Towing First Travel Trailer With Gladiator

[MadManMoheenid]

Curious if those of you towing with the Gladiator ever use the manual shift with their auto trans. I feel downshifting on steeper inclines helps it pull better.

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[Reynoldsdl]

I am assuming you have a 21BHE. I pull an Imagine XLS 17MKE which is very similar. The main difference is I have a Rubicon which has the 4:10 gearing. I also have the Equalizer WDH, but the Redarc tow pro elite brake controller.

I am new to towing as well. I have had my trailer for only a few months now. I can tell you that you will definitely feel the weight behind you! Braking is good with the brake controller set to the midpoint. Little disappointed in the lack of power from the 3.6 Pentastar engine. Thought it would pull this trailer a little easier.

Take your time and don’t feel rushed. Allow plenty of room between you and any traffic ahead of you. You will gain more confidence the more you travel. You will have no problem staying within the lines with this trailer.

Good luck and enjoy your Grand Design. We sure do!

Hello, I am considering Grand Design XLS 17MKE paired to my 2020 Gladiator. Found this post from 2020 and wondering how the setup was for you? Are you still happy with it and are you still towing 17MKE with your 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. Any recomendations? Thanks for your insight, much appreciated.

 

[Labswine]

Hello, I am considering Grand Design XLS 17MKE paired to my 2020 Gladiator. Found this post from 2020 and wondering how the setup was for you? Are you still happy with it and are you still towing 17MKE with your 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. Any recomendations? Thanks for your insight, much appreciated.

Well, you have a 7,000 l towing capacity on your Rubicon but, according to the Grand Design website for that particular trailer, it comes in at 6,395 lbs as is. By the time you get your stuff in it, you're coming close to your towing limit. I'd go for a lighter trailer.

My Vantage Sonic SN220VRB, 27' LOA, comes in at around 4,650 lbs and is around 5,100 lbs with all we want or need. I tow it with an Overland with a 6,000 lb towing capacity.

I do like the layout of the one you are interested in but, still a little too close to your max towing capacity for my taste.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Well, you have a 7,000 l towing capacity on your Rubicon but, according to the Grand Design website for that particular trailer, it comes in at 6,395 lbs as is. By the time you get your stuff in it, you're coming close to your towing limit. I'd go for a lighter trailer.

My Vantage Sonic SN220VRB, 27' LOA, comes in at around 4,650 lbs and is around 5,100 lbs with all we want or need. I tow it with an Overland with a 6,000 lb towing capacity.

I do like the layout of the one you are interested in but, still a little too close to your max towing capacity for my taste.

6,395 is GVWR, UVW is 4,921. So probably 5.7-6k with gear.

Regardless, still creepin the limits of a Rubicon. IMO folks should really be shooting for at most around 4.5-5k loaded with a Gladi. Sure, they are rated for more, but you really should try to not exceed 70% on the norm to allow for cushion.

 

[Reynoldsdl]

6,395 is GVWR, UVW is 4,921. So probably 5.7-6k with gear.

Regardless, still creepin the limits of a Rubicon. IMO folks should really be shooting for at most around 4.5-5k loaded with a Gladi. Sure, they are rated for more, but you really should try to not exceed 70% on the norm to allow for cushion.

Ok I appreciate the insight. I have backed off the 17MKE. It was 2025 brand new camper year end deal but maybe for someone else. I don't want the ware and tare on my rubi

 

[Smash615]

Ok I appreciate the insight. I have backed off the 17MKE. It was 2025 brand new camper year end deal but maybe for someone else. I don't want the ware and tare on my rubi

I have a Flagstaff 25BRDS weighing in at 5500lbs. Getting close to 7k loaded down. I NEVER carry water and try to make sure grey/black is empty to limit the weight.

My Max Tow pulls it fine, but it's not an enjoyable experience. Rarely towing in 6th gear. TN is hilly, so it's CONSTANTLY downshifting. There are times when I switch it into manual so it reduces the shifting. I only get about 9mi when towing. Feels like I can watch the fuel tank indicator drop as I drive since it's only a 18gal tank. If you ever think of increase tire size or lifting it, you can cancel Christmas- your towing days are over.

Bottom line: its a Jeep that will tow. But it's not really a truck that I would want to tow with all the time. But it was an F150 or a JT and I REALLY enjoy the doors off more than I tow.

 

[4-Low]

If you use weight distribution/sway control as you are planning to do you will be totally fine. You will find that your exterior mirrors SUCK for towing. This is a major flaw in the JT design in my opinion. There are aftermarket options that clip onto the factory mirrors to extend your sight lines. But the truck itself is going to do a great job. I would suggest keeping your speed down for the first few times you tow until you get adjusted to the physics of it all. But as long as you are cautious and alert you will be fine.

 

[DavenFla]

Get air bags. They're cheap and easy to install. The engine is weak when towing. Lack of low end torque hurts the towing performance. Don't be afraid to see 4500 RPM , lugging is worse than revving, and manually shift.

Everyone else covered the other stuff.

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