Love my Gladiator, but…. Thoughts on a couple of items

[Mofo67]

I’ll try to keep this short… Currently own a 2022 Sport S, non Max Tow.

I bought my first Gladiator, a 2020 Sport S with Max Tow not very long after they were introduced. Put almost 50k miles on it in 1.5 years and other than a leaking rear window no issues at all. We moved in August 2020 and I traded the Gladiator for something more economical, had a long work commute.
August 2021 found a nice used 2020 LE and bought it as an occasional driver. Loved it, no issues at all. When Covid prices went crazy someone offered me more than I had it and I sold it. Still wish I would have kept it.
September 2022 I bought a new Sport S, non Max Tow. Originally I added 2” Mopar Lift 35” tires and a few other items. It was a vehicle that I could enjoy on the weekend, but still drive whenever I wanted. It has became my daily and is now back in stock form. Vehicle has about 22k miles.

The questions I have…

1 - Noticed the other day the rear window is leaking. Is this something other owners are still experiencing? I understood with the 2020 being a newly introduced vehicle, but we are long past that. Dealer will get it replaced under warrant, but will not cover the cost of replacing the aftermarket tint.

2 - We recently moved and I’ve towed several 6x12 enclosed Uhaul trailers and even without Max Tow, the Gladiator was performed flawlessly. That brings me to this weekend. Rented a 6x12 Uhaul open trailer to put my lawn equipment on to bring it to our new home. When we left Friday evening the Gladiator seemed to have a hard time pulling the empty trailer. Coming back yesterday, I started noticing spark knock when I pulled a hill. I stopped a fill up with mid-grade gas and the spark knock went away. Seemed to tow better. Do other members use regular or higher grade gas when towing?

I really enjoy my Gladiator and have no intention or selling/trading. Just curious if other members are experiencing similar things with their Gladiators.

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[Lost1wing]

I have towed a flatbed trailer with a JK on it a few times for about 250 miles. Didn't notice any detonation, but the engine would revpretty high when going up hills. I have other options for pulling a trailer and choose not use the JT for that anymore.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

Leak fix. Very easy and cheap. Don’t wait.

 

[Beat Army]

I have/ had the rear window leak on an october 2021 build. I fixed it with the vacuum hose repair which seems to be holding up fine.

 

[Janster]

Not with the gladiator … but with other (older) vehicles (and not always towing)….during certain conditions (going uphills, accelerating, higher elevations, etc).

Back then…. Yes - I did fill up - on purpose - with higher octane gas to prevent these symptoms for long trips. Driving around town, the higher octane was never needed.

I have a ’24 Mojave and didn’t notice any of those symptoms when we traveled up north (not towing) running 87 octane. I’ve been running 87 ever since it was new (March ’24). We tow a bass boat on the weekends - 1 hour one way trip. I haven’t noticed any IssueS (knock on wood). But…the truck is new.

It could be just about anything….. including a gazillion sensors. My only suggestion would be to see if you have any trouble codes…..but ultimately… it’s up to YOU how much time, energy, $ to diagnose it.

 

[NonHyphenated American]

I had one back glass replaced and it leaked again. I did the same thing and sealed the window myself instead of going back and forth with the dealer. I have been through some heavy storms and a carwash and not one drop of water has been seen. When/if the seal wears out I will just do it again.

 

[MTB58]

I recently took a 4,200-mile road trip towing a 5,500lb trailer. I did notice detonation occasionally on the trip at altitude and at sea level. It usually happened at around 4k rpm on steep hills. I narrowed it down to gas purchased at a few of the no brand gas stations with the 87 octane, when I used 89 octane at the no name gas stations the detonation went away. There was no detonation in the same conditions with Brand name gas at 87 octane.

 

[sabinjo]

Same here on the back window. '22 Altitude bought in April '22 and back window started leaking at around 6k miles. Fixed it myself with the vacuum hose and wouldn't even consider having the dealer fix it (which from what I read they don't even do themselves).

Just look up all the other horror stories about damage during the replacement, fix not working, leaving a mess in the car, etc. No thanks. 13k miles and fix is still good as new.

 

[BennieD]

I have a 2022 Rubicon and pull 7000 lb travel trailer with no problems with spark knock using 87 octane

 

[FloridaAussie]

I have a 2021 Rubi; pulled my 6x12 enclosed trailer many times from St. Louis to Pensacola when I moved 3 years ago. I did the entire move with this trailer. And I loaded it to the roof; I'd say I was a fair bit over the rated load...just the weight of the trailer a third of the total weight limit.

And I've towed my 5x8 trailer with single pallets of grass many times. And my 20' boat. Never used anything but 87, never had pinging. About 55-60mph seemed to be a sweet spot for the highway miles, depending on wind and hills. Gas mileage was around 13mpg generally.

I don't have max tow, just a stock JTR.

 

[Firebird]

I have always used higher octane when towing

 

[cranbiz]

I usually run the 88 octane E15 in mine whenever possible. I have never had an issue when towing.

 

[Fishpilot]

35” tires on a Sport S without re-gearing the will put a strain on the engine and towing with this setup will just add to the strain.

 

[Wageslave]

I have/ had the rear window leak on an october 2021 build. I fixed it with the vacuum hose repair which seems to be holding up fine.

Was the hose that you used 7mm ID or OD? Mine has already leaked and been repaired once, and a little preventative maintenance may save me some headaches this winter.

 

[reissc1]

2023. Rear window leak since day 1. I did the tube hack after reading about window replacement nightmares with scratching and continued leaking. The tube has worked perfectly.

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