Recommended Tongue Weight Scale and Weight Distribution Hitch for 6000-lbs Enclosed Trailer

Question:

Good afternoon, I tow a enclosed trailer with at weigh of around 6000# fully loaded. My tow vehicle is a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Diesel with air suspension and Trailer Sway Control TSC system Would a weigh distribution type system help? The trailer feels stable. Just trying to see how to make sure I have the correct tongue weight. Thanks

asked by: Frederic D

Expert Reply:

Yes, if you're experiencing any squat or events that make towing a little bit squirrely, a weight distribution hitch is never a bad idea. You'll want to choose your weight distribution hitch by the tongue weight of your trailer, which should be 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer; your 6000-lbs GVWR trailer should have a tongue weight of between 600-lbs and 900-lbs, so you'll want to use a weight distribution hitch that has a range where that falls towards the middle. Considering this is an enclosed trailer, you'll need a system with chain hangers instead of sandwich brackets, so I recommend using something like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66074 which provides both weight distribution and sway control in one system. This system does require 5-1/2" of open space on the trailer frame to mount the brackets, but would be the best fit and provide for the best all around functions.

Since this hitch does not come with a shank included you will need to add something like the Reese Weight Dist Shank - 13" Long - 6-3/4" Drop to 11-1/2" Rise - 1,400 lbs TW # RP3215, which covers a wide range of potential rise/drop setups you may need to tow your trailer level. I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.

expert reply by: Erik B