Can I Tow a 2017 Jayco Hummingbird 17FD Without a Weight Distribution System?

Published 08/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(851)

$175.06

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

(2637)

$19.67

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

(3992)

$22.64

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

(3992)

$20.94

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(297)

$22.75

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

(121)

$625.00

Question:

I appreciate your prompt response. This info is really helpful. Since I'll only be renting this for a short trip, I'll hold off on purchasing the specific equipment you mentioned and plan to drive a little slower just to be safe. That being said, I might be in the market in the near future for one of these WDH, as I might be taking the plunge to purchasing a trailer next spring. Is there another option that would be adequate for a broader towing range, such as 3000-6000 lbs? Not that I plan to push it to the max or anything, though I'll probably purchase something larger than this 2,900lb one. Is there a max weight you'd recommend?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a weight distribution system is not required with the light weight of the travel trailer. However, the reason why many would choose to use a weight distribution system on a trailer that is 2,900 lbs is to help control sway from crosswinds and passing motorists. Because it is a rented trailer, you may not want to deal with the additional setup or cost but adding a system like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0450 will absolutely help with sway control and will easily mount to the trailer with the brackets.

You will simply need to add a hitch ball like # 40038 for a 2 inch ball or # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. You will also need a socket like # ALL643216 for installation of that hitch ball.

Can you tow without a system? Yes. Will it be a better and safer experience with a weight distribution system? Yes. I've attached and article on weight distribution systems to help further.

expert reply by: Jason S

Jim

8/29/2018

Jason S.

8/29/2018

Weight distribution systems are based off of tongue weight and include the loaded tongue weight of the trailer as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. This total tongue weight should fall in the middle of your weight distribution system's range. In general the tongue weight of a trailer is 10-15% of the total weight, so if I take the 6,000 lb total weight figure, then take 15% of that as the higher end of the tongue weight to include any cargo behind the rear axle of your Jeep, that will give us 900 lbs. The very best system in my opinion would be the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar # RP66084. This system is rated for total tongue weights between 600 and 1200 lbs. This system is a favorite because of the dual cam system that actually prevents sway by keeping pressure on the hot rolled bars which rest on those cams keeping the trailer in a straight line behind your vehicle. On corners the cams are overcome and then when you straighten out again they automatically re-engage to assist with sway control. You will need a hitch ball like # A-90 or # 19286 for this system. If you end up with a lighter trailer, then you may want to go with the smaller # RP66083 rated for total tongue weights between 400 and 800 lbs. This will use the same hitch ball options listed above.