The Jeep Gladiator boasts a hybrid style between a Jeep Wrangler and an efficient pickup truck. Because of its off-trail prowess, engine power, and flexibility on the road, it’s no wonder why it’s popular for travel. But you’re probably wondering if it’s suitable for motorhome owners, too. We’ve got you covered! We looked into the likelihood the Gladiator can be flat-towed.
Jeep offers a lot of models best fit for flat towing, and one of them is the Jeep Gladiator. Take note, however, that the Gladiator’s flat towing capabilities differ across trim packages.
There are specific criteria for flat towable Jeep models, which means not all models are flat towable. There's more to know about flat towable Jeep Gladiators. Keep on reading, and we’ll delve more into why the Jeep Gladiator and some other models can be flat towed behind a motor home.
You Can Flat Tow a Jeep Gladiator
Flat towing is also called four-down towing because it means all four wheels of the vehicle are on the ground or on the road. As long as the vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission, it can be flat towed. The Jeep Gladiator has these features.
There are, of course, other ways to tow a vehicle that does not involve flat towing. One of those ways is using a trailer to carry your vehicle around. But this may pose an inconvenience because a trailer can take up more space than you have.
Considering this model for your motorhome dinghy, the Jeep Gladiator boasts a similar look to the Jeep Wrangler, but from the back, it flaunts a 5-foot pickup bed that can haul a whopping 1,700-pound payload. You get the benefit of a four-door, 4x4 vehicle, and a pickup bed at the same time!
Things to Know About Flat Towing a Jeep Gladiator
It is always good practice to read a vehicle’s instruction manual. We’ve established that the Jeep Gladiator is a vehicle that can be flat towed behind a motorhome, but specific instructions vary from model to model --and the Gladiator’s trim packages are not completely alike.
This Jeep may be capable of carrying heavy weights, but while it is flat towing behind a motorhome or an RV, it is best to refrain from storing things in the cabin or in the pickup bed. This will lessen the burden on the towing vehicle, and at the same time, it will prevent damages to the Jeep Gladiator.
Other equally important components to consider when flat towing another vehicle are determining your towing vehicle’s weight capacity, ensuring a reliable braking system, confirming light indicators work, and obtaining the proper towing accessories to use.
What Does a Jeep Gladiator Weigh?
The Jeep Gladiator is a large-sized truck capable of safely carrying up to 1,700 pounds of additional weight. Comparing it to the Jeep Wrangler, which has a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity, it also has a more advantageous towing capacity for up to 7,650 pounds.
The curb weight of the Jeep Gladiator is also remarkable with a 4,600-pound maximum capacity. Combined with a gross weight of 5,800 pounds, the total gross weight of the vehicle can reach up to 9,100 pounds.
This vehicle is bulky, and one must consider the towing vehicle’s maximum weight capacity to tow. For instance, if your motorhome’s maximum weight capacity to tow is less than the gross weight of the Jeep Gladiator, this may harm your motorhome’s engine.
The Jeep Gladiator may be a large vehicle but it is also a sufficient mid-size pickup truck. It is still considered to be one of the best high-speed vehicles for off-trail adventures.
How Fast Can You Flat Tow a Jeep?
Jeep models like the Wrangler and the Gladiator are ideal vehicles for flat towing. With that said, the towing vehicle should still travel under the speed limit.
One should be aware of the weight of the Jeep Gladiator and the towing vehicle so that you can estimate a safe, appropriate speed. Ideally, you shouldn’t go over the 70 mph speed limit.
What Jeeps Can Be Flat Towed?
The criteria for a vehicle to be flat towed is not exclusive to Jeep models because not all Jeep models can be flat towed, like the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Compass, for example. Features like rear-drive or four-wheel drive and a manual transmission are what are best to look out for regarding flat towable vehicles.
Other Jeep models that can be flat towed include:
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is probably one of the most popular Jeep models that are flat towable, and also family-friendly. Not only does its performance shine on the road and trail, but it is versatile too.
You get the option of choosing from a 2-door vehicle or a 4-door vehicle depending on your taste and its purpose. The Wrangler can haul your gear and fit your whole family for a great outdoor adventure.
Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee
Both the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have flat towable trim packages but not all share this capability. The ideal characteristics for flat towing still differ from model to model.
The Jeep Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee are also powerful off-road vehicles, and they offer a large interior space. They may not be able to compete with the Jeep Wrangler or the Jeep Gladiator in rough terrains, but these models hold their own in outdoor activities.
You have to be aware of where these models’ strengths and weaknesses lie. Some of the Cherokee trim packages may require more accessories or specifications before they can be flat towed.
Jeep Liberty
Probably the smallest of the four Jeep models in this list, the Jeep Liberty should not be one to be discarded. One of the biggest perks in choosing a Jeep Liberty is that it is efficient and budget-friendly.
However, this line is no longer being mass-produced. You will have better luck finding a pre-owned vehicle for an affordable price.
The Jeep Liberty is a flat towable vehicle but there are specific instructions for doing this. Assuming it’s similar to other flat towable Jeep models may damage the vehicle.
Jeep Patriot
Another discontinued Jeep model is the Jeep Patriot. Physically, it looks similar to the Jeep Cherokee and is bigger in size than the Jeep Liberty and the Jeep Compass.
The Jeep Patriot still offers great features for land travel and it’s one of the best choices to flat tow behind a motorhome. It may be considered outdated but like the Jeep Liberty, it is commonly offered at an affordable price.
Can You Flat Tow a Jeep with Automatic Transmission?
The Jeep Gladiator has a 6-speed manual transmission but it also has the option to shift to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Contrary to what some people still believe, a Jeep with an automatic transmission can still be flat towable.
Two-wheel drive or front-wheel drive vehicles with an automatic transmission may cause complications and exhaust your motorhome or Jeep, which may cause damage to both vehicles.
Nonetheless, flat towing an automatic transmission Jeep is not impossible. There are just certain precautions to handle and specific instructions to follow.
Lubrication is an important component and if an automatic transmission is the only availability in a Jeep model, a supplementary method must be initiated. A moto home may have to provide the necessary cooling fluid to safely flat tow the jeep.
Final Thoughts
The Jeep Gladiator is one of the best Jeep models that can flat tow behind a motor home. It exemplifies a four-wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed automatic transmission, which makes it ideal for flat towing. Specific instructions for flat towing vary per trim package, and you will have to read into them more closely to avoid damaging the unit. For outdoor activities and motor home adventures, the Jeep Gladiator won't let you down!
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