Towing question: Wrangler vs. Gladiator

[bem1]

How can my JLU 3.6L only tow 3500 LBs, yet the new gladiator can tow 7650 LBs. They have the same engine and horsepower!
What am I missing here?

-Blake

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[COSJL]

Wheelbase and suspension

 

[TA1ton]

@bem1; towing capacity usually has little to do with power...lack of power can be made up for with gearing. It’s more about chassis, suspension, and axels. (So I agree with the previous answer)

 

[ads75]

Does the JT have better brakes also?

 

[word302]

You can't drive a vehicle with a soft suspension designed for crazy articulation and expect to tow a bunch of weight with it.

 

[GraniteRubiGA]

I was thinking the Gladiator has the Ram rear but that may be hear-say.

 

[WXman]

The Gladiator is 30" longer, has 19" more wheelbase, has different rear suspension (not that the Wrangler suspension has anything at all to do with its tow rating), and the hitch mounts in a very different way that doesn't put as much torsional load on the frame. Gladiator also has standard 3.73 axle ratio.

Also, keep in mind that MOST Gladiators won't tow 7,650 lbs. Some are as low as 4,000 lbs. It depends greatly on trim level and options.

 

[RussJeep1]

What I found interesting is that maximum tow doesn't come at the Rubicon trim level but rather with add ons at the Sport trim level:

 

[digitalbliss]

Drive train is a small part of tow ratings

 

[porcusRex]

also tires and wheels according to some info. in addition i dont think the 2.0l turbo we be available in the jt and the 3.6 will tow more than the 3.0 diesel because the 3.0 wont be as good at dissipating heat. thats the story thats out.

 

[RussJeep1]

@bem1; towing capacity usually has little to do with power...lack of power can be made up for with gearing. It’s more about chassis, suspension, and axels. (So I agree with the previous answer)

I totally agree Travis @TA1ton but members here so often need to see for themselves.

Mic drop (NOT)

 

[word302]

The Gladiator is 30" longer, has 19" more wheelbase, has different rear suspension (not that the Wrangler suspension has anything at all to do with its tow rating), and the hitch mounts in a very different way that doesn't put as much torsional load on the frame. Gladiator also has standard 3.73 axle ratio.

Also, keep in mind that MOST Gladiators won't tow 7,650 lbs. Some are as low as 4,000 lbs. It depends greatly on trim level and options.

You keep saying that the wrangler suspension has nothing to do with its row rating. Talk to an engineer. It has everything to do with it.

 

[JC7]

I was thinking the Gladiator has the Ram rear but that may be hear-say.

It has Ram 1500 rear

 

[ads75]

Someone posted this link in another thread. First few pictures show a difference between a JL and JT suspension.
https://jalopnik.com/heres-a-close-look-at-some-of-the-2020-jeep-gladiators-1830765350

 

[fat_head]

Does the JT have better brakes also?

Yes. Rear brakes are bigger. JT has better cooling as well.

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