Does Weight Distribution for 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Affect Tongue Weight Capacity

Question:

I have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with a factory tow package 4500 lbs towing capacity 450 lb tongue weight. I am considering purchasing the following travel trailer: Forest River E-pro 19fd...UVW 3000 lbs per tag on unit ...factory stated tongue weight of 390 lbs. I know I can stay well below the 4500 lbs tow weight with this combination. I am however concerned with the tongue weight being close to the 450 lb. Will a WDH address this concern? Thanks

asked by: Rob

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution will be a big help in regards to both ensuring you tow level and sway control, but it will not have a factor on how much tongue weight your 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is able to handle. According to the owner's manual I looked up, the max tongue weight of this vehicle is 450 lbs with the 3.2L engine and Trailer Tow Package, so that is what you are limited to. Since tongue weight is approximately 10% - 15% of the trailer's GVWR, 450 lbs is very much pushing it with a Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD and its 3,890 lb GVWR.

Once you do have a trailer picked out, based on your Jeep's 450 lb max tongue weight, I strongly recommend one of these two weight distribution systems:

- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # EQ37060ET (Premium Option - Best Sway Control, Comes With Hitch Ball)

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # FA92-00-0600 (More Economical Option - Good Sway Control, Requires 2" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6080)

I have added links to video reviews of both of these weight distribution options for you to take a look at, as well as help articles on weight distribution that you may find informative.