Weight Distribution System For a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Pulling 16' Travel Trailer Spare Tire Clearance

Question:

I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler unlimited 3.6L which has a tow capacity of 3500lbs, 350lbs tongue weight. I will be towing a 16foot Travel trailer, 2400lb dry weight, 240 tongue weight. 1ST QUESTION: With a spare tire on the rear, how long of a hitch extender do I need 12? 2ND QUESTION: I am concerned that with the shorter wheel base, that I may experience some highway sway, should I add a sway bar hitch? 3RD QUESTION: Do you recommend a Weight Distribution/sway bar hitch to keep the tow vehicle and travel trailer level and prevent sway? Thanks

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

First a hitch extender will depend on your specific vehicle and trailer combination. You will want to determine with your travel trailer connected to your 2019 Jeep Wrangler, how much room you will have between your spare tire and points of contact on your trailer. These are often the tongue jack or propane tanks depending on your setup.

Trailer sway is always a concern for any vehicle pulling a trailer. Especially for travel trailers that have such a large surface area for the wind to affect the trailer.

I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution # EQ37061ET with a Extended Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank # EQ90-02-4500. The shank is 6" longer than standard shank that comes in Kit # EQ37060ET to give you adequate clearance for your spare tire. The sway control is built into the weight distribution so that it is always active when you are driving with no additional parts to attach or remove when you need to back up. This system is rated for trailers with a tongue weight of 200-600lbs and total trailer weight up to 6,000lbs. The weight distribution system will also allow you to level your Jeep while you tow, this will help to eliminate the light steering and diminished braking that comes with a vehicle that has a lot of sag due to trailer weight.

A 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 is required to install the 2" hitch ball that comes with the system. I also recommend using Sway Bracket Jackets # EQ95-01-5150 to reduce the noise and extend the life of the parts. These nylon inserts will sit between the spring bar and trailer L-bracket to reduce the steel on steel contact.