Recommended Brake Controller, Ball Mount and Weight Distribution System for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee  

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Starting with the trailer brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is an excellent, proportional controller that will activate the brakes on your trailer at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Jeep. It features an easy to read LCD display, storable settings, and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues. This unit is well known for its reliability and ease of use.

Based on my research, it looks like the Group IV Tow Package on your Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a factory 7-Way connector. If this is the case, all you will need to actually install the controller in your vehicle is the Plug-In Wiring Adapter # TK93VR. One end of this harness will plug into the brake controller itself, while the other end will connect directly to the built-in port beneath the Jeep's dash.

I have attached an installation video on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that you can use for reference. The process on your 2018 model will be almost identical.

To bring your new trailer home, you will also need a ball mount and hitch ball. I recommend going with an adjustable ball mount like the excellent Curt # C45900. This steel ball mount will provide a maximum rise of 5 inches or a maximum drop of 6 inches. It also includes both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch hitch ball. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the correct ball mount so you can verify if this will work well for your setup.

Finally, when choosing a weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your towing setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer (as if loaded and ready for a trip), along with any added cargo coming from behind the rear axle of your Jeep. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating capacity for the system you choose.

Using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 is the most accurate method for determining the trailer's loaded tongue weight, but in the meantime we can take a pretty good estimate using the trailer's GVWR, which refers to the most the trailer can weigh when fully loaded. Based on my research, the 2018 Airstream Bambi Sport 16 RB has a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. We can then estimate a loaded tongue weight of 350 to 525 pounds, as a trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight.

With this in mind, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET should work out very nicely. This system features a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing weight of the axles of your trailer and Jeep. The integrated 4-Point Sway Control will also limit side to side movement and hold the trailer in line.

I have attached a video demonstration on this system, along with an FAQ on weight distribution systems that you might also find helpful. I have also attached a couple of articles on trailer towing that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R

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