Using Weight Distribution when Towing Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer with 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question

Question:

I just bought a 7X14 enclosed motorcycle trailer to tow my motorcycle, and some misc stuff, from VA to FL. My Jeep has 4.56 gears, auto transmission,a and a turbo. Do you think I need a WD system? See pics. V-nose 2-Bike Motorcycle Trailer, GVWR = 7,000 pounds, Empty Trailer Weight = 2,640 pounds

asked by: Rafael F

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Expert Reply:

If you choose to pull your motorcycle trailer with your 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I recommend using a weight distribution (WD) system. Since the dry trailer weight is just over half of your vehicle's weight it is a good idea to use a WD system.

However, it can be difficult to find a system that is compatible with a V-nose trailer because of the length of frame required for the WD system. Most systems require 28-30 inches along the trailer's frame to mount the spring arm brackets. The Reese Strait-Line # RP66087 system you referenced requires 30 inches back from the center of the hitch ball to mount. Even a system that requires less space like the Curt TruTrack # C17500 will still require approximately 24 inches down the frame from the center of the hitch ball to mount the arm brackets. You will also want to ensure that your trailer hitch is designed for use with a weight distribution system.

If you can let me know how much space you have from the center of the ball coupler to the closest point of trailer, I will be happy to determine if we have a WD system that will work for you.

Another thing to keep in mind is the towing capacity of your Wrangler Unlimited. It is important to not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. Based on my research, the 4-Door, automatic transmission models of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. You can check your owner's manual to confirm the towing capacity for your vehicle.

With your trailer's dry weight at 2,640 pounds, this leaves you with 860 pounds capacity left for your cargo inside the trailer. While components like a WD system or a transmission cooler will help your vehicle while towing, nothing can increase the vehicle's towing capacity.

I have attached a help article on weight distribution questions and towing a trailer with a Jeep Wrangler for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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Answer 1

Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10256 is rated for 65 miles per hour. If you want a higher speed rating then you can use #TTWTRTM2257515D which is rated for 81 miles per hour. I have linked a video review of this tire for you.

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Answer 2

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 3

Yes, a trailer that is nose up can cause big problems. A level trailer is ideal and worth working toward for safety. The good news is that you can get the trailer almost exactly level with switching ball mounts. This is where an adjustable ball…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 9

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 10

In order to add a 7 way connector on you 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL you'll need to start by adding a 4 way trailer connector like the Tekonsha #118786, which gives you the connections needed to install a 7 way connector. Once you've installed the…

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Answer 11

We noticed when we installed the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98856 on a similar 2022 Jeep Wrangler it had 8" from the center of the hitch pin to the rear edge of the stock spare tire. This would likely not allow you to fold up the…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Using Weight Distribution when Towing Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer with 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

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