Recommended Weight Distribution and Ball Mount to Tow a Travel Trailer with 2018 Wrangler Unlimited

Updated 06/17/2020 | Published 06/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 12-5/8" Long

(3838)

$32.20

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(2620)

$15.90

Question:

Hi, I am looking to tow some a travel trailer this summer UVW about 3,000 lbs and I need to make sure Im set up correctly. Ive had the towing package installed, so I have the hitch wired and a brake control module. I need to complete this set-up and was wondering what I should get. 2. in ball mount? It needs to be extended to go past the spare tire on the back. I understand that would reduce the tongue weight capacity. Should I get a weight-distribution system to address this as well as improve the overall safety?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

I'll start off with the ball mount, and as someone who also has a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a ball mount with a longer shank like the # D-26 will do the job-and honestly, in most cases unless the trailer has jack mounted close to the front of the frame a standard ball mount will work just fine. The # D-26 uses a hitch ball with a 1" diameter, so you'll want to choose a hitch ball that matches the coupler size on the trailer- if you've got a 2-5/16" coupler the # 63847 would be a good hitch ball.

When it comes to a weight distribution system, you'll want to choose one where the tongue weight of the trailer falls somewhere in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system. For example, the Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # RP66540 has a tongue weight range of 200-600lbs. You want your trailer's tongue weight to be between 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer so your 3000lbs trailer should have a tongue weight of between 300-450-lbs, which is perfect for the # RP66540. This will help reduce sway during towing-which makes it more safe- and will help reduce some of the strain that is going to be put on the rear suspension system of your 2018 Wrangler Unlimited.

I've linked a review video of this weight distribution hitch for you to have a look at.

expert reply by: Jesse M