2026 Jeep Gladiator Towing in South Jersey
2026 Jeep Gladiator · Towing & Payload
2026 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity in South Jersey
Properly equipped, the 2026 Gladiator tows up to 7,700 pounds and carries up to 1,720 pounds of payload — but the number you actually get depends on one option box. Here is how the configurations break down and what each one really pulls.
The one that matters
It All Comes Down to the Max Tow Package
Every 2026 Gladiator uses the same 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic, so towing capacity is set by axle ratio, cooling, and hitch, not engine choice. A base Sport on the standard 3.73 axle and Class II hitch is rated around 4,500 pounds. Add the Max Tow Package to a Sport or Sport S and the rating jumps to the full 7,700 pounds — a 3,200-pound swing from the same truck. That is the single most important towing decision on a Gladiator.
For South Jersey owners pulling a boat to the Shore or a camper down the Parkway, getting the configuration right up front matters more than the trim badge on the tailgate.
By configuration
Towing & Payload by Setup
| Configuration | Max towing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sport / Sport S / Willys, no Max Tow | up to 4,500 lb | Standard 3.73 axle, Class II hitch; good for small utility trailers and light loads |
| Sport or Sport S + Max Tow Package | up to 7,700 lb | The maximum rating; 4.10 axle, Class IV hitch, HD cooling (see package below) |
| Rubicon / Mojave | tow-ready from the factory | Class IV hitch and 4.10 axle standard; exact rating reflects off-road tuning and varies — confirm on the door-jamb label |
| Payload (all trims) | up to 1,720 lb | Available maximum 4x4 payload; base trims carry roughly 1,000 lb, so it ranges by build |
Ratings are properly-equipped maximums and depend on trim, axle ratio, and installed equipment. Published per-trim figures vary between sources, so the door-jamb label and owner's manual are the authority for any specific truck.
What you get
Inside the Max Tow Package
Available on Sport and Sport S (around $1,995 MSRP), the package is what unlocks the 7,700-lb rating. It adds:
- 4.10:1 axle ratio (vs. the standard 3.73) to keep the V6 in its power band under load
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 wide-track axles for stability
- Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential for traction on ramps and gravel
- Class IV receiver hitch, heavy-duty engine cooling, and a 240-amp alternator
- A higher GVWR to support the added trailer tongue weight
One useful note: the Texas Trail trim bundles the Class IV trailer-tow group into its package, a value path to tow-ready hardware without the standalone upcharge. Every Gladiator also ships with 4- and 7-pin trailer wiring and Trailer Sway Damping; a Mopar integrated trailer-brake controller is a dealer-installed add-on we recommend for any electric-brake trailer.
Real-world
What 7,700 Pounds Actually Pulls
A Max-Tow Gladiator handles most of what South Jersey owners tow: a center-console or bowrider boat off a Jersey Shore ramp, a mid-size travel trailer or pop-up camper down the Parkway, a pair of UTVs or a snowmobile trailer, or a landscaping and equipment trailer for work. A base 4,500-lb Gladiator is better matched to a small utility trailer, a jet-ski trailer, or a lightweight teardrop camper.
Two rules of thumb keep towing safe: aim to stay near 80% of the rated maximum for a comfortable margin, and use a weight-distributing hitch once a trailer passes roughly 4,000 pounds or the rear starts to sag. Trailer tongue weight (usually 10 to 15% of trailer weight) counts against payload, which is why heavy trailers pair best with the higher-payload builds. For full weights and dimensions, see the specs page, or compare setups on the trims page.
Questions
Towing FAQs
How much can the 2026 Jeep Gladiator tow?
Properly equipped, the 2026 Gladiator tows up to 7,700 pounds. That rating requires a Sport or Sport S with the Max Tow Package. Without it, base models are rated around 4,500 pounds. Final ratings depend on trim, axle ratio, and installed equipment, so confirm the number on the door-jamb label.
What does the Max Tow Package include?
The Max Tow Package adds a 4.10 axle ratio, heavy-duty wide-track Dana 44 axles, a Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential, a Class IV receiver hitch, heavy-duty engine cooling, a 240-amp alternator, and a higher GVWR. It is available on Sport and Sport S models and is what unlocks the full 7,700-pound tow rating.
How much payload does the Gladiator have?
The 2026 Gladiator offers an available maximum 4x4 payload of up to 1,720 pounds. Base trims carry roughly 1,000 pounds, so payload ranges by configuration. Remember that trailer tongue weight counts against payload, so heavier trailers pair best with higher-payload builds.
Can a Gladiator tow a boat or camper?
Yes. A Max-Tow Gladiator can pull most center-console and bowrider boats off a Jersey Shore ramp, mid-size travel trailers and pop-up campers, and UTV or snowmobile trailers. For heavier boats or trailers over about 4,000 pounds, a weight-distributing hitch and a trailer-brake controller are recommended.
Keep exploring
2026 Gladiator Research Hub
Build a Gladiator that tows what you need
We can spec a Max Tow build or find one in stock. Visit Lucas CDJR on Route 38 in Lumberton, near Sicklerville and Turnersville, or start online.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.