Appreciate the review. I just transitioned from a 2019 2 door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL (pentastar gas 3.6) to a 2021 Rubicon Gladiator Ecodiesel. The 19 Rub 2 door Wrangler was a very fun rig to own but I needed the bed and towing ability of the Gladiator Truck ( 5000LB Kubota Tractor) to serve me better daily for work as well as help me maintain my property and my mother's rural property. I averaged 26mpg in the ecodiesel on the 3hr trip back from Cross Jeep in Louisville, KY-shout out to Chris and Cross Jeep. They are 2 different animals but i'm looking forward to the utility offering in the Gladiator. Right off I noticed it does not downshift and pulls hills very very well. So the torq is noticeable in my immediate ownership. Again, thanks for the vids and keep them coming.
Sounds like it's the right truck for your needs. I've always struggled with the torque output of the Wrangler/Gladiator, but this engine takes care of any concerns I previously had.
Great video! I was looking for this exact info for months while doing my homework before my purchase. I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland (6000 lbs tow capacity - 1050 pay load - Mopar installed trailer brake). I tow a 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS with a weight distribution hitch and have had no problems. I'm close to my maxes, so going up steep hills in mountains has me revving a little high at 4500rpms. Majority of relatively flat land is a pleasure. The Micro Minnie line is only 7 feet wide...only slightly wider than the Jeep itself.
I just stumbled upon your video here. I fully agree with you. A proper set up weight distribution hitch makes all the difference. I personally tow with an F150 with Max tow package and the 6.5 foot box. Ford recommends something like 50-75% of weight back to the front. I have done a lot of experimentation, and I find that the absolute best towing and handling is when I set my weight distribution to put 100% of the weight back on the front axles. From CAT scale readings my front truck axle (without the trailer or hitch) is 3520# and with my trailer on and fully loaded for travel and the weight distribution set up, my front truck axles is again at 3520, which is a couple of hundred pounds less than the axle rating. My total trailer weight is 7980, of which 6800 is on the trailer axles (rated for 8800) and the other 1180 pounds of trailer is on the rear axle of my truck bringing it up to 3740# which is also a hundred pounds or so less than rating. All good to go with this set up and it tows great. note my measurements were all taken fully loaded for travel and even convinced my wife that she needed to be on board for the CAT scale experience....safe travels.
Thanks for video, looking at diesel rubicon gladiator and my camper is about the same size as the one you tested with. Very helpful! I think the rubicon suspension/axles and weight distribution hitch will make a big difference when towing.
I believe I talked about that in the video, I don't remember though. The Gladiator owner's manual says weight distribution is required for anything over 2,000 lbs. I believe this trailer also exceeds the frontal area recommend by Jeep. The goal of this video was to comment on Motortrend's experience of the Gladiator being "unsafe" to tow with.
I towed my old bosses trailer while he was moving. 4400lbs dry but it wasnt, he believed it was around 4500-4600lbs. Although my 3.6 was revving pretty hard on some hills, I never felt unsafe. It actually impressed me on how well it towed. Thats a Sport S on 35” tires and 2” lift btw. I personally towed my overland trailer which is 1256lbs dry but with water, diesel, gas and food Ive calculated 1555lbs roughly. Although its not a lot of weight, the truck bed is usually loaded with gear, fire wood and other random items. Myself my wife and three kids adds to the gvwr. Non issue and never felt unsafe. Again I was impressed on how well it did this past summer. My trailer also improved when i retrofitted it to Timbren Axle Less suspension.
Might help a bit, but this truck was just one I was reviewing for a week from Jeep. I've towed this trailer with a huge variety of vehicles (SUVs and trucks), they all end up close to 9mpg if going 70 mph.
I'm in need of some good towing mirrors for the Gladiator. I bout some clip-on mirrors from Amazon, but I still can't see around the sides. Any suggestions?
With modern vehicles that have TPMS blowing a tire should be very rare. I've blown a rear tire towing 10,000 lbs and everything was fine, but I knew it was leaking and was only going about 45 mph on a dirt road. As long as you keep your vehicle up to date it shouldn't be a problem. Lots of trailer tires blow from dry rot and old age, not from wear. Keep your bearings packed and your tires in good shape and 70mph should be just fine. You do have a point though, the faster you go the more likely you are to have a tire failure and the more likely that failure will cause an accident.
Your point about the Jeep Gladiator is well taken. I would also add a very good sway control hitch to the equation and do check your trailer brakes before departing (-;
Both of those are true and I mention both of those in the video. The requirement of using weight distribution when towing over 2,000 pounds was mentioned at about 17:00. I didn't specifically mention 55 Sq-Ft but I did say that it was oversized for this class of vehicle and weight rating. If you look up the SAE J2807 requirements it will list the minimum frontal area requirement to be certified at a given weight rating. Ratings between 5,000 and 7,700 pounds require the 55 sq ft minimum. Thanks for watching and commenting! These are both good points and many people don't know what all the manufacturer recommendations are for payload and towing.
Motor trend is car oriented they are really not into SUV trucks and half of the staff have no idea what they are saying or doing like consumer reports I don't put much stock into their comments
It really depends on what you're looking for and your price range. Also the assumption is that your Gladiator has the best towing package. However, here are some general guidelines based solely on my opinion. I'd go max weight (GVWR not dry weight) in the 6,000 pound range. Max length maybe 25 feet (usually they are rated by living space length, so tongue and bumpers put a 25 foot trailer close to 30 feet). If you can, get a lower profile trailer for better fuel mileage and reduced wear on the Gladiator. Use an Equal-i-zer brand weight distribution hitch for the best reliability and stability. There are other good hitches out there, that may excel in some areas, but Equal-i-zer is the best all around. Make sure you have tow mirrors that reach out wider than the trailer.
@@EngineAdventures Thanks for the info. Sadly, the diesel gets derated from the max tow down to 6500lbs. Something about the engine cooling being insufficient.
What about the claim of overheating. I live in montana. Looks like u live near some mountains. In video you said it was only 37 degrees out. Have you tested the truck in summer
Interesting, in all of my research I never found anything indicating that. All I could find was that Jeep says the JT detects when it's towing/hauling and automatically makes the required programming adjustments. Thus eliminating the need for a tow/haul mode button.
@@EngineAdventures that might be true. I noticed once I added the mopar controller which comes with a big control box that mounts under driver well, that it drove much better. I think I'd go with jeep though and say it probably is just stock that it changes when a trailer is plugged in. I do highly recommend the jeep brake controller though.
Kind of, I had one for a few days while traveling, it didn't get to go through my normal test, but I did do a short snow run with it. It's probably 2 months out though, I'm pretty backlogged.
Reality is you shouldn’t buy a jeep gladiator for towing anything this heavy even though it can do it. If you’re going to tow somewhere around 5k lbs get a full size truck
I'd say it depends on a variety of factors, how often you tow, how heavy, how far, type of terrain, type of trailer, etc. However, the Gladiator handles 5k quite well.
Appreciate the review. I just transitioned from a 2019 2 door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL (pentastar gas 3.6) to a 2021 Rubicon Gladiator Ecodiesel. The 19 Rub 2 door Wrangler was a very fun rig to own but I needed the bed and towing ability of the Gladiator Truck ( 5000LB Kubota Tractor) to serve me better daily for work as well as help me maintain my property and my mother's rural property. I averaged 26mpg in the ecodiesel on the 3hr trip back from Cross Jeep in Louisville, KY-shout out to Chris and Cross Jeep. They are 2 different animals but i'm looking forward to the utility offering in the Gladiator. Right off I noticed it does not downshift and pulls hills very very well. So the torq is noticeable in my immediate ownership. Again, thanks for the vids and keep them coming.
Sounds like it's the right truck for your needs. I've always struggled with the torque output of the Wrangler/Gladiator, but this engine takes care of any concerns I previously had.
Great video! I was looking for this exact info for months while doing my homework before my purchase.
I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland (6000 lbs tow capacity - 1050 pay load - Mopar installed trailer brake). I tow a 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS with a weight distribution hitch and have had no problems. I'm close to my maxes, so going up steep hills in mountains has me revving a little high at 4500rpms. Majority of relatively flat land is a pleasure. The Micro Minnie line is only 7 feet wide...only slightly wider than the Jeep itself.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!
I have a gladiator and plan on towing with it this definitely good information 👍
Glad I could help!
I just stumbled upon your video here. I fully agree with you. A proper set up weight distribution hitch makes all the difference. I personally tow with an F150 with Max tow package and the 6.5 foot box. Ford recommends something like 50-75% of weight back to the front. I have done a lot of experimentation, and I find that the absolute best towing and handling is when I set my weight distribution to put 100% of the weight back on the front axles. From CAT scale readings my front truck axle (without the trailer or hitch) is 3520# and with my trailer on and fully loaded for travel and the weight distribution set up, my front truck axles is again at 3520, which is a couple of hundred pounds less than the axle rating. My total trailer weight is 7980, of which 6800 is on the trailer axles (rated for 8800) and the other 1180 pounds of trailer is on the rear axle of my truck bringing it up to 3740# which is also a hundred pounds or so less than rating. All good to go with this set up and it tows great. note my measurements were all taken fully loaded for travel and even convinced my wife that she needed to be on board for the CAT scale experience....safe travels.
Sounds like you know what you're doing! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for video, looking at diesel rubicon gladiator and my camper is about the same size as the one you tested with. Very helpful! I think the rubicon suspension/axles and weight distribution hitch will make a big difference when towing.
Thanks for watching! Glad I was able to help. I hope MotorTrend doesn't lead too many people astray with their testing.
Watch your payload
900 lbs payload, I'm definitely getting the Max Tow version!
I did it’s a sports S but the diesel is so much better mpg when not towing it’s ridiculous
You need to use a load distributing hitch for that much weight. Also get some sumo springs.
I believe I talked about that in the video, I don't remember though. The Gladiator owner's manual says weight distribution is required for anything over 2,000 lbs. I believe this trailer also exceeds the frontal area recommend by Jeep. The goal of this video was to comment on Motortrend's experience of the Gladiator being "unsafe" to tow with.
I got the airlift 1000 bags and they work great 1.5 hours to install yourself
I towed my old bosses trailer while he was moving. 4400lbs dry but it wasnt, he believed it was around 4500-4600lbs. Although my 3.6 was revving pretty hard on some hills, I never felt unsafe. It actually impressed me on how well it towed. Thats a Sport S on 35” tires and 2” lift btw. I personally towed my overland trailer which is 1256lbs dry but with water, diesel, gas and food Ive calculated 1555lbs roughly. Although its not a lot of weight, the truck bed is usually loaded with gear, fire wood and other random items. Myself my wife and three kids adds to the gvwr. Non issue and never felt unsafe. Again I was impressed on how well it did this past summer. My trailer also improved when i retrofitted it to Timbren Axle Less suspension.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
You’re not going fast tho don’t be surprised if it doesn’t shift into 8th. 7:40. Fitting a cap may help&vinyl will cure a lot of the bad MPG.
Might help a bit, but this truck was just one I was reviewing for a week from Jeep. I've towed this trailer with a huge variety of vehicles (SUVs and trucks), they all end up close to 9mpg if going 70 mph.
I'm in need of some good towing mirrors for the Gladiator. I bout some clip-on mirrors from Amazon, but I still can't see around the sides. Any suggestions?
That's a challenge with midsize trucks. Even the 3/4 ton trucks need mirrors that extend to see down the sides of an 8ft wide trailer.
1:50 that is very correct. 🤗
Thanks for watching and commenting!
This was incredibly helpful.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Why pull a trailer at 70 mph? My dentist had a rear tire blow out on his Suburban at 60 mph. Totaled his Sub and Airstream!
With modern vehicles that have TPMS blowing a tire should be very rare. I've blown a rear tire towing 10,000 lbs and everything was fine, but I knew it was leaking and was only going about 45 mph on a dirt road. As long as you keep your vehicle up to date it shouldn't be a problem. Lots of trailer tires blow from dry rot and old age, not from wear. Keep your bearings packed and your tires in good shape and 70mph should be just fine. You do have a point though, the faster you go the more likely you are to have a tire failure and the more likely that failure will cause an accident.
Your point about the Jeep Gladiator is well taken. I would also add a very good sway control hitch to the equation and do check your trailer brakes before departing (-;
@@buffalolizard all great advice!
Check the owners manual. It recommends a weight distribution hitch. 55 sqft trailer front. You’re going against manufacturer’s recommendations.
Both of those are true and I mention both of those in the video. The requirement of using weight distribution when towing over 2,000 pounds was mentioned at about 17:00. I didn't specifically mention 55 Sq-Ft but I did say that it was oversized for this class of vehicle and weight rating. If you look up the SAE J2807 requirements it will list the minimum frontal area requirement to be certified at a given weight rating. Ratings between 5,000 and 7,700 pounds require the 55 sq ft minimum. Thanks for watching and commenting! These are both good points and many people don't know what all the manufacturer recommendations are for payload and towing.
Motor trend is car oriented they are really not into SUV trucks and half of the staff have no idea what they are saying or doing like consumer reports I don't put much stock into their comments
They've had a few good consultants but for some reason they don't seem to hire people with towing experience.
Looking good 👍
I have a diesel Sport S. What would you suggest looking for specifically in buying a travel trailer for this truck?
It really depends on what you're looking for and your price range. Also the assumption is that your Gladiator has the best towing package. However, here are some general guidelines based solely on my opinion.
I'd go max weight (GVWR not dry weight) in the 6,000 pound range. Max length maybe 25 feet (usually they are rated by living space length, so tongue and bumpers put a 25 foot trailer close to 30 feet). If you can, get a lower profile trailer for better fuel mileage and reduced wear on the Gladiator.
Use an Equal-i-zer brand weight distribution hitch for the best reliability and stability. There are other good hitches out there, that may excel in some areas, but Equal-i-zer is the best all around. Make sure you have tow mirrors that reach out wider than the trailer.
@@EngineAdventures Thanks for the info.
Sadly, the diesel gets derated from the max tow down to 6500lbs. Something about the engine cooling being insufficient.
@@waldojim42 I couldn't remember the exact spec, but I knew it was less. You'll still be fine around a 6,000 lb trailer.
What about the claim of overheating. I live in montana. Looks like u live near some mountains. In video you said it was only 37 degrees out. Have you tested the truck in summer
This Gladiator was a media test truck that I only had for a week so I can't help you much there.
If you add the mopar braked controller it adds a tow mode.
Interesting, in all of my research I never found anything indicating that. All I could find was that Jeep says the JT detects when it's towing/hauling and automatically makes the required programming adjustments. Thus eliminating the need for a tow/haul mode button.
@@EngineAdventures that might be true. I noticed once I added the mopar controller which comes with a big control box that mounts under driver well, that it drove much better. I think I'd go with jeep though and say it probably is just stock that it changes when a trailer is plugged in. I do highly recommend the jeep brake controller though.
@@themanthelegend7048 thanks for sharing your experience!
@@EngineAdventures no worries.
Excellent video. 👍🏻
Thanks for the support!
Does anyone know what is the UVR and GVWR of thid trailer?
I don't know the GVWR but as tested it weighed in at about 4,800 lbs if I remember correctly.
Chevy zr2 review in future?
Kind of, I had one for a few days while traveling, it didn't get to go through my normal test, but I did do a short snow run with it. It's probably 2 months out though, I'm pretty backlogged.
Reality is you shouldn’t buy a jeep gladiator for towing anything this heavy even though it can do it. If you’re going to tow somewhere around 5k lbs get a full size truck
I'd say it depends on a variety of factors, how often you tow, how heavy, how far, type of terrain, type of trailer, etc. However, the Gladiator handles 5k quite well.
Some are rated to tow 7650lbs
@@EngineAdventures having lived in Alaska and Wisconsin there's no comparison between the towing environments, for example. So it depends.
Motor trend and all of todays so called saftey crap lies.