The water ballast has to stay in as long as the mast is up, so you can't drain until it sits on the trailer, also the drain system is a simple valve, there is no pump.
I have a 26' sailboat, water ballast, taking it out was no problem with a sport s max tow, I put it in 4L. Because of the water ballast the boat/trailer was around 7000 pounds until the ballast tank emptied. You want 4 wheel drive in case the rear wheels end up in the water and it can be slick...
Same for me, the flip-up cover has been solid, no water in the bed with rain, did get some going through a car wash, but pretty minimal. I am very happy with it, install was fine, hope it continues to hold up as well as it does now.
I purchased the cover and installed it. I think it's a good cover but some other reviewers on amazon are not that happy. See Amazon.com: Rough Country Hard Flip-Up Bed Cover for 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator JT - 49620500 : Rough Country: Automotive
Do you have any pictures you can share on how it is installed? Do you have any problems with water getting in? I am very interested in this cover but can't find much info yet.
Jeep dealer in Dayton OH had 2 (silver and red) last time I checked: New 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport Crew Cab in Dayton #PL575140 | Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville (performancechryslerjeepcenterville.com)
Looks like a new flip-up cover, good price, but no reviews on the website yet. Has anyone installed this one?
Hard Tri-Fold Flip Up Bed Cover | 5' Bed | Jeep Gladiator JT (20-23) | Rough Country