Trailer Hitch And Weight Distribution System Recommendation For 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 02/25/2016 | Published 02/24/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(846)

$172.25

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2634)

$24.70

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

(164)

$57.20

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

(3934)

$20.94

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3471)

$118.67

Question:

I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that does not have a towing package. We are looking to purchase a Forest River Wolf Pup 16 BHS travel trailer. The unloaded vehicle weight of the 16BHS is 3097 lbs and GVWR=3877, hitch weight is 377 lbs. I have been doing research and am looking at the following products on your site: Towing hitch: C13182 This should take care of the tongue weight due to the fact it is rated at 750/5000. I am a little concerned with the trailer weight, which should never exceed 4000 lbs LOADED GVWR=3877 according to the manufacturer. My guess is that we would also need a weight distribution system. So Ive been looking at this onePS49581 Would this be sufficient for my application...and lastly would the Curt hitch be too low to the ground for this setup? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Eddie S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research on your 2012 Grand Cherokee and found that if you have the 3.2L engine, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs, and tongue weight capacity is 500 lbs. If you have the 5.7L engine and you have a 4 x 4 the maximum towing capacity is 7,200 lbs, with a tongue weight capacity of 720 lbs but if it is a 2-wheel drive the capacity is 7,400 lbs, and 740 lbs max tongue weight, the weight of your new trailer should pose no problems..

If you have the trailer fully loaded, the tongue weight could be as much as 581 lbs, and you would need to add the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Jeep so I do recommend a weight distribution system along with a hitch.

The Curt hitch, part # C13182 would work well for your setup. With weight distribution the hitch is rated to be able to handle 7,500 lbs and 750 lbs tongue weight. Please keep in mind the Jeep towing capacity is 5,000 lbs whether weight distribution is used or not. You should see no issues with ground clearance on your Grand Cherokee.

The weight distribution system I recommend is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control, part # RP66087. This system is designed for tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. This system has a built-in dual-cam anti-sway system that stops sway before it starts.

The hitch ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch hitch ball I recommend part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball I recommend part # 19286.

From my research I think you would have a 7-way connector on the trailer. You will need a 7-way on your Jeep as well. Since you do not have the trailer towing package I first recommend the T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118425. This is a simple installation by just plugging in the T-One behind the tail lights on your Jeep. This will give you a 4-way connector at the rear of your vehicle.

You will then need a 7-way and for that I recommend part # ETBC7. I have attached a link to a helpful article that shows how to install the # ETBC7 you can check out.

If your trailer has brakes, you will also need a brake controller. Since you do not have the factory 7-way, I recommend the # 90885 brake controller, but you will need to hardwire the brake controller. You can also use the Brake Controller Wiring Kit, part # 5506 to complete the installation as shown in the attached video for a 1998 Grand Cherokee.