WHICH HITCH?

[MrWndrfl]

Hey all,

I picked up a 2023 Gladiator this past December which didn’t come with a hitch receiver. I’m looking to install a Class IV receiver but I’m wondering which one to get. I’m considering the Mopar option 82215648, but I’m always open to other recommendations and reasons why or why not to get the Mopar or any other one out there.
Thanks in advance!
Mike

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[Labswine]

Doesn't really matter...get the best one you can afford but, realize that without the factory tow package, you're only going to be able to tow (LEGALLY) 4,500 lbs (if it's an automatic).

 

[WILDHOBO]

The mopar hitch will tuck up well, as opposed to some that hang down a bit. @Labswine is correct that without factory towing, you don’t get the upsized alternator or larger cooling system, so its capacity is less.

 

[MrWndrfl]

Thank you both for your feedback.
I made a last minute audible and went for the CURT 13434 Class 3 which has 5,000lb max tow which will be more than I need (owner’s manual shows 6,000 max) until, possibly, when we make the move on a camper later this year or early next.
It was just over $100 on Amazon and a super easy install using the videos many were kind enough to post.

 

[kevman65]

Thank you both for your feedback.
I made a last minute audible and went for the CURT 13434 Class 3 which has 5,000lb max tow which will be more than I need (owner’s manual shows 6,000 max) until, possibly, when we make the move on a camper later this year or early next.
It was just over $100 on Amazon and a super easy install using the videos many were kind enough to post.

Just know that the manual's max of 6000 is IF your JT came with the tow package.
Since yours didn't come with a tow package you don't have the better engine cooling.
Heat is a major problem with a JT and you're in a hot State.

Your max is 4500 pounds.

 

[Labswine]

Thank you both for your feedback.
I made a last minute audible and went for the CURT 13434 Class 3 which has 5,000lb max tow which will be more than I need (owner’s manual shows 6,000 max) until, possibly, when we make the move on a camper later this year or early next.
It was just over $100 on Amazon and a super easy install using the videos many were kind enough to post.

Just remember, without the factory tow package, you will still be limited to around 4,500 lbs. Two reasons...one, the factory tow package gives you a higher output alternator. Additionally, you get a higher capacity cooling fan for the radiator over the regular one you get without the factory tow package. Those will be your limiting factors.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Just remember, without the factory tow package, you will still be limited to around 4,500 lbs. Two reasons...one, the factory tow package gives you a higher output alternator. Additionally, you get a higher capacity cooling fan for the radiator over the regular one you get without the factory tow package. Those will be your limiting factors.

Technically, one could swap the alternator and cooling fan. It wouldn’t change anything legally, but it would effectively.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thank you both for your feedback.
I made a last minute audible and went for the CURT 13434 Class 3 which has 5,000lb max tow which will be more than I need (owner’s manual shows 6,000 max) until, possibly, when we make the move on a camper later this year or early next.
It was just over $100 on Amazon and a super easy install using the videos many were kind enough to post.

Like they've all said, you don't change tow rating with a hitch. They've already talked about fan, alternator and so on, but there's other factors - springs may even be different.

Too late here, i know, but when I'm interested in trucks and SUVs, I look for factory receivers, not "it fits" from the 3rd party sources. Curt, DrawTite and others are fine, but it blares "I've been added on later" to me.

Ironically, tow package or not, the Mojave seems to be rated 6,000 - how can that be without a receiver? They have no clue how you are going to tow or what with and if someone slaps a ball into a hole in the bumper...........

 

[WILDHOBO]

Like they've all said, you don't change tow rating with a hitch. They've already talked about fan, alternator and so on, but there's other factors - springs may even be different.

Too late here, i know, but when I'm interested in trucks and SUVs, I look for factory receivers, not "it fits" from the 3rd party sources. Curt, DrawTite and others are fine, but it blares "I've been added on later" to me.

Ironically, tow package or not, the Mojave seems to be rated 6,000 - how can that be without a receiver? They have no clue how you are going to tow or what with and if someone slaps a ball into a hole in the bumper...........

Not all are 4500. Rubicons are 6000 without a factory tow package. 7000 with it. I’m assuming Mojave’s are the same.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Not all are 4500. Rubicons are 6000 without a factory tow package. 7000 with it. I’m assuming Mojave’s are the same.

Yeah, the Mojave at least in the 2022 books show only 6,000 pounds and don't even show a line for with tow package. Odd. Don't even think of online stuff - it's all basic numbers where they show 4500 even for Mojave - wrong, at least with automatic that's wrong.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yeah, the Mojave at least in the 2022 books show only 6,000 pounds and don't even show a line for with tow package. Odd. Don't even think of online stuff - it's all basic numbers where they show 4500 even for Mojave - wrong, at least with automatic that's wrong.

I’m guessing the Mohave springs limits it to 6k.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m guessing the Mohave springs limits it to 6k.

Hard to say, could be, could be center of gravity and all of the other stuff, but still, 6K isn't bad.
People need to know a Swiss army knife isn't the best for any one thing, but can do a lot of things fine. That's what a Gladiator is - regardless of the "model" or "level". It's not a "buy this and it will handle all things perfectly" truck - it's a small, light truck that does other stuff really well.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Hard to say, could be, could be center of gravity and all of the other stuff, but still, 6K isn't bad.
People need to know a Swiss army knife isn't the best for any one thing, but can do a lot of things fine. That's what a Gladiator is - regardless of the "model" or "level". It's not a "buy this and it will handle all things perfectly" truck - it's a small, light truck that does other stuff really well.

Exactly. That’s why I like it. It’s a transformer, jack knife, etc.

 

[Jaxmax]

It has to the springs with the Mojave either the spring rate, height as they are taller then rubicon by an inch or perhaps the hydraulic bump stops perhaps. Still seems like a thousand pound difference is a lot, although I won’t tow much over 5,000 tops anyway….Jack

 

[WILDHOBO]

It has to the springs with the Mojave either the spring rate, height as they are taller then rubicon by an inch or perhaps the hydraulic bump stops perhaps. Still seems like a thousand pound difference is a lot, although I won’t tow much over 5,000 tops anyway….Jack

I don’t tow more than 3,500 with my rubicon. I could on flat land, but it’s about as much as I want to in the mountains.

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