Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Gladiator Mojave and I am absolutely loving it so far. However, I am getting ready to do some light towing this summer, specifically a small off-road teardrop trailer that weighs around 3,500 pounds fully loaded.
I know the Mojave has that softer suspension setup with the Fox 2.5 internal bypass shocks, which is amazing for the desert but makes me a little nervous about rear-end sag and stability once I am hitched up. Since the towing capacity is capped at 6,000 lbs on this trim, I want to make sure I have the right gear to keep everything level and safe on the highway and the trails.
I have been looking into a few things but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there. Specifically, I am wondering about these details:
I really do not want to ruin the ride quality or stress the suspension too much. For those of you who actually tow with your Mojave, what are the top recommended towing accessories I should invest in first?
Good info above. I would just add the Air Lift 1000 Load Support Kit to help with that Mojave rear sag without compromising those Fox shocks when you arent towing. Keep it level!
tbh I'd just grab the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller to keep costs down and the dash clean. Then get a Curt Adjustable Channel Mount 45900 and you'll be set for cheap.
Yo, congrats on the Mojave! To keep the dash looking factory, the Mopar Jeep Gladiator Trailer Brake Controller 82215652AD is really your best bet. It replaces the dummy plug or cigarette lighter in the center stack so it doesnt look like an afterthought. For the sag, since the Mojave is tuned for high-speed desert running, those rear springs are definitely gonna compress more than a Rubicon or Max Tow. Instead of a bulky WDH, check out the Weigh Safe Adjustable Aluminum Drop Hitch WS6-2 6-inch Drop. It has a built-in scale which is super helpful for a 3,500 lb load because you can see exactly how much tongue weight youre putting on those Fox shocks. Knowing the weight lets you adjust the trailer load to keep the front end planted without needing a complex weight distribution setup for a smaller teardrop... basically keeps the ride quality closer to stock.
Like someone mentioned, air bags are a common fix, but I've had issues with them leaking or lines melting on the trail. For a Mojave, I would disagree with the air route and grab the Timbren SES Suspension Enhancement System JTRC instead. They are basically fail-proof rubber springs that replace the bump stops, so they dont mess with your Fox shocks when youre empty but handle the sag perfectly when hitched. Also, skip the basic brake controller. I found the cheaper ones felt a bit glitchy, so I would definitely go with the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite V3 Brake Controller. The off-road mode is way more reliable for keeping the trailer in check on loose dirt. For the hitch, the B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount BWTS10037B is much more robust than the aluminum options if you actually plan on hitting some rougher spots. Reliability is everything when you are miles from a paved road.
In my experience, the Mojave soft valving is the real challenge once you hit that 3500lb mark. I have tried many setups over the years, and while air bags are popular, they can feel inconsistent during rapid decompression on washboard roads. I actually prefer the SuperSprings International SumoSprings Blue SSR-612-40 because they offer a progressive spring rate that doesnt interfere with the Fox shocks low-speed bypass circuit. For the brake controller, if you want to avoid messing with the dash trim, the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller 51180 is technically the cleanest route. Its a Bluetooth module so there is zero wiring or mounting involved inside the cab. Also, since the Mojave sits higher than a standard Sport, check out the Gen-Y Hitch Phantom Drop Hitch GH-1024 with the 7.5 inch drop. The build quality and technical tolerances on the Gen-Y gear are way better than the cheaper channel mounts I have tested.
Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.