Tow Package Upgraded Cooling

[Adrianbrewster33]

Hi everyone,

I’m picking up a gladiator tomorrow and I’m in between two options. One is a base sport with a soft top, the other is a Sport S, with a hard top and tow package (among other things). The price difference is around $4000 between the two.

I have read that the tow package comes with an upgraded alternator to power a bigger fan to increase cooling. I do not plan to tow very often, and when I do, it will rarely be over 1500 pounds. If I buy a base sport without the tow package, with a simple hitch be sufficient or is the bigger fan needed?

I do plan to eventually lift the truck and put 35s on it. Is the added rotational weight of the bigger tires enough to require the added cooling?

I have no need/interest in the power windows and locks and hate to spend $4000 extra if I don’t need to. The base sport is sufficient in every way except for this one concern that it has insufficient cooling without the tow package.

what are your thoughts??

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[Kevin_D]

If you lived a little further north, you'd want the hardtop.
Down there, just the ragtop will probably be OK.
Also, the Sport S with it's added conveniences will have a better resale value.

Kevin

 

[Sawburner]

I think to get the hook up for your trailer lights you have to run a wire from the back to the battery as the OEM wiring is not up to the extra load of trailer lights. Not that hard but something to think about. I would not think you would need the extra cooling pulling that light of a trailer. I pulled a 3500# camper with my JLU it didn't have the towing package, no problems. Have the dealer look for a Gladiator with just the options you want. I ended up ordering mine as they could not find what I wanted, 6 MT with options.

 

[Adrianbrewster33]

Good thoughts.

I don’t plan to keep the hardtop if I get that one. I will likely list it for sale pretty quickly and just buy a soft top.

I don’t want to order one because we are expecting our first baby in the next 6 weeks and don’t want to even risk not having it in time. Yes, I know folks are getting them quicker than that but I’m fine with the two options I have in front of me. Just need to know if my vehicle will need the extra cooling since I plan to lift it and tow occasionally.

 

[PyrPatriot]

I don’t want to order one because we are expecting our first baby in the next 6 weeks and don’t want to even risk not having it in time.

Which is the biggest reason I went to a dealership and got one. It had most of the features I wanted (no Aux group or bed outlet) and I didn't negotiate too hard, but still got a vehicle I could afford and the wife had a MUCH easier time getting in/out post delivery than from the civic we were in.

35s shouldn't require too much extra cooling with the weight your trailering, well under the tow weight of the Sport. I would get the one with the tow package, or look elsewhere, unless the price is just the best at these dealerships. Still, with 6 weeks until baby comes, take an extra week and maybe travel a bit farther to get a better JT for your needs/price
Link is for Jeep JT Sports within 200mi of downtown Atlanta

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...d=28880&trId=33865&transTypeId=28113&zc=30303

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Look at the gears on it as well. If you can get a Max tow, your MPGs will be better. Difference between 3.73 gears and 4.10 gears when going up in tire size and towing just a little bit is worth the extra money and less strain on the tranny. Just saying, it was a big seller for me and I don't do much towing but compared to a buddies overland towing around 1500lbs and mine, I'm glad I didn't pass on the Max tow.

I got a Base sport as well and found out mine had the 4.10 gears and I liked that. I happily gave up power windows and door locks for 4.10 gears and better cooling and larger alternator. I was $37,200 out the door on mine last February 2020.

 

[obrianmcc]

If it's the Max Tow you will also get 4.10 gearing and the wide track 44's ... I'd go Max Tow

 

[Adrianbrewster33]

Max tow isn’t an option on a manual

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