Towing capacity - 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with Trailer Tow Package

[WILDHOBO]

Thanks posting this chart. I just purchase a 2025 Nighthawk (3.73 axel) without the tow package and I'm now regretting it. I thought I'd just add a hitch, but I overlooked the other necessary components. Duh... It looks as though if I just add a class lll hitch, I can do the max trailer at 4500 lbs without having to do much more. However, I wanted to go heavier duty.

If I add a class four hitch, I can bump that up to 6000 max, but looks like I' may have to replace the radiator fan. However, I don't know what my stock fan is rated at... I haven't looked. I was surprised to see that I do have a 240 Amp alternator. Aside from the fan and Class 4 hitch, can anyone chime in on what else I would have to change? Thanks

Larger transmission cooler, alternator (which you seem to have), and the receiver. If you buy the mopar class 4 it should be equivalent, but not legally.

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[Steve_ss]

Thanks posting this chart. I just purchase a 2025 Nighthawk (3.73 axel) without the tow package and I'm now regretting it. I thought I'd just add a hitch, but I overlooked the other necessary components. Duh... It looks as though if I just add a class lll hitch, I can do the max trailer at 4500 lbs without having to do much more. However, I wanted to go heavier duty.

If I add a class four hitch, I can bump that up to 6000 max, but looks like I' may have to replace the radiator fan. However, I don't know what my stock fan is rated at... I haven't looked. I was surprised to see that I do have a 240 Amp alternator. Aside from the fan and Class 4 hitch, can anyone chime in on what else I would have to change? Thanks

Congratulations on your new Nighthawk. I just got a Sport S with the max-tow. I think you might need a wiring harness for trailer lights. I added the Mopar trailer brake controller at the dealer. How hard is it to change the rear to 4.10 gear and add heavier springs? Also, the max tow has the wider axles and 18" wheels. I don't know how much you would have to change to increase your tow capacity. Attached is a pdf of the 2025 Gladiator Specs. Page 8 has the tow ratings. I hope this helps.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Congratulations on your new Nighthawk. I just got a Sport S with the max-tow. I think you might need a wiring harness for trailer lights. I added the Mopar trailer brake controller at the dealer. How hard is it to change the rear to 4.10 gear and add heavier springs? Also, the max tow has the wider axles and 18" wheels. I don't know how much you would have to change to increase your tow capacity. Attached is a pdf of the 2025 Gladiator Specs. Page 8 has the tow ratings. I hope this helps.

[USER=67097]@David G is just trying to get it to 6k. They can’t get it to where yours is. Gear ratio has nothing to do with towing capacity. Nor does wheel diameter. As for brake controllers, the curt echo doesn’t require any wiring and can be moved between vehicles. I believe all gladiators have trailer wiring harnesses from the factory.

 

[David G]

Congratulations on your new Nighthawk. I just got a Sport S with the max-tow. I think you might need a wiring harness for trailer lights. I added the Mopar trailer brake controller at the dealer. How hard is it to change the rear to 4.10 gear and add heavier springs? Also, the max tow has the wider axles and 18" wheels. I don't know how much you would have to change to increase your tow capacity. Attached is a pdf of the 2025 Gladiator Specs. Page 8 has the tow ratings. I hope this helps.

You made a good choice selecting that Tow package. At 73, I tend to forget things I should be looking into. I’m still deciding what to do about my tow options. I presume the standard tow bar, behind the spare tire, is only class 3 rated for a max of 4500 lbs. I’m looking to purchase a small RV trailer under the 3,500 lb range. I presume I’ll be OK without having to modify much at that weight. I may, however, install the mopar class 4 hitch and replace the fan if need be. I’ve seen 3.73 axles in standard tow packages, so no need to change that. I’m not sure if the standard two package includes a trans cooler… or is that just for the Max Tow pkg?

I plan to get under my rig today to check on the fan wattage. I was surprised to see the 240 amp alternator yesterday. Perhaps I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

i‘m a bit upset with the dealer, as the first Nighthawk I wanted had the tow package and he would not deal on it. I no sooner drove off the lot and they advertised it at what I had offered. Go figure.

 

[David G]

[USER=67097]@David G is just trying to get it to 6k. They can’t get it to where yours is. Gear ratio has nothing to do with towing capacity. Nor does wheel diameter. As for brake controllers, the curt echo doesn’t require any wiring and can be moved between vehicles. I believe all gladiators have trailer wiring harnesses from the factory.

I ordered the Curt Echo (Blu Tooth) as I’m not wanting to tear up the panels and run wires to install a brake controller. It’s a great concept.

 

[Steve_ss]

[USER=67097]@David G is just trying to get it to 6k. They can’t get it to where yours is. Gear ratio has nothing to do with towing capacity. Nor does wheel diameter. As for brake controllers, the curt echo doesn’t require any wiring and can be moved between vehicles. I believe all gladiators have trailer wiring harnesses from the factory.

I was wondering if the 18" wheel with the shorter sidewall has anything to do with how much weight you can carry than the softer / taller 17" sidewall. I think the 4.10 gears helps to get you rolling, but you are limited at the top end speed (not that top end matters with a trailer, etc). I don't know everything about how it all ties together (learning as we go). I was just mentioning some differences.

 

[smlobx]

……. How hard is it to change the rear to 4.10 gear and add heavier springs? …..

Just an FYI you should never just change the axle gearing on one axle…

 

[Steve_ss]

I ordered the Curt Echo (Blu Tooth) as I’m not wanting to tear up the panels and run wires to install a brake controller. It’s a great concept.

I didn't know what my controller options were when I got my sport s. I saw there was a mopar offering, it fit right in place of the 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet in the dash, and there is already a connector for it someplace under a panel. Since I am NOT a mechanic, and have no automotive repair skills, it was easier for me to have the dealer install this than search for other options. The only thing I knew for sure is I wanted a controller and an easy life. Maybe not the best option, but it works for me.

 

[Steve_ss]

Just an FYI you should never just change the axle gearing on one axle…

Thank you. I guessing it's not worth it to change both. Never mind.

 

[David G]

I didn't know what my controller options were when I got my sport s. I saw there was a mopar offering, it fit right in place of the 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet in the dash, and there is already a connector for it someplace under a panel. Since I am NOT a mechanic, and have no automotive repair skills, it was easier for me to have the dealer install this than search for other options. The only thing I knew for sure is I wanted a controller and an easy life. Maybe not the best option, but it works for me.

I didn’t know either. I just happened to stumble across it it while searching. A stroke of luck and I need as much luck as I can get

 

[ConqSoft]

You made a good choice selecting that Tow package. At 73, I tend to forget things I should be looking into. I’m still deciding what to do about my tow options. I presume the standard tow bar, behind the spare tire, is only class 3 rated for a max of 4500 lbs. I’m looking to purchase a small RV trailer under the 3,500 lb range. I presume I’ll be OK without having to modify much at that weight. I may, however, install the mopar class 4 hitch and replace the fan if need be. I’ve seen 3.73 axles in standard tow packages, so no need to change that. I’m not sure if the standard two package includes a trans cooler… or is that just for the Max Tow pkg?

I plan to get under my rig today to check on the fan wattage. I was surprised to see the 240 amp alternator yesterday. Perhaps I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

i‘m a bit upset with the dealer, as the first Nighthawk I wanted had the tow package and he would not deal on it. I no sooner drove off the lot and they advertised it at what I had offered. Go figure.

Looks like Idaho doesn't have a state-mandated cooling off period for car purchases. Does your dealer policies allow you to return the vehicle within a set amount of time?

 

[WILDHOBO]

I ordered the Curt Echo (Blu Tooth) as I’m not wanting to tear up the panels and run wires to install a brake controller. It’s a great concept.

You’ll love it. I’ve had mine since 2020 and it’s never given me a single problem. And you can create multiple vehicle/trailer profiles. I have two trailers and it’s amazing.

 

[David G]

Looks like Idaho doesn't have a state-mandated cooling off period for car purchases. Does your dealer policies allow you to return the vehicle within a set amount of time?

I purchased mine in Wyoming, a 4 hr drive away from home. My local dealer’s didn’t have Nighthawks in stock. I would not want to hassle returning it. I do like the truck and I’m willing to make a few minor adjustments. However, it would have been easier if the dealer would have cooperated. They also screwEd up the paperwork several times during the process. I had to watch them like a hawk. Working with dealers is always frustrating.

 

[David G]

This appears to be the same transmission cooler right above my AC condenser. Is this the same Trans Cooler supplied with the standard Tow Package? Or is there a larger one? Thanks
https://www.moparwholesalestore.com...1/28/25]&utm_term=68314791AA&utm_content=0-50

 

[Jcsii]

I would stay away from the curt blue tooth, left me without a remote connection one time due to a phone app update being required. It did work with last settings.

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