Towing update with the Diesel

[1945gpw]

Thought I'd give an update on my gladiator while towing. We did a trip last week out of Phoenix to Colorado for some camping. Towed an airstream trailer that’s approx 3500 lbs. Started at roughly 105 degrees in Phoenix towing up the i17 with several 6% grades. Elevation started at roughly 1100 feet and Flagstaff is about 7,000. We maintained 60 to 65 mph on the steep grades while keeping the Water temp around 230 and oil around 245 degrees. On the flat areas we would do 75 mph and water temps would hover around 10 to 15 degrees lower.

While in Colorado we went over several mountain passes in the Durango, Pagosa Springs and Ouray area. Temps all stayed around the same and I had plenty of speed and power, never de-rated or went into limp mode. (The video is going over a pass in Colorado right outside of Ridgway at around 8,000 feet)

My dad joined us in Colorado and was towing a trailer of similar size and weight in a gas gladiator and I have to say there is really no comparison between the two trucks. Going up the mountain passes I overtook him by well over a mile and could have kept putting distance between us.
We also hand calculated fuel mileage on our route together in the mountain's and the gas Gladiator got 12mpg, the diesel got 22.
I have a screen over my grill to keep the bugs out of the radiators as well and didn’t notice any negatives with it. I couldn't be happier with the diesel.

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[PuddleJumper]

I get 9mpg with my 5500lb Nobo. 60mph is about all she'll do

 

[rharr]

So no cooling mods? I do that I 1 7 section out of phx with a small utility trailer and will hit derate around 2/3's the climb if I try to keep it at 70+ mph.

 

[1945gpw]

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[Felinus Maximus]

Observations:
1) I noticed in the video that the A/C was also on the "LO" setting, keeping you cool like your JTRD.
2) A stock height (or maybe leveled?)JTRD with stock tires/wheels and the 4:10 gears (pictured) and it has no issues at all towing a reasonable load and getting great mpg.
3) If you lift a mid-sized JT 3-5", then add 150+ lbs. of 35-37" tire/ custom wheel unsprung weight, and a 200 lb. bumper/winch, please don't be shocked if it doesn't like to tow. That is for the HD chat group.
4) Still can't believe Stellantis killed the diesel and added a hybrid
5) Great post, much appreciated.

 

[my dog Trigger]

Observations:
1) I noticed in the video that the A/C was also on the "LO" setting, keeping you cool like your JTRD.
2) A stock height (or maybe leveled?)JTRD with stock tires/wheels and the 4:10 gears (pictured) and it has no issues at all towing a reasonable load and getting great mpg.
3) If you lift a mid-sized JT 3-5", then add 150+ lbs. of 35-37" tire/ custom wheel unsprung weight, and a 200 lb. bumper/winch, please don't be shocked if it doesn't like to tow. That is for the HD chat group.
4) Still can't believe Stellantis killed the diesel and added a hybrid
5) Great post, much appreciated.

You do have 4:10 gears how?

 

[Felinus Maximus]

You do have 4:10 gears how?

I was referring to the Original Post with the green Rubicon, I believe they all get 4:10s unless special ordered with 3:73s. My JTOD has 3:73s and it tows a 5000lb+ loaded cargo trailer very well. But, I am in Florida, so no hills to deal with.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I was referring to the Original Post with the green Rubicon, I believe they all get 4:10s unless special ordered with 3:73s. My JTOD has 3:73s and it tows a 5000lb+ loaded cargo trailer very well. But, I am in Florida, so no hills to deal with.

every diesel has 3.73 gears stock

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I did the weight loss surgery right after bringing it home new from the dealer. No cooling mods though.

For the people that don’t understand what an enormous difference this makes, this post just about sums it up. What tune do you have?

No more towing for me so I did the +80whp + 140wtq

 

[Felinus Maximus]

every diesel has 3.73 gears stock

Thank you. I stand corrected. Even more impressive performance for the OP. This also explains why I don't see much difference with the Overland with 3:73s. It tows very well.

 

[Ericshere03]

what a coincidence, I too have an ecodiesel in Phoenix. I just brought home a used airstream I picked up in LA.

Truck got very hot but never a derate. Saw coolant creep to about 240 and oil temps approaching 260. But this was a longish climb out of San Diego up past alpine. Flat towing was totally controlled at reasonable temperatures. The weather was quite warm that weekend and about 110 when I dropped into the desert.

The airstream weight about 4700lbs empty with a total GVWR of 6000 on a pair of 3500lb axles. I was traveling with a full fresh water tank of 39 gallons (300lbs or so).

my jeep is stock with about 6000mi on the odometer with 35” BFG KO2s

The truck towed well, but the cooling system is a massive disappointment. Power is sluggish from a complete stop, but this is true unloaded. However accelerating from 15-65mph to enter the freeway is impressive. I’d say acceleration is on par with my unloaded jeep LJ and MPG was actually better than my LJ.

I am considering is tune, I have a duplicated PCM sitting in its Mopar box ready to go, debating GDE or EOC stage 2.

If I keep this trailer, I may regear to 4.56 and look into the auxiliary radiator thing, which turns out is made near Phoenix.

PS: I initially used a Curt wireless brake controller, great concept but a little crude on the brake control, maybe it was defective but it would lock up the trailer at low speeds occasionally. I JUST installed the Mopar brake controller and returned the curt.

 

[1945gpw]

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[yrwins]

My jeep have about 27k miles on towing, for the pass 3 years. I have my brake control from mopars without any problems.

 

[Ericshere03]

I'd recommend the EOC stage 2 with SOTF and transmission tune. I bet you'll see some cooler temps with that set up. Also power from a stop is super nice.

I put in the Redarc tow-pro elite brake controller and couldn't be happier with it. Worked amazing with the trailer and I believe a little cheaper than Mopars brake controller, I've heard the Mopar has given people problems so maybe look into the Redarc before installing. Just my opinion.

PS: If you want to check out the tune and brake controller before purchasing feel free to pm me and we can meet up. I'm in Goodyear

I just finished the Mopar brake controller install …

I’m very tempted into doing the stage 2, I don’t care about multiple tunes , in fact I’d love just stick power levels but remove all the nanny torque management crap … and a transmission tune of course.

but I’ll take the extra power if they’re offering

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I just finished the Mopar brake controller install …

I’m very tempted into doing the stage 2, I don’t care about multiple tunes , in fact I’d love just stick power levels but remove all the nanny torque management crap … and a transmission tune of course.

but I’ll take the extra power if they’re offering

Perfect candidate for the +40 towing tune. IIRC stage 1 or 2 works for that

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