Towed (Toad) Gladiator

[SD Rider]

Hi. New Member here....and 2nd Jeep. First was a JGC, so not sure if it counts....

I've been searching and reading on here and after digesting the info and some thought, I had a few criteria that I was searching for:
1) Able to flat tow behind my RV AND be rated for flat towing. Coupling to the frame.
Need to fit Roadmaster Sterling that I just bought used... (I may have extra parts when bumper is installed....previous owner used a tow bracket.)
2) Able to accept my factory fog lights...I paid for the LED package, after all.
3) Winch capable.
Going to go HF this time. I've had 2 winches and only used them to wind out and spray with WD-40. Used tow straps all other times. However...I've seen the Warn winch with the air compressor built-in, so that could kill two birds...and convenience. Anyone with bad experience with this?
4) Customer service. Chat was suprisingly quick to respond...and even sent pics and helpful answers to my questions.
5) Wasn't looking, but they offer a 15% military discount. I will support those who support those who served.

Just ordered the Next Venture Motorsports bumper.
https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...ont-bumper-adventure-series-factory-foglights

I've had my Thor Chateau 29G for a few years however, I'll be flat-towing for my first time, so helpful suggestions is what I will be searching for on this site.

Pic attached is the new TOAD....ok...apparently I can't attach a pic....

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[Kevin_D]

One of the few tow-rated bumpers.
You'll most likely need adapters to couple the tow bar to the bumper.
You'll also need to get an auxiliary braking system for the toad.
And a lighting kit.

Kevin

 

[SD Rider]

One of the few tow-rated bumpers.
You'll most likely need adapters to couple the tow bar to the bumper.
You'll also need to get an auxiliary braking system for the toad.
And a lighting kit.

Kevin

Thanks! I did see adapters, but I was provided extra parts...not sure what I have or what will be needed.

Braking system - I'm assuming that will coordinate or be wired with the lighting kit?
Lighting kit - I've seen a couple links, but didn't want to move forward until I had my tow bar...just picked that up on Friday.

I was leaning toward Blue Ox, as their reputation and lots of info, but the Roadmaster Sterling is rated for 8k and happened to see it on CL for a good price, so jumped on it.
https://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/towbars/sterling.php

 

[Kevin_D]

The braking system & lighting kit are typically independent systems.
There are several variations of each.

Kevin

 

[SD Rider]

The braking system & lighting kit are typically independent systems.
There are several variations of each.

Kevin

Thanks. I'm searching threads now but not having much luck. Learned a lesson recently from the solar install in my RV...don't want to waste $$$ on things I don't need. ?‍?‍

 

[Stetson]

I have an RV and I flat tow using a Ready Brut tow bar. Easiest set up for brakes and they have a great system for the lights.

check it out

https://nsarvproducts.com/products/rv-tow-bar-ready-brute-elite-ii

Stetson

 

[Kevin_D]

You can get a wealth of information at irv2.com.
They have a section just for towing.

Kevin

 

[SamJ3]

I have been using a set up that fits your criteria for about a year now:

• 2022 Gladiator Sport, automatic transmission
• Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar
• Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit
• Brakebuddy Stealth brake system
• 10,000 lb winch mounted on a LOD Signature mount bracket
• tow vehicle is a 2018 F53 motorhome with a 5,000 lb Curt class 3 receiver

I am very satisfied with the set up, and posted a few reviews on etrailer.com, copied below.

Apologies for the 'book', but it was easier to copy-and-paste several previous write ups than it was to rewrite the whole thing as a single post.

Towbar:
"I am very pleased with the operation and performance of this tow bar. It is easy enough to handle, the tension release levels work great, and the built in cable holders really make for a clean operating set up.

For our set up (2018 F-53 chassis pulling a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport), we needed a 2" drop hitch receiver.

For our configuration, the Nighthawk needed to be modified because it was pulling a vehicle with the Stealth Brakebuddy: The standard 6 pin connector does not work with Brakebuddy's proprietary connector - it must use the 7-pin to custom plug cable included with the Brake buddy. To provide power to the LED array on the tow bar, I replaced the coiled cable with a simple heavy duty 4-pin trailer wire plug and cable, and connected that to the 4/5-pin connector on the RV, and plugged the Brakebuddy cable into the RV's 7-pin connection."

Base plate kit:
"Everything installed perfectly and the instructions where clear. I didn't care for the instruction to cut up the metal rock guard for the crossbar, but otherwise am pleased with the installation result.

We have since travelled 1,200 miles with this set up connected to a Nighthawk tow bar, and are 100% happy with the performance, and are especially pleased with the ease of connection and disconnection."

Brake system:
"I am a proficient DIYer (and was an auto mechanic many years ago). The installation took a lot of time - perhaps 8-10 hours for the brake controller. The most special tool needed was a rotary cutter (e.g., a Dremel tool). A cordless impact driver was also very helpful, especially with the self tapping screws.

Getting the pully in the perfect position under the brake pedal took some trial-and-error to get perfect. Also, the included bolts for the brake pedal bracket where too short to accommodate the width of the brake lever - easily remedied with slightly longer standard bolts. Be very mindful of what is on the other side of the sheet metal you are planning to drill into.

The brake supplemental vacuum system was a bit of a challenge, as the instructions are very vague regarding how to mount, and the space I had to work with was surprisingly tight. I ended up creating a mount on the inside front fender, and bolting the pump to that. Also, tapping into the vacuum lines took a couple of tries to get a leak-free connection. Think ahead about this, and be prepared to get a few small parts like hose clamps or right-angle hose connectors. This would be a potential consideration for any vacuum boost added on any vacuum power-assist application with any controller.

I mounted the Brakebuddy main unit under the rear seat - that was a perfect location, and much better than the often suggested location under the driver's seat. I was very pleased with the installation result.

I paired this with a Nighthawk tow bar. Be warned that the tow bar's included cable will not be compatible with the Stealth, as the Brakebuddy uses a proprietary connection at the towed vehicle. The upside of this proprietary connector is that all connections are build in, including the brake away cable and the battery charging line.

(I modified the Nighthawk by replacing the included cable with a 4-pin cable to power the lighting system on the bar. This is just for extra safety and cool looks - I could have just not used the tow bar's included cable).

With 1,200 miles of towing behind us, I can say I am very pleased with the performance. I rarely notice any difference in braking effort or effectiveness - which is a big advantage for a proportional system. My favorite feature is the ease and speed of connecting or disconnecting the towed vehicle.

I'd give this a 4.5 stars out of five if I could, because I did need to add a few parts and make a couple trips to the hardware store to complete the installation. However, the excellent performance and ease of use once installed more than makes up for the inconvenience during initial installation.

Special appreciation to the people at eTrailer, especially Nicole T, who provided support and guidance from pre-sales to installation. Also, I called Brakebuddy's support line with a concern, and they immediately picked up the line, addressed my question, and offered to immediately ship any parts if needed."

One year later:

"Using this set up could not be easier. The only maintenance needed is keeping the connectors clean and refreshing the terminal grease. Operating is true plug and play though I always test the setup before driving off in tow. We did have a suspected issue with the original cable between the RV and vehicle I contacted support and they said it might be a bad connector or might just need to be cleaned. But well send you a cable just in case. I couldnt be happy with their response. It has worked since. I do wish the vacuum booster pump included with a kit drew more vacuum. It does indeed charge the brake booster, although I suspect not quite at the same high levels as the vehicle does one operating normally. I am certain the brakes are being applied with the booster, and the breaking effort seems balanced between the RV and the vehicle towed. I contacted engineering through customer support about this as well, they assured me that the design pressure was to specifications. Sam J - 04/15/2023"

The winch mount needed to be trimmed a bit to fit with the tow brackets. It was a tight fit, but worked out without compromising the strength of the bracket. (I have another post detailing that installation.)

One thing I would do differently is locate the tow harness connector to a more protected location. (I will be doing that, as I've already needed to make repairs due to 'aggressive' offroad driving')

I hope all this helps.

 

[B Bedgood]

My wife and I are full-time rv'ers and we flat tow our Gladiator behind our diesel bus class A motor home. We use a Road master Nighthawk tow bar and baseplate. Our auxiliary braking system is an Air Force One because we have air brakes. The Gladiator is a great tow vehicle in my opinion. I would be happy to answer any questions

 

[Tank555]

I have a Rebel Offroad bumper, and it has similar tow points as the bumper you have a link to. I flat tow a Jeep Gladiator that has numerous after market STEEL parts (can you say extra weight), using a Tiffian DP, and have had zero issues with the setup I have. I did have installed an air line from the RV to my Jeep, so that when I step on the brakes, it slows my Jeep down, but also when using the air brakes, it slows the Jeep down. The only time I feel my Jeep is when it is super windy, but I am usually focused on keeping the RV on the road. ? So, no really tricks or tips, Just make sure you drive around locally first, before heading out on a long trip, safe travels, and enjoy!!

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

We tow our JT behind our Bounder - we use a Rugged Ridge Spartan bumper with Blue Ox adapters. Tow bar is an NSA Ready Brute Elite with Blue Ox clevises. That link shows the newer RB Elite II - the older model is rated for 10K lbs. For brake/tail light wiring I built my own copy of the Cooltech kit and it works great.

 

[SD Rider]

We tow our JT behind our Bounder - we use a Rugged Ridge Spartan bumper

Be very careful and tread lightly. I contacted Rugged Ridge. I liked one of their bumpers. They confirmed that none of their bumpers are tow rated. Your mileage may vary, but being ANALytical I wanted to ensure that whatever I bought was tested and rated.

 

[SD Rider]

IThe only time I feel my Jeep is when it is super windy, but I am usually focused on keeping the RV on the road. ? So, no really tricks or tips, Just make sure you drive around locally first, before heading out on a long trip, safe travels, and enjoy!!

Have you added aftermarket sway bars? My first trip in my Class C, from Kali to Kentucky and back...then after adding Hellwig swaybars... Night. and. Day. Also added some aftermarket bumpstops. Next RV upgrade is shocks...but now have another project (see JT )

 

[SD Rider]

I have been using a set up that fits your criteria for about a year now:

• 2022 Gladiator Sport, automatic transmission
• Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar
• Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit
• Brakebuddy Stealth brake system
• 10,000 lb winch mounted on a LOD Signature mount bracket
• tow vehicle is a 2018 F53 motorhome with a 5,000 lb Curt class 3 receiver

One thing I would do differently is locate the tow harness connector to a more protected location. (I will be doing that, as I've already needed to make repairs due to 'aggressive' offroad driving')

I hope all this helps.

I'm definitely interested in this brake system. Also checks off the wiring kit, right! 2 birds, 1 stone.
1) How much room do you have with the cable length for rerouting?
2) Where do you think you'll relocate the connection to avoid future mishaps?
Looks like under the rear seat. I'm going to have to look...I have the Alpine package and I think there's a subwoofer in there somewhere.
3) Why not under the passenger seat? No room?
4) 5k receiver with a 4650+ Gladiator? Typo or keeping it stock?
I am adding the steel bumper...plus plan to add offroad accessories. (hi-lift, traction boards, fuel tanks, etc.) My Class C has a 8k tow capacity, so my requirement was at least an 8k tow bar.

 

[SD Rider]

You can get a wealth of information at irv2.com.
They have a section just for towing.

Kevin

Thanks! I'm already a member of RV Life! ?

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