SCJeeps
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After doing some reading watching reviews on folks that have towed with the Gladiator I have developed some different approach to analyzing the tow rating of the Gladiator and the tow efficiency.
SAE J2807 gives all the parameters that the vehicle must meet to achieve the tow rating. This includes test conditions, trailer parameters, features that must be included on the vehicle, load out in the truck, etc.
What I have seen are some reports of folks towing, Jaloponik , TFL, etc and their fuel economy, opinions, etc. Everyone seems to be focused on the weight and that max #7650. It did NOT surprise me that TFL got what they did on their long range towing test. The trailer they are towing has a huge frontal area....i.e. DRAG. Towing a cargo trailer or camper that weighs 4500# is going to be very different than towing a car hauler with 4500# of weight, hence the very different fuel economy numbers.
Jaloponik reported 12.4MPG pulling ~6700# , with multiple adults, stuff, dog, cargo, etc.
TFL reported 8.5 MPG pulling ~4280#, with two adults.
What is the difference?!? The trailer that TFL is pulling has a HUGE frontal area increasing drag. Drag is exponential based upon the speed in which you are travelling, so the faster you go the more drag is going to increase. For example simply increasing speed from 65 mph to 70 mph is a 16% increase in drag for a given fixed area. Going on up to 75 (from 65) is a 33% increase in drag. Drag is extra load, more strain on the engine, etc.
What does this mean? For me this means I need to consider what I will be towing. I'm just going to be towing my boat which is much more efficient than a camper or cargo trailer. While my boat/trailer approaches 5000 lbs it has a much lower drag than a camper. Just consider what you are going to be towing before making the jump on the Gladiator. I like to use the guideline that I will only use 75-80% of the sticker capacity. If you want to tow big heavy loads you need a true 1/2 ton truck or even a 3/4 ton truck.
SAE J2807 gives all the parameters that the vehicle must meet to achieve the tow rating. This includes test conditions, trailer parameters, features that must be included on the vehicle, load out in the truck, etc.
What I have seen are some reports of folks towing, Jaloponik , TFL, etc and their fuel economy, opinions, etc. Everyone seems to be focused on the weight and that max #7650. It did NOT surprise me that TFL got what they did on their long range towing test. The trailer they are towing has a huge frontal area....i.e. DRAG. Towing a cargo trailer or camper that weighs 4500# is going to be very different than towing a car hauler with 4500# of weight, hence the very different fuel economy numbers.
Jaloponik reported 12.4MPG pulling ~6700# , with multiple adults, stuff, dog, cargo, etc.
TFL reported 8.5 MPG pulling ~4280#, with two adults.
What is the difference?!? The trailer that TFL is pulling has a HUGE frontal area increasing drag. Drag is exponential based upon the speed in which you are travelling, so the faster you go the more drag is going to increase. For example simply increasing speed from 65 mph to 70 mph is a 16% increase in drag for a given fixed area. Going on up to 75 (from 65) is a 33% increase in drag. Drag is extra load, more strain on the engine, etc.
What does this mean? For me this means I need to consider what I will be towing. I'm just going to be towing my boat which is much more efficient than a camper or cargo trailer. While my boat/trailer approaches 5000 lbs it has a much lower drag than a camper. Just consider what you are going to be towing before making the jump on the Gladiator. I like to use the guideline that I will only use 75-80% of the sticker capacity. If you want to tow big heavy loads you need a true 1/2 ton truck or even a 3/4 ton truck.
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