Daily Towing 5000lb Enclosed Cargo Trailer?

[Jerome10]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I know the answer and most here so far seem to actually also be thinking along what I know is probably true... you need the vehicle that is designed to tow and is the right tool first. Anything else is secondary.

Probably gonna go ahead and cross the Gladiator off the list...

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[RudeJeepin]

Ram 1500 with the 6'4" bed would be a mighty nice tool. You could always put a mild lift in it and slightly bigger tires. Then it could do some offroading and general back country exploring.
I say the 6'4" bed so you can sleep back there without nothing special if you want. That is the bed length of my last Ram and we slept back there a few times with just an air mattress. I buddy of mine has a hard one piece tonneau cover and he rigs a tarp up with the tonneau cover in the up position and has slept back there main a night. Even in the rain.

 

[Idlethunder]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I know the answer and most here so far seem to actually also be thinking along what I know is probably true... you need the vehicle that is designed to tow and is the right tool first. Anything else is secondary.

Probably gonna go ahead and cross the Gladiator off the list...
[/QUOTE]

Sadly, I agree with your conclusion. I tow several different trailers, either RVs or a 16’ flatbed almost weekly for short distances and my Rubicon is capable of towing everything I have hitched it to but it isn’t an ideal tow vehicle. Today we took 2 RVs to our local lake to get some pictures for an upcoming ad and I had absolutely no trouble with the 3,500 pound, 21’ travel trailer that you see in the picture. The largest RV I’ve towed was a 26’ long, 8' wide travel trailer with a dry weight around 6,000 and even with a weight distribution sway control hitch the wind pushed it around and it struggled going up hills. The only thing that ever bothered me towing with the JT was the lack of visibility from the OEM mirrors. It isn’t bad now that I have a set of tow mirror adapters and rampage mirrors. Those little things help a lot but pulling anything other than a flatbed and the Jeep factory mirrors just aren’t enough. I also feel that the JT is underpowered for daily towing. It will work but it isn’t what the JT was made for. My personal opinion is that you would wear it out very quickly daily towing a 5,000 pound enclosed trailer, even short distances. I traded an F150 for the Gladiator and do not regret it a bit, but I love my Jeep way too much to expose it to the stress of towing 5,000 pounds every day. If I still did that on a daily basis, I’d have at least a half ton full size truck.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I believe this quote above is the key part of your question, and should be given the most serious thought. Not only for your safety, but for everyone else out there on the road.

If you are new to towing, particularly an enclosed trailer, you will want to keep in mind that any mid-size truck will most likely be considerably narrower than the overall body width of most enclosed trailers. You mention that your trailer is in the 5000# range, so the trailer body is most likely quite wide.

One of the most important pieces of equipment when towing for the truck is the rear view mirrors.

The factory mirrors on the Gladiator, as well as any mid-size truck will not stick out far enough to give you the best rear view of not only what is in your blind spot, but also along the sides of the trailer so you can monitor potential tire problems, and aid in backing up.

Most aftermarket add on trailer towing mirrors to extend your view (if there are any available for the Gladiator) are designed for temporary mounting when needed, and not a permanent installation.
Couple that with the fact that add on towing mirrors can be problematic both with wind buffeting, and vibration which can make them completely useless in actual driving conditions.

I love my Gladiator like most everybody else on this forum, but truely believe your most practical & safest choice for both you, and others on the road will be to go with a full size truck for what you require.

Full disclosure: I am a Class A semi truck driver with over 2 million miles under my belt, so fully understand the necessity, and importance of good rear view mirrors while both towing & backing up with a trailer.

Hope this is a help.

Dave

I can't disagree at all, and your experience give your thinking even more credence.
A forum member makes nice adapters that secure extension mirrors. People rate them pretty highly. Thoughts?
How about the newer trailer cameras?

Just thoughts, otherwise yes, visibility is key, especially with curves and hills. I can easily see what's back there with my own situation so it's not an issue with mine/my setup.
If in doubt, I simply stay in the lane I'm in until I know for sure.

I've a friend in the construction business - remodels, kitchens, baths, additions, etc. and he tows about the same size enclosed trailer. Watching him maneuver his trailer, backing, etc. I'm thinking maybe the JT isn't a great choice for a work truck.
He wore out his F150 and traded for a Nissan. Not my choice LOL but my point is, it's the right size truck for the job.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Dave, this is really helpful. Thanks for the input. I have towed before, funny enough, a 17 foot daysailer sailboat with a 1990 Mazda 626 with manual transmission. I'd get looks pulling that sailboat with that car.

The mirror feedback is helpful as well. I am also debating if I need the trailer-tow mirrors on a RAM. Might be helpful to this thread but I'd likely be in a 6x12 tandem axle enclosed trailer. So I am nearly certain I'm OK with standard mirrors on the RAM, and that truck also has BLIS that can account for the trailer too, also helpful. I'll have to look more closely at mirror width on the Gladiator.

Otherwise the more I'm pondering this question today the more I think I am coming to your conclusion that RAM is probably the better choice. But man... if I come to find its gonna have to sit outside.... really a big plus that I'd like to make a Gladiator work if I can.

Have you looked at an F150 yet?

 

[rharr]

If you are doing work get a work truck, chevy has some very competitive 1500's with 5.3L v8 no frills plain white singe cab work trucks for much cheaper then a JT or other high demand truck (aka ranger) get the cheapest truck that does the job reliably, beat it up, use it ,depreciate it as part of your business expenses and keep something nice for home once your business takes off.

i know people have their brand loyalties but a simple chevy with no features is pretty simple and the 5.3L has been around for ever.

 

[Jerome10]

Have you looked at an F150 yet?

Yup. The F150 is my close 2nd choice after the RAM. Main reasons are that I'm looking at lower trims (I'm a guy that really just likes heated seats and bluetooth and cruise control) and the Big Horn RAMs can be had with power folding exterior mirrors and front and rear park sensors pretty easily (Level 2 BH). I also would heavily prefer a V8 and nearly every RAM has it whereas I see very few V8 F150s for sale. Also, I detest the 3-across bench seating in the front row and it seems most RAMs have the center console while the F150s are often the bench.

I'd probably have to get a Lariat trim F150 because I must have power fold mirrors to have any chance to fit in the garage. And at that point the truck has leather which I, strangely enough, would actually prefer NOT to have.

Just finding much bigger selection with the RAM, and I do really prefer the interior comparing with the 2018-2020 F150s. The ride is better too.

 

[Jerome10]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I know the answer and most here so far seem to actually also be thinking along what I know is probably true... you need the vehicle that is designed to tow and is the right tool first. Anything else is secondary.

Probably gonna go ahead and cross the Gladiator off the list...

Sadly, I agree with your conclusion. I tow several different trailers, either RVs or a 16’ flatbed almost weekly for short distances and my Rubicon is capable of towing everything I have hitched it to but it isn’t an ideal tow vehicle. Today we took 2 RVs to our local lake to get some pictures for an upcoming ad and I had absolutely no trouble with the 3,500 pound, 21’ travel trailer that you see in the picture. The largest RV I’ve towed was a 26’ long, 8' wide travel trailer with a dry weight around 6,000 and even with a weight distribution sway control hitch the wind pushed it around and it struggled going up hills. The only thing that ever bothered me towing with the JT was the lack of visibility from the OEM mirrors. It isn’t bad now that I have a set of tow mirror adapters and rampage mirrors. Those little things help a lot but pulling anything other than a flatbed and the Jeep factory mirrors just aren’t enough. I also feel that the JT is underpowered for daily towing. It will work but it isn’t what the JT was made for. My personal opinion is that you would wear it out very quickly daily towing a 5,000 pound enclosed trailer, even short distances. I traded an F150 for the Gladiator and do not regret it a bit, but I love my Jeep way too much to expose it to the stress of towing 5,000 pounds every day. If I still did that on a daily basis, I’d have at least a half ton full size truck.

[/QUOTE]

Ok, this helps too. I think for these cases where you are gonna tow on a weekend, a boat, something like that then I love the Gladiator use case. But yeah, getting vibe for regular towing it probably just isn't the right call.

 

[Jerome10]

If you are doing work get a work truck, chevy has some very competitive 1500's with 5.3L v8 no frills plain white singe cab work trucks for much cheaper then a JT or other high demand truck (aka ranger) get the cheapest truck that does the job reliably, beat it up, use it ,depreciate it as part of your business expenses and keep something nice for home once your business takes off.

i know people have their brand loyalties but a simple chevy with no features is pretty simple and the 5.3L has been around for ever.

I am considering this route as well. However, given my life situation, I am thinking a truck I can use for work but is also acceptable for not-work and my only vehicle probably works better at this juncture.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Yup. The F150 is my close 2nd choice after the RAM. Main reasons are that I'm looking at lower trims (I'm a guy that really just likes heated seats and bluetooth and cruise control) and the Big Horn RAMs can be had with power folding exterior mirrors and front and rear park sensors pretty easily (Level 2 BH). I also would heavily prefer a V8 and nearly every RAM has it whereas I see very few V8 F150s for sale. Also, I detest the 3-across bench seating in the front row and it seems most RAMs have the center console while the F150s are often the bench.

I'd probably have to get a Lariat trim F150 because I must have power fold mirrors to have any chance to fit in the garage. And at that point the truck has leather which I, strangely enough, would actually prefer NOT to have.

Just finding much bigger selection with the RAM, and I do really prefer the interior comparing with the 2018-2020 F150s. The ride is better too.

I have a Lariat F150 with the 5.0L and 10 speed that I DD. I had a rental Ram for about a month that was a base model. I couldn’t wait to get my F150 back, but that’s not a very fair comparison.

You have to go to a Lariat or better with a Ford to get decent options. And then you get leather automatically. The Ram seems to have more flexibility with options.

 

[RJinPV]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I know the answer and most here so far seem to actually also be thinking along what I know is probably true... you need the vehicle that is designed to tow and is the right tool first. Anything else is secondary.

Probably gonna go ahead and cross the Gladiator off the list...

I went from a Ram 1500 to a Gladiator. I plan on towing a 6,000 lb trailer but I have two advantages: 1) I tow a trailer 4-5 times a year. 2) If I'm not comfortable with the setup I'll ditch the trailer for a lighter one. You probably don't have those luxuries. One advice I will give you is definitely get the Ram tow mirrors, if you decide on the 1500. They worked great and are a must have in my opinion.

 

[Elff]

@Jerome10
I think most of your observations on the Ranger are accurate, except I disagree on its appearance. I think ours looks really nice.

Ours is a Lariat Package, so the interior is extremely nice. I owned a lower Trim F-150 at one point and while not as nice, it was very comfortable.

Interior of the Gladiator is definitely Roomier than the Ranger, but the seats compared to both the Ranger and the F-150 are not as good. I am not sure if the Leather Gladiator seats improve on that, but that is the one item in the Gladiator I really do not like, and it took me forever to get them adjusted to where I was comfortable as I am only 5'5"

Power wise, the Ranger engine is great. The Transmission is also very good, but I am not confident in the longevity of Ford Transmissions. To me, that seems to be their one major achilles heal across all models. I'd be worried having a Ford past its warranty.

All of the above aside, for your needs, I will agree with the others stating you can do what you want with a Gladiator, or Ranger, but a Full Size truck, if being honest, is a better choice for you.

Nowadays, I always want these 3 options. ACC, Heated Seats and Remote Start.
If I can avoid scraping icy windows and sit down in an already toasty or cool vehicle, I am happy.


Good luck. I personally look forward to hearing what you end up with.

 

[popsnbeer]

I've towed (many many miles) w/ a ram hemi and my JT. For a 5k trailer, a fullsize truck is going to be a much better experience overall especially as a daily driver. I've towed 30' toyhaulers, 22' boats, 16' enclosed trailers, 6x14' utility trailers, and more.

Some considerations when towing (as others have already mentioned).

Payload: 5k trailer = at least 500lbs of tongue weight + you + anything you have in your truck. Should be fine, but still. Ram is going to have a similar problem depending on model so watch out for that.

Mirrors: JT does not come with towing mirrors, and it's already ~5" skinnier than a ram. For a utility/open trailer it's not an issue, but with a cargo trailer it will be a difference.

Trailer brake controller: JT does not come with an OEM brake controller. You can buy these aftermarket (loads of options) but just more $$ to consider and aesthetically less desirable.

WD bars: come in many formats. Some are a pain and can be annoying if you have to do it daily. 5k trailer on a ram likely wouldn't *need* WD bars as much as the JT would.

GCWR: Also a consideration. JT's '23 ratings are below. Towing is not going to be your problem, you'll hit your payload or GCWR before that. You should be fine w/ your application based on what you've shared but if you've loaded your jeep down w/ bumpers, lights, winches, jacks, etc...you could be in trouble. You don't want an insurance problem if it came to it.

 

[Killroy Was Here]

A forum member makes nice adapters that secure extension mirrors. People rate them pretty highly. Thoughts?
How about the newer trailer cameras?

Afraid I'm not familiar with, or have used these mirror adapters, so don't feel qualified to comment on them.
The same applies to the trailer camera, as have never towed with a vehicle that was equipped with one.

Previous to my current occupation driving truck, for over 20 years I was in my family's truck cap & accessory business as shop manager/lead installer of truck accessories including all types of hitches & towing equipment.
This experience provided the basis for the general views that I expressed about the pitfalls of aftermarket add on towing mirror extensions.
The fact is, the vast majority out there will be a disappointment at best for long term durability, and down right useless due to vibration/wind buffeting in most cases.

If the OP decides to go with a Ram truck, the OEM factory accessory tip out towing mirrors will be the way to go for an extendable mirror that was designed as a permanently mounted solution for daily towing use.
When deployed in the towing position they will provide him a good rear view back along the sides of the trailer, plus the advantage of having a convex mirror portion built in which will provide the additional rear view blind spot coverage he needs while towing his enclosed trailer.
When using the truck for personal travel without the trailer, they can be quickly/easily retracted so he isn't driving around town with mirrors sticking out like "Dumbo's ears" everywhere he goes.

My '01 Dodge Ram 2500 has the 1st generation of these OEM factory accessory tip out towing mirrors.
They work very well when towing my enclosed car trailer, and are rock solid with no vibration or buffeting issues at all.

 

[Jerome10]

@Jerome10
I think most of your observations on the Ranger are accurate, except I disagree on its appearance. I think ours looks really nice.

Ours is a Lariat Package, so the interior is extremely nice. I owned a lower Trim F-150 at one point and while not as nice, it was very comfortable.

Interior of the Gladiator is definitely Roomier than the Ranger, but the seats compared to both the Ranger and the F-150 are not as good. I am not sure if the Leather Gladiator seats improve on that, but that is the one item in the Gladiator I really do not like, and it took me forever to get them adjusted to where I was comfortable as I am only 5'5"

Power wise, the Ranger engine is great. The Transmission is also very good, but I am not confident in the longevity of Ford Transmissions. To me, that seems to be their one major achilles heal across all models. I'd be worried having a Ford past its warranty.

All of the above aside, for your needs, I will agree with the others stating you can do what you want with a Gladiator, or Ranger, but a Full Size truck, if being honest, is a better choice for you.

Nowadays, I always want these 3 options. ACC, Heated Seats and Remote Start.
If I can avoid scraping icy windows and sit down in an already toasty or cool vehicle, I am happy.


Good luck. I personally look forward to hearing what you end up with.

Thanks for filling me in. I should maybe have clarified regarding the Ranger... I actually don't mind the exterior much at all. It isn't "wow" but it looks clean. Won't look dated I don't think. But the interior was where the story was very different for me.

I'm gonna have to agree on those options other than ACC isn't a "must" for me.

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