RV Towing with heavy load question

[mikemwj2000]

Hmm... not for Rubicons.




The internet never lies!!!

Mine's about 1000# before any of my additions.

I'll look again - thanks

Sponsored

 

[mikemwj2000]

What about a carrier that hooks to the motorhome, and then set up the flat tow of the Rubicon?

That was the original plan, to install a bike lift on the RV and tow the jeep. We came across this at Sturgis and like the versatility and that fact it's not permanently attached to RV so we also have the option of taking only the bike and truck. But of course, don’t trust the salesman that it will work perfectly with our Rubicon and an extender.

 

[kevman65]

I'm going to throw my $.02 in.

The payload on the truck does NOT count in this example.
The payload for the truck is found by combining brake strength and cooling capacity of the JT. Neither will be used in this instance, it's all on the tow vehicle.
Yes, I know some brake enabler has to be used on the JT while towing it, but just like trailer brakes, the tow vehicle is responsible for more braking power than the toad.

So, to correct the sag you're probably going to get from the weight, either air bags in the coils or something like a SuperSpring would probably do you some good.

 

[Jaxmax]

I think it is payload truck rated for about 1200 pounds has 1100 in it and perhaps air bags would help but what they don’t help is the amount of weight past the hitch that could be perhaps 500 pounds which makes the rear axle a fulcrum no matter how stiff the springs are , and my concern would be what effect it has on the front loading and unloading on the road and would it be scary to tow? I think he has to find a dealer and have a demo of it with your bike there and see , I think it’s doable…..but I’m just some random old guy on a forum…..Jack

 

[mikemwj2000]

Manufacturer has pics of bike loaded in a Gladiator using an extension - unfortunately, don't know how this worked out for him....

 

[kevman65]

In the picture, the majority of the weight of the bike is forward of the bumper and the COG is very near the axle.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Hmm... not for Rubicons.




The internet never lies!!!

Mine's about 1000# before any of my additions.

I kept track, or tried to, of what I added to my Overlands (2020 and 2022) as far as tailgate ladder, power steps, bumper and winch and figured those against my payload (minus the weight of the factory running boards and bumper)
The Mojave X comes with rails that are about as heavy as the power steps, so that's mostly a wash. The steel bumper already accounted for. So it will be just the winch and plate, other small stuff.

That looks like it'd pick the nose up considerably, which would take a lot of weight off the tow bar. I could see that making the front end getting squirrelly being flat towed

Matches my thinking/musings.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That was the original plan, to install a bike lift on the RV and tow the jeep. We came across this at Sturgis and like the versatility and that fact it's not permanently attached to RV so we also have the option of taking only the bike and truck. But of course, don’t trust the salesman that it will work perfectly with our Rubicon and an extender.

Sales people make money when they sell stuff............ not always the best sources of good information. Some, yes, some, no.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm going to throw my $.02 in.

The payload on the truck does NOT count in this example.
The payload for the truck is found by combining brake strength and cooling capacity of the JT. Neither will be used in this instance, it's all on the tow vehicle.
Yes, I know some brake enabler has to be used on the JT while towing it, but just like trailer brakes, the tow vehicle is responsible for more braking power than the toad.

So, to correct the sag you're probably going to get from the weight, either air bags in the coils or something like a SuperSpring would probably do you some good.

They take the GVWR minus Curb Weight to get payload. It's a static number, calculated.
Towing is the SAE testing.
They figure payload the exact same way whether you have a towing package and the better cooling or not.
If it was about cooling, they'd have to figure the non-tow package trucks differently.

 

[kevman65]

They take the GVWR minus Curb Weight to get payload. It's a static number, calculated.
Towing is the SAE testing.
They figure payload the exact same way whether you have a towing package and the better cooling or not.
If it was about cooling, they'd have to figure the non-tow package trucks differently.

Part of the tow/haul equation for the JT is the braking and cooling ability. Each vehicle is different due to options. This equation is for DRIVING the JT when loaded whether it's payload or trailer.

In this instance the JT is NEITHER. It's a high dollar trailer being towed by another vehicle with a higher rating. So the most important thing is getting the "trailer" as close to level as possible to equalize the load.

Depending on the tow vehicle, there will be a total of either 8 or 10 wheels with braking force in this set up.

Stop thinking of it as a running, operating vehicle. It is a trailer.

You can talk circles around the GVRW, in this configuration the JT is NOT considered a vehicle. It is a trailer. The JT has no rating anywhere for this type of service. If the tow vehicle is rated for the JT + cargo, then the tow vehicle is legally towing.

Get out of the box of thinking in motor vehicle terms, doesn't apply.

 

[MPMB]

It takes a brave man to say that outloud.

Definition of Vehicle Payload
Payload refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry. This includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. It is a crucial safety limit, as exceeding this weight can lead to mechanical damage, reduced performance, and increased accident risk.

How to Calculate Payload Capacity
To determine a vehicle's payload capacity, you can use the following formula:

Payload Capacity = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - Curb Weight

• GVWR: The maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle, including its own weight and any load.
• Curb Weight: The weight of the vehicle when it is empty, including all standard equipment and a full tank of fuel, but excluding passengers and cargo.

Example Calculation
For instance, if a vehicle has a GVWR of 2,000 kg and a curb weight of 1,200 kg, the payload capacity would be:

• Payload Capacity = 2,000 kg - 1,200 kg = 800 kg

Importance of Knowing Payload Capacity
Understanding your vehicle's payload capacity is essential for safety and legal compliance. Overloading can lead to:

• Increased stopping distances
• Strain on tires and suspension
• Compromised vehicle handling
• Potential legal penalties if stopped by law enforcement

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Part of the tow/haul equation for the JT is the braking and cooling ability. Each vehicle is different due to options. This equation is for DRIVING the JT when loaded whether it's payload or trailer.

In this instance the JT is NEITHER. It's a high dollar trailer being towed by another vehicle with a higher rating. So the most important thing is getting the "trailer" as close to level as possible to equalize the load.

Depending on the tow vehicle, there will be a total of either 8 or 10 wheels with braking force in this set up.

Stop thinking of it as a running, operating vehicle. It is a trailer.

You can talk circles around the GVRW, in this configuration the JT is NOT considered a vehicle. It is a trailer. The JT has no rating anywhere for this type of service. If the tow vehicle is rated for the JT + cargo, then the tow vehicle is legally towing.

Get out of the box of thinking in motor vehicle terms, doesn't apply.

HAHAHAHA - yeah, right.
Do some research yourself - the rules still apply. It's still a vehicle with a GVWR, truck or trailer, it's still the same.

I've been down this road before, many times. It still applies. It still has a GVWR no matter how it's operated on the public highway.

Ya can't stand me maybe being correct.

 

[Gvsukids]

HAHAHAHA - yeah, right.
Do some research yourself - the rules still apply. It's still a vehicle with a GVWR, truck or trailer, it's still the same.

I've been down this road before, many times. It still applies. It still has a GVWR no matter how it's operated on the public highway.

Ya can't stand me maybe being correct.

... Please site your references...

 

[dansch33]

Just got back from a 2 week 2,500 mile trip flat towing my Mojave X with bike in the bed, including 4 days in Sturgis. First trip with new ramp. And first trip with new 2025 Mojave X.. Had the same tow setup on my previous Rubicon X.

Pictures attached.

A lot below, short story is worked well. No issues with wind, went over mountain passes in several states. It’s about making sure the tow capacity of the RV is heavy enough for weight of gladiator/bike, having the proper spec‘d tow bar for wieght of jeep/bike, and keeping as much weight as possible off the back of the truck bed.

it squatted the back shocks more than I wanted, but never rubbed. Took it slow over bumps and gas station driveways. Expect much better with 33” or 35” tires.

Initially wanted a bike lift on back of RV but 5 of 6 local weld shops do not install anymore for liability reasons saying hard bump, etc lift may break off RV, too much potential of catastrophic results for vehicle behind you. Likely voids chassis warranty on RV. My insurance is outstanding with Chubb and they couldn’t guarantee coverage from a lift failure. Too bad, I really wanted a lift. The last weld shop does the lift but at least for me it wasn’t worth the stress.

Many months of research ended with Loadall brand ramp system. They have a model specific to the gladiator’s 44” width between wheel wells. https://loadall.com/products/jeep-gladiator-1

pros:
1/3 the price of hydraulic lift (I’m including $3.5K-$4K install quote)
1,300 lb capacity. My bike is 925 lbs
No weight on tailgate
Bike weight is distributed evenly on ramp platform, touch points on the loadall to truck bed is very front of truck bed, over the top of the axels, and near the back of the truck bed.
Drive bike up a wide 44” ramp
Good ramp traction even when wet
When bike is out of truck, the ramp slides forward so you can close the tailgate.

cons
Heavier at 240 lbs
I’m 5’ 8” and at apex of ramp, my feet don’t touch the ground. On my flat driveway and with 37” tires and 2 1/2” stock Mojave X lift… ramp is steep. Scared the crap out of me and my wife first time. 2nd-10th time easy to find a slight slope or hill somewhere that made it very easy and not scary. Probably ok if over 6’ tall person.
Drilling 4 holes for bolts in the truck bed
Took about 4 hours to assemble and install, putting nuts on bolts while laying on the ground was tight but doable.
Don’t want ramp in bed when not doing a bike trip, so have to disassemble everything (30 minutes). Reassemble is also only 30 minutes.
My tonneau cover was an inch too fat, had to remove for the trip but only 2 bolts, 10 minute job.

Stopped at Rapid City Harley and Loadall had a booth during the rally. I talked to the main guy, super nice and helpful with the initial shipping and install. I highly recommend their tie-down straps.

For tow package, Roadmaster Nighthawk. They have base plates for Rubicon and Mojave, both X and non X. I like because the base plate wraps around both sides of each frame, where blue ox is one side of each frame (I think). Had to get a 4” hitch raiser to keep tow bar flat to my higher jeep bumper. No issues.

My former Rubicon was totaled while I was towing it at highway speed. I strongly believe the tow bar assembly kept the jeep connected to my RV at side impact because of the Roadmaster baseplate being wrapped around each frame. Cannot say blue ox wouldn’t do the same, but crash made me a Roadmaster fan for life.

I have Mojave X with stock steel bumper, winch ready. Previously Roadmaster did not have a base plate for Mojave X because the shock reservoir was in the way. And if a winch, that was in the way.

I live near the Roadmaster factory and donated my gladiator for a month. They designed a new baseplate using my gladiator, so they now have base plates for Mojave and Mojave X, with and without a winch. I have a winch. They have always had the Rubicon base plate. Cannot say enough nice things about their people including the R&D team.

https://fitmaster.roadmasterinc.com...rs=2025&make=JEEP&model=GLADIATOR&type=direct

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Only 400 over the truck's rating..............

Sponsored