Show and Tell:Ecodiesel maximum towing capabilities

[suzuguy69]

I feel like I might get flak for this post because I didn’t sift through the 1000’s of threads but, I did look at a lot of towing threads and didn’t find what I was looking for sooo, here we go! I have a 2021 gladiator Ecodiesel sport which I tow an 18’ flatbed trailer(+/-1900lbs) with a ‘95 YJ rock crawler on(+/-4000lbs) and loaded down with all gear, spare parts, me and the wife adds another +/-800lbs for a grand total of 6700lbs. Add that to the +/- 4800lb stock gladiator, except for the air bags and 35s on Rubicon wheels, and I have a GCW of 11,500lbs. Now, I am currently searching for a FULL junk removal and tune kit and I will be installing a PPE high capacity trans pan, Mishimoto radiator, Mishimoto trans cooler, dual rate HD coil springs in rear and more than likely 4:88 gearing(from 3:73). I am looking at a 24’ enclosed trailer that weighs in at 4100lbs with an TW of 662lbs essentially adding another 2200lbs to the mix. I am searching for real world input on Ecodiesel towing from anyone. Right now with my current trailer loaded as described I have no issues towing, pulling accelerating, braking(also have brake controller). My trans temp runs about 10° hotter than unloaded and my oil and coolant are hitting 10-15° hotter depending on ambient temp. I can dive 80-85 mph down highway, I choose 65-70 though for safety reasons. I am highly confident my performance add ons will allow my to tackle the enclosed trailer…what do you guys think? Anybody got real world, loaded down info?

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[kb5zcr]

Just curious, but are the wheelbase measurements about the same on those two vehicles? If so, a jt built up right could do the same trails, is that right.

 

[suzuguy69]

Just curious, but are the wheelbase measurements about the same on those two vehicles? If so, a jt built up right could do the same trails, is that right.

if you are talking about the YJ on the trailer, the wheelbase is 111” and the gladiator is 137” so that 2’ is gonna make a ton of difference in rock crawling. A JT on 40” tires will do a lot but, I’m looking to tow my rig.

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

Some more info/context here: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...leftover-23-to-tow-better.80299/#post-1307452

The engine in stock form has the juice to pull well above what the book says just fine. What it lacks is cooling capacity, which is what ultimately defined the rating and also what gets people in trouble. An engine oil cooler should be at the top of your mod list. Choose to conduct your big tows in cooler weather, if possible. Bigger tires are contrary to towing performance, but 35" shouldn't be too bad.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I have the mishimoto radiator and it made exactly zero difference and there’s no need for the transmission cooler. That deep pan is plenty with good fluid in it.

 

[suzuguy69]

I have the mishimoto radiator and it made exactly zero difference and there’s no need for the transmission cooler. That deep pan is plenty with good fluid in it.

Thanks for that info, I have heard from a few people now that say the Mishimoto radiator will prove only minimal to no visible results. By chance did you change your coolant type from the Mopar stuff?

 

[suzuguy69]

Some more info/context here: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...leftover-23-to-tow-better.80299/#post-1307452

The engine in stock form has the juice to pull well above what the book says just fine. What it lacks is cooling capacity, which is what ultimately defined the rating and also what gets people in trouble. An engine oil cooler should be at the top of your mod list. Choose to conduct your big tows in cooler weather, if possible. Bigger tires are contrary to towing performance, but 35" shouldn't be too bad.

I agree, I was already researching oil cooling options, just haven’t made a decision? Which route did you take? I’m glad to see that someone than me understands the SAE steps to calculating tow rating, appreciate tha response and info

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

I agree, I was already researching oil cooling options, just haven’t made a decision? Which route did you take? I’m glad to see that someone than me understands the SAE steps to calculating tow rating, appreciate tha response and info

The truck is stock in that photo. Despite the very heavy trailer and going over multiple mountain passes oil temps stayed in control in 75 degree weather. Hotter would have been a different story. There is an oil cooler thread in this sub-forum, take a look at that for the current best solution to improve ecodiesel heat removal. FYI the Ram 1500 with the same engine and much better cooling is rated to tow a little over 9k via the same brutal Davis Dam test. Our puny grill size mandated by the Jeep Wrangler look is the biggest challenge to total cooling capacity.

 

[NCJL]

Heat is going to be the limiting factor. I added an oil bypass with cooler. I can keep oil temperatures down by 10* to 15*. The bad side is the emissions system does not like the lower temps.
Lower speeds is the best fix.
JT weighs about 7k.
Trailer weighs about 4K.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Heat is going to be the limiting factor. I added an oil bypass with cooler. I can keep oil temperatures down by 10* to 15*. The bad side is the emissions system does not like the lower temps.
Lower speeds is the best fix.
JT weighs about 7k.
Trailer weighs about 4K.

Can I see a picture of where you installed this?

 

[NCJL]

Can I see a picture of where you installed this?

 

[suzuguy69]

Heat is going to be the limiting factor. I added an oil bypass with cooler. I can keep oil temperatures down by 10* to 15*. The bad side is the emissions system does not like the lower temps.
Lower speeds is the best fix.
JT weighs about 7k.
Trailer weighs about 4K.

What emissions?

 

[suzuguy69]

I read a lot of that tread where you were doing that work, very extensive, very time consuming but, very badass! I appreciate people like you that pass this knowledge along, I want you to know that and that I know your time is worth something.

 

[NCJL]

What emissions?

ED likes to run hot with or without. Made no noticeable difference in temps.

 

[antwon412]

You guys bought the wrong truck for towing loads like that

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