How To Choose the Correct Weight Distribution System for a 5000 lb Trailer Towed by a 2010 Liberty

Question:

I have a 2010 Jeep Liberty 4x4 with the factory towing package installed. It is rated for a max gross trailer weight of 2000 lbs and a 200 lb tongue weight without the factory tow package. However, when using a weight distributing hitch and the factory tow package installed that I have, its rated at a max gross trailer weight of 5000 lbs and a tongue weight of 500 lbs. All of this information comes straight out of my Jeep Liberty owners manual. Im looking to purchase a small camper. The models we like will be nearing the 4500-5000 lb range when loaded with our camping gear etc. What I need to know is what would be the correct weight distributing hitch for my application? Im not sure how to go about making the right ion and I dont want to mess this up. Im also concerned about a sway control device. Should this be included in my setup as well? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

The key to choosing the correct weight distribution system is knowing the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow. Keep in mind that anything loaded behind the rear axle of your 2010 Jeep Liberty will contribute to the tongue weight as well. I would recommend choosing a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight of your trailer with its heaviest load.

We know that the tongue weight of your trailer must stay under 500 lbs so that it does not exceed the weight capacity of your hitch. You will then want to calculate the weight of any cargo that you plan on loading in the rear of your Jeep and add that to the tongue weight of the trailer. The tongue weight of a trailer is typically calculated to be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.

If the tongue weight of your loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo in the rear of your vehicle will remain under 600 lbs, then I would recommend taking a look at the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, # RP66558. This system includes sway control with the integrated friction pads on the spring bars. The hitch ball is not included with this system, so you will want to determine what size hitch ball your trailer requires and choose the correct hitch ball. For a 2 inch hitch ball, you will want part # 63845, for a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball, then choose # 63847.

If you wanted to look into a more economical option, then you could take a look at the Reese Weight Distribution System, # RP65509. This system does not include sway control, but you could add a friction sway control bar like part # 83660. This system also does not come with a hitch ball, but the two balls that I referenced above will work with this system.

I have attached an article on weight distribution as well as how to determine your tongue weight for you to check out. These two articles should help clear up any confusion that you may have with weight distribution systems. Once you get your trailer, I would strongly recommend finding the tongue weight and add any cargo from the rear of your vehicle to see what the actual tongue weight will be for a weight distribution system.

expert reply by: John H

Kevin

3/14/2013

Could PS49902 be use? That is what i purchsed. i have the same situation and vechical 2010 jeep liberty.

Patrick B.

4/9/2013

You would need to check the trailer load first. If the hitch is rated for 500/5000 with a WD system, then that is the limit. Once you find the weight information of the fully loaded trailer, then the selection of a WD system is easy. PS49902 would be too much for the setup. It has a tongue weight range of 550-750 which is in excess of the maximum for the Jeep Liberty if your owners manual states 500/5000 limits with WD.