Towing Capacity and Weight Distribution for 2017 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 10/26/2017 | Published 10/25/2017

Question:

I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler unlimited sport and I can’t find spec for towing capacity with weight distribution. I’m looking at a trailer with a dry weight of 2900 but tongue weight of 377. Will this hitch with weight distribution safely allow me to pull this trailer?

asked by: Phillip

Expert Reply:

According to the 2017 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual, your Sport model has different max weight capacities depending on the Jeep's axle ratio. For a 3.21 axle ratio, your maximum tongue weight is 200 lbs and maximum gross trailer weight is 2,000 lbs. If you have a 3.73 axle ratio, your max tongue weight is 350 lbs and max gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs.

With this in mind, Draw-Tite # DT78MR would not allow you to go over the maximum capacity stated in the owner's manual; you would need a trailer that has a total tongue weight of no more than 350 lbs.

Total tongue weight (TW) is the most important factor when it comes to selecting a weight distribution hitch as well; TW is the weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport. To determine TW you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining TW I've linked for you. The ideal system would be one in which your TW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

I've added a link to our weight distribution systems that will work with a TW in the 300 lb range for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S