Travel Trailer advice

[RJinPV]

Thanks everyone for the information.
According to my spreadsheet:
Weight of cargo in jeep (people, stuff, gas, no tongue weight) is approx. 650 pounds. (If the wife and I went on a diet, we could reduce this weight. lol)
Total weight (wet) of trailer with WDH included is approx. 4800 to 4900 pounds. I don't plan on ever towing with full tanks in the trailer. just enough to eat a meal while on the road, or use the restroom.
If anything, my numbers are rounded high.

Most of my trips will be weekend get-a-ways. I won't be packing the trailer for a 1 month long trip.

You're going in the right direction with the math. Here are some things to consider: People tend to overload their trailers because there is so much storage room. People want to take the extra chairs, tables, grills, plates, cast iron pots, etc. The UVW of the Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FBRS s 4,493 lbs but that does NOT include options added at the factory, or dealer, or yourself. The CCC is 1,344 lbs. That should make the GVWR about 5,837lbs. I use that as the max weight the trailer should be, and given that, you have no margin against the Overland's 6,000 lb tow rating. That makes it very important to budget the weight of everything you add to the trailer, tow with little water (as you said) and get a good weight distribution hitch with anti sway features. Having said all of that, I have towed a similar trailer with a 2017 Grand Cherokee, in the Southern Cal area, up modest grades and it worked out fine. I didn't have a chance to try a steep grade so I still worry about that a little. Just remember your'e on vacation, take it easy and you don't have to go 70+ mph on the interstate.

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[Clarkk]

When installing the sway bar, ensure its U-shaped curve points to the car’s rear. Grab the sway bar bushing strap, support the sway bar, and align the holes. Insert the bolts and tighten them using a torque of 35 pounds if the fasteners are small. If the bolts are large, you can apply 100 pounds of torque.

 

[jeepers29]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have not researched WDH much, but I have heard good things about the Equalizer hitches. As for brake controllers, I was thinking either the Mopar stock one (not sure if I want to give up the 12V plug on the dash) or the Redarc Tow Pro Elite.

Look at the Anderson weight distribution hitch. It has sway control as well and is much lighter than a regular WDH. I use it on our RPod and it works great. Also, may want to look at the Redarc Brake controller.

 

[Redfour5]

I'm bumping this at the end of 2023. What it comes down to is that IF you want a dry bath and some decent space/slideout that can comfortably sleep four, you are down to the Lance 1575 (Dry Bath being key limiter here). It has a GVWR of 4600 lbs... 3590 Gross Dry weight (with fluids) and like a 350 lb dry tongue weight.

I'm getting a Freedom Edition Gladiator with tow package this Friday (30% off MSRP) so I have the tow package and these things have killer payload ratings at like 1700 lbs. So, I see I have a 4500 lb max tow rating... And then I see that essentially the same Overlands and High Altitudes have a 6,000 lb max tow.

I could not figure out why the Overland and High Altitude will go 6,000 lbs when virtually equivalent Sports/Sports S's/and special edition variants like the Willys/Freedom are all stuck at 4,500 lbs... What was the distinction?

Then I had the Ahahh moment. The Max Tow package always has the wide Dana 44 axles adding right at 1.5 inches to the axle length, in addition to the 4.10 gearing. AND, the Overland/High Altitudes have the wide axles even without the "max tow" package or the 4.10 gears. So, the old no longer made Overland and new trim High Altitudes split the difference with the wide axles, but still having the 3.73 gears and get a 6K tow rating. And so, they are more stable due to the wide axles.

So, weight wise, they are all equal. One thing for sure, I would NEVER tow over 4500 lbs without a GOOD weight distribution hitch on these things. Indirectly Jeep is telling you the limitations of the towing capabilities and weight/sway/crash is apparently very dependent upon the width of the axles as a key if not only element of towing capacity. But Jeep sure makes it difficult to suss it all out that's for sure.

But, I have liked the Lance 1575 for years as a possible short trip (five day max) camper. No Problem... For me...

 

[Jaxmax]

Huh? Are you getting a 6 speed manual tow rating at 4500lbs. Only the Sport model with the specific “Max Tow” package gives you a over 7600lb. tow rating and has the just over 1700 pound payload. Most trim levels with the optional tow package and automatic are tow rated at 6,000 pounds, with the rubicon being at 7,000lbs. The wide axles on some trims might help with stability, Overland doesn’t have wide axles or 4.10 gears but has 6,000 tow rating. You need to check the sticker on Glady you are getting, and see if it in fact has the “Max Tow” package including 4.10 gears, wide axles, small tires, limited slip rear and has the wider fenders. I think you might be looking at a Spirt with manual, and the upgraded tow package , not Max Tow.
All that said ,towing over 4500GVW trailer is something I don’t do on my 21 Mojave , auto with 6,000 tow capacity and 1200lb. Payload…..Jack

 

[wvyankee2]

Check this out……

https://www.granddesignrv.com/travel-trailers/imagine-aim/18bh

 

[Labswine]

I'm bumping this at the end of 2023. What it comes down to is that IF you want a dry bath and some decent space/slideout that can comfortably sleep four, you are down to the Lance 1575 (Dry Bath being key limiter here). It has a GVWR of 4600 lbs... 3590 Gross Dry weight (with fluids) and like a 350 lb dry tongue weight.

I'm getting a Freedom Edition Gladiator with tow package this Friday (30% off MSRP) so I have the tow package and these things have killer payload ratings at like 1700 lbs. So, I see I have a 4500 lb max tow rating... And then I see that essentially the same Overlands and High Altitudes have a 6,000 lb max tow.

I could not figure out why the Overland and High Altitude will go 6,000 lbs when virtually equivalent Sports/Sports S's/and special edition variants like the Willys/Freedom are all stuck at 4,500 lbs... What was the distinction?

Then I had the Ahahh moment. The Max Tow package always has the wide Dana 44 axles adding right at 1.5 inches to the axle length, in addition to the 4.10 gearing. AND, the Overland/High Altitudes have the wide axles even without the "max tow" package or the 4.10 gears. So, the old no longer made Overland and new trim High Altitudes split the difference with the wide axles, but still having the 3.73 gears and get a 6K tow rating. And so, they are more stable due to the wide axles.

So, weight wise, they are all equal. One thing for sure, I would NEVER tow over 4500 lbs without a GOOD weight distribution hitch on these things. Indirectly Jeep is telling you the limitations of the towing capabilities and weight/sway/crash is apparently very dependent upon the width of the axles as a key if not only element of towing capacity. But Jeep sure makes it difficult to suss it all out that's for sure.

But, I have liked the Lance 1575 for years as a possible short trip (five day max) camper. No Problem... For me...

If you have the automatic transmission, you have a 6,000 lb. towing capacity. As stated, the Rubicon gets a 7,000 lb capacity and MaxTow is 7,600 lbs. The Rubi and MaxTow have the higher ratings because of the wider axles, 4.1 gearing and, in the MaxTow, different spring rates in the rear.

I have an Overland (ordered 5/19, built 6/19, delivered 7/19) with the tow package.

I tow a 2021 27' Vantage Sonic SN220VRB (note, this years version states higher weights and tongue weights then what mine was in 2021) and, with all we want or need it weighs right around 5,100 lbs. Stated tongue weight is 420 lbs but, with all that is in the front pass through, it's probably more like 520 lbs, still within safety ratings. I have a real good weight dristubition/anti sway hitch set up (BlueOx) and my Gladiator handles it all very nicely. Almost no sway when getting passed by a Semi. I shift manually and pretty much get to 7th on the highway at not more than 65 MPH. I get an average of 13 MPG when towing my setup.

 

[Redfour5]

If you have the automatic transmission, you have a 6,000 lb. towing capacity. As stated, the Rubicon gets a 7,000 lb capacity and MaxTow is 7,600 lbs. The Rubi and MaxTow have the higher ratings because of the wider axles, 4.1 gearing and, in the MaxTow, different spring rates in the rear.

I have an Overland (ordered 5/19, built 6/19, delivered 7/19) with the tow package.

I tow a 2021 27' Vantage Sonic SN220VRB (note, this years version states higher weights and tongue weights then what mine was in 2021) and, with all we want or need it weighs right around 5,100 lbs. Stated tongue weight is 420 lbs but, with all that is in the front pass through, it's probably more like 520 lbs, still within safety ratings. I have a real good weight dristubition/anti sway hitch set up (BlueOx) and my Gladiator handles it all very nicely. Almost no sway when getting passed by a Semi. I shift manually and pretty much get to 7th on the highway at not more than 65 MPH. I get an average of 13 MPG when towing my setup.

You are just fine as you have the Overland with the wide axles. They give you an extra 1500 lbs over us people with the narrow axles with everything else equal. Now, if you had the 4.10 rear gearing, you would have max tow and be up in the 7700 range... What I'm saying is that the wide axles are a key factor in getting the 6K max tow rating. Without the wide axles, you are stuck at 4500...

 

[Labswine]

You are just fine as you have the Overland with the wide axles. They give you an extra 1500 lbs over us people with the narrow axles with everything else equal. Now, if you had the 4.10 rear gearing, you would have max tow and be up in the 7700 range... What I'm saying is that the wide axles are a key factor in getting the 6K max tow rating. Without the wide axles, you are stuck at 4500...

The Overland has the standard axles just like everything other than the Rubicon and MaxTow.

I don't know where you're getting your info but, it's incorrect.

Like I said before, EVERYTHING other than the Rubi and MaxTow with an automatic trans is 6,000 lbs towing capacity WHEN equipped with the tow package. The only thing the tow package adds is the class IV hitch, a higher capacity alternator and, enhanced cooling fan. There's no extended axles unless you have the Rubi or MaxTow.

 

[slim chance]

@Labswine

"The Overland has the standard axles just like everything other than the Rubicon and MaxTow.
I don't know where you're getting your info but, it's incorrect. "

NO, you are wrong ... open my window sticker and look at the bottom left high lighted listing ... my build sheet also supports this!

 

[wvyankee2]

@Labswine

"The Overland has the standard axles just like everything other than the Rubicon and MaxTow.
I don't know where you're getting your info but, it's incorrect. "

NO, you are wrong ... open my window sticker and look at the bottom left high lighted listing ... my build sheet also supports this!

No the sheet is wrong. I had a 2020 and there was an Owners manual correction sheet from Jeep that corrected the Overland and others to the 6000# tow rating.

 

[Redfour5]

The Overland has the standard axles just like everything other than the Rubicon and MaxTow.

I don't know where you're getting your info but, it's incorrect.

Like I said before, EVERYTHING other than the Rubi and MaxTow with an automatic trans is 6,000 lbs towing capacity WHEN equipped with the tow package. The only thing the tow package adds is the class IV hitch, a higher capacity alternator and, enhanced cooling fan. There's no extended axles unless you have the Rubi or MaxTow.

You said,

"The Overland has the standard axles just like everything other than the Rubicon and MaxTow.
I don't know where you're getting your info but, it's incorrect.

I beg to differ. And I got my information from the Order book And in fact will go to the point of saying you are incorrect on two points. I am looking to buy and so research assiduously as is my nature. The difference in trims and THE FACT that part of the "Package" forced for the Overland and its derivative High Altitude Edition (until 2024 when the Overland goes away and the High Altitude becomes a trim unto itself), is the Extra Wide axles that come on every single Overland whereas they do NOT come on Sport or Sport S's or any of their special editions. You can find that at the thread here that has the order book. This article summarizes the ratings by trim. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/2024-jeep-gladiator-order-guide-released.72841/

But in the book, on page 8 it shows whats in the package.

The "wide" axles are NOT available on sport models UNLESS you get the MAX TOW package that forces the 4.10 gear ration. You cannot get the wide axles alone except on the Overland/High Altitude.

So, that is what creates the differences between tow ratings on all the units. And ALL SPORT derived Gladiators have three tow ratings. 4,000 lbs, (without tow package), 4500 lbs with the tow package and 7700 lbs with the MAX TOW package including wide axles AND 4.10 gearing. NONE of the Sport Packages/Editions have a 6,000 lb tow rating... AND, if you intend to tow, you NEED to be aware of this if only from a legal standpoint as in if you have a wreck with a 5500 lb trailer and swear it has a legal 6,000 lb tow rating. So, IF I get the Freedom Edition, technically I cannot tow that Minne Winnebago that I CAN tow with an Overland. I can tow a Lance 1574.

The ONLY Gladiator Edition getting 6,000 lbs as a tow rating is your base Overland/derived High Altitude. This was noted as a distinction going back to the 2020 model year. On TFL Trucks, they note, in a chart.

This article notes that the extra wide Dana 44’s on the High Altitude itself built off of the overland originally much like Sport based special editions. In 2024, the Overland is gone and the High Altitude will be a Trim unto itself. https://www.autotrader.com/comparisons/2023-jeep-gladiator-choosing-the-right-trim

 

[KevinC]

I'm not here to debate all the above, just pointing out one note that has been left off.

The Mojave has a tow rating of 6000lbs. It doesn't reach the 7650lbs of the Max Tow because of the rear springs are rated differently. The Mojave has everything tow related that the Rubicon and Max Tow has except the rear springs. Just throwing that out there.

 

[Jaybre007]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have not researched WDH much, but I have heard good things about the Equalizer hitches. As for brake controllers, I was thinking either the Mopar stock one (not sure if I want to give up the 12V plug on the dash) or the Redarc Tow Pro Elite.

I recently installed the MOPAR and used one of the 4 aux switches and moved my 12 volt to the dash opposite of the sensor on the left hand side. I routed the wires through the trim piece and no cutting or drilling was involved. Works great. I was using the blue tooth brake controller that plugged in outside in between the truck and trailer (Curt Echo) and no issues except now I have piece of mind that when parked in transit no one can help themselves to it.

 

[Jaxmax]

Sorry I think your data is incorrect and conclusions also, the two highest rated tow Gladys are Rubicon (7000 lbs.) and Max Tow equipped Sport (7650 lbs.) most everything else with an autotranny and upgraded tow package are at 6,000 lbs. including the Mojave due to it’s suspension. The wide axles are a good idea but doesn’t raise tow rating at all on other then Max Tow package. The 4.10 gears are a great idea for towing and is what moved me to a Mojave from an Overland in my purchase. Also the article you quoted states that the best Gladiator is the base Sport model
Everyone , even Bronco owners, know the Rubicon is the ultimate off road factory equipped Glady. The Mojave is a hell of a Glady also, able to jump tall buildings , ride great, 1” higher then the supposed legendary Rubicon, but still only performs on sand! ?
Go to Mopar factory documents for tow info…..Jack

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