Recommended Weight Distribution System for Camper with 640 Pound Tongue Weight

Question:

I just measured the tongue weight of my camper using the bathroom scale method I got from you guys. I got 160lbs x 4ft 1’ from support and 3’ from tongue to scale total 640 tongue weight. Wondering what size weight distribution/sway control I should now get from you? I also just installed Air Lift AirLift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear Item # AL60754 also from you guys. I know these don’t increase load carry capacity etc. My 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd 4.7 V8 is rated to 6500lbs towing capacity and my camper is rated 3500lbs fully loaded battery, propane etc. Trailer hitch on Jeep says for V8 model 750lbs tongue weight. I want to make sure I get the correct system as per all the vids I’ve watched as to how important it is not to go to far over/under the tongue weight of the trailer. I will be purchasing from you guys because your customer service is awesome, so any recommendations/advice you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Matt G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you so much for all the information on your camper's tongue weight. It really sounds like you have done your homework!

For the 640-pound tongue weight you calculated using the bathroom scale method the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA92-00-0800 will work perfectly. This system features a tongue weight capacity of 400 to 800 pounds, giving you a comfortable safety margin in either direction. Just keep in mind that you will also need to add in any additional cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Jeep, as this will act as tongue weight as well. This system features integrated 2-point sway control that will greatly reduce side to side movement on the trailer and clamp-on brackets that eliminate the need for any drilling into the trailer frame. In addition to sway control this system will do a great job of keeping your Jeep Grand Cherokee level (along with the existing air springs) when the trailer is hooked up. The only thing you need to add if you don't have one already is a compatible hitch ball like the 2-inch # EQ91-00-6080 or the 2-5/16 inch # EQ91-00-6100.

One thing I recommend doing though before purchasing this or another system is to verify your trailer's tongue weight once more. From what you described it sounds like you correctly followed the steps for the bathroom scale method, but I will say that the 640-pound tongue weight that it measured seems a little heavy for your camper that has a fully loaded weight of 3,500 pounds. Typically, a trailer's tongue weight will be about 10 to 15 percent of its total weight, which comes out to 350 to 525 pounds for a 3,500-pound camper. I simply recommend using the bathroom scale once more to verify this number or trying a different method too such as using the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044.

Keep in mind that as long as your tongue weight is over 400 pounds the above-mentioned Fastway system will still work perfectly. If you come up with a lower number, please let me know and I will be happy to make a different recommendation.