Does 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Need Weight Distribution to Tow 5,000 lb Trailer

Updated 12/14/2020 | Published 12/12/2020

Question:

I have a question regarding tongue capacity on my Jeep GC. My JGC is a 2014 Overlander with air suspension and factory tow package. With the V6 the stated capacities of the vehicle are 6200 lbs total trailer weight and 620 lbs tongue weight. I am purchasing a travel trailer that has a GVWR of 5,000 lbs and a hitch weight of 565 lbs. This all sounds good so far. My question is do I need to add the weight of the WD hitch to the hitch weight? If so I only have 55 pounds that can be added. Because the WD hitch moves some of the weight to the vehicle does this affect the tongue weight? I know some vehicles have two tongue weights listed, one for a standard ball hitch and one for a WD hitch. My Jeep does not. My main question is can I find a WD hitch that I can install that will keep me within my specs and allow my current vehicle to tow my new trailer? I am also trying to better understand how a WD hitch interacts with the tow vehicle and trailer. Thanks.

asked by: Larry P

Expert Reply:

The great news is that the trailer weight and tongue weight of the trailer you mentioned are below the capacities of your vehicle so you are safe to tow the trailer without a weight distribution system. The other news worth mentioning is that your vehicle is not rated for use with a weight distribution system so that's not an option we can recommend.

But if you wanted to add additional rear suspension support when towing so that the vehicle sits leve what you would need is suspension enhancement to provide that additional support like the Air Lift 1000 air bag kit part # AL60825.

I attached an install and review video for this kit on a similar 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C