Should Weight Distribution be Used on a 3500 Pound Trailer and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I am purchasing a 2015 spree escape 196s with gvwr 3500 lbs. and plan on towing it with a 3 inch lifted wj grand Cherokee with heavy duty coil springs, dealer suggests a $250 mini weight distribution hitch set up I currently tow a 3300 gvwr popup with just a right side ball mounted sway bar is this suffix or should I get the wdh?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

We recommend using weight distribution if either of the following situations is true:

First, weight distribution is a good idea if the gross trailer weight is at least 50 percent of the gross vehicle weight.

Or second, if the trailer causes the rear end of the vehicle to sag.

A trailer weighing 3,500 pound probably is at least half the weight of your Grand Cherokee so it would not be a bad idea to use weight distribution. But I can do better on price. Take a look at the Blue Ox system, # BLU45FR, rated for up to 600 pounds tongue weight. This WDH comes with sway control so you won't have to purchase a friction bar separately.

For a replacement hitch ball you can use the 2 inch ball # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. The system does come with a shank but on your lifted Jeep you would likely need something with more drop to tow the trailer level. Shank # RP3344 offers the most drop at 8-5/8 inches. You would need to have an alternate shank no matter which system you ended up getting. The difference is I am telling you up front!

I have included some links to the right on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.