Weight Distribution Hitch for 2012 Jeep Liberty Towing 17-Foot Casita Freedom Deluxe Travel Trailer

Products Featured in This Question

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(453)

$1011.61

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(475)

$60.91

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3773)

$16.19

Question:

Hello! I am trying to figure out the appropriate weight distribution hitch type for my tow vehicle. I currently tow a 2012 Casita Freedom Deluxe 17foot travel trailer with a 2012 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD. The trailer has a 2 inch ball, and I have a 2 inch hitch receiver. According to Casitas site, the Freedom Deluxes hitch weight is approximately 365lbs. Id like to find a WDH with sway control, ideally one I can back up with though this is not a deal breaker. Hoping to stay under $400, but obviously that may not work. Thanks for your advice!

asked by: Megan

Expert Reply:

Your Casita Freedom Deluxe 17-foot travel trailer does indeed have a dry hitch weight spec of 365-lbs and since it has a 3500-lb axle rating the loaded trailer tongue weight (TW) is likely to be right around 475 to 500-lbs. The system that matches this TW and that gets close to your ideal price point is the Husky # HT32216. This comes with a 2-5/16-inch ball but you can replace that with 2-inch ball part # HT33853.

This system does allow you back up the trailer without having to disconnect anything and it not only shifts trailer tongue weight forward onto the Liberty's front axle (to restore steering and braking performance) but it also have built-in sway prevention that will do a much better job of preventing sway than the standalone friction units like # 83660.

If you can stretch your budget just a bit then I strongly recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66082 because it will do a better job of controlling the trailer's motion thanks to its use of locking cam assemblies that proactively hold the trailer in line with the Liberty until they release when you make a turn. This does not include the hitch ball so you'll just add # A-90. This system too allows backing up.

expert reply by: Adam R