I would email the internet/ fleet person of every dealer in a 150 mile radius with the must haves on the Gladiator and tell them you'll buy in next 2 weeks. Tell them to send their best price. If you're financing through them, tell them your down and ask for the term and payment. You'll see the motivated dealers respond.
No Time said:Did anyone ever figure out why the Gladiator has so much more towing capacity than then wrangler?
I'm not sure that it's responsible for towing capacity, but I'd have to imaging the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator makes it much more stable while towing.
Wrangler Unlimited (4 door) is supposedly a 118.4" wheelbase.
Gladiator is a 137.3" wheelbase
With state shut downs, dealership sales departments may be closed. It's a potential issue. They aren't making any more cars either, so waiting may not be your best bet if you want one in the next two months.
No Time said:Did anyone ever figure out why the Gladiator has so much more towing capacity than then wrangler?
It's significantly longer, in both wheelbase (137" - close to a half-ton truck, which is usually 145") and overall length (+31"). The rear suspension is a totally different design, too, basically cribbed from the Ram 1500.
I'd be tempted to wait say 2 months. 1 month from now dealerships will be hurting, but probably still hanging on. 2 months from now they'll run out of cash and they'll need that to cover basic expenses. That said, experts are talking about 12-18 months best likely case scenarios before COVID-19 is truly under control, 18-24 months quite probable. Who knows what kind of deal you will be able to swing in the darkest hours of this?
In reply to STM317 and Brake_L8 :
Thanks for the info. I saw the wheel base was different, but didn't know about the rear suspension.
I had done some research, but the brakes were the same size so I didn't see anything dramatic.
One thing that I found surprising when looking at specs was that they still use recirculating ball steering, but figured that is due to the solid axle.
In reply to No Time :
More cooling capacity, longer wheelbase, and a new rear suspension, but mostly more cooling capacity. And more cooling capacity.
the gladiator is a hybrid of the ram 1500 and the 4 door JL wrangler.
You can order it with a manual. Yeah, but you shouldn’t.
JKU Rubi owner with 6 spd manual. I figured I’d save myself the $1500 for the auto since I’ve always had sticks. I’m so over that manual thing now. The Penta makes good power but it’s harder to get it into the powerband without beating it to death. I’ve read too that the JL really wakes up with the 8 speed auto. And as far as off-road, there’s a reason every single KOH rig is auto. They’re just better except for maybe a few very rare circumstances.
A 401 CJ said:And as far as off-road, there’s a reason every single KOH rig is auto. They’re just better except for maybe a few very rare circumstances.
i mean they are all running built th350's or built 4l80e's
In reply to A 401 CJ :
I had a JKU Sahara with a 6 speed for several years. I didn't mind the manual at all. Mine needed to be re-geared because 5th and 6th were useless with 35's, but other than that it was great.
Granted I realize the auto is probably better for most things but, I prefer shifting the gears myself and this is my chance to put my money where my mouth is. I can't bitch about the death of the manual transmission and the squander my one opportunity to support one of the few companies still offering one.
In reply to pimpm3 (Forum Supporter) :
Even if the auto is "better" for off-road, I'm applauding you for getting a stick. I always have more fun rowing my own in a slow truck!
Ask what all the discounts are. I've been burned by showing up to find I didn't qualify for some discounts and they raised my price. All part of the game.
I'm one hour from the Toledo Jeep plant where they make the Gladiator. The latest news is plant will reopen on May 4th.
That gives you a target date if you want one special ordered but I think your best deal will be to buy before production begins and capitalize on stalled inventory and uncertainty.
John Welsh said:I'm one hour from the Toledo Jeep plant where they make the Gladiator. The latest news is plant will reopen on May 4th.
That's a target date, but it's unlikely COVID-19 distancing is going to end by then. There also has to be demand driving the need for production....
You'll need to log in to post.
