The Jeep Gladiator can tow between 4000 lbs and 7650 lbs depending on the engine and package selected. If there is no appropriate trailer hitch receiver, however, the 2020 Gladiator can only tow 3,500 lbs through the bumper.
All Jeep Gladiators require that you purchase the tow package if you plan to use this vehicle for towing as the base does not come with a trailer hitch receiver.
It is important that you always check your manual and specific specifications to ensure you are towing safe amounts. It all starts with the GCWR. This article lists the GCWR and max trailer weight for all engine, trim, and package options taken from the 2020 Jeep Gladiator owners manual and a 2020 Gladiator Brochure.
This is meant to be used as a reference, and you are responsible for making sure you are towing safely.
I wrote a full article on calculating towing capacity that walks you through the necessary steps to ensure you are not exceeding the towing or payload capacity.
Though I tried to make this information as accurate as possible, you should always check your manual or contact your local dealer to determine the appropriate towing capacity of your vehicle and necessary equipment.
How much can a Jeep Gladiator Tow?
All Jeep Gladiators can tow a minimum of 4000 lbs. Some options with tow packages can accommodate up to 7650 lbs.
The engine type, axle ratio, tow package, and transmission all affect the weight rating of the Jeep Gladiator.
What Jeep Gladiator should you buy for max towing?
The Sport or Sport S with an automatic transmission with the Max Tow Package will provide the highest towing capacity of 7650 lbs.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Engine Specs
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine, also known as the 3.6 L V6 24V VVT is the only engine available in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
It comes in a 6 speed manual transmission and an 8 speed automatic transmission.
Transmissions
The Jeep Gladiator 3.6 L Pentastar engine comes in both manual and automatic transmission types. In every trim level, the automatic provides additional towing strength than the manual alternative.
Jeep Gladitor Features
Towing Features
The 2020 Gladiator has a feature called Trailer Sway Damping. This system monitors vehicle movement and changes brake pressure to improve handling when driving.
Bed Features
There is only a singular bed size for all Jeep Gladiators of 5 ft. It implements a three-position tailgate and 4 tie-down loops to ensure safe transport of your cargo (Brochure).
A full 115 bolt/400-watt power outlet is also installed in the truck bed to power small appliances on the go and when tailgating.
An additional special feature in the bed of the Gladiator is the Trail Rail System. This is a customizable and adjustable tie-down system that comes with various accessories from Jeep for maximum storage capacity and functionality.
Other Features
Just like other Jeeps, the Gladiator has 4 removable doors and options for both soft and hardtops.
It does however have a nice feature that adds a lockable storage bin under the rear passenger seats.
Packages
Trailer-Tow Package
The trailer tow package on the Jeep Gladiator simply allows the Gladiator to be used as a towing truck.
It does not increase the towing capacity of any of the trims it is added to. It is available as an add-on to all trim levels.
This package includes:
- 240 AMP Alternator
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling
- Class IV Hitch Receiver
- Trailer Hitch Zoom
Max Tow Package with 4.10 Axle Ratio
The Max Tow Package offered by Jeep comes with the same features as the trailer tow package but adds:
- 4.10:1 axle ratio
- A/T tires
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling
- wide fender flares
- GVWR of 6250 lb
- Trailer Hitch Zoom
- Dana 44 Wide Track Axles
It is only available on the Sport and Sport S trims and requires the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Do you need a towing package?
If you plan to use the Jeep Gladiator for towing then you do need a towing package. Otherwise, you will not have the appropriate equipment to install a trailer.
Towing Capacity by Trim
As mentioned earlier the regular tow package does not affect the towing capacity of the vehicle, so all values listed below are for the Jeep Gladiator with or without a tow package.
Sport & Sport S Towing Capacity
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) | 9100 lb (4128 kg) | 3.73 |
| Automatic | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 9650 lb (4377 kg) | 3.73 |
| Manual (Trailer Tow Package) | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) | 9100 lb (4128 kg) | 3.73 |
| Automatic (Trailer Tow Package) | 6,000 lbs | 11,100 lbs | 3.73 |
| Automatic (Max Tow Package) | 7,650 lb (3,470 kg) | 12,800 lb (5,806 kg | 4.10 |
Rubicon
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) | 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) | 4.1 |
| Automatic | 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) | 12,450 lb (5,647 kg) | 4.1 |
Overland
| Max Towing Capacity | GCWR | Axle Ratio | |
| Manual | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) | 9,100 lb (4,128 kg) | 3.73 |
| Automatic | 6,000 lbs | 11,100 lbs | 3.73 |
Jeep Gladiator Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the Gladiator ranges from 1075 to 1600 lbs.
This means that the Gladiator can hold an extra 1,100 to 1,600 lbs in the bed and cab in cargo weight safely.
Check the charts above if you need the specific payload capacity of your Gladiator.
| Sport/Sport S (lbs) | Overland (lbs) | Rubicon (lbs) | |
| Manual (Payload/GVWR) | 1,200/6,250 1,600/6,250 | 1,150/5,800 | 1,300/6,250 |
| Automatic (Payload/GVWR) | 1,150/5,800 | 1,100/5,800 | 1,250/6,250 |
| Manual – Trailer Tow Package | 1,200/5,800 | – | – |
| Automatic – Trailer Tow Package | 1,100/5,800 | – | – |
| Automatic – Max Tow Package | 1,550/6,250 | – | – |
Rear Step Bumper Towing vs Hitch Receiver Towing
Towing always requires some type of hitch, but the Jeep Gladiator can allow for bumper towing.
As you will notice, the tow package added to any Gladiators does not affect the towing capacity. This is because this package only adds a hitch receiver. You have the option to add your own hitch receiver if you don’t buy the tow package.
If you do not buy the tow package or install a hitch receiver, the max towing capacity is 3,500 lbs and the tongue weight max load is 350 lbs. This weight is limited to a bumper-mounted ball.
This means that all of the listed towing capacities above for everything over 3,500 lbs require a trailer hitch receiver or tow package.
Need a hitch receiver?
Curt 13434 Class 3 Trailer Hitch 2 in. receiver
Amazon Affiliate Link
- Class 3 Hitch Receiver
- Compatible with Jeep Gladiator JT
- Tows up to 5,000 lbs
