Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity: What To Know
Jeep Gladiator by Kevauto — CC-BY-SA-4.0
Although towing capacity can be overlooked by many people when evaluating a new car purchase, for some, it’s the most important thing. If you’re interested in hauling a lot of equipment from place to place, you need to know the towing capacity of your vehicle before doing so. You don’t want to walk away from the lot with a vehicle that can barely tow any weight if that’s something you’re interested in, so it’s essential to do research first. However, this can get confusing to do on your own. Luckily, CoPilot is here to tell you all you need to know about Jeep Gladiator towing capacity!
What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is a metric that measures the amount of weight your vehicle can pull behind itself safely using a trailer while avoiding risking damage to what it’s towing or the vehicle itself. We strongly recommend that you take all precautions to prevent exceeding the maximum towing capacity as stated in your owner’s manual.
With that said, here are a few different ways to figure out your truck’s towing capacity:
- Reading the owner’s manual.
- Finding a sticker with the information inside the driver’s side door jamb.
- Calculating it on your own (which isn’t as much of a headache as it sounds).
This involves taking the gross combined weight of your vehicle, including everything loaded on it and the trailer’s weight, and subtracting the curb weight or the weight of your vehicle when it’s empty. Although you can calculate the towing capacity yourself, it’s still always easiest to find it by getting the manufacturer’s estimate.
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How Much Can The Jeep Gladiator Tow?
The Jeep Gladiator can tow more weight than many people would expect! The 2021 Jeep Gladiator tow capacity varies depending on the package you get, the equipment you have on it, and the trim level of your vehicle. The base towing capacity for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is about 4,000 pounds of payload, but it can go up to 7,650 pounds with the complete set of towing equipment you can purchase with the Gladiator. If you get the Mojave or Rubicon trim levels, the towing capacity starts at 4,500 pounds.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a little different in that the type of transmission you get affects the towing capacity. The trim level also substantially changes the towing capacity in the 2020 model. The base towing capacity with manual transmission is 4,000 pounds for the Sport and Sport S trims. If you get automatic transmission, it goes up to 4,500 pounds.
You can get the best towing capacity with a 2020 Jeep Gladiator by getting automatic transmission with the Sport or Sport S trim level and juicing it up with the Max Tow package, rigging the model with extra towing capabilities. That pushes the capacity up to 7,500 pounds! The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland trim starts at 4,000 pounds for towing capacity if you get the manual transmission and 6,000 pounds with the automatic transmission. Both the Mojave and Rubicon trims start at 4,000 pounds for manual transmissions. The Mojave trim with automatic transmission can pull up to 6,000 pounds, while the Rubicon trim with this transmission can tow up to 7,000 pounds.
How Does This Compare To Competitors?
Regarding the specific class of midsize 4 Wheel Drive pickup trucks with short beds, the Jeep Gladiator stands above the rest of its competition. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator’s towing capacity of 4,000 to 7,650 pounds (with the Sport/Sport S trim, automatic transmission, and Max Tow Package) is more potent than others in its class. This includes the 2021 Nissan Frontier with its ability to pull 6,250 to 6,720 pounds, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with its towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, and the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, which can tow 3,500 to 7,000 pounds.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator also beats out trucks like the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, which can haul at most 3,500 to 6,800 pounds. The last comparison we’ll make here to round it out is the 2021 Ford Ranger, with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 7,500 pounds. While some competitors come close, nothing in this midsize pickup class can defeat the 2021 Jeep Gladiator towing capacity.
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Other Towing Features Of The Jeep Gladiator
Not only is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator towing capacity formidable, but the Gladiator also has a great slew of other features to help smooth your towing experience. It’s a well-designed and hardy vehicle with a steel frame, heavy-duty axles, and large brakes to make stopping easy.
The 2021 Gladiator also comes with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, which connects to your vehicle’s electronic braking system and allows you to control your braking pressure. Essentially, you can scale it to the weight you’re towing in your trailer to ensure that braking is smooth across the board, from your truck to your trailer.
Everything Else You Need To Know
We want to reiterate that if towing capacity is the name of your game, you should spring for the Max Tow Package in the Jeep Gladiator. It’ll add some to the sticker price, but it’ll also add thousands of pounds to your towing capacity.
First, you must ensure that the trailer you want to hook up and your truck are compatible and that the trailer correctly attaches before you hit the road. Make sure the weight on the trailer is as balanced as possible and that all your equipment is tightly secured so that it won’t bounce around too much. Most importantly, know the weight of what you’re towing and ensure that it doesn’t exceed the Jeep Gladiator towing capacity. It would be best if you always pull things safely and securely. Otherwise, you might be putting your trailer tow and yourself in danger.
Should You Buy the Jeep Gladiator?
Even in the Jeep lineup, the Gladiator is a bit of an oddball, being a pickup truck. One thing you should know about the Jeep Gladiator is that it’s not for everyone. As you can see from its excellent towing capacity, the Gladiator offers enough capability and ruggedness even for the most jaded outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re planning to top something heavy, the Jeep Gladiator is certainly no slouch, especially with the right equipment and configuration.
We think the Jeep Gladiator is a worthy purchase since it offers several experiences that only a Jeep could deliver. Since you can remove the doors and roof, the open-air experience in the Gladiator will enable you to take in the fresh outdoor air and be one with nature. It’s certainly a solid option if you’re looking forward to open-air drives.
Furthermore, the Jeep Gladiator also offers a manual transmission, which is good since many trucks have ditched manual. With six gears to play around, you can have more control over your truck – something you’ll appreciate if you like off-roading. However, going for a manual will limit your engine options, so keep that in mind.
Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity: FAQs
Q: What engine options are available for the Jeep Gladiator?
A: The Jeep Gladiator offers two primary engine options: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and the EcoDiesel engine, striking a balance between power and efficiency.
Q: How does the Pentastar V6 engine influence the Gladiator’s towing capacity?
A: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, known for its impressive horsepower and torque, significantly upgrading the Gladiator’s towing capabilities. With this engine and the Max Tow package, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,700 lbs.
Q: Are there any specific MPG considerations when towing with the Gladiator?
A: Towing can impact MPG, especially with heavy loads. However, the Gladiator’s engine options, including the EcoDiesel, are designed to offer a balance between power and fuel efficiency, ensuring optimal MPG even with significant towing jobs.
Q: How crucial is the choice of hitch for towing?
A: Choosing the right hitch is essential for safe and efficient towing in the Gladiator. Ensure you select a hitch that matches the Gladiator’s specifications and the weight of the load you intend to tow.
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