Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 1997 Jeep Wrangler

Published 09/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(18)

$226.18

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(383)

$36.85

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$86.63

Question:

I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler 4.0. Im wanting to buy a horse trailer that weighs 1240#, has upgraded torsion axels and electric breaks 6foot wide. My horse is about 800 to 900#, in the winter, probably 1,000#. I see that the towing capacity is 5000, but with the torsion axels, would my Jeep be able to tow both safely? That would include an extra 100 to 200# of tack and feed inside the Jeep. I also have 233,000 miles on it. Engine is great, new breaks. Thank you for your help!

asked by: Sheelah

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity for the Curt hitch part # C13048 that you referenced is 5,000 lbs which would be about twice as much as you would need for your horse trailer when it is fully loaded based on what you listed.

You will need to check the owners manual of your Jeep to determine it's towing capacity and be sure not to exceed the lower of the two figures.

If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For trailer wiring you would want the part # 118409.