Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 5,500 Pound Trailer
Question:
Hi, Im trying to figure out which distribution with sway control setup I should get for my trailer. Im towing a travel trailer with a 2014 jeep grand cherokee. The tongue weight of the trailer is 635 lbs, 4800 lbs dry, around 5500lbs loaded. I envision that with stuff in my trunk and the trailer fully loaded the tongue weight will increase to around 750 lbs. Is there an issue if I get a dist hitch system for 800-1000lbs tongue weight but am actually below that weight with my set up? I also need a brake controller for electric breaks on this trailer. Im thinking a proportional controller is the way to go. I see you offer many many options here and am unsure which setup to use. Can you provide guidance on this? Thanks
asked by: Steve K
Expert Reply:
If you use a weight distribution system rated higher than the total tongue weight then the system will not be effective at distributing the weight and will make for a very stiff ride. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
For a tongue weight of 750 pounds I recommend a system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds, # RP66084 for a system with dual-cam sway control, or # RP66560, for a system with friction sway control. In either case you would just need to add a compatible ball, # 19286.
A proportional controller is definitely the way that I would go. I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. To plug the controller into your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee you can use # TK93VR as long as your Jeep has the factory 7-Way trailer connector.
If your Jeep does not have a factory trailer connector you will need to first add a 4-Way, # 118727. It may be necessary to see a local Jeep dealer to activate the tow package wiring circuit after installation. Then you would install # ETBC7. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
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- Class V
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Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
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Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
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Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Tekonsha
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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