Gladiator camper hauling add ons??

[Mattyboy93]

Going to be hauling a camper soon. My Jeep Gladiator has the tow package not the max tow package.. so it’s good up to 6000lbs.

I was planning on a 4000 to 4500 lb trailer under 25ft.

Questions.. trailer brakes. I was looking at the mopar one or the redarc. Are those decent? (Mopar is the pricey one) Are there any other comparable ones for the gladiator?

I know the weight distribution hitch will need to be purchased. Any other suggestions to purchase for towing?

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[Labswine]

For a WDH, I have the BlueOx and it works very well, and also helps tremendously with sway control. I did measure from the bottom of the receiver to the ground, then hooked up my trailer and saw a 1.5" droop. Hooked up the WDH and droop was only 3/4". The front end feels just as planted as if I'm not towing anything.

For a brake controller, I have the Tekonsha Primus IQ which is plug and play. Does it's job very well. I got mine when I bought my trailer 4 years ago, and it was installed by the trailer dealership at $140.

I tow a 2021 27' Vantage Sonic SN220VRB which weighs around 5,100 lbs with all we want or need. My Overland (trailer pkg., ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19) handles it quite well. Like you, I'm in PA but S.E. about 8 miles from the Delaware line (Wilmington area) so most of my towing has been east coast to shore areas. Will eventually get up into the Poconos, and further north. One of these days I want to go to Maine, like Acadia National Park.

Manual shifting of the 8sp is the way to go. I don't drive over 65 MPH and never see 8th. I am typically in 7th at around 65 MPH at around 2,100 RPMs. Hit a grade, drop a gear at around 2,800-2,900 RPMs until I crest the grade then it's back to 7th. I also typically get between 12 and 13 MPGs.

My set up...

 

[Texbaz]

I recommend the RedArch super easy install for the Gladiator, interface cable from the Gladiator to the controller, small footprint control knob.

Lots of info on the forum for this brand

With the mopar you end up giving up the Lighter outlet.

 

[RJinPV]

I use the Redarc brake controller. It’s a nice clean install and it works very well. Make sure that your weight distribution hitch includes trailer sway control. I think most of them do, but just make sure it does. I also suggest that you check the payload rating for your Gladiator and make sure that you stay within that number including your tongue weight. Get a camper with a gross vehicle weight rating that’s less than your Gladiator’s tow capacity. You’re gonna want some margin to drive it comfortably.

 

[AOGAudiman]

I tow our Rpod 172. Zero issues aside from the oil temp (2021 diesel) if dragging up the mountain passes if it's hot outside. Redarc brake controller is fantastic and adapts/learns as you drive. I do have rear air bags and it makes a noticable difference when aired up to 10psi.
I don't use a WDH and have never had any issues. Used to tow this same trailer with our Q7 TDI and was not able to use a WDH with the vehicle.

 

[LUCIFUR 10]

I had a Redarc in my Tahoe and it was flawless. Will be putting one in the Gladiator asap.

 

[CyberHero]

I have the Curt 51120 and if I new more about towing it’d be amazing but I can’t seem to find the perfect spot for the brakes to not hit me when I stop lol
I have the grand design 151bh it’s 3500lbs dry has bunk beds and it’s 8ft wide no slide it’s we freaking love it. They make a 151rb that removes bunk beds for dinette too.
They recommended a WDH to use for me and I went with whatever they recommended
https://a.co/d/i22WyjI
Here’s a pic how I have it in the can as I refused to drill holes but I bought one of those storage pieces and it’s amazing for holding it

 

[mgenbox]

‘23 diesel Rubi stock susp on 35s D load rated pullin a 21’ jayco loaded around 5k.
Redarc controller works great.
1000 air bags with the 35 Ds setup is solid vs stock C rated Falkens

 

[Mattyboy93]

I tow our Rpod 172. Zero issues aside from the oil temp (2021 diesel) if dragging up the mountain passes if it's hot outside. Redarc brake controller is fantastic and adapts/learns as you drive. I do have rear air bags and it makes a noticable difference when aired up to 10psi.
I don't use a WDH and have never had any issues. Used to tow this same trailer with our Q7 TDI and was not able to use a WDH with the vehicle.

Did the redarc come with the cigarette lighter replacement bezel?

 

[Mattyboy93]

I have the Curt 51120 and if I new more about towing it’d be amazing but I can’t seem to find the perfect spot for the brakes to not hit me when I stop lol
I have the grand design 151bh it’s 3500lbs dry has bunk beds and it’s 8ft wide no slide it’s we freaking love it. They make a 151rb that removes bunk beds for dinette too.
They recommended a WDH to use for me and I went with whatever they recommended
https://a.co/d/i22WyjI
Here’s a pic how I have it in the can as I refused to drill holes but I bought one of those storage pieces and it’s amazing for holding it

Grand design is one of the brands we are looking at along with the forest river rpod, no boundries and geo pro

 

[Mattyboy93]

‘23 diesel Rubi stock susp on 35s D load rated pullin a 21’ jayco loaded around 5k.
Redarc controller works great.
1000 air bags with the 35 Ds setup is solid vs stock C rated Falkens

Do those airbags help the squat?

 

[Mattyboy93]

I use the Redarc brake controller. It’s a nice clean install and it works very well. Make sure that your weight distribution hitch includes trailer sway control. I think most of them do, but just make sure it does. I also suggest that you check the payload rating for your Gladiator and make sure that you stay within that number including your tongue weight. Get a camper with a gross vehicle weight rating that’s less than your Gladiator’s tow capacity. You’re gonna want some margin to drive it comfortably.

Good to know I’ll keep that in mind when I go to look at them

 

[Mattyboy93]

I recommend the RedArch super easy install for the Gladiator, interface cable from the Gladiator to the controller, small footprint control knob.

Lots of info on the forum for this brand

With the mopar you end up giving up the Lighter outlet.

I don’t really use the cigarette lighter, so it has crossed my mind to delete it and put the controller there. I have seen lots of photos of it being drilled and mounted in the dash as well

 

[AOGAudiman]

Did the redarc come with the cigarette lighter replacement bezel?

No, mine didn't come with the bezel mount. I designed the one in my first reply in Fusion 360 and 3D printed it to test. It worked great but I wanted a different print material. So I ended up using the Redac bezel for the Chevy Colorado and it works great. See pic.
I'll use my own design again when I can unbury my printer 🫣

 

[Mr._Bill]

I installed the Curt Spectrum in my first Gladiator. I used the included double-sided tape to attach it to the flat spot near the Start button. I use the 12v port and wasn't willing to give it up.

https://a.co/d/gPaAPBI

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