Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing 4655 LB Trailer

Question:

HI. Im looking at purchasing a travel trailer. It is a 2009 Freedom Spirit, dry weight is 4655lbs, tongue weight is 600lbs. To pull this trailer, I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 5.7L V8. It has a class 4 hitch with 7000lb towing capacity and 700lb tongue weight rating. I ws looking at your trailer sway control options but am not sure really what I might need. Could you help give me some direction? Thanks

asked by: Aaron W

Expert Reply:

Since you plan on towing a trailer which weighs more than 50 percent of the weight of your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I strongly recommend taking a look at a weight distribution system with sway control.

With the trailer having a dry tongue weight of 600 lbs and the hitch having a 700 lb tongue weight capacity (you do not want to exceed this capacity), your loaded tongue weight will need to fall somewhere in between. For this setup I recommend going with the Reese Strait-Line System with Sway Control, # RP66083, which covers trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400 lbs to 800 lbs. This system is very easy to use, allows for backing up, and offers top of the line sway control which works to prevent sway before it even starts so it is a customer favorite.

To complete the set-up you will just need a hitch ball, # A-90 for 2 inch or # 19286 for 2-5/16 inch.

Please keep in mind that to use a weight-distributing system with your current trailer hitch it must be rated for use with weight distribution. You'll want to check the weight rating label on your hitch just to make sure that a weight-distributing capacity is listed. If no rating is listed, a weight-distribution system cannot be used.

expert reply by: Leah S