2020 Gladiator Sport + Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Hitch

[adognamedgoose]

I'm a new Gladiator owner, and I've been lurking on these forums incessantly the past few days. You all are super helpful and creative, and I can't wait until I get to start doing some more fun projects on this truck.

I'm looking for some reassurance re: towing capacity for my upcoming cross-country move. I have a 2020 Gladiator Sport which, unfortunately, didn't come with a hitch receiver. U-Haul is going to install a Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III hitch for me (more on that here: https://www.draw-tite.com/products/...railer-hitch/WfzaCtfZMf0hoaEk3ihHPXvjJH9y9o1k) in a few days, and at the end of September I'll be towing one of their 5x8 trailers from Los Angeles to eastern Pennsylvania.

I found a really helpful towing capacity chart that someone posted on another thread, and, for my trim (Sport + automatic transmission, no tow package), it looks like I'm rated up to 4,500 pounds. That Draw-Tite Class III looks to be rated up to 7,500 pounds (well over what the truck itself can safely pull), and the 5x8 trailer's load maxes out at 3,500 pounds.

I don't expect my belongings to be near the trailer's 3,500-pound limit, and I'm fairly certain that simple math is simple math here. The truck is strong enough to pull the trailer, and the hitch can withstand far more than I'll ever put it through in this vehicle.

I have plenty of experience driving with different sized trailers and even a few car dollies, but the Gladiator is new to me. Does this setup check out to those with more experience? Am I good to go here, or is there anything else I should consider? Thanks for any and all advice.

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[LostWoods]

I'm about to do the exact same thing next weekend in the opposite direction (DC to Phoenix) with their 6x12 so I hope you wouldn't have issues. The differences between even basic and max tow are small (alternator, battery, springs, rear brakes, and trans cooler) so the only thing there you really need to worry about is your stopping distance and transmission temps. You can monitor the latter through your cluster display and as always with Uhaul, keep your distances and speed under control. Manual mode on these transmissions is surprisingly effective while towing... they seem to do better with engine braking than most other ATs I've driven.

Also be sure to pack the trailer appropriately. If you don't plan on filling the trailer, it's easy to pack too much toward the front by starting with heavy stuff. If you only plan on packing 2/3 or so, do the moderate stuff up front, heavy above the axle, and light stuff behind that.

 

[KVJ]

You said:

That Draw-Tite Class III looks to be rated up to 7,500 pounds (well over what the truck itself can safely pull), and the 5x8 trailer's load maxes out at 3,500 pounds.

Do you know how much the trailer weighs? I have a utility trailer rated 3500# axle but the trailer weighs 900 pounds leaving the trailer to carry 2600 pound load.
Another thing I found about U-haul is they usually mark a max speed on the fender that is lower than any speed a normal person would travel at. I think is is to prevent law suits from renters when they have an accident.
@adognamedgoose

 

[Mr._Bill]

I don't see any major issues. My only suggestion would be to get the 6x12 trailer, instead of the 5x8. With the dual axles, it should sit and ride better.

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