How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Question:
Hello everybody. I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the diesel. Owners manual states that I can tow 7200 lbs 4wd. Manual also states that anything over 3500 lbs to be towed needs to have a weight distribution system installed. Their are so many different systems/setups that I am confused. I plan on purchasing a new travel trailer 2015 KZ Vision 19. The GVWR for the trailer is 5200 lbs maxed out. The dry tongue weight of the trailer is 350 lbs. I would guesstamate that if the trailer were fully loaded, the tongue weight would increase to 500-600 lbs? What kind of system/setup would you all recommend? I have never towed with this Jeep before Tundras and Sierras previously, but with no WD systems. I am sure the place where I am buying the trailer from would offer a system and I would assume their prices to be high. Thanks for any and all help. ps, the trailer is a dual axle with 13inch tires if that matters.
asked by: Lee C
Expert Reply:
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight, so if your trailer will be 5,200 lbs when totally loaded to it's max it's tongue weight will be between 520 lbs and 780 lbs.
For a system that would work great for that tongue weight range I would recommend the Strait Line System part # RP66083. This system has a tongue weight range of 400 to 800 lbs so it should work well for you, plus it has the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts.
I attached a review video for this system plus a help article on weight distribution systems for you to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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