Concession Trailer

[PadreANT]

Good afternoon, everyone. This is my first post on this forum, and I have a question regarding the towing capabilities of the Gladiator. Specifically, I am looking at getting into the mobile food service business, and I am wondering if the Gladiator can handle towing a food concession trailer, weighing in at about 6,500 pounds or so. What I am most concerned about is the tongue weight of this trailer, which would be heavier than, say, an RV. I don't want to have to get a full-size truck (1/2 ton) in order to do this, but at the same time I don't want to ruin my Gladiator, either. Full disclosure, I do not have the JT yet. I really want to get one as my daily driver, but this is the one point of contention I am still trying to work out before making a decision on what truck to buy. Anyone have any experience or knowledge about this? Thanks.

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[kevman65]

To be honest, you're going to be right at the edge and will be working the JT hard.

Sport S Max Tow will handle the trailer weight IF the truck itself is basically empty.
You're going to have to get the 3.6 gas and stay away from the 3.0 diesel because of engine overheating. There are several threads about the diesel de-powering while under heavy load and heat.

You're going to HAVE to have a weight distribution hitch. The tongue weight is going to be a problem, I believe you're going to be over the recommended percentage of trailer weight on the tongue.

It sounds like you really NEED a true pickup and not a JT.

 

[PadreANT]

Thank you for the reply ... it seems I am in a case of not being able to have my cake and eating it too ... maybe I'll just go with a driveable food truck, so I can still get the JT for my daily driver ...

 

[MrJeep]

If you were only moving the trailer around town, a couple miles or so you might be OK. Any highway or serious distance, this probably isn't going to work, sadly.

 

[Labswine]

Look for a suitably equipped Max Tow? 7,500 lbs towing capacity and all the other goodies...That'd certainly handle your chuck wagon especially if it's for just around town. Do a good job so we can see you on 'Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives' ? ? ?

 

[Jerome10]

At OP…. Did you make a decision on your truck?

similar situation for me but more around 5000lbs and Full size gives me parking problems at my house.

would be great to hear what you decided.

 

[PadreANT]

Funny, you should reply after all this time. I actually haven't done anything yet, but I have decided that I will most likely just get a drivable food truck. I don't really want to put that much strain on my gladiator, so I will just be using that as my personal/ fun vehicle. Thank you for posting.

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