Trailer hitch and Weight Distribution for a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 11/03/2014 | Published 11/02/2014

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)

$18.95

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

(3914)

$21.94

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(846)

$171.14

Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(63)

$613.56

Question:

Im looking at purchasing a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with tow package. Package includes trailer sway control and auto-leveling suspension. Looking at towing a 5000 lb trailer with 500 lb tongue weight. What type of hitch is recommended? It appears to me that the Jeep takes care of two main issues - Sway and rear end sag...

asked by: Joe W

Expert Reply:

The most popular hitch for the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is Curt trailer hitch # C13182. It will fit all models including diesel models and the SRT-8 models. The hitch is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight, 500 pounds tongue weight. When used with weight distribution the hitch is rated for 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 750 pounds tongue weight.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included to the right that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

Since the trailer is right at the maximum of the trailer hitch's weight carrying capacity (without weight distribution) I do recommend a weight distribution system as well. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Since the Jeep has sway control you can look at systems that are just weight distribution. I recommend a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds, # RP66021. This system does not come with a shank or a ball. For a shank you can use the ball mount help article linked to determine the rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level. Then select the right shank form the link provided to the right.

For a ball use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. I have included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight as well.