Weight Distribution and Brake Controller For Towing a Travel Trailer With a 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Question:
Will the 3.2L V6 Jeep Cherokee with the factory towing option safely tow a 4500 lb travel trailer with an electric brake controller? Is a load equalizer hitch recommended for the above vehicle towing 4500 lb? What is you opinion about the Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ controller for this application?
asked by: Cliff H
Expert Reply:
I highly recommend using a Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET when towing a travel trailer with your 2017 Jeep Cherokee. This will not only allow you to level your Jeep reducing the chances of light steering and diminished braking. It will also help to reduce sway at highway speeds. Due to the trailer weighing so much and having a large surface area it could be dangerous to drive without a sway control in strong winds. The Equal-i-zer has sway control built in. You will need a 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 to install the 2" ball included with the hitch. You can get a 2-5/16" Ball # EQ91-00-6100 if your trailer uses the larger size coupler.
The Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 is a great controller. It is proportional so it will make adjustments to the power sent to the trailer brakes during light and severe braking. It is easy to adjust and has a clear LED display. With the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter # 3014-P you will be able to connect it directly to the factory trailer wiring on your Jeep. The only gripe I hear with the Primus is the size of the unit. If you feel the size will be an issue or want a cleaner look the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR is a great option. The main unit hides behind the dash while a small control knob is all you see on the dash. This controller uses the Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness # RED67FR to connect to the factory wiring on your Jeep.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 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
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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