Towing question

[ScottBeach]

If you plan to always keep the tanks dry while moving it that cuts a lot of weight off.

So dry water/grey/black while moving will save you 10% of gross weight. That is a big deal and I think would make this a good choice. Wet it would be at the limits. And knowing your tow needs would answer a lot. I have done 7% grade in other rigs at tow limit. I wouldn't do it again. Honestly at 7% grade I won't want over 70% of max weight behind me. Yes anti sway helps. Of course trailer brake control is required but most trucks max limit is higher than the truck weight. And going down 7% grade i just don't want more weight pushing me than the truck weighs.

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[JeepNightHawk]

Should be fine, remember the tow ratings are up a steep dam in over 100 degrees weather fairly slowly though. The engine will scream up longer hills, you won't win any races, and you'll definitely know it's back there but it will do it just fine imo. We have a nobo 19.8 which is 4800 max weight and towed it to and back pigeon forge from Florida very easily.

I like the nobo 19.8 too. I was worried the Gladiator will struggle too much through the hills of Tennessee. Sounds like you guys that tow just under the limit are doing fine. I have experience with trucks . I had a f150. Tow max on it was 10500. I had a trailer with concrete blocks before and towed 10k. I understand the dynamics change. What does that nobo weigh and what is your mojave rated for ? Thanks

 

[berb]

A general rule of thumb when purchasing a travel trailer the dry weight should be 1,000 lbs. below your towing capacity. You are 1,700 below your capacity. It takes a lot to load up 1,700 pounds.

BUT if you want to be sure.
Go to the local landfill and weigh your Gladiator with only a full tank of gas in it.
Then load up all the gear you would take camping, go to your local landfill and weigh your truck while you are full.
Subtract your full weight from your empty weight and then add that number to the weight of the trailer and you will have your exact answer with the exception of any water you may carry.

Good luck, it looks like a nice trailer.

 

[GI Grandpa]

I just bought a 2025 Gladiator Nighthawk. Went way out of my way and paid more for the tow package. 6,000 pounds. I would love to purchase this camper.

https://www.couchsrvnation.com/coachmen/travel-trailer/apex-nano/208bhs

Its 4300 dry. Is this doable with my rig. I'm figuring 1k in gear. 5300. Even if its 1500 in gear . 5800 pounds.

What is everyone's' thought on this ?

Thanks

Well, you're at max hitch weight 596lbs of 600lbs total. I tend to error on the side of caution and won't tow anything over 4,000 lbs., but I also live in Colorado where altitude, hills and mountains get a vote. I would also look into airbags if you're going to do it and don't modify the Jeep with bigger tires and other goodies as they will limit your towing capacity too.

 

[bleda2002]

I like the nobo 19.8 too. I was worried the Gladiator will struggle too much through the hills of Tennessee. Sounds like you guys that tow just under the limit are doing fine. I have experience with trucks . I had a f150. Tow max on it was 10500. I had a trailer with concrete blocks before and towed 10k. I understand the dynamics change. What does that nobo weigh and what is your mojave rated for ? Thanks

I have the real offroad gladiator, the Rubicon, so it's 7k. But I also have 38s and 5.13s and a Clayton lift. Nobo is 3950 dry, probably 4500ish as loaded. Tongue weight of 500lbs+ hitch. The Mojave is only lower rated because it has softer springs but with a good weight distribution hitch that will even you out. I actually took the foothills parkway to the campsite and while it wasn't winning any speed records it made it up and done the hills to the Greenbrier just fine.

 

[Labswine]

I have the Vantage Sonic SN220VRB. It's 27' long and around 5,100 lbs with all we want or need loaded in...food, clothing, living things like dinnerware, pots/pans, etc. It has a stated 425 lb tongue weight so I am estimating around 525 lb tongue weight with all in the front pass through. I do tow dry in that the tanks are empty. Sometimes I'll put a few gallons in the FW tank for in case we need to stop somewhere and use the toilet and it's not a suitably equipped rest area, so we can flush but otherwise...plus, my FW tank is right over the twin axle so it really doesn't contribute to tongue weight, just overall towing weight.

I have the BlueOx WDH set up which also does well with sway control, and the Tekonsha Primus IQ10 brake controller. As far as rear droop, I once measured the bottom of the receiver to the ground, then hooked up the trailer. Droop was ~1.5". Hooked up the WDH and remeasured. Droop was only around 3/4". The front end feels just as planted as if I wasn't towing anything.

As far as driving, I shift the trans manually and never see 8th. It does remind you that it's only a V-6 but it does it's job. I typically run the interstate at not more than 65 MPH in 7th at around 2,100 RPMs. Going up a grade, when speed drops below 59 MPH, drop a gear at around 2,800 RPMs until I crest the grade and am back up to 65 MPH. Steeper grades, sometimes I'll need to drop to 5th and am around 3.500 or more RPMs. I really don't care who is behind me as if they don't like it, they can go around. It's MY drive, not theirs. Temperatures, even when it's 95 degrees out, temps don't go higher than 220 (as seen on the off road page in my display, I have the 8.5" with Nav).

As far as carrying in the Gladiator, it's generally a beach umbrella a couple of lounge chairs, me, and the Bride (and of course snacks to nosh on while driving).

I typically get between 12 and 13 MPGs towing. Overland, ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19. Most of my driving has been east coast so, relatively flat. Eventually will head northwards like the Poconos or New England like Maine or something. Would like to see Acadia National Park sometime.

Good luck with yours and enjoy.

My rig

 

[MudderNuker]

I'll be honest with you. I have a JTR with 35" tires and stock gearing. I tow a Geo Pro 19BH which is around 4K lbs., loaded. Unless you live on very flat lands and your camping destinations don't involve steep hills and you don't plan on lifting and bigger tires, you will be OK. Otherwise, it will suck! You'll be the slowest truck towing uphill with a screaming engine ringing on your ears. I wouldn't go over 4K trailer weight. Keeping the camper to a more reasonable weight will make you happier. My setup is probably at the limit on what I perceive as being OK for towing. I live at over 7,000 ft in elevation and mostly hills and you can tell the JTR does not like towing. Elevation also is something to consider since you lose 3% HP for every 1,000 in elevation. I'm down 21.9% in HP or a loss of 62HP on a rather underpowered rig. That is my honest opinion. Some may be happy with their setups and how the JT tows, some are in denial and some call it for what it is, a great offroading truck, with nostalgic looks, comfortable and you can modify like not other truck in the market and you get to take the roof and doors off. What this truck isn't is a good towing rig. It is adequate at best.

 

[MrASS00]

I just bought a 2025 Gladiator Nighthawk. Went way out of my way and paid more for the tow package. 6,000 pounds. I would love to purchase this camper.

https://www.couchsrvnation.com/coachmen/travel-trailer/apex-nano/208bhs

Its 4300 dry. Is this doable with my rig. I'm figuring 1k in gear. 5300. Even if its 1500 in gear . 5800 pounds.

What is everyone's' thought on this ?

Thanks

I pull a sunlight at 2500 dry weight. Lot less so can't comment as much but the gas mileage! Yikes! lol I am running 35" tires and lift. If the gladiator gas mileage was bad it's way worse pulling. I think I get about 9 miles to gallon. Probably not your concern as much as if it can do it or not.

 

[Minty JL]

Its fine. depends on you're tolerance and towing skill for sure tho.

How well does your JTM haul that camper? I'm looking at a Intect Flyer Explore which is like 1600-2100lbs dry

 

[PuddleJumper]

How well does your JTM haul that camper? I'm looking at a Intect Flyer Explore which is like 1600-2100lbs dry

for me? GREAT!!!! its the little blue truck that could. for everyone else? 9 mpg avg, 5-6th everywhere at 3k plus doing 55mph tops. probably not a fun time. I don't expect my truck to be a towing beast. I just expect it to actually tow when i ask it too. and thats enough for me. Its on 4.88s now so i'll have to see how much better towing the nobo gets. 2100lbs isn't light but easily achievable and comfortable in my book.

 

[JeepNightHawk]

A general rule of thumb when purchasing a travel trailer the dry weight should be 1,000 lbs. below your towing capacity. You are 1,700 below your capacity. It takes a lot to load up 1,700 pounds.

BUT if you want to be sure.
Go to the local landfill and weigh your Gladiator with only a full tank of gas in it.
Then load up all the gear you would take camping, go to your local landfill and weigh your truck while you are full.
Subtract your full weight from your empty weight and then add that number to the weight of the trailer and you will have your exact answer with the exception of any water you may carry.

Good luck, it looks like a nice trailer.

The trailer empty is 42XX. I have two small kids. If I just towed it without water, it will be several hundred under the rated towing. Thanks for the advice.

 

[JeepNightHawk]

On a somewhat similar note , I just put a pallet of hardwood flooring weighing 900 pounds into the bed. Sticker on door says my payload is 925. Maxed out and didn't really feel it. I had my f150 at max before and felt every bit of it. The jeep at max (925) didn't feel sluggish, didn't squat that bad , turned fine , etc. I think jeep was a little conservative with their payload numbers .

 

[Minty JL]

for me? GREAT!!!! its the little blue truck that could. for everyone else? 9 mpg avg, 5-6th everywhere at 3k plus doing 55mph tops. probably not a fun time. I don't expect my truck to be a towing beast. I just expect it to actually tow when i ask it too. and thats enough for me. Its on 4.88s now so i'll have to see how much better towing the nobo gets. 2100lbs isn't light but easily achievable and comfortable in my book.

Yeah fully loaded I should 18-1900 max. A regear is in the future and I'm more then likely going 5.13s. Might throw in some air bags to keep it nice and level

 

[PuddleJumper]

Yeah fully loaded I should 18-1900 max. A regear is in the future and I'm more then likely going 5.13s. Might throw in some air bags to keep it nice and level

Oh I have bags and I can’t recommend them enough. They are awesome even for managing a rtt and gear Offroad. Bout 11 psi and it doesn’t feel like I’m hauling a load of bricks on the fast and loose stuff.

 

[Minty JL]

Oh I have bags and I can’t recommend them enough. They are awesome even for managing a rtt and gear Offroad. Bout 11 psi and it doesn’t feel like I’m hauling a load of bricks on the fast and loose stuff.

Nice, I will need to run spacers under them since I'm on a big boy lift now

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