Gladiator's Towing Capacity: Camper Size Options For Jeep Enthusiasts

If you're looking for a jeep that can tow your camper trailer, the Jeep Gladiator is a fantastic option. The Jeep Gladiator has a high towing capacity of between 4,000 and 7,650 pounds, making it perfect for towing even mid-size boats. The Jeep Gladiator's towing capacity varies depending on the trim level and whether it's properly equipped with a tow package. For example, the Jeep Gladiator Overland with the automatic transmission and factory tow package has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when equipped with the max tow package. It's important to note that the weight of the camper trailer, the number of passengers, cargo, and equipment will all impact the towing capacity of the Jeep Gladiator.

Jeep Gladiator's towing capacity

The Jeep Gladiator has a high towing capacity, making it ideal for towing a camper trailer. The Jeep Gladiator's towing capacity ranges from 4,000 to 7,650 pounds, depending on the trim level and whether it is equipped with a tow package.

The amount you can tow depends on the trim level of your Gladiator and if it has the proper equipment. For example, the Sport S trim level with the max tow package and eight-speed automatic transmission can tow up to 7,650 pounds. On the other hand, the Rubicon and Mojave trim levels have a lower towing capacity of around 4,500 pounds.

When considering a camper trailer, it is essential to check its weight and ensure it does not exceed the towing capacity of your Jeep Gladiator. The average camper trailer weighs around 5,000 pounds, but this can vary significantly depending on the brand and style.

Additionally, it is important to consider the payload capacity of your Jeep Gladiator, which refers to the weight of passengers, cargo, and equipment that can be safely carried in the vehicle while towing. This will impact the weight of the camper trailer you can tow.

To ensure safe towing, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not exceed the specified towing and payload capacities. Incorrect towing or overloading can cause physical damage to your Jeep Gladiator and the camper trailer, and it may also lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Some popular camper trailers that can be towed by a Jeep Gladiator include:

• Grand Design Imagine (5,000 pounds)
• Coachmen Freedom Express 23.9SE (7,000 pounds)
• Jayco White Hawk 28RL (6,745 pounds)
• Shasta Trailer (3,210 to 6,920 pounds, depending on the floor plan)

Camper trailer weight

The weight of a camper trailer depends on its type, length, size, and other factors. Generally, a camper trailer can weigh anywhere from 500 to 20,000 pounds.

Small travel trailers, which are typically 22 feet or less in length, have an average weight of about 2,800 pounds and an unloaded weight range of 1,200 to 3,900 pounds. Larger travel trailers, which are 20 feet or longer, have an average weight of about 6,700 pounds.

Teardrop trailers are one of the smallest and lightest types of camper trailers, weighing between 500 and 3,000 pounds, with an average weight of around 1,500 pounds. Pop-up campers are slightly heavier, weighing between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds, with an average unloaded weight of about 2,300 pounds.

Other types of trailers, such as canoe/kayak trailers, jet ski trailers, and motorcycle trailers, also vary in weight. Canoe/kayak trailers typically weigh between 100 and 400 pounds unloaded, while jet ski trailers have an average empty weight of 300 pounds and can range from 100 to 500 pounds. Motorcycle trailers are heavier, weighing between 300 and 800 pounds unloaded, with an average weight of 500 pounds.

When considering a camper trailer, it's important to know the towing capacity of your vehicle, such as the Jeep Gladiator, to ensure it can safely handle the weight of the trailer. Additionally, factors such as tongue weight, payload capacity, and weight distribution should be taken into account to prevent overloading and ensure a stable and safe towing experience.

Jeep Gladiator trim levels

The Jeep Gladiator is a five-passenger, four-door, midsize truck with a five-foot cargo bed and four-wheel drive. It comes in a variety of trim levels, each offering different features and options. Here is an overview of some of the trim levels available for the Jeep Gladiator:

Jeep Gladiator Sport

The Sport is the base model of the Jeep Gladiator and comes with standard features such as a 3.6L V-6 engine, manual transmission, four-wheel drive, and a crew cab. It offers optional upgrades such as a three-piece hardtop, leather seating, and the Trailer Tow and Max Tow packages. The starting price for the Sport trim is around $34,460, and with upgrades, it can go up to about $46,500.

Jeep Gladiator Willys Sport

The Willys Sport builds on the Sport trim by offering 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires. The 5.0-inch Uconnect 3 touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and it offers optional upgrades such as a 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 engine, 32-inch mud-terrain tires, and the Trailer Tow package. The starting price for the Willys Sport is around $36,655, and with upgrades, it can go up to about $48,180.

Jeep Gladiator Sport S

The Sport S trim offers buyers more premium options, including a larger 7.0-inch Uconnect 4 touchscreen, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and all-season tires. This trim level also offers a wide range of optional upgrades, such as the 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 engine, 8.4-inch Uconnect system, Alpine premium audio, leather seating, and advanced safety features. The Sport S trim starts at around $39,250 and can be upgraded to about $58,000.

Jeep Gladiator Willys

The Jeep Gladiator Willys trim offers unique 17-inch aluminum wheels and a satin black grille as standard. It has a similar options list to the Sport S, except it cannot be upgraded with leather seats or the Max Trailer Tow package. The starting price for the Willys trim is around $40,605, and with upgrades, it can go up to about $61,000.

Jeep Gladiator Freedom

The Freedom trim is a new addition for 2021 and celebrates those who have served in the armed forces. It features military-themed graphics and decals, as well as standard features such as remote keyless entry, steel bumpers, and rock protection rails. All other Gladiator options, including the Max Towing package, are available. The Freedom trim starts at about $42,515 and can be upgraded to around $59,500.

Jeep Gladiator Overland

The Overland trim is one of the most popular choices and offers several nice standard features, including body-colored fender flares, 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, advanced safety tech, and a forward-facing trail camera. Optional upgrades include a body-colored hardtop, leather seating, remote start, and keyless entry. The starting price for the Overland trim is around $40,310, and with most upgrades, it can reach about $63,500.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

The Rubicon trim is designed for off-road capability and adds unique features such as a specialized hood, fender flares, 33-inch tires, stronger axles, and improved shocks. It offers the full range of optional upgrades, similar to the Overland trim. The starting price for the Rubicon is about $44,740, and with upgrades, it can go up to approximately $67,000.

Jeep Gladiator Mojave

The Mojave trim is a high-speed desert alternative to the Rubicon, offering similar features with a few key differences. It comes with 2.5-inch Fox shocks and hydraulic bump stops, but it is not available with the EcoDiesel engine or the 4.0:1 transfer case. The Mojave trim starts at the same price as the Rubicon, around $44,740, and can be upgraded to about $66,000.

Jeep Gladiator High Altitude

The High Altitude trim is the most luxurious option, offering almost every available feature as standard. It includes a body-colored hardtop, 20-inch wheels, quilted Nappa leather seats, an 8.4-inch Uconnect system, and a premium Alpine audio system. The High Altitude trim starts at about $51,415 and can be upgraded to around $61,000.

Camper trailer options

The Jeep Gladiator has a high towing capacity of between 4,000 and 7,650 pounds, making it an ideal vehicle for towing a camper trailer. The specific weight your Jeep Gladiator can pull will depend on the trim level of your vehicle and whether it is properly equipped with a tow package.

Grand Design Imagine

Weighing 5,000 pounds, this camper is smaller than some of the other options but still includes a queen-sized bed and plenty of pull-out room for storage.

Coachmen Freedom Express 23.9SE

This camper weighs in at 7,000 pounds and comes equipped with a full living room, a dinette set, a shower, bunk beds, and a queen-sized bed. It can sleep up to six people.

Jayco White Hawk 28RL

At 6,745 pounds, the White Hawk is one of the heavier options. It has a large freshwater capacity, a comfortable queen bed, and a tri-fold sofa.

Shasta Trailer

The weight of the Shasta Trailer ranges from 3,210 pounds to 6,920 pounds, depending on the floor plan you select. It includes a large dinette set, a queen bed, overhead storage space, and a wardrobe room. This trailer is suitable for any trim level of the Jeep Gladiator, as long as the floor plan weight is under the maximum towing capacity of your particular model.

Summit Truck Topper Camper Bed

The Summit Truck Topper is a combination pop-up bed and truck topper, weighing 340 pounds. It utilizes the space in the truck bed and the area above where a 48" x 80" bed sits. You can build out the truck bed to your liking or add accessories like cabinets, lithium batteries, a front cab slider, or a Maxx Air fan. The base price for this aluminium-sided truck camper is $12,000.

Alu Cab Canopy Camper

The Alu Cab Canopy Camper is a sturdy option, providing an all-in-one solution with an aluminium "truck topper" open to the pop-up bed above. You can equip metal windows and doors inside the topper with baskets or hooks to hold items, freeing up floor space. The bed measures 102" x 52", and one end can be folded up for access below. The base price is $10,022, but adding accessories like awnings, solar panels, a furnace, shower cube, and a propane mount will increase the cost.

Total Composites Truck Camper

Total Composites offers a DIY empty fiberglass camper shell designed to fit a five-foot truck bed like the Gladiator. The shell weighs no more than 700 pounds, leaving plenty of room to add necessities. The building materials are all lightweight and do not include wood, so the payload limit on a Jeep Gladiator shouldn't be a problem. The base shell price is $16,000, and you can have the company pre-install items like a water heater, windows, and roof hatches.

Towing safety

The Jeep Gladiator is a great vehicle for towing, with a towing capacity ranging from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds, depending on the trim level and whether it is equipped with a tow package. When towing with a Jeep Gladiator, it is important to keep the following safety considerations in mind:

• Know your vehicle's towing capacity: Refer to your owner's manual or the Jeep website to determine the exact towing capacity of your specific Gladiator model. Do not exceed the recommended towing capacity, as it can lead to catastrophic consequences, including damage to your vehicle and the trailer, and even cause an accident on the road.
• Be aware of the weight of your camper: Know the exact weight of the camper or trailer you intend to tow. The weight of any additional cargo or passengers should also be considered when calculating the total weight. Ensure that the combined weight of the trailer and its contents does not exceed the towing capacity of your Jeep Gladiator.
• Use the proper tow package: Equip your Gladiator with the max tow package if you plan to tow heavier loads. This package includes upgrades such as a heavy-duty axle, enhanced cooling systems, and a trailer sway control system, which can improve your vehicle's towing performance and safety.
• Consider the payload capacity: The payload capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry in its cargo bed. When towing, ensure that the weight of your cargo does not exceed the payload capacity for your specific trim and engine type. Overloading your Gladiator's bed can affect its handling and stability.
• Maintain a safe driving speed: When towing, it is important to drive at a safe speed, especially when going uphill or downhill. Adjust your speed accordingly to maintain control of your vehicle and trailer.
• Use trailer brakes: Trailer brakes can provide additional control and safety when towing. Consider installing a trailer brake controller, especially if your Gladiator did not come with one, as it can help you effectively slow down and stop while towing.
• Distribute weight evenly: Ensure that the weight in your camper or trailer is distributed evenly. Improper weight distribution can affect your vehicle's handling and stability, making it more difficult to control, especially when cornering or driving in windy conditions.
• Regular maintenance: Ensure that your Jeep Gladiator is properly maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Pay close attention to the health of your vehicle's braking system, suspension, radiator, and engine, as they will be under additional stress when towing.
• Use appropriate towing equipment: Utilize towing equipment that is compatible with your Jeep Gladiator and the trailer. This includes the use of the correct hitch, safety chains, and electrical connectors. Ensure that all connections are secure before starting your journey.
• Practice safe driving techniques: When towing, maintain a greater following distance than usual and be cautious when braking. Anticipate your turns and lane changes, and always use your turn signals. Be mindful of your vehicle's increased length and width when navigating tight spaces or making manoeuvres.
• Check local regulations: Familiarize yourself with the towing regulations in your area, including any weight limits or restrictions. Ensure that your vehicle and trailer meet the legal requirements, including proper lighting, licensing, and safety equipment.

By following these safety guidelines, you can confidently enjoy your camping adventures with your Jeep Gladiator, creating memorable experiences on the road and at your destinations.

Frequently asked questions