Thoughts about Gladiator towing capacity

[Danarch]

This year we bought an A-Frame pop up trailer to tow behind the JK or LJR. Recently been toying with the idea of getting an older truck to tow it instead. Nether the JK or LJR has a ton of power, one reason @Dirty Dog got the 392. No desire to get a Gladiator, one that isn’t an older truck, two not a lot of bed space, three doubt I want to spend that much money on something that won’t get used much, four……….

But in looking I see they are rated between 6-7,000lbs for towing capacity. I can’t image it has enough power to tow something that heavy. They have the same 3.6 engine. I believe they have an 8 speed tranny, but can’t image that makes a big enough difference, but maybe.

In general overall I am curious what is the limiting factor in towing capacity. For instance the JK’s I think are limited to 2,000, but depending on gearing the JKU is capable of 3,500, same engines, transmission etc. It is similar for the TJ / LJ, TJ is 2,000 but the LJ is 3,500. I understand the concept you don’t want a 20’ long trailer towed by a 8’ long car, but that isn’t weight.

And yes I know this is the JK forum, but I am on it and it’s sort of just a general towing question (rambling ).

 

[Dirty Dog]

This year we bought an A-Frame pop up trailer to tow behind the JK or LJR. Recently been toying with the idea of getting an older truck to tow it instead. Nether the JK or LJR has a ton of power, one reason @Dirty Dog got the 392.

#1 reason. I don't like going slow.

No desire to get a Gladiator, one that isn’t an older truck, two not a lot of bed space, three doubt I want to spend that much money on something that won’t get used much, four……….

But in looking I see they are rated between 6-7,000lbs for towing capacity. I can’t image it has enough power to tow something that heavy. They have the same 3.6 engine. I believe they have an 8 speed tranny, but can’t image that makes a big enough difference, but maybe.

The tow rating is more about the chassis and suspension. The JK is rated to tow 2,000 lbs. The JKU 3,500 lbs. The Gladiator 7,000. They can absolutely do that. But the rating is based on how much weight before things start to break. Being able to tow the load at highway speed, especially over a high mountain pass, isn't in the rating. The towing capacity of our JKUR's is exactly the same as my JL. But the JKUR is a moving road block on the passes, even without a trailer. The 392 will not slow down.

 

[tJKrider]

I can’t image it has enough power to tow something that heavy. They have the same 3.6 engine. I believe they have an 8 speed tranny, but can’t image that makes a big enough difference, but maybe.

The 3.6 is plenty capable with the appropriate gearing. That will not be your weak link. I used to have a 4.0L Ranger with something like 160HP and it was just fine towing a car on a trailer (~5500lbs). Of course more power/torque is always nice...

The Gladiator has an advantage with chassis and suspension as @Dirty Dog stated. Chassis, in particular the added wheelbase, helps with load distribution and stability.

There isn't a significant difference in GVWR/GAWR between the Wrangler and Gladiator so I suspect the JT may become legally limited before reaching its max stated tow capacity.

 

[Danarch]

Thanks for the input. Some good thoughts on it. Not knowing much about the Gladiator I’d guess it would be slow towing that much. But maybe the 8 speed makes the difference.

 

[tJKrider]

Thanks for the input. Some good thoughts on it. Not knowing much about the Gladiator I’d guess it would be slow towing that much. But maybe the 8 speed makes the difference.

Honestly if you want something that will only be used occasionally and will provide stress free towing for a camper get a used SuperDuty. For an A-frame camper a half-ton (F150 or equivalent) would also be fine and would tow way better than any Jeep offering. I own a JK and a SD and they both have their purpose. The only thing I'll tow with the JK is my 16' boat because it's super light (open aluminum jon). With such a short wheelbase you don't want the tail wagging the dog and it won't take much trailer weight to get there.

If you have specs on the camper you are looking at that would help bring this discussion into more of an "actual" vs. "hypothetical" though...