How Big of a Trailer Can my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow and Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch
Question:
Hello - We have a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V6 with the factory tow package. As such, we have a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. Jeep corporate and dealer is unable to give me the GCWR for the vehicle and states that the vehicle does not have one. We are getting an airstream with a GVWR of 5,000 lbs. Without the GCWR, can we feel safe towing it? Our plan is to go out west to the mountains, so we want to ensure we have the right setup for towing. Any recommendations on if we should tow with the JGC and products we might consider? Thanks PS. The JGCs GVWR is 6,500 lbs.
asked by: Zach
Expert Reply:
Basically your GCWR is going to be 12700-lbs ( GVWR of Jeep plus towing capacity). You'll want to make sure that you don't overload the trailer with cargo and stay under the 6200-lbs towing capacity to ensure that you're well within the safe limits of the vehicle.
When it comes to additional products to help improve your towing experience, a weight distribution hitch should almost always be used when you're towing something more than 1/2 the weight of your vehicle. Since the trailer you're going to be towing weighs a bit more than your vehicle, this would be a good addition to your towing setup.
Weight distribution hitches are best chosen by finding one where the tongue weight of your trailer falls towards the middle of the tongue weight range of your trailer- which should be 10 to 15% of the total weight. A trailer like the Gulfstream you mentioned will likely have a tongue weight between 500-lbs and 750-lbs max.
The best available solution for this would be the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400 to 800-lbs, so it will work well for your trailer. In addition to helping take some of the weight off of the rear axle of your tow vehicle, the Reese Strait-Line is one of the best weight distribution hitches at stopping trailer sway before it starts because of the dual cam sway control system. This will help create a much smoother and safer towing experience by helping fight off movement behind your tow vehicle caused by passing semi trucks or strong mountain winds.
I've linked a review video of this weight distribution system for you to have a look at and learn more about, but this would be the way I would go to help make sure you're not white-knuckling for the entire trip.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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