Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch Towing a 2000-lb Trailer with Jeep Wrangler Weighing 4200-lbs

Question:

Do I need a weight distribution hitch towing a 2,000 lb 12 foot trailer with my 4200 lb Jeep Wrangler?

asked by: Ryan B

Expert Reply:

There are usually a couple of indicators that a weight distribution hitch is going to be helpful when towing, but it usually starts to come into play when your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50% of your vehicle's weight (GVWR), which you're going to come in right under (but close). With that being said there are a few other issues that can create situations where a weight distribution hitch would be helpful, like:

- The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
- You experience trailer sway
- Your tow vehicle's headlights point upward
- You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig

Since you're right on the border of the weight you'd start to get into weight distribution territory, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, a weight distribution hitch with sway control may be a good solution for you. When it comes to choosing the correct weight distribution hitch, you're going to want to choose one that the tongue weight of your trailer falls close to the middle of the range for that weight distribution hitch. Because you're towing a very light weight trailer, your best solution is going to be something like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0450 which has a capacity of 4000-lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 450-lbs. As a point of reference, your tongue weight should typically be between 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer (for your 2000-lb trailer it should be 200 to 300-lbs).

The Fastway e2 system will not only provide weight distribution to take some of the weight off of the rear axle of your Jeep Wrangler, but will also provide 2 point sway control with steel on steel friction to minimize sway caused by winds or sudden maneuvers. This is a great solution for small trailers and tow vehicles and will help correct any sway and handling issues that you might be experiencing during towing.

I've also linked some helpful articles on weight distribution that you might want to check out to learn more about whether or not a weight distribution system is the right choice for your towing setup, as well as how to choose between the different systems.