Thoughts on this Carmax Gladiator?

[cranbiz]

Build sheet says that one has the trailer tow package

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[916WI]

Definitely has the tow package and the Trac lock/limited slip option that also lists HD brakes. I'm guessing that they are all the same and it's just marketing speak. I'll report back after driving/towing..........If the steering has a wander to it, what is the fix?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Definitely has the tow package and the Trac lock/limited slip option that also lists HD brakes. I'm guessing that they are all the same and it's just marketing speak. I'll report back after driving/towing..........If the steering has a wander to it, what is the fix?

It varies, but can be a loose steering gear (there's an adjustment and sometimes these need tweaked a bit - CAREFULLY, sneak up on it) and sometimes it's lack of enough caster - that's fixable with different control arms, not a big deal.
There are other causes, but it's not that common any more since they took care of the 2020 era steering gear issue.
Some of it is taste, too - some people say "it's loose" while others may say the same truck is just fine. Some come from a vehicle with rack and pinion steering or fast ratio steering then complain about these. I come from all types of cars, and it's really fine to me. The steering I don't like - the fast rack and pinion steering of a 2021 Grand Cherokee. Too dang tight and sensitive.

 

[Gvsukids]

Keep in mind Tow package and Max Tow package are two different things. I have a new to me 2021 Overland ($40K before tax with 15.9K miles purchased last month) with the tow package and can only tow 4000-4500lbs. There is a link somewhere on this forum where you can enter in your VIN and get the exact build sheet for your Gladiator to confirm as to if you have Tow or Max Tow. I thought Max tow was only on Sport/Sport S but not 100% sure--I am not on expert on here but there are others on here that are so that's why I am on here (to learn from them)!

No need to apologize--That's great news for me/never been so happy to be wrong! Not sure if I will ever tow 6K, but glad to know I can. I've seen you reply to many threads on here and you are one of the experts I was referring to that would clarify. Thanks for the clarification/really appreciate your prompt reply.

Do you have a manual?

 

[ckoyola]

Do you have a manual?

No-Automatic

 

[ShadowsPapa]

No-Automatic

If you have an automatic with tow package (not talking Sport with Max Tow) then you have at least 6,000 pounds towing. Mojave and Rubicon are different (higher) because it's a different combination of equipment and weight and so on.
But for Overland, for example, if it's a 3.6 gas engine with automatic and with tow package, you have 6,000 pound tow rating. I'd never tow at that, however, I've towed my car hauler with a 3300 pound car on it, totaling about 5,000 pounds total tow weight, just fine. A camper that sits tall will tow differently but properly equipped, you'd be fine. Due to the height - the frontage of a camper, I'd not tow as much weight as say, a flatbed trailer sitting low with a low center of gravity.

Anyway, the OP''s Gladiator of topic here is a High Altitude, based on the Overland. So it's a dressed up Overland with bling and wider axles. Same ratio and otherwise the same chassis, but the axles are a bit wider. It gets the same tow rating but having towed what I've towed over the years, I'd expect the extra 1.5" of axle width (TOTAL, it's .75" per side) it would likely be at least as stable if not a tad better than a straight Overland (non-HA)

I don't think he'd have any problem towing well within the 6,000 pound rating.
It would be interesting to see how the High Altitude 20" wheels with a shorter sidewall behave when towing. Should be quicker steering, less side movement due to the much lower sidewall flexing. I'd expect a bit more sporty feel to the handling.

 

[Dryfly24]

I was in this camp too, if the 4xe came out I was going to trade my gladiator. But now a few things have changed and I placed an order for a different rig all together. So fingers crossed that the new rig lives up to the hype.

You’re living my dream! Please, please, PLEASE post a report with many pics when you get it!??????

 

[IslandFalconer]

You’re living my dream! Please, please, PLEASE post a report with many pics when you get it!??????

I will, it’s at least 18 months out, but it suits my job better so hopefully it’s as good as they say it is.

 

[916WI]

Ok--It arrived in Madison--I'm leaving on a work trip tomorrow, so I took a look at it and scheduled the test drive for Friday. They have no issue holding it until then. The Jeep is in great shape. Aside from a little scratch by the drivers door, it is perfect--zero stone chips--the bed looks like it was never used. It looks like it was well cared for the short time the first owner had it. The only problem is that they were mistaken about the payload capacity when I initially called. I was told it had a payload capacity of 1160 lbs--looking at the sticker on the door it is only 906lbs. There is no way I would be able to use a WDH--it would eat into the small amount of capacity left. The hitch weight of the trailer is 410, 2 people would be roughly 350, factor in a grill, coolers, gear, food, I really don't see how I could stay under capacity? Is this something I should be concerned about?

 

[Gren71]

Ok--It arrived in Madison--I'm leaving on a work trip tomorrow, so I took a look at it and scheduled the test drive for Friday. They have no issue holding it until then. The Jeep is in great shape. Aside from a little scratch by the drivers door, it is perfect--zero stone chips--the bed looks like it was never used. It looks like it was well cared for the short time the first owner had it. The only problem is that they were mistaken about the payload capacity when I initially called. I was told it had a payload capacity of 1160 lbs--looking at the sticker on the door it is only 906lbs. There is no way I would be able to use a WDH--it would eat into the small amount of capacity left. The hitch weight of the trailer is 410, 2 people would be roughly 350, factor in a grill, coolers, gear, food, I really don't see how I could stay under capacity? Is this something I should be concerned about?

Payload is, in my opinion, one of the biggest problems we run into with these JTs. I know the engine could be more, it could be taller, so on, so on. But when folks really stop to do the math the payload is a huge kick in the butt.

I havent read through the entire thread but have you compared the one your looking at to one you can order new? Or at least checked in with Gupton to see what they can do?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ok--It arrived in Madison--I'm leaving on a work trip tomorrow, so I took a look at it and scheduled the test drive for Friday. They have no issue holding it until then. The Jeep is in great shape. Aside from a little scratch by the drivers door, it is perfect--zero stone chips--the bed looks like it was never used. It looks like it was well cared for the short time the first owner had it. The only problem is that they were mistaken about the payload capacity when I initially called. I was told it had a payload capacity of 1160 lbs--looking at the sticker on the door it is only 906lbs. There is no way I would be able to use a WDH--it would eat into the small amount of capacity left. The hitch weight of the trailer is 410, 2 people would be roughly 350, factor in a grill, coolers, gear, food, I really don't see how I could stay under capacity? Is this something I should be concerned about?

It's really weird that in 2020 the Overland had about 100 pounds or so MORE payload than a 2022 with identical equipment has.
I've had two Overlands - a 2020 and a 2022.
They have the same equipment other than the Gorilla Glass in the 2022 (which is LIGHTER) and the Selec-Trac transfer case (is it OVER 100 pounds heavier? No way!) so they should be rated the same payload.
Same axles, same tires and wheels, same transmission, same cooling system, same bumpers, whatever, yet a 2022 has roughly 100 pounds less payload.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Payload is, in my opinion, one of the biggest problems we run into with these JTs. I know the engine could be more, it could be taller, so on, so on. But when folks really stop to do the math the payload is a huge kick in the butt.

I havent read through the entire thread but have you compared the one your looking at to one you can order new? Or at least checked in with Gupton to see what they can do?

The problem with ordering is you run into exactly what I did - I owned a 2020 with something like 1030 pounds or so payload. I assumed the 2022 would be the same.
You have no clue what your payload will be when you order it and no one, no dealer, no one, can tell you what your payload will be.
Mine should have been the same, but was LESS, for the same truck 2 years later.

So I'd never suggest ordering and hoping and praying for a better payload - could be the same number.

 

[916WI]

Payload is, in my opinion, one of the biggest problems we run into with these JTs. I know the engine could be more, it could be taller, so on, so on. But when folks really stop to do the math the payload is a huge kick in the butt.

I havent read through the entire thread but have you compared the one your looking at to one you can order new? Or at least checked in with Gupton to see what they can do?

I'll have to look into another option when I get back. I could have worked it so I was just under the 1160 that I was initially told payload was. Staying under 906 will be next to impossible--I'm sure that's already down to the high 800's with the aftermarket hard tonneau cover that the PO installed. I don't know if I should call it quits on this one, or try to make it work?

 

[916WI]

It's really weird that in 2020 the Overland had about 100 pounds or so MORE payload than a 2022 with identical equipment has.
I've had two Overlands - a 2020 and a 2022.
They have the same equipment other than the Gorilla Glass in the 2022 (which is LIGHTER) and the Selec-Trac transfer case (is it OVER 100 pounds heavier? No way!) so they should be rated the same payload.
Same axles, same tires and wheels, same transmission, same cooling system, same bumpers, whatever, yet a 2022 has roughly 100 pounds less payload.

In the situation I'm currently in, would being 200-300 lbs over be a huge red flag in this case? Adding a hundred pounds of WDH is kind of questionable now..........I love the look of this one and the deal is solid, but I don't want to wander into unsafe territory..........

 

[Gren71]

In the situation I'm currently in, would being 200-300 lbs over be a huge red flag in this case? Adding a hundred pounds of WDH is kind of questionable now..........I love the look of this one and the deal is solid, but I don't want to wander into unsafe territory..........

I would not suggest intentionally overloading the payload of the JT your looking at. That being said, I would also not suggest getting a JT only to upgrade my springs and hope the spring's manufacturer was telling the truth.

https://www.guptonmotors.com/inventory/new/Jeep/Gladiator/Tow-Hitch-/-Tow-Package/

These guys are well known for working really well with folks and making a good deal on a new or used JT. I know its a hike for you so take it for what its worth, but Id suggest getting EXACTLY what you want upfront, instead of settling and hoping to upgrade your way to what you were originally looking for.

If the 1160 payload is around what you want Id suggest looking for one with the max tow package. you get a lot more payload that way.

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