MotorTrend 2021 Gladiator Review - Terrifying Towing?

[ShadowsPapa]

We take our trailer out every month or two. Usually head up to Tahoe, which is a 6000-7000' climb, depending on where we go. I use a sway controller and WDH. Obviously a brake controller too. The truck has zero issues controlling the trailer. I am sure proper setup is half of the reason why it handles so well. My only issue is it is under powered for the heavy loads. I will be regearing it soon to increase the torque. Other than that, I am perfectly satisfied with the towing our travel trailer with. I get excited when I go pick the trailer up from its storage location.

I should mention I am a slow poke towing. I don't go over 60mph and usually am between 50-55.

I'd never dream of towing a rig like that with a stock Overland.

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[PDiddy]

I'd never dream of towing a rig like that with a stock Overland.

I don’t think an overland has the tow capacity to.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I don’t think an overland has the tow capacity to.

6,000 pound towing, likely not........

 

[MrKnowitall]

The failure of the PT Cruiser, Prowler, SSR and their ilk is, IMHO, the lack of a V8. Imagine any of those vehicles released with a fire-breathing V8 and their cool factor shoots through the roof.

Like the Wrangler.

Looks like the SSR came with an LS2 and available Tremec 6speed. Wonder how many were actually built that way.

 

[Silvertruck]

Motor Trend is garbage. They ruined my favorite tv channel. Be safe. Tow well. Their story is like taking a hammer to a windshield and saying see I told you it would break.

 

[jurfie]

Motor Trend is garbage. They ruined my favorite tv channel. Be safe. Tow well. Their story is like taking a hammer to a windshield and saying see I told you it would break.

Thinking of Elon during the Cyber Truck reveal...

 

[jurfie]

Looks like the SSR came with an LS2 and available Tremec 6speed. Wonder how many were actually built that way.

Good question. I was wrong thinking the SSR wasn’t available with a V8. Maybe they weren’t as popular as they came out in the tail end of the retro-style trend? I dunno...I just remember being underwhelmed when they came out.

Anyways. Back to hating on Motor Trend.

 

[BCC]

I sold a 28’ Airstream a week before I got the Gladiator. I towed the AS with a f150.

An airstream is a great trailer to tow. It does have a relatively high tongue weight and it’s importation to use a load distribution/anti sway system. It makes a huge difference. For anybody intending to tow close to maximum with a Gladiator, it would be a good investment.

this is the one I used...

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/

 

[mstrav73]

fake news!!

moving on

 

[DanW]

Did it? Huh. Maybe I'm just thinking of the Prowler. I remember being really excited when it came out, until I found out it only came with a V6 (whawmp-whawmp).

And the PT Cruiser was a huge success until it wasn't. It didn't have legs to stay relevant. It was essentially a cool body on a Neon, if I recall correctly. Had it come with a V8, I bet it would still be desirable and a future classic.

Maybe it was just Chrysler/Plymouth that missed the boat! Could you imagine if the PT Cruiser or Prowler were still in production and FCA stuffed a 392 or Hellcat engine in them?).

Yeah, I think you were thinking of the Prowler. That thing was cool, but a V8 would have been badass. Heck, the Pentastar would have made that thing fly, too!

FCA has the corner on the fun V8 market right now, though, so past mistakes or omissions can be forgiven.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I’ve pulled a 5500lb TT with the diesel now, with a WDH and TBC and it was a smooth, comfortable ride without any indication of struggling or lack of control.

I think that’s around the smart limit of a truck with this width and payload however. I really wouldnt pull more than 8500 with a half ton no matter the drivtrain either.

 

[Uparms]

So who has the writing and experienced logic to respond to Motor Trend-Letters to the Editor. They do need to be countered with some of the great experience and knowledge coming from this JeepGladiatorForum.

Too many knowledgeable forum members here to not counter their fake news, ( or just plain stupid set up and model selection) OFFICIALLY.

I have garden trailer towing experience and one car hauler, so it can't be me.

Some one should get a letter in soon. ( Damn you people are smart!).

Just thinking!!

 

[squid679]

For me, Motortrend lost all credibility of a legitimate car review magazine when I read their review of the new JK body back in '06. All they did was complain about how noisy it was (soft top) and how rough of a ride it was. Seriously? Its like the author wanted it to be as quiet as, or ride like, a BMW.

 

[DanW]

For me, Motortrend lost all credibility of a legitimate car review magazine when I read their review of the new JK body back in '06. All they did was complain about how noisy it was (soft top) and how rough of a ride it was. Seriously? Its like the author wanted it to be as quiet as, or ride like, a BMW.

Shows what they knew. The JK's soft top is quiet and serene compared to all Jeeps before it. Like I said, they are expert writers and that's about it. But they still can be very entertaining. I doubt many people base their purchase decisions on what those folks say.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

I doubt many people base their purchase decisions on what those folks say.

If I had, I would not have bought it. Glad I did not, glad I did, respectively.

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