Has anyone maxed out their Diesel towing??

[DisorderlyToast]

Like the title says, has anyone maxed out (or close to) the diesel towing capacity of their gladiator? We are looking at a 5200# dry weight RV and I’m thinking if we keep the cargo to 800-1000 lbs we should be ok. I’ll be using weight distribution hitch and sway bars. Not a crazy far destination, pretty straight forward ordeal. Looking for anyone’s experience here.

Worth noting I am far from new to towing RVs, just new to towing with the gladiator.

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[Sandevino]

Mine pulled great but the stopping capability was the issue.

 

[DisorderlyToast]

Mine pulled great but the stopping capability was the issue.

Do you have a trailer brake controller?

 

[Sandevino]

Do you have a trailer brake controller?

I did not but have a trailer with progressive electronic / hydraulic brakes.

The trailer weighs 2200# unloaded and has a 6000# capacity. We had roughly 5500# of material on the trailer and the stopping distance required was longer than I was comfortable with. On downward grades the stopping distance was nearly double that on flat ground.

Would a brake controller have helped, maybe, but how much would be up for debate.

 

[CrazyCooter]

I roll right at the max GCVWR for my rubi almost every time I hook up. It's not my Peterbilt 385 or Ram 3500. but it does a pretty good job so long as the ambient temps aren't over about 85, you keep the speed around 60mph depending on wind loads, and the terrain has less than 6% grades.

I have no issues with the brakes.......My trailer stops itself and more times than not, I feel the trailer does too much braking for a smooth stop.

Lots of discussion about needing an aux oil cooler for better results.

Overall for being a multi purpose luxury trail rig and pickup it's pretty darn good!

 

[DisorderlyToast]

I roll right at the max GCVWR for my rubi almost every time I hook up. It's not my Peterbilt 385 or Ram 3500. but it does a pretty good job so long as the ambient temps aren't over about 85, you keep the speed around 60mph depending on wind loads, and the terrain has less than 6% grades.

I have no issues with the brakes.......My trailer stops itself and more times than not, I feel the trailer does too much braking for a smooth stop.

Lots of discussion about needing an aux oil cooler for better results.

Overall for being a multi purpose luxury trail rig and pickup it's pretty darn good!

Ambient temp doesn’t get above 85, man I’m in Texas, it doesn’t get BELOW that for months lol. I think I’m going to give it a go and just take it easy.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Ambient temp doesn’t get above 85, man I’m in Texas, it doesn’t get BELOW that for months lol. I think I’m going to give it a go and just take it easy.

114° forecasted here for Saturday....I know what you mean. I just try not to do heavy work when it's that warm.

Power just goes away as the oil/coolant temps rise. The ECU won't let you trash it.......

 

[Sandevino]

114° forecasted here for Saturday....I know what you mean. I just try not to do heavy work when it's that warm.

Power just goes away as the oil/coolant temps rise. The ECU won't let you trash it.......

The derate is a real issue. I never experienced it but others have horror stories.

 

[Jefe1018]

I’d just be worried about the computer derating the power due to the temps. I wouldn’t want to tow that heavy that often for long periods of time. It’ll do it, but it won’t be fun.

 

[CrazyCooter]

The derate is a real issue. I never experienced it but others have horror stories.

I'm that horror story with a 50+ page thread on the subject.........It is what it is. Still love my truck and there is nothing better on the market that suits my needs. I am however considering a Ram 2500 next time around since I still have my YJ for wheeling needs and we don't really go into rough trail mode when overlanding anyway?

I have a tow into the mountains scheduled for next week for my RV and moto in the bed and temps are forecast to be 100ish in the valley. See what happens!

 

[ScoGlad21]

As I read this, I’m at 6,000’ in the Sierra Nevada having just towed a 22’ camp trailer from sea level with my JTRD with 37’s.

The truck handled it just fine but I did have to keep my eye on the temp gauge and adjust my throttle pressure accordingly.

I’m curious if anyone has vented the hood to deal with that and if it helped?

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