Recommended Weight Distribution to Tow Horse Trailer with 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 10/24/2012 | Published 10/23/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2634)

$21.03

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

(3907)

$20.94

Question:

Id like to tow a 2-horse trailer approx empty weight 2900 lbs, about 1000 lbs per horse - Id like the option to load one or two horses with my 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK with the 5.7L Hemi V8. Towing capacity is stated as 7200 lbs, tongue weight limited to 720 lbs, but a weight distribution hitch with sway control and trailer brakes are required. I have installed the OEM Mopar Class-IV hitch and wiring, and have a P3 brake controller, but I need a recommendation for the weight distribution equipment, hitch and sway control. Id like something thats safe and easy to connect/disconnect since the vehicle Ill be towing with is my daily driver.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

The most important figure to know when picking out a weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight of the setup. Typically, tongue weight is 10-15% of the total trailer weight. So if your trailer weighs 5,000 lbs your tongue weight will most likely be between 500 and 750 lbs. Which would fit perfectly with the Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control # RP66073 that you referenced.

However, since I know tack and saddles and any thing else you might keep in your trailer can get pretty heavy I would still recommend you determine what your tongue weight is. I attached an FAQ article on how to do this for you to check out. You will need to count the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle as tongue weight also.

Once the system is setup properly it would be a fairly easy, straight-forward install. This system also features a dual-cam sway control system that works proactively to fight trailer sway before it starts.

If you do go with the # RP66073 you will need a shank, the recommended shank is the Reese Weight Dist Shank # RP54970. You will also need a hitch ball. For that I would go with a part # 19286 if you need a 2-5/16 inch ball or a # A-90 if you need a 2 inch ball.

expert reply by: Jameson C