Weight Distribution System for 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Towing 15-Foot Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2015 JK Rubicon. With the 4.11 gears and 6 speed manual towing weight isnt a problem! Obviously due the wheel base controlling weight potentially is. 95.4inch WB, 179inch total length travel trailer, 380# tongue weight, 2700# trailer. I do realize this is over the vehicle rating. I also realize the rating is based on handling and doesnt consider WD hitches. What would your recommendations be for a set up? Again this is NOT a unlimited model!!

asked by: Doug

Expert Reply:

Jeep's website lists the towing capacity of the 3.6L V6 Rubicon with 6-speed manual transmission (and the 5-speed automatic) 4 x 4 as 3500-lbs, but your owner's manual should indicate the tow rating for your specific Wrangler as equipped from the factory. So long as the vehicle itself and the hitch installed on it have sufficient towing capacity (and as long as the hitch is rated for weight distribution) you can add a weight distribution/sway control system to prevent trailer tongue weight (TW) from causing rear-end squat and reducing your steering and braking performance.

The key to choosing a WD/SC system is knowing the trailer's actual fully-loaded TW, with all gear and supplies loaded, and to that adding the weight of anything in the Jeep that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or fully-stocked cooler. This total TW figure will let you choose a system that can shift TW forward to the front axle without causing weird handling effects. Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range. If your trailer's dry hitch weight is 380-lbs, then the loaded TW is likely to be 500 - 600-lbs.

The linked page will display all WD systems that allow you to back up the trailer. If you select 600-lbs TW you will see systems like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 which works for a TW range of 400- to 800-lbs, making it ideal for a 600-lb total TW. All you need to add is the hitch ball, either 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286. A video on this Reese system is linked for you.

expert reply by: Adam R