considering a gladiator, but got some requirements

[Jobofly]

No problem with this setup in the rolling hills in the northeast. Test drive one to see if you are comfortable.

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[whiteglad]

Towing uphill in the western mountains is different for naturally aspirated engines vs. the eastern "hills." Usually the top of the eastern hill is a lower altitude than the valley in the west. Naturally aspirated engines as a rule of thumb lose 3% power per 1000 ft. elevation. Turbocharged engines lose 0.5% power per 1000 ft elevation.

 

[Fungi3]

so, I'm starting to slowly getting into the market of a new vehicle. Having a 12 year old WK2 (gas, 5 speed auto transmissions) at this stage and have a couple of requirements.

1. needs to be a pickup ( love the gladiator, but not a huge fan of the aging pentastar )
2. able to tow 4k+ pounds, I got a popup trailer, which the WK2 struggles pulling up lake tahoe and so. I'm the idiot going 25mph on the right side
3. fits my 6'6 foot frame, my 5'10 wife and my two kiddos
4. fits fishing rods, up to 7ft long in car or on the roof rack
5. can have a roof top tent, fitting me + and carry a 14ft kayak on the roof.It would be nice to fit a total of 4 people into it, but I think this is not possible with the tiny bed, while having a trailer hooked up


Point 5 is where it gets complicated, I envision having a half height rack on the bed, with the tent and a roof rack with thule load assists to load the 14ft kayak. So it's kind of a staggered setup and just haven't found anything like this yet. Kayak is about 70lbs weight wise + random crap in it like battery, fish-finder, etc. So say 90 lbs max.

I'm considering the overland trim, hopefully with the diesel in the next year or two ( which means I have to buy used, since they stop making them ). No real need for the Mohave or Rubicon. Unless the ride quality is better. I will never use the Rubicon features and maybe hitting some dirt roads and light offloading. If I need locker I at them when I need them, haven't needed them in the last 12 years, so doubt it.


can the gladiator due? We are right at the load capacity of the WK2 (which is around 1000lbs), so the Gladiator might be overloaded by 100-200 lbs, if we go camping with the trailer (200lbs tongue weight or so) and 4 people + all the crap kids need these day

I'm open to the coming 4xe version, since my daily driving is about 10 miles to and back from work and having solar at home. So this would be a good use case, but I think the diesel is a way superior platform. I tow the camper about 5 times a year and might want to tow a 18ft fish and ski, once in a while

any feedback?

I believe this site is for Gladiator owners only, it sounds like you’re not even sold on a Gladiator. These “requirements” you have should be given to a Jeep dealer sales person for answers. Good luck, and I hope you find the vehicle you require.

 

[berlinguyinca]

I believe this site is for Gladiator owners only, it sounds like you’re not even sold on a Gladiator. These “requirements” you have should be given to a Jeep dealer sales person for answers. Good luck, and I hope you find the vehicle you require.

I'm a car nut, I research everything before I go to a dealer to know my stuff down to the bopt.
Any car I bought from the dealership the dealer was useless and didn't know anything about the cars they were selling. Like not even minor thinks about the gas capacity, etc.
So yes I do not own a gladiator at this point in time and just trying to find something what fit my needs, has somewhat of an unique angle, since I hate driving the same car as all my neighbors.

An example my 981 is one of a few thousand produced in its first model year and I see barley any of these in California so it's a winner in my book

My Audi A6 in red is one of two registered in the state. Try to find a red A6, it's impossible since most are leased cars in black or gray.

My gray jeep is one of millions, so a different story, but it's one of the most useful cars i owned and most likely would keep it for my oldest to learn driving on.

If we end up with a gladiator, it has the benefit of being unique, not looking out of style after a year or two due to jeeps still looking similar to others 30+ years ago and I only see 2-3 each day, which kinda makes it unique.

I'm trying to test drive one, but it's nearly impossible to get any dealer here to let me put two car seats and kids into the car and towing a trailer for a test drive. Needless to say all they have for sale here are the gas models.
I went through this process when we looked at a F250. but I can't justify the gas costs for these beasts and there are about a dozen in my neighborhood, which kills the unique quirkiness factor. Also that they run around 75k is just nuts for a work truck. And this is before stupid dealer markup here. Which adds another 10k and a 8% finance rate.

Another issue with a full size truck is, they are too high to get the Kayak on it with a messed up shoulder. Can't lift it higher than 3-4 feet and stick gladiators are still low enough that this works, with a load assist.

So yeah I'm going to ask a lot of questions and than most likely going to spend a year until I find one somewhere to buy. If we can make it work fitment wise. Once the kids are out of car seats it becomes easier and once the kids are taller we would add a full size SUV anyway when the Audi gets to old. I guess 3-4 years at this stage.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

…Another issue with a full size truck is, they are too high to get the Kayak on it with a messed up shoulder. Can't lift it higher than 3-4 feet and stick gladiators are still low enough that this works, with a load assist….

My gladiator with a little bit of lift and 35s is as tall or taller than my F150. I have a Clayton 2.5” lift which runs a little tall, so I’m probably about the same height as a Mojave with a 2.5” lift. I can take a pic of the Gladiator beside the F150 later if you’d like to see how the height compares.

 

[cranbiz]

I believe this site is for Gladiator owners only, it sounds like you’re not even sold on a Gladiator. These “requirements” you have should be given to a Jeep dealer sales person for answers. Good luck, and I hope you find the vehicle you require.

This site is for anyone who has an interest in the Gladiator, not for just Gladiator owners. Then the other issue is that your suggestion of asking a sales person is flawed. My experience is that almost all Jeep salesmen know almost nothing about the Jeep. Gladiator owners are the best resource for getting questions answered.

 

[Carrotzilla]

Ram power wagon would be a good fit.

Agree. Big motor dodge or a 2500. The 1500 diesel is Italian trash. Trust me, mine hand grenaded at 7 k

 

[Gvsukids]

I'm trying to test drive one, but it's nearly impossible to get any dealer here to let me put two car seats and kids into the car and towing a trailer for a test drive. Needless to say all they have for sale here are the gas models.

Park the trailer at another parking lot and pick it up after beginning the test drive. Same with the car seats.

 

[Stuntman Mike]

italian trash

I would say, food and motors, that's where they good at ...

 

[Midnight Rider]

No dog at all in this hunt, but the Pentastar has higher tow/payload ratings than the EcoDiesel IIRC. Also issues with the diesel derating at times:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...o-please-post-if-no-issues.57945/post-1175880

 

[Chief_jeep]

Ok maybe I'm dense, but I just don't understand why would I need a 1 ton truck to tow 4000lbs and maybe 1000lbs of people/equipment. It seems like utter overkill.

Like right now my wk2 does all this, except for the tent and only replacing it since it's getting old and it's a bit weak in the mountains, which I feel would be addressed by the better transmission alone.

You asked for people’s opinion and you are getting them. Typically when you come to a forum people want to sell you on what they have but the majority of people are telling you it’s not a good vehicle for you. That says a lot.

You want to load the vehicle to its payload limits with a 70lbs+ kayak on the roof, a rooftop tent and bed rack while towing going up and down mountain passes. I can’t imagine what that’s like in the wind. Yes, it will do it, but it won’t do it well. Why not get a vehicle with more space that’s better at handling the load/towing?

I’m 6’2” and I wouldn’t want to be much taller in the cab. The rear seats are not comfortable especially with taller people in front of them. The wk2 rear seats are luxury in comparison. If you have car seats, the back doors are tiny and it’ll be annoying to load your kids.

It doesn’t sound like you off-road so you don’t need an off-road oriented vehicle. If I was in your position I’d be looking at a power wagon, 2500 Cummins or power stroke or the 3.0 duramax 1500. All of these vehicles will do what you’re asking with ease compared to the jt in any configuration

 

[Schnee]

FWIW - I'm 5'8" with a 28" inseam. (Stumpy.) I fit comfortably in a gladiator, but my seat position is ALL THE WAY BACK. Can't imagine the Gladiator working well for someone coming in at 6"6" with longer legs.

 

[sharpsicle]

The only thing I see limiting you is comfort. If you sit in one and feel at home, everything else is totally doable. But I do wonder how comfortable you will feel in the cabin.

So that being said, test drive one, and if you like it, the rest of your requirements can be done. But also test drive some full-size trucks so you know what you're getting and leaving out with each option.

 

[Lunentucker]

I think outside the box, so don't get offended here.

Divorce, and let her take custody.
Smaller camper, because she's gone now and the new girlfriend is a spinner.
Now, with those adjustments, you're ready for the best riding and best looking JT out there, the Mojave!
One of the boys rides up front with you. The spinner rides behind you in the back, because she's 5'1" and technically doesn't have legs.
Hotels are great too.
14 foot kayak? WTF?!
Get a bass boat.

I'm glad you posted. There's a lot here that needs fixing.

 

[Hootbro]

FWIW - I'm 5'8" with a 28" inseam. (Stumpy.) I fit comfortably in a gladiator, but my seat position is ALL THE WAY BACK. Can't imagine the Gladiator working well for someone coming in at 6"6" with longer legs.

Everybody is just different in how they position themselves and riding styles. I am 6'3" with a 30" inseam and have to have the seat forward two clicks to be comfortable.

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