Anyone Driving a Sport S w/Max Tow Package

[4x4 Mule]

Is anyone driving a Sport S Gladiator with the Max Tow Package? How does it ride? I have found a 2024 in the area where I work, it has a big discount right now and I’m interested in it. I tried to test drive it but the battery was dead (along with multiple other Jeeps on the lot) and they did not have a battery to put in it. I’ll be going back this week to try again. I drove a Mohave about a month ago and it rode too rough for me. Also, I would prefer to not have factory lockers so the Max Tow package sounds perfect for me. I was looking thru a link I found on another post and it listed all the specs for the different models of Gladiators (engine,gearing,tires,shocks,etc) and the Sport S is listed as having the gas charged mono tube shock, I did not see anything else listed or changed for the Max Tow package. I‘m curious if anyone has any extra info they could give me.

I have a 1500 Ram with 5.7, auto & 3.90 setup to pull our 18’ livestock trailer but I think the Gladiator would be a nice addition to the farm to pull our smaller trailers, something fun to play around with and drive to Jeep events. It would also be my daily driver and I drive approx. 600 miles a week to work and back home so the ride is important.

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[CyberHero]

You’re gonna catch criticism for knocking the Mojave but I do agree I was not a fan of how it drove and think it’s vastly overrated. I had a sport max tow and I freaking loved it. We test drove it and wife wasn’t all that thrilled said it prob drives like a jeep but after test drive she was the main influencer to get it. I traded in my sport max tow for a rubicon and I think while the Rubicon drives a lot better than Mojave my sport max tow was better. What I use it for and what you use it for tho will be two different things

 

[4x4 Mule]

You’re gonna catch criticism for knocking the Mojave but I do agree I was not a fan of how it drove and think it’s vastly overrated. I had a sport max tow and I freaking loved it. We test drove it and wife wasn’t all that thrilled said it prob drives like a jeep but after test drive she was the main influencer to get it. I traded in my sport max tow for a rubicon and I think while the Rubicon drives a lot better than Mojave my sport max tow was better. What I use it for and what you use it for tho will be two different things

Thanks. Thats good to know. I’m not knocking the Mohave, I liked the overall package and thought it made a lot of sense but it wasn’t for me. I’m also a newly minted sexagenarian so that has something to do with it also.

 

[Undecided]

If you don’t intend to do “stuff” that takes advantage of the Rubi features or need more truck than rock crawler - I see the Max Tow as is the best package. It blends the off road features with truck utility the best.

The payload has made it possible for me to carry all sorts of stuff without concern . The LSD fits perfectly with the off roading I do. The towing is acceptable for our 4500lb camper. You definitely know you’re pulling it and gas MPG isn’t anything to celebrate but I never feel like it I’m over taxing it. Can still accelerate to pass etc

as far as ride, I had never owned a wrangler or a truck before this so can’t give a comparison but it’s definitely not as nice as the old SUV I had. I don’t consider it unacceptable though and there’s so many modifications you could do to adjust it.

 

[JmattNYC]

Currently on my 3rd Gladiator and it is a anvil sport max tow. I left it stock because i really enjoy how it rides. It is perfect for what you want to do with it. Best in class capabilities for towing and payload.

 

[Crane]

I have a base Sport Max Tow and have been loving it. Granted, I've only had it a week, but we're planning on pulling an Airstream to Lake George this summer and the towing capacity/payload are perfect for our needs. It also rides like a jeep, but I had a 2dr JK before this so I knew what to expect.

Crane

 

[JmattNYC]

I have a base Sport Max Tow and have been loving it. Granted, I've only had it a week, but we're planning on pulling an Airstream to Lake George this summer and the towing capacity/payload are perfect for our needs. It also rides like a jeep, but I had a 2dr JK before this so I knew what to expect.

Crane

You can make things more comfortable with a few minor mods as well. Max tow already comes equip with really good brakes but I would suggest the following:
The Three must-
1. Towing Mirrors.
2. Trailer Brake Controller.
3. Weight distribution Hitch properly equip to your truck setup.

Items that are good to have depending on what your towing-
1. Shock absorbers for your trailer(Depending on what your towing)
2. Sumo Springs helpers or similar product.
3. Additional rear camera to view what your towing.

I could be missing a few items but you cant go wrong with any of these additions.

 

[4x4 Mule]

You can make things more comfortable with a few minor mods as well. Max tow already comes equip with really good brakes but I would suggest the following:
The Three must-
1. Towing Mirrors.
2. Trailer Brake Controller.
3. Weight distribution Hitch properly equip to your truck setup.

Items that are good to have depending on what your towing-
1. Shock absorbers for your trailer(Depending on what your towing)
2. Sumo Springs helpers or similar product.
3. Additional rear camera to view what your towing.

I could be missing a few items but you cant go wrong with any of these additions.

I was planning on having a trailer brake controller installed. I was wondering tho about larger side mirrors … what are you using?

 

[MaDDscientist]

I like how mine rides. I don’t think it is too rough at all. It felt very similar to the Rubicon I test drove.
Haven’t driven a Mojave. I thought they were considered the “gold standard” for the ride quality…

 

[stormshadow]

I like how mine rides, the seats on the other hand are not very comfortable for me. I have a set of rubicon leather seats getting ready to install them. The cloth seats do not have enough padding for me and mess with my sciatic nerve even with the seat jackers.

 

[Gvsukids]

Is anyone driving a Sport S Gladiator with the Max Tow Package? How does it ride? I have found a 2024 in the area where I work, it has a big discount right now and I’m interested in it. I tried to test drive it but the battery was dead (along with multiple other Jeeps on the lot) and they did not have a battery to put in it. I’ll be going back this week to try again. I drove a Mohave about a month ago and it rode too rough for me. Also, I would prefer to not have factory lockers so the Max Tow package sounds perfect for me. I was looking thru a link I found on another post and it listed all the specs for the different models of Gladiators (engine,gearing,tires,shocks,etc) and the Sport S is listed as having the gas charged mono tube shock, I did not see anything else listed or changed for the Max Tow package. I‘m curious if anyone has any extra info they could give me.

I have a 1500 Ram with 5.7, auto & 3.90 setup to pull our 18’ livestock trailer but I think the Gladiator would be a nice addition to the farm to pull our smaller trailers, something fun to play around with and drive to Jeep events. It would also be my daily driver and I drive approx. 600 miles a week to work and back home so the ride is important.

I have a 2020 Max Tow and we have put on 95000 miles since August 2000. The Mojave wasn't out when we purchased, otherwise probably would've gone that way, but the Max Tow payload is great as is the tow rating. We have been successful every where we wanted to go.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I have a 2021 sport s with max tow. This replaced my 2016 Ram 1500.

Very happy with it, far more nimble than the Ram, slightly better gas mileage. I don’t tow much, but did when I moved last year ( 4x8 Uhaul enclosed trailer), it towed superbly with no issues.

I went with the Gladiator as I wanted a PU truck bed, but didn’t need a full size- mostly need it for the bird dog I hunt with. The Gladiator has an upright seating that I prefer vs the reclining of many smaller PUs. The Ram was more comfortable ride, but not as nimble.

 

[4x4 Mule]

Lots of good info. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I’m going to test drive the vehicle this week and I’ll post my thoughts on it and if I purchase it.

 

[mtudb24]

Is anyone driving a Sport S Gladiator with the Max Tow Package? How does it ride? I have found a 2024 in the area where I work, it has a big discount right now and I’m interested in it. I tried to test drive it but the battery was dead (along with multiple other Jeeps on the lot) and they did not have a battery to put in it. I’ll be going back this week to try again. I drove a Mohave about a month ago and it rode too rough for me. Also, I would prefer to not have factory lockers so the Max Tow package sounds perfect for me. I was looking thru a link I found on another post and it listed all the specs for the different models of Gladiators (engine,gearing,tires,shocks,etc) and the Sport S is listed as having the gas charged mono tube shock, I did not see anything else listed or changed for the Max Tow package. I‘m curious if anyone has any extra info they could give me.

I have a 1500 Ram with 5.7, auto & 3.90 setup to pull our 18’ livestock trailer but I think the Gladiator would be a nice addition to the farm to pull our smaller trailers, something fun to play around with and drive to Jeep events. It would also be my daily driver and I drive approx. 600 miles a week to work and back home so the ride is important.

2021 Max Tow. Went from a FS ram with Hemi and 3:90's to the Jeep. I don't have any complaints (only thing I've had to do was delete aux battery and put new battery in at the 50K mark). Pulls our boat well enough for me. Ride is really decent (although I have the mopar 2" lift and fox shocks and 35's)

I don't regret giving up the Ram at all.

Good luck with your decision to purchase.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Lots of good info. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I’m going to test drive the vehicle this week and I’ll post my thoughts on it and if I purchase it.

Check the tire pressure, on the center screen, when you drive it. Dealers tend to over-inflate, and that makes the ride a bit rougher than it should be.

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