Weight Distribution for a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 7,600 Pound Trailer

Updated 03/22/2013 | Published 03/20/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(51)

$849.31

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

(2621)

$22.81

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

(3873)

$17.67

Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames

(121)

$315.83

Question:

I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7l motor and a tow package. Just purchased an rv. GVWR is 7600 length is 27 ft. Which hitch set up would be sutible? I am on a budget and would like to keep it below $600 if possible.

asked by: Dustin

Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the trailer. This can be calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and then adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the vehicle.

Typically trailer tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. If we go by 7,600 pounds as the weight of the trailer the tongue weight would be 760 to 1,140 pounds. If you can keep the trailer tongue weight between 600 and 1,200 pounds I recommend the Reese system, # RP66542.

You will need to add a ball to this system using # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. You can also add sway control # RP26002 and still be within your budget. But for a trailer that weighs as much as yours and because it is so long, you would need 2 of those friction sway control bars for it to be effective.

I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you to view.