Long Ball Mount, Anti-Sway, Brake Controller & Transmission Cooler for 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

First timer and need HELP! Head is spinning : Planning to buy a hybrid travel trailer ~2900 dry weight/3500 Gross. Were in CO, so need to consider altitude/hills as well. Dont plan to load up the trailer as we are limited to 3500 lbs total capacity w/ the Jeep. I need to buy a new ball mount 2-5/16 that is extended enough to go beyond the spare tire on the rear of the jeep. I also was looking into anti-sway bars and weight distribution options since the wrangler is lightweight and really NOT an ideal towing vehicle, but its what we have at the moment... After digging around, I just found out the tow package hitch is a class II !?!? And apparently you cant use a weight-distribution hitch on class II why did Jeep do this - ugh. So... what to do? I don't want to get the wrong set up and end up not being able to safely tow this trailer...or get stuck on a mountain pass in CO... it was also recommended to us to consider a brake controller and a transmission cooler... So, what do you recommend for all of the above? THANK YOU!!

asked by: Natalie B

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can definitely help you out, and you are right about the factory tow package hitch on a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited being a Class II hitch, though it also has a 2 inch receiver, which is an odd combo not seen on aftermarket hitches. That said, if your current hitch is bolted on (and not welded) I highly recommend replacing it with an aftermarket hitch, the Class III Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT78MR.

This hitch is compatible with a weight distribution system, and that is definitely the best option for your '19 Wrangler Unlimited. I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET, which is considered the premier system in the industry due to its four points of sway control and relative ease of install compared to other models.

Let's move onto something a little more simple, which is the ball mount. You said you needed something long, but not the rise or drop you needed so I'll give you a few options.

- Curt Ball Mount - 2" Rise, 4" Drop - 13" Long # C45270
- Curt Ball Mount - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long # D-28
- Curt Ball Mount - 8-1/4" Rise, 10-1/4" Drop - 14" Long # C45112.

With each of these ball mounts you can lock them to your hitch with Receiver Lock # e98880. They will all use a hitch ball with a 1" diameter shank: 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # C40002, 2" Hitch Ball # 63845 or 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # 63847.

Since weight distribution may not work for you (if you don't get the aftermarket hitch), so long as your trailer has electric brakes, which it sounds like is the case, you can use an anti-sway device. The best option is the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660 and Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts # RP26003.

A brake controller is something I highly recommend for the best towing experience and the most control with your trailer and your vehicle. Especially in the mountains where if you are descending you can control your braking much, much easier - the trailer isn't going to be pushing your Wrangler and making it more difficult to control. Since your '19 Wrangler Unlimited has the factory tow package you don't have to do any wiring. By far the easiest brake controller to use is the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller # C51180. You just plug it into your 7-way and it is controlled with an app on your smartphone.

A transmission cooler is also a very good idea because you can't overcool fluids, and this will definitely help your 2019 Wrangler Unlimited as it tows. So long as you have the 3.6L V6 engine you can use a cooler and I recommend the Derale # D13502.

Additionally, I have added links to installation instructions and a number of video reviews for you to check out.