Can a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Rated for 740lbs Tongue Weight Handle a Trailer with 835lbs Tongue Weight

Question:

We have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 5.7 liter engine 4x2 with the upgraded tow package class IV hitch,rear load leveling suspension, engine cooler . The car manual list the tow capacity of the jeep as 7400 pounds with a hitch weight capacity of 740 pounds. The trailer we are getting ready to buy is a 2012 Airstream Fly Cloud FB25 with a listed hitch weight of 835 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 7300. The hitch we are planning to use is a Fastway E2 with 1,000 pound bars rated for 10,000 pounds. I guess the question is is this safe? If the maximum that we load the trail stays under 7,000 will the weight distribution system and class IV hitch increase the hitch capacity to allow for a 835 hitch weight trailer?

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution systems maximizes what the hitch can handle up to its stated capacity. It will not let you go beyond what it or the vehicle can handle though. So check the hitch and owners manual to see if there is a weight carrying capacity and a capacity when using weight distribution which should be different.

If 740 pounds is the most hitch or tongue weight it can handle then that is what you will need to go by. This will make the Airstream trailer too heavy for the hitch and vehicle and it would not be safe. Damage to the vehicle could occur and it would not be covered under warranty.

If you can find a similar but lighter trailer OR somehow reduce the tongue weight under 740 pounds then you could go ahead with the trailer you are looking at. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you. One thing that you also have to consider is when calculating tongue weight for weight distribution you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Given the weight of what the hitch and vehicle can handle you would be better off with the 800 pound system, # RP67509, and a trailer within the vehicle and hitches capacity. You would need a ball for this system using # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

expert reply by: Michael H