American Adventure Lab Overhead Molle Install

Written by: Tony Maples

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Published on

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Time to read 2 min

Honest Thoughts & Install

The Jeep JL – JT Overhead MOLLE Shelf from American Adventure Lab is one of those upgrades you never really think you need until you have it. It’s a beautifully simple piece of gear, powder-coated in a deep black that feels as solid as it looks. I installed it on my Gladiator, and the whole thing feels incredibly well-built, like it’s ready to handle whatever I throw at it, from pouches to tools to my Starlink Mini.

Installation: Smooth and Straightforward

One thing I appreciate about the Overhead MOLLE Shelf is how easy the install was. You often have to chop, drill, or otherwise alter your vehicle for many parts. This thing bolts straight onto factory points with minimal effort. No permanent mods, just straightforward installation. It took me maybe half an hour from start to finish, working at a casual pace.


The fact that this shelf went up without a fight is a big win for me. Jeep owners know the drill. Half the stuff you buy requires a little creativity and a lot of patience. Not this time. Just a few bolts, some basic tools, and it was locked in place like it was meant to be there.

Build Quality & Design

Now, the build quality on this thing is no joke. American Adventure Lab clearly put some thought into making something that feels like it’ll outlast the Jeep itself. The powder-coated black finish doesn’t just look good; it’s a practical touch to keep rust and corrosion at bay, which is important when you’re out in the middle of nowhere where everything takes a beating.


The MOLLE pattern gives you a ton of options for mounting various gear. Whether it's tools, pouches, or something like the Starlink Mini, this shelf offers a versatile mounting platform. And the best part is, it feels solid. Nothing rattles. Nothing feels like it's going to fly off when you hit a bump on some rugged trail.

The Verdict

Overall, the American Adventure Lab Overhead MOLLE Shelf lives up to it's price point. It’s simple, well-built, and installs without any hassle. It's a smart way to expand your Gladiator’s storage options, and a convenient spot for mounting your gadgets, this thing delivers.


But the real kicker? This shelf also acts as the perfect base for mounting the American Adventure Lab Starlink Mini Mounting System, which I’ll be covering in my next post. Spoiler alert: it fits like a glove.
If you’re looking to make your Gladiator more versatile without complicating your life, this shelf is a no-brainer.

Watch the install

If you prefer to watch how the installation went down instead of just reading about it, check out the YouTube video I made about the install. It walks you through the entire process from unboxing to mounting it up on the Gladiator!

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Tony Maples

Tony Maples

Adventure photographer, content creator, and marketing pro chasing the extraordinary while sharing those unforgettable moments along the way. Automotive enthusiast, traveler, foodie, adrenaline junkie. 

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