport S models, the weight of two pedal bikes or even a pair of e-bikes is a non-issue compared to the truck’s capability.

Where the Gladiator stands out for local use is maneuverability and confidence. That easy-lift tailgate feels great on repeat loading, and the integrated tie-downs give you solid anchor points for soft straps on both sides of the bed. The result is a quick, quiet setup from your Longmont garage to the Rabbit Mountain trailhead—no rattles, no drama.

Three simple ways to carry two bikes in a Gladiator bed

These are field-tested methods our customers use every week. Pick the one that fits your bikes and how you like to travel.

1. Angle-and-strap method with the tailgate up
2. Straight-in loading with the tailgate down
3. Fork- or wheel-mount rail across the bed

Angle-and-strap keeps the profile compact—helpful in neighborhood parking and tighter trailhead lots off Left Hand Canyon. Tailgate-down loading is the fastest for full-size trail bikes and makes post-ride stow-and-go simple. Rail mounts deliver the cleanest, most stable fit for longer drives on the Diagonal Highway between Longmont and Boulder, especially with high-travel enduro bikes or e-bikes.

Smart tie-down strategy using the bed’s integrated anchors

Securement is where the Gladiator shines for bikes. Use two soft, non-abrasive straps per bike—one at the handlebar or crown to keep the front end from yawing, and one at the rear triangle or wheel to prevent fore-aft movement. Attach to the integrated tie-downs near the front corners to keep weight forward, then pull down just enough to stop bounce without compressing suspension excessively.

To protect finishes, place a towel or bed mat under contact points. Avoid metal hooks or chains that could nick frames or the bed. If you run the tailgate down, add an extra strap from each rear wheel to the mid-bed anchors to lock the rolling direction. A quiet, wiggle-free setup is safer and far less tiring on longer drives up to Brainard Lake or down to the Front Range trail network.

Mopar Accessories that make bike hauling even easier

The Gladiator already does the basics well. Mopar Accessories help you fine-tune for your routine—especially if you alternate between bikes, skis, and camping gear.

• Bed-mounted bike carrier systems
• Adjustable cargo management rails and sliding tie-downs
• Heavy-duty bed mat for grip and frame protection
• Soft or hard tonneau covers for weather security
• Tailgate assist hardware for smooth, controlled lowering

Our parts team can help you choose pieces that match your bikes and storage needs, install them, and show you how to reconfigure fast for a Friday-after-work ride window. It’s all part of how we make life Better in Boulder.

Local trailhead realities near Longmont, CO

Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, and Rabbit Mountain have a mix of paved, gravel, and washboard access roads plus trailhead lots that fill early. The Jeep Gladiator’s confident steering and tight-feeling footprint make it easy to back into tight spaces, and if you option the available TrailCam Off-Road Camera, that forward view is surprisingly helpful for creeping past washouts or angled curbs when lots are crowded.

For route planning on new-to-you singletrack days, the available 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV is intuitive on the move. Integrated Off-Road Adventure Guides—featuring Jeep® Badge of Honor® trails—are a bonus if you extend your ride day into overlanding on county backroads. Your smartphone and Jeep® Connect via the Jeep Connect app let you check a Vehicle Health Report before heading out and use Vehicle Finder when it is time to regroup with friends in downtown Longmont.

Security and weather protection on bike days

For quick coffee or burrito stops on Main Street, run a coated cable lock through the frames and around a solid bed anchor. A soft or hard tonneau cover adds weather protection and reduces prying eyes, and a bed mat prevents scuffs when trails get dusty or muddy. If you enjoy open-air driving, the Gladiator’s new door hinge system lets you remove the doors without tools—keep them at home for simple transitions between trail and town.

Pre-ride checklist for a quiet, secure load

A minute of prep saves you from mid-drive stops to retighten straps. Here is a quick routine that works well for most setups.

• Place a bed mat or towel at contact points
• Load the heavier bike closest to the cab
• Use two straps per bike and snug them evenly
• Check handlebar clearance with the tailgate and cab
• Do a 360-degree shake test and a short, low-speed test roll

If you are carrying e-bikes, remove the batteries before loading to lighten the lift and make the bikes easier to position. That also keeps more weight forward of the axle—good practice on gravel approaches to trailheads like Picture Rock.

When a hitch rack makes sense

Most of our Gladiator owners prefer the bed for two bikes. A hitch rack can make sense if you need the full bed for camping bins or a dog crate on the same trip. Either way, the Gladiator’s towing foundation and sturdy frame give you options without compromise, and you can still use the integrated tie-downs to secure helmets, shoes, and packs inside the bed under a tonneau.

Why the 2026 Jeep Gladiator is built for riders here

Beyond bike hauling, the Gladiator feels right at home around Longmont’s mix of city streets, county farm roads, and foothill grades. Its off-road DNA—shared with icons like Wrangler—means traction and composure when lots turn rutted after rain, and features like the available Sway Bar Disconnect and underbody steel skid plates deliver confidence when your ride plan includes scouting a rougher access spur. On Rubicon and Mojave models, standard 33-inch all-terrain tires help soak up chatter before you ever unroll a yoga mat to stretch.

Inside, available heated eight-way power front seats are comfortable for dawn starts and post-ride drives home, and the 12.3-inch display keeps podcasts and navigation a touch away. USB ports throughout the cabin mean you can top up lights and GPS devices on the way to the trail. Utility, comfort, tech—this is daily-driver practicality blended with weekend versatility.

Visit Fowler Jeep of Boulder for a hands-on bike test fit

Bring your bikes to our showroom at 5075 Pearl Pkwy in Boulder—about 15 minutes from Longmont via CO-119—and we will help you test-fit loading methods, choose Mopar Accessories, and dial in a strap setup that is solid and squeak-free. Our team can install bed rails, bike mounts, and tonneau covers, then walk you through quick-change configurations for solo rides, carpools, or multi-sport weekends.

Have questions before you roll over? Call our sales team at 720-575-2936 or our parts desk at 303-785-5260. We are here to make your setup straightforward, durable, and easy to live with—so you spend more time riding and less time fiddling with gear.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will two 29er mountain bikes fit with the tailgate closed?

Yes, in most cases you can angle the bikes—bars turned slightly and pedals offset—then strap to the front tie-downs. If your frames are longer or you run wheelbases on the bigger side, drop the tailgate and add a strap at each rear wheel.

Do I need to remove front wheels?

Not necessarily. Many riders load complete bikes diagonally with the tailgate up. A fork- or wheel-mount rail is a great option if you want a neater, repeatable setup for frequent rides.

Is the payload enough for two e-bikes and gear?

Absolutely. Even with two e-bikes, helmets, packs, and a cooler, you are far below the available Maximum 4×4 Payload of 1,720 pounds on Gladiator Sport S models. Distribute weight forward toward the cab and secure firmly.

How do I protect the bikes and the bed from scratches?

Use a heavy-duty bed mat or towels at contact points, soft straps instead of metal hooks, and a tailgate pad if you load straight-in with the gate down. Mopar bed mats are purpose-built to add grip and protection.

Can I keep bikes in the bed while I grab dinner in Longmont?

Use a coated cable lock through the frames and around a bed anchor, then close a tonneau cover if equipped. Park in well-lit areas and keep accessories out of sight. For longer stops, we recommend moving bikes indoors.

The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator makes bike days simple—load fast, strap once, and go ride. Visit us at Fowler Jeep of Boulder to see why this truck’s blend of open-air fun, tech, and hardworking utility fits the rhythm of riding near Longmont, CO.

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