What Size Camper Can A Jeep Gladiator Tow? [Inc. 5 Examples!]

Jeeps can be great vehicles for towing. If you are considering purchasing a pull-behind camper or trailer for your next trip, you'll want to make sure that your Jeep is the right one for the job. Jeep Gladiator owners might be wondering just how big of a camper they can safely attach to their vehicle. We researched the Jeep Gladiator from multiple professional sources so that you'll know for sure which ones you will be able to consider for your camping adventure.

The Jeep Gladiator is capable of towing between 4,000 and 7,650 pounds. The amount you are able to tow with your Gladiator will depend upon the trim level of Gladiator you are driving as well as if it is properly equipped with a tow package. Examples of campers that could be towed with a Jeep Gladiator are:

  • KZ Sportster 
  • Grand Design Imagine
  • Coachmen Freedom Express 23.9SE
  • Jayco White Hawk 28RL
  • Shasta Trailer

Now that we know what a Jeep Gladiator is capable of towing, we can take a closer look at each of the campers we listed above that are suitable for it to tow. You might be wondering what the max tow package consists of for the Jeep Gladiator or which Gladiator is best for towing. Can the Jeep Gladiator tow a fifth wheel? What happens if you tow more weight than recommended? For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.

A Jeep Gladiator display at a Jeep Ram dealer, What Size Camper Can A Jeep Gladiator Tow? [Inc. 5 Examples!]

Campers for your Jeep Gladiator

KZ Sportster 

This little camper weighs in at a mere 6,640 pounds. While not all trim levels of Jeep Gladiator would be able to safely tow the Sportster, you'll find that the Rubicon and Sport S are up to the task. This camper has a fully functional kitchen, complete with a stove and a ten cubic foot refrigerator. 

Grand Design Imagine

The Grand Design Imagine camper weighs 5,000 pounds. Smaller than the Sportster but still full of the creature comforts we enjoy, the Imagine has a queen-sized bed and plenty of pull-out room for storage. 

 Coachmen Freedom Express 23.9SE

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

Jayco White Hawk 28RL

At 6,745 pounds, the White Hawk is one of the heaviest on this list. A large freshwater capacity means fewer stops. A comfortable queen bed and tri-fold sofa make it seem just like home and just as comfortable. 

Shasta Trailer

Finally, the Shasta Trailer has a weight range of 3,210 pounds to 6,920 pounds, depending upon the floor plan that you select. A large dinette set is on board, as well as a queen bed. There is plenty of overhead storage space, as well as a wardrobe room. The Shasta Trailer is suitable for any trim level of Jeep Gladiator to tow, so long as the floor plan you choose is under the maximum towing capacity of your particular model vehicle. 

What is the max tow package on Jeep Gladiator?

Equipping your Gladiator with the max tow package will allow it to safely haul a lot more weight behind it. This package includes a lot of upgrades and additional features for your Jeep so that all of this is possible. The max tow package will include:

  • Trac-Lok Anti-Spin Rear Differential
  • 4.10 Axle Ratio
  • Heavy-Duty Dana 44 Wide Front Axle
  • Heavy-Duty Dana 44 Wide Rear Axle
  • Daytime Running Lamp System
  • 240-Amp Alternator (Unavailable with some configurations)
  • 245/75R17 All-Terrain Tires (Unavailable with some configurations)
  • Class IV Receiver Hitch (Unavailable with some configurations)
  • Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling (Unavailable with some configurations)
  • Trailer Hitch Zoom (Unavailable with some configurations)

How do you tell if a Jeep Gladiator has the max tow package?

The max tow package for the Jeep Gladiator is only available for the Sport S trim level. Additionally, the Sport S has to be built with the eight-speed automatic transmission. If you have this trim level and transmission type, then it may very well have been equipped with this unique package.

The window sticker will display this information. Look for it to read "Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio." Should this be on the sticker, then you have the max tow package.

Trailer into a ball-type tow hitch

Which Jeep Gladiator is best for towing?

The best Jeep Gladiator for towing is the Sport S trim level. To get the maximum towing capacity of up to 7,650 pounds, you'll need to be sure that the Sport S trim you are looking for is equipped with the max tow package and has the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Gladiator display at car dealership

Can a Jeep Gladiator tow a 5th wheel?

Your Jeep Gladiator is capable of towing certain models of fifth wheels. Keep in mind, however, that the average fifth wheel weighs between 12,000 and 15,000 pounds. This is far over the maximum towing capacity of the Jeep Gladiator Sport S trim level.

But there are many models of fifth wheels that weigh far under the average. In fact, you can find fifth wheels that weigh as little as 2,200 pounds. With a fifth wheel that light, any trim level of Jeep Gladiator would be able to safely tow it.

Pay close attention to the weight of whatever you attach to the hitch of your Gladiator. Calculate the weight of whatever you bring on board your fifth wheel, also. So long as the gross combined weight of the fifth wheel and its contents are less than the towing capacity of the Jeep Gladiator you want to connect it to, then you should be able to safely tow it behind you on your trip.

Jeep pulling a sonic camper

What happens if you tow something too heavy?

Exceeding the towing capacity that the manufacturer established as a safe amount can lead to some pretty catastrophic consequences.

Towing more than your vehicle can handle can lead to extensive damage to both it and what it is towing. It can also cause an accident on the highway. So before you tow anything, familiarize yourself with your vehicle's limitations. And know exactly how much your camper or trailer weighs.

Vehicle risks

Too much weight will put undue strain on the transmission of your vehicle. The transmission will get too hot, which can cause it to erratically shift gears. If it is too hot for too long, it will permanently damage it. This is quite a costly repair.

In addition to transmission trouble, you will put a lot of pressure on your braking system, suspension, radiator, and engine. Vehicles are only designed to tote or haul so much weight. Making your vehicle work harder than it was designed to can create expensive repair situations and totally disable your vehicle.

Safety risks

Finally, if you exceed the towing capacity, you put everyone you share the road with at serious risk. Too much towing weight can cause a disconnection between the Gladiator and the trailer. Or it can jackknife. You will also not be able to properly control your vehicle, as the braking and turning become awkward. 

Study your owner's manual so that you know your vehicle's towing capacity, be aware of exactly how much weight your camper and its contents have and be absolutely certain that you are remaining under the towing capacity set by Jeep. If you've misplaced your owner's manual, you can find the towing capacity numbers directly from Jeep on their website.

Jeep Gladiator display at a Chrysler dealership

In closing

While there are other vehicles out there that can tow more weight, the Jeep Gladiator is capable of doing more than its fair share of hauling. With a trim level that is properly equipped with the max tow package, your Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds. This will enable you to tow a good number of model campers, trailers, and fifth wheels behind you on your camping adventures.

But before you attach anything to the Jeep Gladiator's trailer hitch, be certain that you know the vehicle's towing capacity, as well as the combined weight of what you want to tow. Drive safely!

If you found this post on the Jeep Gladiator to be informative, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts about these popular Jeep vehicles:

How To Change A Hard Top Jeep To A Soft Top [And Vice Versa]

Jeep Renegade Not Accelerating – What Could Be Wrong?

What’s The Best SUV for Towing A Travel Trailer? [Including Six Recommendations]

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