Weight Distribution for a Jeep Grand Cherokee and 5,000 Pound Trailer

Published 11/11/2014

Question:

I have a enclosed trailer 8.5 x 18 Haulmark. It is rated for 7000lbs max, my jeep is rated 6500lbs max. Trailer empty is 3025lbs. I plan to carry light loads, empty to 5000lbs max. Is a 10000lb equal-I-zer too much? Should I use the 6000lb instead

asked by: Forrest A

Expert Reply:

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 is rated for a maximum of 6,500 pounds gross trailer weight that is what you are limited to. So towing a 5,000 pound trailer with the appropriate weight distribution system will work but you do not want to go with a system that is rated too high.

At 5,000 pounds the tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of that would be 500 to 750 pounds (but you are still limited to 650 pounds due to the limitations of the Jeep). Based on all of this I recommend a system that maxes out at 750 pounds tongue weight such as # PS49582. I have included some links to the right on determining tongue weight and on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H