A true pickup truck, the Jeep Gladiator is a beast! From smooth roads to rough terrains, it is a highly capable vehicle that can tackle even the most challenging environments. Not to mention, it is also powerful enough to not leave anything behind. From a camper to a boat, it has an incredible towing capacity.
If you are curious about Jeep Gladiator towing capacity, read on. We’ll also share some of the features that make it great for towing, as well as some tips on how you can maximize its pulling power.
Features That Make Jeep Gladiator Great at Towing
As one of the most powerful vehicles in the Jeep lineup, the Gladiator packs a long list of incredible features that make it great at towing. Below are some of the things that make it reliable:
Rugged Steel Frame
One of the best features of the Jeep Gladiator is its tough steel frame, which contributes to its solid construction. It has a five-foot truck bed made of solid steel. This means that it is not just for towing, but you can also carry stuff that fits at the back, such as a dirt bike. It has a best-in-class payload of 1,700 pounds, making it hard to beat.
Top-Notch Axles
The axle is a vital component of pickup trucks that dictates their weight capacity. It is a mechanical component that supports the body of the truck while also maintaining sufficient space between the wheels. Jeep Gladiator is known for having incredible axles, which can support a heavy load, making sure that the pickup moves efficiently and safely even when loaded.
Trailer Sway Control
In an ideal situation, the trailer should be in the same path as the pickup truck. However, things like wind, road conditions, and uneven weight distribution will trigger unnecessary movements. Good thing, the Jeep Gladiator has Trailer Sway Control. It detects swaying and automatically applies brake pressure for quick alignment. This way, you can tow more safely and efficiently.
Powerful Braking System
Braking can be challenging when you are towing thousands of pounds in your truck. The Jeep Gladiator, however, is designed with state-of-the-art and powerful brakes. Regardless of the weight that you are towing, the brakes are responsive, so you can be confident of your safety.
Rear-Backup Camera
With the Jeep Gladiator’s rear backup camera, you will feel like you have extra eyes at the back. It is easier to move the truck and trailer when you have the necessary guidance. It also has dynamic gridlines, so you can enjoy more accurate parking.
Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
All Jeep Gladiator pickups are four-wheel drives, making them powerful to pull a heavy load. The specific capacity, however, will depend on several factors. For instance, the specs of the engine and type of transmission will impact its maximum pulling power. It will also depend on the year of the Jeep Gladiator model.
When it is properly equipped, the standard towing capacity of Jeep Gladiator is 7,650 pounds. This is when the truck pairs with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which is the most powerful in the Gladiator lineup.
Nonetheless, based on the standard ratings from the manufacturer, here is the recommended towing capacity:
- 2021 Gladiator Sport 4×4: 4,000 pounds (6-speed Manual Transmission)
- 2021 Gladiator Willys Sport 4×4: 4,000 pounds (6-speed Manual Transmission)
- 2021 Gladiator Sport S 4×4: 4,000 pounds (6-speed Manual Transmission)
- 2021 Gladiator Rubicon 4×4: 4,500 pounds (6-speed Manual Transmission)
- 2021 Gladiator Mojave 4×4: 4,500 pounds (6-speed Manual Transmission)
- 202 Gladiator High Altitude: 6,000 pounds (8-speed 850RE Automatic Transmission)
- 2021 Gladiator 80th Anniversary 4×4: 4,500 pounds (8-speed Automatic 850RE Transmission)
How It Compares With Others
Aside from Jeep Gladiator, you will have a great selection of other trucks that are equally powerful if you need to tow anything.
- Ford F250 and F350: 24,200 pounds
- RAM 2500 and 3500: 23,000 pounds
- GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500: 20,000 pounds
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD 20,000 pounds
- Ford F150: 14,000 pounds
- Ford Ranger 4×4: 7,500 pounds
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: 7,200 pounds
- Chevrolet Colorado 4×4: 7,000 pounds
- Toyota Tacoma 4×4: 6,800 pounds
- Nissan Frontier: 6,720 pounds
- Honda Ridgeline: 5,000 pounds
- Hyundai Santa Cruz: 5,000 pounds
- Ford Maverick: 4,000 pounds
- Jeep Wrangler: 3,500 pounds
- Jeep Cherokee: 2,000 pounds
- Jeep Liberty: 2,000 pounds
You may also want to check out our list of the best 3/4 ton trucks in the market.
Tips and Tricks When Towing With Jeep Gladiator
Make the most out of Jeep Gladiator when it is towing. Maximize its power and have a smooth towing experience by doing the following:
Match the Weigh to Your Truck’s Specs
The most important is that you do not go beyond the recommended maximum weight capacity by the manufacturer. Look at the gross vehicle weight rating, gross combined weight rating, and gross axle weight rating, among others.
Read the manual to be sure how much the truck can support. Otherwise, you are putting unnecessary strain on the engine and body of the ruck. Worse, you are prone to accidents.
Pack the Trailer Properly
Before towing a trailer, make sure that you pack it properly. At least 60% of the total load should be in front of the trailer. More so, it should be evenly distributed on both sides, which will minimize the likelihood of swaying. Secure the trailer and the cargo using straps and other tools to keep them in position while in transit.
Check the Tires
Before you head out, a quick inspection of the Jeep Gladiator is a must, among others, one you should check is the tires. Check the tire pressure, making sure that they meet the recommendations on the sidewall. The wrong air pressure will have a negative effect on the overall handling.
Check the Brakes
Aside from the tires, another important component to check is the brake. Test them before you leave to be sure that they are working as they should. It is also crucial that you learn the art of proper braking. Do it slowly but with enough force.
Ensure Proper Connection
Connecting a trailer to your Jeep Gladiator is an important skill to learn. Aside from the proper technique, you will also need the right tools, such as the hitches and the receiver tubes. See to it that they are compatible with the trailer and their pickup. Proper lubrication is also vital for peak performance.
Final Thoughts
With the most powerful engine in its class, the maximum Jeep Gladiator towing capacity is at 7,650 pounds when it is fully equipped. Meanwhile, standard models can tow anywhere from 4,000 to 4,5000 pounds. With high-end features like trailer sway control and rear backup camera, Jeep Gladiator delivers incredible and reliable pulling power in different conditions.
