New to towing, purchasing a small camper

[NHyde]

Hi,

I am new to towing (never towed a thing in my life) and my family is purchasing a smaller camper, weighing in around 1800 dry. My vehicle does not have the max tow package, just the typical tow package.

For reference here is the camper; https://www.intechrv.com/models/lun...Luhv_kQRLjZCKktwGqVut5I7BBZ2VROxoC_VcQAvD_BwE

I plan on getting the trailer brake installed, I was thinking the Mopar one, since it's neatly integrated - does anyone have any thoughts on the Mopar brake? Any other recommendations?

Lastly, as I am new to towing, anything special I need to know a bout w/ the Gladiator or general towing tips would be most welcome.

Thanks.

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[KVJ]

It looks good! You'll be fine. I doubt if you would need towing mirrors.

I couldn't find if electric brakes are offered but if it is an option get them. It's the perfect size trailer for easy traveling.

 

[MJBoyle]

Hi,

I am new to towing (never towed a thing in my life) and my family is purchasing a smaller camper, weighing in around 1800 dry. My vehicle does not have the max tow package, just the typical tow package.

For reference here is the camper; https://www.intechrv.com/models/lun...Luhv_kQRLjZCKktwGqVut5I7BBZ2VROxoC_VcQAvD_BwE

I plan on getting the trailer brake installed, I was thinking the Mopar one, since it's neatly integrated - does anyone have any thoughts on the Mopar brake? Any other recommendations?

Lastly, as I am new to towing, anything special I need to know a bout w/ the Gladiator or general towing tips would be most welcome.

Thanks.

If you like the mopar brake controller enough to lose the 12vdc/USB outlets that it replaces, that's the way to go. Otherwise, the Redarc and Curt both are great units with factory wiring linkup, similarly easy install and they seem to be pretty reliable (even more than the mopar one, if you read up on the issue folks are having with the lights and such). You can install the curt one without even removing a screw on your dash or cutting any holes at all.

 

[Bigphe JT]

Looks awesome! I had an R-pod camper that was a little heavier and the JT did great. We towed it a good bit this summer and had no issues. I used the Tekonsha controller in my Grand Cherokee and the JT and it worked fine. Below are the links. You'll need the wiring harness if you go this route.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P17NXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QRWR1YI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Jaxmax]

I doubt it will come with brakes at GVW of 2200lbs., that's max you add every option and pack it, you still might be at about 2000 pounds. 3000lbs. is usually where brakes are required, getting a brake controller is a good idea if you might borrow or rent a trailer with brakes. Your trailer is very light towing behind a vehicle rated for more then twice the weight. I would keep life simple and not spend extra for brakes and controller that you don't really need. In Pa. if you have electric brakes trailer needs to get inspected requiring the tow vehicle and trailer be there for inspection, that said both of my trailers have electric brakes and both inspections are way overdue.....Jack

 

[CerOf]

https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/

several states require brakes at 1500#s

I did some googling and looks like electric trailer brakes are optional. I’d check in to them if it’s within your budget. At 2,000lbs you won’t really tell it’s back there.

I towed about 3,000lbs behind and old ZJ grand Cherokee with much smaller brakes than the Jeep Gladiator and it did fine.

Increase the distance between you and person in front.
Decrease your speed. (Posted speed limit should be okay, but never exceed the conditions or your driving ability.)

 

[NHyde]

I doubt it will come with brakes at GVW of 2200lbs., that's max you add every option and pack it, you still might be at about 2000 pounds. 3000lbs. is usually where brakes are required, getting a brake controller is a good idea if you might borrow or rent a trailer with brakes. Your trailer is very light towing behind a vehicle rated for more then twice the weight. I would keep life simple and not spend extra for brakes and controller that you don't really need. In Pa. if you have electric brakes trailer needs to get inspected requiring the tow vehicle and trailer be there for inspection, that said both of my trailers have electric brakes and both inspections are way overdue.....Jack

It has electric brakes.

 

[KVJ]

I have brakes on my trailer at 2500#. Now add the load of all you gear, wife, future generator, tent and fire wood, you can see from my scale weight:

It 's nice to be able to stop when you have to, not when you want to.

My camper would not fit on one section of the scale so I had the front axle on the first scale and the back axle and trailer on the second scale. Then I disconnected the trailer and weighed just the truck with loaded camping gear.

Without trailer brakes the truck could stop the rig, but it has the feel that you are being pushed from behind when stopping for a traffic sign. If anything brakes will reduce wear on the truck's brakes.

 

[Jaxmax]

I'm confused, but you said you have three tickets, but I'm seeing two, and from your statement your jeep and a trailer with a GVW of 2500pounds comes in at 12,920 pounds, what does your truck weigh by itself? The OP has brakes, so cool, and I guess a 2200 pound trailer behind a Toyota Rav 4 is more in need of brakes then a Glady, so all is good

 

[KVJ]

Not three tickets, the scales are segmented to allow weighing of the axles of semi trucks.
I parked on the first two so I could speak into the intercom to the operator and it weighed my front axle on one scale and the back axle and trailer on the second scale.

Anyhow the rig totaled 7560#
JT without trailer 5360#
Trailer weight on scale 2200#
Tongue scaled at home 249#
JT minus tongue 5111# Loaded with me and gear

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