Understanding Trailer Tongue Weight With Coleman 1855RB Travel Trailer and 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I have a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3.6L, V-6 towing a Coleman 1855RB. CAT scale measurements without a weight distribution hitch show my tongue weight to be 825 lbs, about 17% of my trailer and more than the maximum capacity of my hitch. When I put the WDH on, the CAT scale measurements show that there is now 645 lbs of tongue weight on my tow vehicle, about 13% of my trailer and closer to the the maximum of my hitch. Am I now good to go with these numbers and the WDH in place? Or am I not understanding tongue weight correctly and do I still need to be within the correct range for tongue weight without the WDH in place?

asked by: Chris H

Expert Reply:

When checking the weight rating on a trailer hitch receiver there may be one or 2 weight ratings. If there is only one weight rating on the receiver it may not be suitable for use with a weight distribution hitch and should be verified with the receiver and vehicle manufacturer before doing so. If there are 2 ratings one will be for trailer and tongue weight with a traditional Ball Mount # C45041. The second set of numbers will be for using a Weight Distribution Hitch # EQ37100ET. They are generally going to be a higher set of numbers. Both sets of numbers are only taking into consideration the tongue weight of the trailer itself. A Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 is really the best method to determine the trailer tongue weight. Looking at your Coleman 1855RB it looks like it has a dry tongue weight of 444lbs so you will likely be close to 520lbs with the propane and battery added from the dealership. You may be able to move around your additional weight inside the trailer to lower your tongue weight where it may be within your limits on your receiver.

On the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT38MR that fits your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee it has a maximum tongue weight of 900lbs with maximum trailer weight of 7,500lbs. But when used with a weight distribution hitch the weight rating increases to a tongue weight of 1,125lbs while the total trailer weight remains the same at 7,500lbs.

expert reply by: Bud M