Travel trailer towing with a 2026 Willys Gladiator

[DavenFla]

I honestly think you will be just fine. I tow this Encore ROG 12RK-SS which has a similar weight as the trailer you are looking at. I did upgrade my gearing to 4.88 but I also am running an RSI Smartcap, rooftop tent, 270 awning and decked drawer system on 35” tires (soon to be 37” tires).

Tell me about your hitch set up... looks kinda funky to me.

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[Pliny]

I like the military look. I've always been a fan of military vehicles, and many years ago owned a
1948 Jeep Willys CJ2A. It was the civilian version of the WWII Jeep. It was a blast to drive off-road!

When I first got interested in Gladiators I was considering the Rubicon and Mojave. But after much thinking I know I'll only be doing mild off-roading, and these trim levels I don't need. Most likely the Willys will be enough for me. I think the Willys '41 looks cool.

Okay. Here is what I'm towing (this is on the day that we picked the trailer up):

Trailer is probably close to 3300 lbs fully loaded, water, food, gear, mountain bikes.

I installed the Mopar trailer brake controller myself, that was a pain to do.

Options that you add to the Casita can add to it's dry weight. In my case, the roof rails, awning, slide for the front box, heater, solar panel, second propane tank, etc.

Jeep bundles options together when you try to configure a build, but here is an example of how I would want a Willy's 41 configured:

https://www.jeep.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C6PJTAG2TL173036

My only two strong recommendations on there are the hardtop and the Mopar headliner would help with heat and noise versus the soft top.

 

[Lochsa]

I currently tow a Tab 320 which is about 2300 pounds, which is really close to your trailer. I also live in the Sacramento region so used to the hot weather and steep grades. I tow with a 2024 Rubicon X and am currently on 35 inch Wildpeak ATW4s. I added airlift 1000s bag which I really haven't needed and use a Bluetooth brake controller. Still running stock 4.10s. I don't feel the need for a weight distribution hitch. I used to tow a similar load with a 2014 JKU and had cooling issues. The Gladiator with the 8 speed transmission does great, especially when compared to the JKU. You are correct that the Willy's comes with heavy duty cooling, it does not have the Aux switches. The axles are a little narrower than the Rubicon's. The only difference I see, is that if you go up in tire size, even to 35s and tow you probably want to regear to 4.56. The engine is high revving, so when going over the steepest grades expect some engine noise. Otherwise towing should be a relaxed experience! Good luck in your search.

 

[Pliny]

You are correct that the Willy's comes with heavy duty cooling, it does not have the Aux switches.

The window sticker that I linked has the aux switches included in the Willy's 41 package.

 

[jjstohr-13]

I'm towing a travel trailer with my 2024 Gladiator Rubicon. The trailer is 5000 lb dry; 6000 gross -- which I never approach -- and 550 tongue. I'm within the Gladiator's payload spec as well. CAT scale results seem reasonable (at least to me). I use a Fastway E2 weight distributing hitch with the 6000 bars.

But I've been experiencing sway issues above 55 mi/hr on interstates. Generally not scary - a touch of the trailer brakes takes care of it - but seems to indicate a problem, so I'm not eager to take long trips with the rig.

Any suggestions on directions I should go on this? Continue tweaking the WDH setup? Loading for more tongue weight? Tire pressure tweaks? Different WDH? Etc., etc.?

I would reccomend using the helper airbags for towing. They are cheap and easy to install, What I found was that between the suspension being soft, the tires being big, and the weight getting close to max, the truck needed just a little help. They really stiffen the back end up to a comfortable level.

 

[Gladiatorguy]

Voice of experience here. I have been towing a 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe for 10 years behind Grand Cherokees, Durangos, Wrangler JKU and JLU, and Gladiators (Sport S, Max Tow, and Willys) all over the US and Canada. First of all, unless you are getting a great deal on the Patriot, look into a Spirit Deluxe. The Patriot layout looks a little funky, in that you have to crawl behind the dinette to sleep. The 17' weighs a shade under 2,500 lbs dry. I only added a WDH recently for towing long distance with the JLU. That noticeably helped with stability.
I towed the Casita from Michigan to Colorado last summer with my stock 25 Willys (with WDH). No problems, even in 95 to 100 degree temps in western CO. A little sluggish on the mountain grades, but not a problem. As others have said, add a brake controller, as it is required by law in many states for trailers over a specified weight. Based on other contributor's postings, the Mopar brake controller is a clean looking finished installation, but complicated to install. I have a Tekonsha brake controller that works fine. Finding and accessing the vehicle side of the brake controller wiring connector is a pain. Even some dealer service departments can't find it! Post here or PM me if you get into a bind.
Lastly, be sure to re-aim your headlights for towing. You might get a little squat. Air bags can eliminate squat but WILL NOT increase the load carrying capacity. My experience is that most, if not all, JKU and JT headlamps are aimed too high from the factory. I have been "flashed" on several occasions, even without a trailer, until I re-aimed the headlights. A long skinny screwdriver (regular or Phillips) is all you need.
Maybe sign up on casitaforum.com and casitaclub.com for info and tips.
Good luck and safe travels. Looking forward to posts on your adventures.

 

[Labswine]

But I've been experiencing sway issues above 55 mi/hr on interstates. Generally not scary - a touch of the trailer brakes takes care of it - but seems to indicate a problem, so I'm not eager to take long trips with the rig.

I have found that your lane position can cause trailer sway...especially if the highway hasn't been resurfaced in a long time.

Tractor trailers put depressions in the lanes from their sheer weight, over time, basically ruts in the lanes. Your trailer wants to fall into these 'ruts' while your tow vehicle is not. So, I have found that a slight adjustment in lane position can alleviate that sway feeling.

 

[Labswine]

I tow a 27', 5,100 lb. (with all we want or need) travel trailer. Factory says tongue is 425 lbs but, with all in the front pass through, I'm guessing it's more like 525 lbs. Still under limits. It's a 2021 Sonic SN220VRB.

I have the Overland package with tow package (ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19). I use a BlueOx WDH to great success. Rear sag is minimal. I measured from receiver to ground without the trailer attached, then attached the trailer. 1 1/2" drop. Put on the WDH bars and drop was only 3/4". I also have the PrimusIQ 10 brake controller. My Overland is stone stock. This will be my first year towing with the new sneakers on it. The Factory 255 Dueler HLs finally went buh-byes and I replaced them with Hankook Dynapro AT2s in the 265 flavor. Lost about 1 MPG bopping around and on the highway. I was getting around 13 MPG towing, but now, will probably be looking at more like 11-12 MPG.

I shift manually and never see 8th unless going downhill with a tail wind

I don't go over 65 MPH. Most of my towing has been east coast to beach places but, more recently been going north like through the Pocono Mountains where sometimes I have to drop to 5th at around 3,500 RPMs just to maintain 50-55 MPH going up grades.

As far as temps, the highest I have seen was 220 degrees on the interstate when ambient temps were 100-102 degrees. My JTO handles everything with aplomb.

My rig...

 

[Lochsa]

I tow a 27', 5,100 lb. (with all we want or need) travel trailer

I think this would be a tough tow out west. I go from sea level to 7000 feet within the space of 50 miles with lots of ups and downs. I'm sure its fine back east. The loss of power with elevation gain is real. By the time I hit Donner Summit I am down about 21% in power.

 

[Lochsa]

The window sticker that I linked has the aux switches included in the Willy's 41 package.

You are right, I looked at the compare portion on the Jeep Website. On one section it says Aux switches standard, on another it says Trailer Tow and Aux unavailable.

 

[Trauma PA]

Tell me about your hitch set up... looks kinda funky to me.

It’s a lock-n-roll hitch. Provided full articulation for going off road.

 

[S JEEPN]

I'm towing a travel trailer with my 2024 Gladiator Rubicon. The trailer is 5000 lb dry; 6000 gross -- which I never approach -- and 550 tongue. I'm within the Gladiator's payload spec as well. CAT scale results seem reasonable (at least to me). I use a Fastway E2 weight distributing hitch with the 6000 bars.

But I've been experiencing sway issues above 55 mi/hr on interstates. Generally not scary - a touch of the trailer brakes takes care of it - but seems to indicate a problem, so I'm not eager to take long trips with the rig.

Any suggestions on directions I should go on this? Continue tweaking the WDH setup? Loading for more tongue weight? Tire pressure tweaks? Different WDH? Etc., etc.?

AS long as the trailer is level when hitched up It is most likely lack of weight from the front of the trailer causing sway. The weight distribution could be working against you a bit.

 

[S JEEPN]

You should have no problem towing with the Willys temperature and handling wise. On the steepest grades like I8 westbound from the desert or the grape vine with a trailer it will drop down into lower gears and rev up nothing serious except the toll on fuel mileage if you maintain speed. I have towed 6K with my Mojave a few times both around town and on the highway never saw much increase in Transmission or engine temperatures although i drove accordingly. The transmission does seem to be pretty good at selecting gears for what you are doing with it seems better shifting than my previous work trucks. When towing it does sometimes hold lower gears longer than i would if it was a manual sometimes i let off the gas a bit to get it to shift into the higher gear but probably do not really need to do anything but drive it.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I've got my eye on the 2026 limited edition Willys '41 Gladiator. Mostly for mild off-roading and exploring mountain & desert roads.
But also for pulling a travel trailer. The trailer I have in mind is 15' and has a dry weight of 2350 lbs.

The Willys '41 has a 6,000 lbs towing capacity and 1,025 lbs payload. Also 3.73 axle ration and class IV receiver hitch.
But...a trailer-tow package and Max tow package are NOT available. I'm not sure how important these tow packages are.
I know they provide heavy duty engine cooling. That seems important.

I've been reading many of the other threads in this forum, and I believe the Willys-travel trailer should not be a problem
(however, the thread by Tank43 does give me concern).

Btw, here's the travel trailer I have in mind...
https://casitatraveltrailers.com/patriot/

Is there anything I need to consider?

That’s a very cool Gladiator but for towing, even a small Casita like that little beauty, for the look of trim, you’ll be missing the very highly advised 1,700 payload, 4:10 w/limited slip, with 7,700 lbs towing package that includes the 240amp alt., plus cooling options. That’s fold can be found in either a Sport or Sport S, one can be built on line for around $40-$43k with limited options or the other from $45-$52, with an array of convenient, safety and LED headlights and all around LED lighting. Things like heated seats and steering wheel, alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic and blind spot monitoring. Both with optional hardtop and automatic trans.

 

[DavenFla]

It’s a lock-n-roll hitch. Provided full articulation for going off road.

How is it on the highway? and does it come with sway control/equalizer bars. My off road trailer is high profile and is susceptible to cross winds.

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