Can a WD System be Used with the Westin Trailblazer Rear Bumper # 42-3015 on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler
Updated 10/13/2017 | Published 10/12/2017
Question:
Is this bumper/hitch suitable for use as a weight distributing capable receiver, for a 3500 lb trailer?
asked by: RK
Expert Reply:
We do have some trailer hitch receivers that will allow you to use a Weight Distribution (WD) system with your 2008 Jeep Wrangler, but when I spoke with my contact at Westin he said that none of their bumpers, like part # 42-3015, are compatible with a WD system.
The trailer hitch options that we have are compatible with a standard rear bumper, and out of our selection I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT78MR. This hitch receiver is rated for 4,500 lbs Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and 675 lbs Tongue Weight (TW). When use with a WD system neither of those capacities change, but it is compatible with a WD system. I have attached an installation video on a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited that you can use as a reference.
When choosing a WD system you will want to make sure that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of the TW range of the WD system. You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Wrangler. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer.
If you do not already have a WD system, I can make a recommendation for you if you can let me know what the TTW of your towing setup is.
