Towing Capacity of 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with Factory Trailer Hitch

Question:

How much weight can it tow? And why do people not mention/worry about tongue weight when speaking about towing a trailer camper? What else do we need to know when considering towing a trailer camper?

asked by: Jackie

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of your 2018 Cherokee Trailhawk will depend on how it was equipped from the factory. If you have the 2.4L or the 3.2L engine without the tow package, the vehicle towing capacity is limited to 2000 lbs/200 lb tongue weight. If you have the 3.2L engine and the Trailer Tow Package, the vehicle can tow up to 4500 lbs/450 lbs tongue weight. The tongue weight of what you're towing is a very important consideration to take into account.

If you're unsure of whether the vehicle is equipped with the tow package, if you provide your Jeep dealer the vehicle VIN, they will be able to look up how it was equipped from the factory.

If you're limited to the the 2000 lb capacity, you'd do best with a small pop-up type camper which typically weigh around 1500 or so lbs. Just because you have a 2000 lb capacity to play with, avoid the temptation to outfit a trailer that once your gear is added comes right up to the capacity. Keep in mind, the more the camper weighs, the more wear and tear the Cherokee will be subjected to.

If the vehicle's equipped so you have the 4500 lb capacity, you'll have a little more wiggle room. The owner's manual recommends using a weight distribution kit on trailers/campers weighing in excess of 3500 lbs. If you go with something other that a pop-up, I'd recommend getting a system with an integrated sway control component. The Reese Steadi-Flex, part # RP66558 would be an excellent choice for campers with up to 600 lbs of tongue weight, so it'd be a good option for you.

If the camper you pick out has brakes, you'll also need a brake controller to actuate them. If your Cherokee has the factory 7-way trailer connector, an option like the Curt Echo # C51180 would be a good plug and play option. If you don't have a trailer connector, you can install # 118605 along with the # ETBC7L brake controller installation kit along with the Echo brake controller.

I've linked to some installation and demonstration videos for the parts recommended above.