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You want a strong and capable vehicle for towing if you regularly haul trailers of any size or weight.
However, sometimes you must work with what you’ve got because buying a new vehicle isn’t in the cards.
While Jeeps aren’t typically known for being great tow vehicles, they can sometimes get the job done. So what is the Jeep Gladiator’s towing capacity? Is it a good tow vehicle? Let’s look and see!
What Is Towing Capacity?
A vehicle’s towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely and legally pull. The vehicle manufacturer sets the towing capacity based on the tests they’ve done and their experience building vehicles.
While a vehicle may be able to pull more than the manufacturer’s towing capacity, it may not be safe for you or the vehicle to do so.
Why Does Towing Capacity Matter?
Exceeding a vehicle’s towing capacity is illegal and can also cause severe damage to a vehicle’s suspension and powertrain.
You may not notice any issues immediately, but you’re likely to experience increased wear and tear on your vehicle by exceeding the towing capacity.
A driver must know that their vehicle can safely pull and stop any load. You don’t want to find out that the braking system on your vehicle is insufficient to stop the thousands of pounds you’re towing behind you down a hill.
Also, you could find yourself in serious legal trouble if you were ever to cause an accident while exceeding the towing capacity of your vehicle. Your insurance company may even be able to deny your claim, and you’d be on the hook for any damages and medical bills.
About the Jeep Gladiator
Jeep introduced the Gladiator in 1962 and released the first models in 1963. While the Gladiator changed names to the J–Series in 1972, it remained in production until 1988.
However, in 2004 Jeep introduced a new Jeep Gladiator concept, which has helped adventurers explore the unknown and reach remote locations.
The Jeep Gladiator provides everything people love about Jeeps but resembles a truck. Whether you want to use the vehicle’s bed to haul lumber for weekend projects or pack it full of gear for your adventures, the Jeep Gladiator is up to the challenge.
Models
Jeep offers nine different models of the Jeep Gladiator. The various trim levels that make up the models are Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Freedom, Willys, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and High Altitude.
While all are 4×4 vehicles, each becomes more luxurious as you work your way up from the Sport to the High Altitude.
Specs
It’s important to remember that Jeep vehicles typically aren’t built for towing. Jeep designs these vehicles for handling rugged conditions. As a result, their towing specs aren’t going to be extraordinary.
While the payload for most models is 1,710 pounds, the added weight for some of the premium models puts their payload at 1,120 pounds. When you combine the weight of passengers and any gear, there won’t be much weight left for a trailer.
The V6 engine housed in the Rubicon cranks out 285 horsepower and helps it to conquer rugged terrains during your off-roading adventures. Having 11.6 inches of ground clearance allows you to worry less about obstacles on the road while on a trail.
Standout Features
The Jeep Gladiator commands respect when off-roading and maneuvering challenging terrains. The Gladiator keeps traction with the Jeep-branded 4×4 system during even the most difficult circumstances.
The raised air intake and water-tight seals allow the driver to pass through water as high as 31.5 inches deep.
While all the models are impressive, the Gladiator Mojave stands out from the rest. It’s designed with desert life in mind and can tackle some of the planet’s most challenging dunes and sandy environments. If you’ve always wanted to fly over a massive dune, this is the Jeep for you.
What Is the Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity?
While you’re not going to be blown away regarding the Jeep Gladiator’s towing capacity, it can still tow small loads when needed. Let’s look at how the Jeep Gladiator’s towing capacity has changed over the past few years.
2023 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator boasts a 7,700-pound towing capacity. However, it’s essential to remember that this is only on very specifically designed Gladiators and is only available on the Sport or Sport S models.
2022 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. The Sport and Sport S have the largest towing capacity for the year, with the Rubicon taking third in the Gladiator line of Jeeps.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine that can haul loads up to 6,000 pounds, depending on the model. A majority of the Gladiator models reach their limit around 4,000 pounds.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
If you want the strongest 2020 Jeep Gladiator for towing, the Sport and Sport S are the models to consider. These two models can pull an impressive 7,650 pounds when properly equipped.
Keep in Mind: If you’re bringing your furry friend along for your Jeep getaways, then you need these 7 Jeep Dog Accessories!
What Is the Jeep Gladiator Payload Capacity?
While the Jeep Gladiator may be a capable off-roading machine, its towing numbers are less than stellar.
The payload capacity, the total weight it can carry, for the Gladiator maxes out at 1,710 pounds. However, some less capable models go as low as 1,120 pounds.
While this may sound like a generous amount of weight, when you add several hundred pounds of humans and all the gear for your adventures, you can quickly eat away at it. Depending on how many people you’re hauling, you may not have much room left for towing.
What Are the Advantages of Towing With a Jeep Gladiator?
While a Gladiator may not be great for towing, it has some advantages, especially if your towing needs are light. The Gladiator is a beefy truck capable of handling a variety of road surfaces and conditions. You can take these beasts just about anywhere you want to go.
The Jeep Gladiator provides you with a capable vehicle to get you where you want, and you can use the truck’s bed to bring all your gear.
You can store a tremendous amount of equipment and supplies in the bed that wouldn’t be possible in a standard Jeep vehicle.
One of the significant advantages of towing with a Jeep Gladiator is that you can have some fun when you arrive at your final destination. Unhitch your trailer, and you can explore the roughest terrains and enjoy the Gladiator’s capabilities.
How Much Does a Jeep Gladiator Cost?
The MSRPs for the Gladiator series range from $38,775 for the Gladiator Sport to $54,475 for the High Altitude.
Depending on your needs, you can find a variety of models with different options anywhere in between. Since these are the starting prices, it’s important to remember that prices can quickly climb when you add premium features.
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What Makes the Jeep Gladiator Unique?
Jeep Gladiators are unique because they offer the strength, durability, and capabilities drivers love about Jeep vehicles.
However, in addition to those special characteristics, drivers can enjoy the added perk of storing items in the truck’s bed. It’s the perfect combination of a truck and a Jeep.
Is the Jeep Gladiator Good for Towing?
While the Gladiator combines features from standard truck and Jeep vehicles, it’s a better offroading vehicle than towing vehicle. Jeep Gladiators can tow trailers in some instances, but there are some serious limitations.
You won’t be towing large trailers with a Gladiator, especially if you live at a high altitude or have to deal with changing elevations.
You’ll have to keep an eye on your payload capacity to avoid causing a dangerous situation.
