R-pod Owners Forum : Jeep Gladiator TV https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Jeep Gladiator TV Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 28 May 2026 15:00:11 +0000 Sat, 22 Apr 2023 20:00:48 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15467 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Jeep Gladiator TV : I use my 2021 Willy’s gladiator... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=151597#151597 Author: Grumpy-Chief
Subject: 15467
Posted: 22 Apr 2023 at 8:00pm

I use my 2021 Willy’s gladiator with the eco diesel to tow my 2022 RPOD 153.
I get 14-15 mpg. I’ve towed it about 4000 since I bought it two months ago.
I use an Andersen hitch, Tekonsha prodigy P3 brake controller. I’ve added air bag suspension to the rear axle coils. 
Last year I towed a 2022 Casita on a 12000 mile drive to Alaska with no problems, other than a windshield replacement in Montana on my trip north bound. The Casita had no problems driving on the ALCAN “highway”. A miserable road with drop-offs, pot holes, mud, gravel, etc.
I seriously doubt the construction and Forest River “craftsmanship” of my RPOD 153 would survive the same trip.


]]> Sat, 22 Apr 2023 20:00:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=151597#151597 Jeep Gladiator TV : Heck we used a WDH on our Expedition/177... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149696#149696 Author: furpod
Subject: 15467
Posted: 01 Oct 2022 at 8:18am

Heck we used a WDH on our Expedition/177 combo, made a noticeable difference even there. We had done several trips without, and one trip I said, "lets try the WDH from the 'stream, just to see how it feels..." Never towed without it again.
]]> Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:18:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149696#149696 Jeep Gladiator TV : +1 to what everyone else has stated.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149693#149693 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15467
Posted: 30 Sep 2022 at 9:42am

+1 to what everyone else has stated. We chose to not use a WDH  and go with a Husky antisway bar alone for our first several months of towing even though the dealership strongly recommended a WDH. While our rig was level, we did still experience wandering and vague steering especially in windy and rough road conditions. After reading feedback on this and other forums, we decided to use a WDH and went with a Fastway E2 the difference was noticeable right away. I highly recommend a WDH.]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:42:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149693#149693 Jeep Gladiator TV : Pulling a 172 with a Willys edition... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149688#149688 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15467
Posted: 30 Sep 2022 at 4:37am

[QUOTE=Larry-D]
Pulling a 172 with a Willys edition Gladiator gas engine so far works great mileage reduces though.  I don't need a weight distribution hitch, the Jeep drops to a level position and have had no problems w/o a sway bar.  The Jeep has an anti-sway system built in.  The Jeep has the regular tow package. [/QUOTE

Perhaps some misinformation here.

As others have said, the purpose of a wdh is not to level the tow vehicle, it's to put back weight on the front (steering) axle to improve handing, and to reduce load on the rear axle.

The Jeeps sway control feature performs a function unrelated to managing trailer sway. It's there to stiffen the front suspension against rocking. Trailer sway control reduces the tendency of the trailer to sway side to side, a totally different motion and potentially very dangerous.

The 4000 lb rated Gladiator is probably ok for a small rpod like the 172 as long as you travel light. But I do agree with the other posts, add a wdh (with sway control). This is optional with a heavier tow vehicle like a full size pickup, but with a more borderline TV like a compact truck or midsized SUV I would highly recommend it.

Of course everyone is free to do what they want as long as they stay within their manufacturers' load limitations. ]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:37:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149688#149688 Jeep Gladiator TV : +1 to GlueGuy.Also, for longer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149681#149681 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15467
Posted: 29 Sep 2022 at 11:35am

+1 to GlueGuy.

Also, for longer trips, it helps with steering fatigue since your front wheels are much more weighted on the pavement and tend not to drift around as much.  
]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:35:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149681#149681 Jeep Gladiator TV : Just because it's "level"... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149678#149678 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15467
Posted: 29 Sep 2022 at 11:01am

Just because it's "level" does not mean it's safe. Without a WDH, the weight on your front (steering) tires is reduced and you may not have the control you think you have. We use a WDH with our F150, andf even though we have towed it easily without the WDH, we found that the change in fore/aft attitude really messed up the aim of the headlights.]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:01:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149678#149678 Jeep Gladiator TV : Pulling a 172 with a Willys... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149676#149676 Author: Larry-D
Subject: 15467
Posted: 28 Sep 2022 at 12:38pm

Pulling a 172 with a Willys edition Gladiator gas engine so far works great mileage reduces though.  I don't need a weight distribution hitch, the Jeep drops to a level position and have had no problems w/o a sway bar.  The Jeep has an anti-sway system built in.  The Jeep has the regular tow package.  You'll have to add the brake controller if a factory one is not installed.  The harness for the controller from Jeep or aftermarket is already under the dash on the driver's side.]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:38:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149676#149676 Jeep Gladiator TV : Over the years, you tend to notice... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149674#149674 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15467
Posted: 27 Sep 2022 at 7:41pm

Over the years, you tend to notice what the most popular TVs are and really notice those that are absent from campgrounds and highways. From my completely non-scientific observations, the top TV for bumper pulls the size of an Rpod is the Ford F150 hands down. Next up would be the Toyota Tundra. Silverados and Titans would follow. We almost never see Rams pulling anything. 

In the mid-size category Nissan Frontiers seem to be the most popular. This weekend the only mid-size trucks in the campground were Nissan Frontiers, four of them. Tacomas are probably second but far and few between although they seem to be the choice for overland setups with roof top tents or pulling smaller offroad tear drops. Once in a while I'll see the GMC/Chevy Canyon/Colorado towing. I can honestly say I have never seen, or can remember seeing, a Ford Ranger or Jeep Gladiator towing anything.

Just my observations. Not meant to offend anybody. I'm sure there is super scientific satellite data out there that proves my observations wrong.
]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:41:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149674#149674 Jeep Gladiator TV : Agreed. I had a 53 Willys truck... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149620#149620 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15467
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 4:19pm

Agreed. I had a 53 Willys truck back in the 70's. Cool ride, even then. Wish I still had it... ]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:19:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149620#149620 Jeep Gladiator TV : I think you are right. Cool looking... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149616#149616 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 15467
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 2:26pm

I think you are right.  Cool looking rig, tho.]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:26:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149616#149616 Jeep Gladiator TV : Depends on which model you're... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149608#149608 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15467
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 3:49am

Depends on which model you're looking at. Most of them appear to be rated at 4000lbs towing with a 9100 lb GCWR. That would be quite marginal for all but perhaps the lightest rpod.

Considering that the truck weighs 4650 or so, if you were say towing a fully loaded midsized rpod (GTW around 3800) you would only have 9100-4650-3850= 650 lbs of capacity in the truck for people, supplies, and gear. And that's assuming that you want to drive around right at Jeep's max ratings.

OTOH there is at least one model with a 6000lb tow rating/11100lb GCWR which would be more than adequate.

Since according to Jeep the engines are good for 6500lbs (diesel) and 7650lbs (gas) the limitation is likely the chassis' ability to manage the weight, not the drivetrain. So when you're at the dealership pull out the manual and read the towing section to see what it says about hitch weight and the use of weight distribution. The devil is in the details on that stuff sometimes.

Do be aware that Jeep's overall track record for reliability has not been stellar, the brand generally ranks near the bottom in this area. Just something to consider.

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 03:49:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149608#149608 Jeep Gladiator TV : Any one used a jeep Gladiator... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149606#149606 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 15467
Posted: 20 Sep 2022 at 4:43pm

Any one used a jeep Gladiator PU as a TV?  I see it comes with a tow package and also a Mega Tow package with a different red end ratio.]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:43:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15467&PID=149606#149606