Recommended Trailer Hitch and Weight Distribution System for a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/ a factory hitch. We have been looking at 2 Travel Trailers, Flagstaff E Pro E16BH and E19FD. I see the Jeep can pull up to 3500Lbs. The trailers weights are 2874 and 2829 respectively. I have a factory hitch on my Jeep. I was wondering if my hitch will be ok to tow these. The tongue weights are 420 and 390 for the trailers. Will I need to get an aftermarket hitch or will the factory hitch be ok? I was planning on getting a weight distribution hitch, a sway bar and add brake assist kit to the Jeep. I had a pop up trailer that was 3000lbs that was recently totaled due to hail storms in CO. My Jeep pulled that ok. Before I make any kind of commitment, I want to make sure its ok or not Thank you

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to be sure that your 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is capable of pulling either the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH or the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FD you will want to take a look in your drivers door jamb and find a white tag which lists both the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). If you take the GVWR and subtract that from the GCWR that will give you the towing capacity of your Jeep.

In regards to the factory trailer hitch, it may not be rated for use with a weight distribution system so an aftermarket options like the Draw-Tite Hitch Part # DT78MR may be needed. If the factory hitch is rated for use with a weight distribution system there will be separate towing capacity listed on the trailer hitch or owner's manual but if my memory serves me correctly, I do not believe they are. The weight should not be an issue for either the factory or aftermarket trailer hitch as the vehicle will be your limiting factor.

If you have not yet decided on a weight distribution system I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37060ET so long as your total tongue weight does not exceed 600 lbs. Total tongue weight is the sum of the loaded ready to tow trailer tongue weight of the trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

If the trailer has brakes which it likely will you will need to add a brake controller for which I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 because it is one of our best sellers. If you already have a 4-way on the Jeep then you can use the Universal Install Kit part # ETBC7 to install the brake controller but if you do not have a 4-way then you will also need to use the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118416. If you have a 7-way then neither the Universal Install Kit or T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness will be needed.

I have attached install videos for you as well.