Determining The Correct Weight Distribution Hitch For 2012 Jeep Wrangler Towing 3200lb RV
Question:
Hello, Im looking for some info on what exactly weight distribution hitch Im going to need to pull an RV. The RV weights 3200 lbs and Ill be pulling with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Is it ok to go with a bit of overkill with a hitch thats rated for higher? Thanks,
asked by: Karl V
Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you find the correct weight distribution hitch for towing your 3200lb RV with your 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but you will need to find your total tongue weight as that is the deciding factor on the correct weight distribution hitch.
Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Jeep. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is by using a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 but there are other methods which are outlined in the included help article.
You really do not want a weight distribution hitch to be over rated, and want your total tongue weight to as close to the middle of the tongue weight range of a hitch as possible. Using a system too over rated will cause a very stiff and uncomfortable ride.
Assuming that the 3200lbs you mentioned is the weight of your trailer loaded and not the dry weight we can get a ballpark on where your tongue weight will be. Since tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the trailer weight you should see 320-480lbs tongue weight.
For a system in this range I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # FA92-00-0600 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 250-600lbs and is a very high quality hitch for the price with great features like built in 2-point sway control that keeps the trailer straight while going down the highway. This option does not include a hitch ball so you will need to add 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.
If you find your tongue weight is over 600lbs I recommend stepping up to the # FA92-00-0800 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 400-800lbs. This option also does not include a hitch ball so you will still need 2" # A-90 or 2-5/16" # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.
If you can tell me the total tongue weight of your trailer I would be happy to recommend the exact weight distribution hitch for you.
I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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