Hitch & Weight Distribution Recommendation for 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

I have a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. Stated towing capacity with OEM hitch and my gearing is max 3500 lbs and 350 lb tongue weight assuming a weight distribution device. The vehicle also has heavy duty springs, shocks, and factory electronic Trailer Sway Control. I will be installing a proportional brake control system. I want to tow a camper with a dry weight of about 2500 lbs and tongue wt 265 lbs. Wet weight full water, waste tanks and misc. cargo will probably be about 3200 lbs. Using the mid range TW recommendation 13-percent for this trailer weight gives a value of about 415 lbs. If I upgrade my hitch to the Draw-Tite unit 76104 which can handle a TW up to 675 lbs, and install the C17345, will I be good to go? Thanks.

asked by: Fred C

Expert Reply:

For a loaded/wet trailer tongue weight of 415-lbs I suggest a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system rated a bit lower than the Curt # C17050. Draw-Tite hitch # DT78MR is a good choice.

In addition to the trailer's own actual measured tongue weight (TW) you need to add the weight of anything in the Wrangler that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. This cargo acts just like trailer tongue weight and needs to be accounted for. We offer a handy scale to measure your actual TW, part # e99044 from etrailer, and to the weight reading you get for your loaded trailer you'll want to add the cargo load.

Ideally this total effective TW will fall right near of the middle of the WD/SC system's operating range. For sake of an example, we'll say your total TW is 500-550-lbs. A ideal match would be the Strait-Line # RP66083 which works over a range of 400 to 800-lbs. Please feel free to tell me your loaded trailer's measured TW once you have confirmed it.

For a brake controller I recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90885. This proportional controller slows the trailer right along with the Jeep to avoid that tug-of-war feeling. Installation will require our # ETBC7 installation kit and a 4-pole harness # 118416 if you do not already have one. An installation video is linked.