Can the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator Tow Your Weekend Camper with Confidence near Troy, MO?
Century Jeep - Can the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator Tow Your Weekend Camper with Confidence near Troy, MO?
The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator blends authentic Jeep® Brand open-air freedom with the utility of a pickup, and for many shoppers near Troy, MO the key question is whether it can confidently handle a weekend camper. Between robust towing numbers, clever bed solutions, and trail-tested engineering, the answer is yes for the right trailer and setup. Our team at Century Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram helps match your Gladiator to your gear so adventures feel effortless from the driveway to the campsite.
When properly equipped, the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an available Maximum 4x4 Payload of 1,720 pounds on Gladiator Sport S models. That capability pairs with a hard-working 5-foot steel bed featuring integrated tie-downs and an easy-lift tailgate to simplify loading coolers, recovery gear, or a generator. Off the pavement, the Gladiator backs up its muscle with available 33-inch all-terrain tires on Rubicon or Mojave, steel skid plates, available Sway Bar Disconnect for articulation, and the honor of Mojave being the only Jeep® Brand vehicle to earn the Desert Rated® Badge. You still get the signature fun factor too—remove the top, doors, and even the windshield with a new tool-free door hinge system, then ford up to 31.5 inches of water while staying dry and in command.
Real-world towing confidence comes from pairing those headline specs with smart preparation. Use the quick checklist below to dial in your setup for roads around Troy, MO, from rolling two-lanes to gravel access points near local lakes and parks.
- Know the trailer’s true weight: Verify the loaded weight, not just the dry number—water, propane, and cargo add up.
- Watch tongue weight: Target a properly distributed tongue weight relative to trailer weight to promote stable tracking.
- Mind payload math: Subtract passengers, bed cargo, and hitch equipment from available payload to stay within limits.
- Hitch and brakes: Use a properly rated hitch and trailer brake setup for your camper’s weight and configuration.
- Terrain and weather: Account for Missouri heat, hills, wind, and boat ramps—conservative margins make towing calmer.
- Maintenance readiness: Fresh fluids, tire health, and correct pressures support safe, consistent performance.
Technology further smooths towing days. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and the Uconnect® 5 NAV system bring crisp navigation plus Integrated Off-Road Adventure Guides, including all 68 Jeep® Badge of Honor® trails, for when your campsite sits off the beaten path. The available TrailCam Off-Road Camera can help you see obstacles ahead when maneuvering at low speeds, and USB ports throughout the cabin keep devices charged. With Jeep® Connect via the Jeep® Connect app, available remote features like Vehicle Finder and Vehicle Health Report add peace of mind before and after the trip.
If you are designing your Gladiator for mixed duty—weekday commuting and weekend towing—use these steps to set expectations and build confidence early.
- Choose the right trailer class: Aim for a camper that sits well under the 7,700-pound maximum when loaded for an easier tow.
- Balance cargo: Distribute weight front to back and side to side to maintain predictable handling and braking.
- Practice maneuvering: Use a quiet lot to rehearse reversing, three-point turns, and spotter hand signals.
- Plan the route: Favor roads with steady speed limits and safer fuel stops, especially on your first outing.
- Set cabin organization: Keep towing checklists and key accessories within reach, then use Uconnect® 5 NAV for guidance.
- Do a final walk-around: Confirm secure tie-downs, locked coupler, safety chains, lighting, and proper tire pressures.
Because every trailer and trip is different, our advisors at Century Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Wentzville tailor recommendations to your needs. Whether you are visiting Lake Saint Louis with a small watercraft, heading to Cuivre River State Park for a quiet weekend, or plotting an overland loop that taps those Jeep® Badge of Honor® trails, we can help you select the Gladiator configuration, accessories, and service schedule that keep adventures simple and repeatable.
Bring your camper details, cargo list, and towing questions to our showroom—just a short drive from Troy, MO. Our team will walk through capabilities, demonstrate features like the available TrailCam Off-Road Camera, and set up a test drive so you can experience how the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator tows, turns, and parks in real life. From first setup to long-haul confidence, our goal is to help you tow smarter and explore farther with the capability you expect from a Jeep® Brand pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the maximum towing capacity on the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator?
When properly equipped, the 2026 Jeep® Gladiator offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Always verify your specific vehicle’s ratings and follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual.
How much payload can I use when I’m towing?
The 2026 Jeep® Gladiator offers an available Maximum 4x4 Payload of 1,720 pounds on Gladiator Sport S models. Remember, payload includes passengers, cargo in the 5-foot steel bed, and hitch equipment—plan accordingly to remain within limits.
Does the Gladiator include tech that helps at campsites and trailheads?
Yes. The Uconnect® 5 NAV system provides navigation plus Integrated Off-Road Adventure Guides, the available TrailCam Off-Road Camera offers a forward view of obstacles when maneuvering, and USB ports keep devices charged. Jeep® Connect features like Vehicle Health Report can help you prep before each trip.
Which models are best if I split time between towing and off-road exploring?
Rubicon and Mojave bring trail-focused hardware—like standard 33-inch all-terrain tires on Rubicon or Mojave—while Sport S models can be configured to pursue the available Maximum 4x4 Payload. Share your trailer and terrain plans with our team, and we will help you choose the setup that fits your routine.
Can I tow with the doors or top removed?
The Gladiator allows open-air freedom with removable top, doors, and windshield, now made easier by a tool-free door hinge system. For towing, ensure mirrors and visibility meet your needs, secure all cargo, and follow local regulations and owner’s manual guidance before you hit the road.