New Jeep Gladiator vs Ford F-150

[SailorSam205]

According to the Jeep site, Gladiator will have a maximum payload of 1600 lbs. Like all manufacturers, that will likely be a bare bones model. Add any kind of bed cover, a few nice to have options and the as delivered payload is likely going to be 1200 or less. Site specs a 19 gallon fuel tank. While towing that means a gas refill on just about every stop on anything over a 2 hour drive.



Not a TV for me.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

... I don't think there are any current model Airstreams a Wrangler would handle.

You are mistaken. A JKU with a strengthened hitch receiver can tow an Airstream 25' quite comfortably - from East Coast to West Coast, from Canada to the Gulf Coast.

[Julie-Bob]

If this Jeep has a tow max limit of 7400 lbs it will not pull a 25FB Classic. My trailer gross is 8000 lbs

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by Julie-Bob

If this Jeep has a tow max limit of 7400 lbs it will not pull a 25FB Classic. My trailer gross is 8000 lbs

A Classic ways a lot more than an International Serenity which has a GVWR of 7,300 (3311.22 kg). There isn’t presently a production 25’ Classic.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I lost all interest in a jeep after CJ5 went away.

Hi, My one and only Jeep. 1978 CJ-5, 304 V-8, Manual trans, Manual transfer case, and Manual hubs. They will never make a great Jeep like this again. [Armstrong True Track tires]

[pteck]

Airstream towing @3:18
https://youtu.be/8Hopt4m-bwA?t=198

I don't doubt the F150 would make a better tow vehicle. But the Gladiator will make for more adventure capabilities.

[Mighty Mite]

Just took delivery of a 2020 Gladiator Overland. Tow package with 6,000 lb max trailer weight, 600 lb match hitch weight. Down side is that I have a 1,089 lb for loading.



Will be towing a 2021 AS 16' Caravel. So will be well in line with it's weight and tong weight. Caravel has a 1,000 lb carry weight, so will be putting more in trailer (over axle that I may have put in Gladiator. Will not get trailer till first week in Dec.



Any suggestions on what load balancing hitch I should use, would be great. Also trailer break controller.


Bob

[graysailor]

While the Jeep is a better daily driver I don't think it will cut it pulling your trailer.

[Mighty Mite]

Graysailor, are you saying that you do not think the Jeep Gladiator will be a good tow unit for the 16' AS?

[Rocinante]

I don't think Graysailor caught that you are towing a teeny little 16' trailer. I'd guess you'll be fine as long as the total weight and tongue weight are within the specs of your vehicle.

[Countryboy59]

I’ve seen several of these towing 2 axle Airstreams. None seemed to be having any issue. Not that I would do it. I like to be able to accelerate to 70 by the end of the on-ramp.

[BayouBiker]

Originally Posted by Mighty Mite

Just took delivery of a 2020 Gladiator Overland. Tow package with 6,000 lb max trailer weight, 600 lb match hitch weight. Down side is that I have a 1,089 lb for loading.



Will be towing a 2021 AS 16' Caravel. So will be well in line with it's weight and tong weight. Caravel has a 1,000 lb carry weight, so will be putting more in trailer (over axle that I may have put in Gladiator. Will not get trailer till first week in Dec.



Any suggestions on what load balancing hitch I should use, would be great. Also trailer break controller.


Bob

Mopar now offers the Brake controller as an aftermarket add-on. It is integrated with the Chassis controller and is mounted in dash so it is worth considering if you want a clean look and integrated function. https://store.mopar.com/accessories/..._82215652.html

The Andersen Hitch is a very nice option for the 16' trailer. Full disclosure, I bought one awhile ago and finally installed it yesterday, so I can get first hand experience and better compare it heads up with the Blue Ox I removed. It is a clever design and as a result is easy on the trailer. It has very good sway control also. It does have wear parts so it requires maintenance. It is easy to install and very easy to use, but does require just a touch of attention to be sure it is set correctly each time. It is not completely compatible with pre 2020 trailers so some tweaking is required to the Atwood coupler for other readers. Most won't want to mess with the coupler tweaks.

Performance wise the Hensley Cub is superior, but it is pricey.

Blue Ox is not a good choice for you. It's a good competent hitch but the bulk is not right for your 16'. Equalizer hitches have stiff bars so stay away from them with small trailers and Front Bed models. They work great , but will beat up your pride and Joy. there are some other suitable hitches if you don't like the advice provided, ask about something else.

[Mighty Mite]

Brian, thanks for the thoughts. As a "newbe" I can use all the help I can get. Yes, if you (or any one) would have suggestions on a Equalizer hitch for the 16' Caraval and my Jeep Gladiator, that would be great.


Bob

[BayouBiker]

I think the Equalizer is a very poor choice for the 16' Caravel. The design requires stiff bars so movement is limited. Add the short distance from trailer axle to ball and stress on the trailer can quickly build excessively on uneven terrain. Do your trailer a favor and choose a different design.