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Jeeps are well known for being rugged, compact, and some of the most versatile vehicles on the road, or off. It’s no wonder then that Jeeps are a favorite among RV owners. They are lightweight enough to pull behind a motorhome, giving RVers the freedom to explore when set up at a campsite.
Then something changed. There was a new kid in town. In 2020, Jeep rolled out the all-new Jeep Gladiator truck, forever changing the landscape of these off-road SUVs.
If there is one thing Jeep owners have in common, it’s their sense of adventure. And one of the most adventurous things you can do, especially with a Jeep Gladiator, is go camping. Jeeps can get to more places off-the-beaten-path than most other vehicles.
But what about the towing capacity of this new line of trucks?
If you already have one of these off-road trucks, or if you’ve been considering purchasing one, you may be wondering…” Can a Jeep Gladiator tow a camper?”
In this article we are going to cover 5 lightweight campers that can easily be towed by a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. If you prefer to camp in a traditional campsite or at a State Park, the K-Z Escape might be a great option. However, if your adventurous side takes you off-grid, then an off-road capable camper like the No Boundaries NB10.5 might be more your style.
With that said, buckle up, grab your favorite drink, and let’s jump in…
What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Jeep Gladiator Rubicon?
The overall towing capacity of Jeep Gladiators is solely dependent on the powertrain and trim package. For example, the Jeep Gladiator has a minimum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. However, depending on trim package and available towing options, the highest possible towing capacity can reach up to 7,600 lbs.
For the sake of this article, we are going to focus on the base model Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The Rubicon has a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds before any options or modifications.
As always, before towing or hauling anything with your Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, always check the owner’s manual and follow any manufacturer’s suggestions.
Now on to our list of campers that can easily be towed by a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.
K-Z Escape E14 Hatch
If you love the outdoors, you will really get a kick out of the K-Z Escape. The name implies all that it is. The K-Z offers an escape from the hustle and bustle and the “hatch” refers to the drop down door at the rear of this camper. It opens up this travel trailer to the outdoors. It comes equipped with a full screen to keep the critters out. You can sleep while listening to the crickets chirp as if you were outside.
The off-road package allows you to get away from it all. It is possible to add a 100 watt solar panel, bike rack, mud tires, and flip-up solid stairs. The kitchen is located in the front of the camper with the living area in the rear.
Additional Specs:
- Length – 15′ 3″
- Sleeps – 2
- Fresh Water Tank – 20 gal.
- Black Water Tank – 30 gal.
- Gray Water Tank – 30 gal.
- Dry Weight – 2,825 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 330 lbs.
- GVWR – 3,500 lbs.
NuCamp TAB S Teardrop Camper
The NuCamp TAB is the iconic teardrop trailer. It is a small, lightweight camper that is perfect for two. This camper is equipped with a galley kitchen and a U-shaped dinette that converts into the perfect sleeping quarters. The bathroom is what is referred to as a “wet-bath”. Meaning the toilet and shower are together. NuCamp gives you the option of three different graphics to choose from and trim colors to match your Jeep Gladiator perfectly. For the really adventurous types, they also offer a Boondock package. This package comes with off-road tires, 15″ rims, heavy-duty axle, solar panel, and a custom, rear aluminum cage.
Additional Specs:
- Length – 15′ 3″
- Sleeps – 2
- Fresh Water Tank – 19 gal.
- Black Water Tank – 5 gal.
- Gray Water Tank – 18 gal.
- Dry Weight – 1,893 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 190 lbs.
- GVWR – 2,900 lbs.
Riverside RV Retro 135
When it comes to a fully customizable, lightweight, travel trailer, the Retro has it all. These are brand new campers with that vintage look. The Retro offers up to 10 exterior colors to choose from to perfectly match your style and your Jeep Gladiator. Riverside RV Retro has 13 different floor-plans to choose from allowing you to choose the perfect locations of the kitchen, dinette, bed, and more. And yes, you can get the 50’s style diner, black and white checkered floor.
Additional Specs:
- Length – 15′ 9″
- Sleeps – 2
- Fresh Water Tank – 17 gal.
- Black Water Tank – 17 gal.
- Gray Water Tank – 32 gal.
- Dry Weight – 2,530 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 210 lbs.
Coachmen Viking Express 12.0 TD
The Coachmen Viking Express is considered more of pop-up camper than a travel trailer. This is one of the heavier campers on our list coming in at 3500 lbs. GVWR. You can access the inside of the camper through the side “bike door” without the need to raise the top. It does not have a conventional toilet, instead it comes with a Thetford Porta Potti. For sleeping it has a full size bed and a “gaucho” that turns into an additional sleeping area. A gaucho is essentially a futon, or a small sofa that folds down into a bed. Some of the options include an exterior mounted propane grill and an off-road package.
Additional Specs:
- Length – 14′
- Sleeps – 2 (plus 1 on Gaucho)
- Fresh Water Tank – 23 gal.
- Dry Weight – 1,890 lbs.
- GVWR – 3,500 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 243 lbs.
Forest River No Boundaries NB10.5
Don’t let this small, lightweight camper fool you. For it’s size, it is packed with everything you need for adventure. It comes in under 2,000 lbs. and is equipped with a 12V/110V refrigerator, queen bed, and a wrap-around awning. The Overlander Package also comes with a kayak rack and all-terrain tires, perfect for any Jeep. Other optional equipment includes 12V LED TV, snowboard/fishing rod holder, and a roof top tent for those night when you just want to sleep under the stars. The only thing missing is a portable RV generator.
Additional Specs:
- Length – 13′ 10″
- Sleeps – 2
- Fresh Water Tank – 30 gal.
- Dry Weight – 1,570 lbs.
- GVWR – 2,140 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 210 lbs.
In Conclusion
Just because Jeep’s can’t tow those massive travel trailers doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be out there exploring and camping. As a matter of fact, Jeep owners can go places most others can’t. Being lightweight and versatile definitely has it’s advantages. There are several lightweight campers out there that are made for off-roading. As a general rule of thumb, always check your vehicle’s specific towing capacity before towing any camper.
Let us know what you think? Do you have a Jeep Gladiator? What do you pull behind yours? Let us know in the comments below.
