Tow pkg ? Is it worth it?

[Laurie]

Hi, I am in the process of hunting down a gladiator Rubicon to purchase. A lot of the ones ive been picking out dont have the tow pkg. Has everything else I need to maximum tow with...but they dont have the tow pkg. That consist of a better engine cooling system, better alternator hitch and wiring. The one i'm looking at can tow 7000 pounds because it has the 4.01 axil ratio and the auto 850RE transition. Those two things allow max 7000 towing on a rubicon.

My question is, I need to tow 7000 pounds three times a year for about one and a half hour ride. This would consist of a trailer full of hay. That is it, just 3 times a year. I have a small skiff but dont think that matters. Is it that important that I get the tow pkg for that little towing? I know ill be towing the max but only 3 times. Most even come with the electronic anti sway system..but not the tow pkg. It's getting kind of frustrating looking for one. Thanks in advance.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Hi, I am in the process of hunting down a gladiator Rubicon to purchase. A lot of the ones ive been picking out dont have the tow pkg. Has everything else I need to maximum tow with...but they dont have the tow pkg. That consist of a better engine cooling system, better alternator hitch and wiring. The one i'm looking at can tow 7000 pounds because it has the 4.01 axil ratio and the auto 850RE transition. Those two things allow max 7000 towing on a rubicon.

My question is, I need to tow 7000 pounds three times a year for about one and a half hour ride. This would consist of a trailer full of hay. That is it, just 3 times a year. I have a small skiff but dont think that matters. Is it that important that I get the tow pkg for that little towing? I know ill be towing the max but only 3 times. Most even come with the electronic anti sway system..but not the tow pkg. It's getting kind of frustrating looking for one. Thanks in advance.

I thought that rating was WITH the tow package!
Otherwise you don't have the receiver type hitch and are quite limited. It's not just axle ratio and automatic that get you the 7,000 - it's the hitch, and other parts, too. It's not just the ratio (that's the ratio of ALL Rubicon JTs) and the automatic.
You are over-simplifying, IMO.
What are you going to to - attempt 7,000 with a BUMPER hitch and your own wiring?
90 minutes with that sort of load not properly equipped?

 

[mike921921]

I would say get it - better have it and not need it... And it will always help with resale value.

 

[danielspivey]

Get the tow package, and make sure that hay is dry and not wet when you tie it! To get the full 7000 you need the tow package on the rubicon... most dealers will tell you anything to get you off the lot.

 

[danielspivey]

Get the tow package, and make sure that hay is dry and not wet when you tie it! To get the full 7000 you need the tow package on the rubicon... most dealers will tell you anything to get you off the lot.

Scratch that... looks like the auto rubi is 7000 despite tow package.

I do 6800 w my travel trailer and it’s manageable. Def need a brake controller and likely WDH especially if your load is front heavy.

 

[lrtexasman]

You can add a class IV hitch to the Rubicon or any gladiator that just has the class II bumper hitch for under $300. Check mopar accessories. There are a few YouTube videos of the install as well. The Rubicon has the 4.10 gears (except the diesel) .

 

[PicklesJ]

Hi, I am in the process of hunting down a gladiator Rubicon to purchase. A lot of the ones ive been picking out dont have the tow pkg. Has everything else I need to maximum tow with...but they dont have the tow pkg. That consist of a better engine cooling system, better alternator hitch and wiring. The one i'm looking at can tow 7000 pounds because it has the 4.01 axil ratio and the auto 850RE transition. Those two things allow max 7000 towing on a rubicon.

My question is, I need to tow 7000 pounds three times a year for about one and a half hour ride. This would consist of a trailer full of hay. That is it, just 3 times a year. I have a small skiff but dont think that matters. Is it that important that I get the tow pkg for that little towing? I know ill be towing the max but only 3 times. Most even come with the electronic anti sway system..but not the tow pkg. It's getting kind of frustrating looking for one. Thanks in advance.

Many will suggest all sorts of ways to move the hay; but if there is an incident, what will your insurance company do if you have chosen a non-compliant solution to the weight requirements?

 

[StingGrayJT24]

You can add a class IV hitch to the Rubicon or any gladiator that just has the class II bumper hitch for under $300. Check mopar accessories. There are a few YouTube videos of the install as well. The Rubicon has the 4.10 gears (except the diesel) .

This might be a dumb question, but I’ve always wondered, why in the world would CFA sell a rig that is rated to tow without the receiver? If you’re going to purchase a truck that can tow (whatever the amount), why not just include this? It’s such a small price to pay. I’ve never understood this.

 

[Mr._Bill]

The factory Tow Package gets you the upgraded alternator, cooling system, and receiver. My understanding is that you need the Tow Package to achieve the maximum towing capacity the vehicle is designed for. The potential maximum for each model is listed in the manual. The actual maximum for each specific truck is printed on the label in the door frame.

 

[davetha]

This might be a dumb question, but I’ve always wondered, why in the world would CFA sell a rig that is rated to tow without the receiver? If you’re going to purchase a truck that can tow (whatever the amount), why not just include this? It’s such a small price to pay. I’ve never understood this.

Most vehicles are like this. Wranglers have tow ratings, many don't come with hitches. A ton of half ton trucks don't come with one either. Toyota Corolla's have tow ratings too. For small/midsize trucks, its likely a cost thing.

I don't know if this is the case for the Gladiator, does it come with the trailer lighting plug already there? I want to say that on the Wranglers its a big hassle to get the factory trailer plugs as it requires them to run all the way to the front under the carpet etc..

That 7000 rating goes down a bit with different configurations as well. Hard top vs soft top, cooling, options etc.. Check the door frame before you pull the trigger.

 

[StingGrayJT24]

Most vehicles are like this. Wranglers have tow ratings, many don't come with hitches. A ton of half ton trucks don't come with one either. Toyota Corolla's have tow ratings too. For small/midsize trucks, its likely a cost thing.

I don't know if this is the case for the Gladiator, does it come with the trailer lighting plug already there? I want to say that on the Wranglers its a big hassle to get the factory trailer plugs as it requires them to run all the way to the front under the carpet etc..

That 7000 rating goes down a bit with different configurations as well. Hard top vs soft top, cooling, options etc.. Check the door frame before you pull the trigger.

Good call good call. Thanks, guys. I’ve always wondered about this when I see/hear rigs w/o the receiver. In the PNW, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a rig on the dealership lot w/o a receiver. I’ve always wondered about this. I guess every dollar adds up when you sell millions of vehicles.

 

[lrtexasman]

What I learned is they all have the class II bumper hitch and plug and the cheaper tow package get you the IV hitch, 240 alternator, along with the engine cooler. Max tow gets you the 4.10 axle, bigger brakes, alt, cooler, ect. With that said, the gas Rubicon already has the bigger brakes, 4.10 axle and I think alternator, so adding an aftermarket tow hitch to that package is a no brainer. Where as if your getting one of the other trims you really want to find one with a tow package because it be expensive to add all the extra stuff.

 

[Laurie]

Thanks everyone. im gonna play it safe and keep looking for one with the tow pkg... Thanks again

 

[A 2]

I was surprised to learn that since my JT did not come with a brake controller (but I had the tow package option) the tow package (for me) is useless. Check the thread I started about towing in the snow/ice. Currently sitting in my F250 heading to pick up a trailer in Colorado because the JT didn’t have a controller. I guess if you had a light trailer and /or one with surge brakes. Not sure if the current tow pack option comes with a controller. If not, add that to the list.

 

[lrtexasman]

You can buy the controller now from Mopar but honestly the wireless Tekonsha Prodigy Is wireless and can be switched between vehicles and has good reviews. The Redarc is a solid unit that an easy install.

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