Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with Tow Package
Question:
I Just purchased this with the tow package included. It has rear load leveling suspension. Does this mean I would not need a weight distribution kit? Also has a class IV receiver hitch. I attached a picture of the other parts that are included in the tow package. I plan to tow a 3200 dry weight 21 ft camper. Other than the hitch ball. What else should I install/use to tow safely?
asked by: Mike S
Helpful Expert Reply:
A weight distribution hitch will do more for your towing ride quality than the Load-Leveling system in your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Each does slightly different things to the vehicle.
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system allows you to adjust ride height based on speed, road conditions and your preferences but it is not a substitute for a properly-rated and correctly-installed weight distribution hitch that will shift trailer weight forward to your front axle, where you need it for proper steering and braking. A good WD system also helps control trailer sway and you should always use one when your loaded trailer weight is more than half of the vehicle curb weight, which does apply in your situation.
The trailer weight figure that matters for selecting a weight distribution hitch is the actual loaded tongue weight (TW). You can use scale # e99044 to easily measure the trailer TW one you've loaded it with your food, sporting equipment and filled your water tank. You also need to account for any cargo weight behind the GC's rear axle, such as a generator for example. Add that to the measured TW to get the total you need to choose the right WD system.
The ideal scenario is that your total TW falls in the middle of the WD system's operating range. Let's figure your loaded trailer weight as 4500-lbs and this translates into TW of right around 600-lbs. A perfect system for this TW is the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083 since its effective range is from 400- to 800-lbs. This system is also one of the few that actually prevents trailer sway rather than simply reacting to it once it starts. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch # 19286. Please refer to the linked videos on this system.
A lower-cost option that will also work well with this TW is the Fastway # FA94-00-0800 which will use either 2-inch Ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # EQ91-00-6100.
You will also need a trailer brake controller. Since you have a 7-way you can use the Curt Echo # C51180 which is literally a plug-in installation in the 7-way. No cutting or splicing into the Jeep's wiring. All you do is plug it in and pair it to your smartphone which then acts as both the display and controller. When you're not towing simply unplug it and store it.
Last, I suggest towing mirror set # KS3990 from K-Source. These fit on your OEM mirror housings and give you a wider field of view of the trailer and other motorists behind you.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 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
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Towing Mirrors
- Clip-On Mirror
- Manual
- Pair of Mirrors
- Universal Fit
- Non-Heated
- Fits Driver and Passenger Side
- K Source
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
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