Do I Need a Weight Distribution System for a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 3,160 lbs Trailer?

Updated 10/13/2025 | Published 10/10/2025

Question:

I have a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the tow package. It has the self leveling rear shocks, not the air suspension. I tow a two-seat SXS on a utility trailer, with a total loaded weight of 3160 lbs. Ive weighed my setup at a CAT scale, and the calculated tongue weight is 320 lbs. Even with the self-leveling suspension the rear of the Jeep squats. When hooked up to the trailer the rear axle gains 460 lbs and the front axle loses 140 lbs. Does this justify the need for a WDH, and if so, what do you recommend?

asked by: Ross B

Expert Reply:

100% yes, it does Ross. Thanks for the detailed information too! A weight distribution system is definitely going to transfer that tongue weight forward to balance out the additional weight placed on your rear axle. It's going to keep your rear axle from taking on the entire weight of the trailer and level out your ride.

The best weight distribution system for your Jeep and 3,160 lbs utility trailer is going to be the Equal-i-zer item # EQ90-00-0600. This system works with tongue weights between 200 lbs - 600 lbs. That's going to give you a pretty wide range for using your trailer with our without your side by side or hauling other stuff with it. So long as you're within this range you won't have any problem being under or over it comfort and performance wise.

The Equal-i-zer item # EQ90-00-0600 has built in sway control that will keep your trailer in line with your Jeep when you're going down the highway and make a sudden lane change or get passed by a semi. It's really helpful when you get sideswiped by a gust of wind too. This system includes a 2" shank and a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

Please note you will need room on your trailer's coupler between 27" - 32" back from where the hitch ball mounts. This is for the sway control brackets.

Additionally, you will also want to set up the Equal-i-zer item # EQ90-00-0600 with your self-leveling system turned off. You can turn it back on afterwards if you want. It's not going to be necessary though.

If you have any additional questions, go ahead and click on the box that says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Equal-i-zer Distance
(click to enlarge)

Ross B.

10/12/2025

On my Jeep, the top of the receiver is 21.5" from the ground (the receiver is 2" x 2"). On my trailer, the bottom of the coupler is 14" from the ground (the coupler takes a 2" ball). So I need an 8" drop shank? Also, the tongue of the trailer is 3" C-channel. Does the Equal-i-zer hitch you recommenced allow for the drop, and work with this type of frame?

Jerred H.

10/13/2025

@RossB For that much of a drop you'll need the Curt Weight Distribution Shank item # 17120 and the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control item # EQ37061ET. This is the same system minus the short shank that wasn't going to work with your Jeep. The Curt item # C17121 will give you a 7" drop when paired with the item # EQ37061ET. You will be able to use the Equal-i-zer item # EQ37061ET on your trailer's C-channel tongue. The clamp-on brackets will bolt around the frame. These systems only come with a 2-5/16" hitch ball. For a 2" coupler you'll need the 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems item # EQ91-00-6080.