To Max Tow, or not? Looking for advice

[gdselzer]

I'm looking to buy a used Gladiator and could use some advice and insight, particularly as it relates to Max Tow.

Usage: I'm not a hard-core wheeler, but I do want to be able to get up moderate to "lite" difficult trails. Plan to tow primarily a teardrop (~3-4K lbs) and occasionally flat tow my CJ-7 (~5K lbs).

I started off thinking Rubicon, but the price difference between a Rubi and Sport got me thinking (always dangerous). Don't think I need lockers, and if I decide down the road that I do, I can add them and still be ahead cost-wise. I like the height of the Rubi, but I can buy takeoff suspension and tires for pretty low price. So the only thing I still think I want from the Rubi is the 4.10s and beefier axles. So Max Tow, right?

I've found some used Sports with the Max Tow, but thus far they all have some compromises (mileage, options, colors, etc.) This has me second guessing whether I really "need" the max tow, or whether I'll by happy with any Sport with the standard tow package.

So, this is where I need some knowledge poured on me. Given my use case, will I really notice the difference between 3.73s and 4.10s and/or the beefier/wider axles? Anything else important I'm overlooking?

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[PlayfulBird]

I would go Max Tow if you do not want to axle swap at some point anyway, or you don't think you will upgrade tire size much. It is future-proof and the wider axle means you can run larger tires more easily.
Just realize that even lite difficult trails do require some mods or will let you scrape your belly due to the long wheelbase.

 

[glassjawkid32]

Rubi or not you are goin to want a lift. I'd say go for the max toe. Also, someone can correct me if I'm wrong but the max tow/rubi axles arnt any beefier, they're just slightly wider tracking than other trims.

 

[gdselzer]

So that's two votes for lifting it, sooner or later. You very well may be right, but for arguments sake, let's assume that 33" tires will always get me where I want to go. In that case, what difference will I notice between Max tow and regular tow package?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Max Tow gives you 7650 pound towing capacity compared to 7000 for the Rubicon and 6000 for all the others, with automatic transmissions and factory tow packages. The springs used will probably give it a stiffer ride when empty. If you lift it, that high towing capacity goes away.

 

[Mister Lamb]

Not getting Max Tow was my biggest regret.... Get it

 

[gdselzer]

Stiffer ride when empty is a good point that I'll need to consider.

Anyone driven both the 3.73 and 4.10 while offroad or towing? Significant/noticeable difference?

 

[gdselzer]

Not getting Max Tow was my biggest regret.... Get it

Can you please elaborate?

 

[BA33]

If I wanted to get an automatic, I would probably opt for the Max Tow. Might be worthwhile to mock up a build on Jeep's website to see where it's at pricewise compared to the used market which is really crazy right now. Use the final price for the build mock-up as the "out the door" price as a rough estimate if you order through one of the sponsored dealerships on this site.

 

[PlayfulBird]

I like the 4 10. Sitting on 33s in Summer, 34s in Winter, it pulls nicer in my opinion than 3 73. Unless it is a diesel, which only comes with 3 73 as far as I know, and they pull great.
Stiffer ride, probably. I enjoy it though and let my tires down a bit further, but I also drive MT so less pressure is a bit nicer any way imo.

I can not talk for the States, but in Germany we can achieve higher tow rating as well as loading with aftermarket suspension. No clue why, but the aftermarket got ea certification, and they did some safety checks and stuff that I know.

 

[@californiajeeping]

I had a max tow and the 4.10 gears and wider axles were beneficial with stock tires. With 35" tires no way.

The gearing isnt a replacement for the under-powered engine and the large cooling fan for towing is not really a big deal.

I traded for a 2022 sport s ecodiesel and with 38" tires it gets 20+ MPG on the same drives the gas max tow on 35" tires got 14! mpg. Plus the power difference is insane on the diesel.

If I bought a gas jeep again it would not be a max tow it would be the cheapest model I could get and swap gears. The extra 2 grand could be spent on more adequate gears (4.88 or even better 5.13's)

 

[Rahkmalla]

if you plan to tow 5k, personally I wouldn't settle for a 6k towing capacity. You'll want the 7k from the rubi or the 7650# max tow. going right to the bleeding edge on towing capacity has never a happy tower made. Aim to max your actual towing around 75-80% of your max capacity.

The price difference when new between an auto rubi gasser and a S maxtow is about 7k. 22s have more standard equipment on rubis than used models (8.4/alpine std) so used the price should be a bit less differential if you're comparing a like to like equipped maxtow and auto rubi

 

[Snake Eyes]

I'm looking to buy a used Gladiator and could use some advice and insight, particularly as it relates to Max Tow.

Usage: I'm not a hard-core wheeler, but I do want to be able to get up moderate to "lite" difficult trails. Plan to tow primarily a teardrop (~3-4K lbs) and occasionally flat tow my CJ-7 (~5K lbs).

I started off thinking Rubicon, but the price difference between a Rubi and Sport got me thinking (always dangerous). Don't think I need lockers, and if I decide down the road that I do, I can add them and still be ahead cost-wise. I like the height of the Rubi, but I can buy takeoff suspension and tires for pretty low price. So the only thing I still think I want from the Rubi is the 4.10s and beefier axles. So Max Tow, right?

I've found some used Sports with the Max Tow, but thus far they all have some compromises (mileage, options, colors, etc.) This has me second guessing whether I really "need" the max tow, or whether I'll by happy with any Sport with the standard tow package.

So, this is where I need some knowledge poured on me. Given my use case, will I really notice the difference between 3.73s and 4.10s and/or the beefier/wider axles? Anything else important I'm overlooking?

Here is the difference. Ihave the Sport S Max Tow and would not trade to a regular tow package if you are going to tow.

That extra capacity to 7650 and additional tongue as well as axles etc are going to make a difference even if you are towing 5K pounds. You can always lift it, add lockers down the road if you really want etc., but start off right for towing and get the full amount.

 

[Dennis K]

I have the Max Tow and love it. Great on the highway and I like the stiffer ride. Not towing anything yet but my options are increased with the MT.
Just completed a 900 mile trip with no fatigue. Saying something for a 70+ yo man.
I ordered mine this way and would not go back...

 

[Bonanza]

MT Owner here. I had a Rubicon JK, and found myself using the lockers I lot. JT-- haven't needed them. Granted the 37s help tremendously. I recently regeared to 4.88s, but I'm still pleased I went with MT and built it the way I want.

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