First tow with JTRD

[Jfinch]

Hooked up my boat and towed to the lake for the first time this weekend. Boat is a JVX18 Carolina Skiff, fully loaded with fuel, bait, tackle etc. the package is probably around 2500 lbs. never had it on a scale but it isn't a real heavy load. The diesel performed great, plenty of power and the truck felt stable with the load. I am coming from a 2011 F150 with the Ecoboost, I would say the Gladiator did as well as the F150 pulling this load under normal conditions. The F150 would probably win in a drag race but it has a lot more horsepower. The Gladiator beat the F150 soundly in the fuel mileage, I reset the trip and I did about 70 miles towing the boat it was showing 17.9 mpg, best the F150 has ever with the same rig was about 14.5. I only have one thing where I think the Gladiator needs improvement, they don't have a tow/haul mode for the transmission and there is minimal engine braking when you let off the skinny pedal and if it was in a lower gear it would up shift when you let off, so it required more brake input to hold your speed back. The F150 does have a tow/haul mode and when it is engaged it moves the shift points up a little which isn't that big a deal but when you let off going down hill it would hold the gear and if speed increased transmission would downshift to hold your speed back and reduce the need for braking.

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[KVJ]

Your 2500# load is equal to the weight of my fiberglass camper. My front area catches wind but with the look of your rig you only have to worry if anything that would fly out if not tied down.
When I want the transmission to drag it down a little, I flick it over to manual and then when done switch back.
Good show.