Questions about trailering a Jeep

Now that I've got a tow rig, I have some questions about trailering the Jeep behind it. The heaviest trailer I've ever pulled before is about 4500 lbs...

The truck has the factory receiver and HD tow package. The truck is rated to tow 9100 lbs, but the rating actually goes like this:

Weight carrying hitch: 500 lb tongue weight, 5000 lb trailer weight max.
Weight distributing hitch: 1000 lb tongue weight, 9100 lb trailer weight max.

So what does this mean with regards to the factory receiver? I looked at pictures of aftermarket receivers rated 10K lbs, and they don't look any different than the one that is already on the truck. They aren't any thicker steel, and mount in the exact same mounting holes.

Does just the draw bar change? Are most car hauler trailers set up to accept weight distributing systems? If not, what is involved in getting them set up for it?

I'm new to all of this...

The factory hitch does not do weight distribution. You will need to upgrade the hitch. You could probably get by but it would be a problem with insurance if you got into a wreck or lost your trailer. The truck is rated for 9100lbs but that's with proper trailering equipment. Since your truck is a 1/2 ton I would upgrade to a class IV hitch for more stability. You currently have a class III if it's factory.

The reciever is class IV - only available with the HD towing package, which includes:

Class IV Trailer hitch receiver
7 Pin wiring harness
Upgraded radiator
Upgraded Auxiliary transmission oil cooler

So does that mean the receiver is okay?

rubicons4 wrote:The factory hitch does not do weight distribution. You will need to upgrade the hitch. You could probably get by but it would be a problem with insurance if you got into a wreck or lost your trailer. The truck is rated for 9100lbs but that's with proper trailering equipment. Since your truck is a 1/2 ton I would upgrade to a class IV hitch for more stability. You currently have a class III if it's factory.

X2, the distribtion hitch is a must, as it assists in control while towing. I upgraded both my reveiver & hitch due to towing with the camper on. Have you also considered airbags for your truck?

If you have class IV, you're set. Just be sure to use the distro connections. This will be very important for stability.

Thanks! I might do the airbags if it sags or handles poorly. I've never looked at a weight distributing setup. Does it just go into the receiver the same as an ordinary draw bar? The pictures I've found show two extra bars, I assume these go to somewhere on the trailer?

wsm04rubi wrote:Thanks! I might do the airbags if it sags or handles poorly. I've never looked at a weight distributing setup. Does it just go into the receiver the same as an ordinary draw bar? The pictures I've found show two extra bars, I assume these go to somewhere on the trailer?

The hitch is setup for the equalizing bars to attach to the vehicle & trailer. The hitch will insert into the receiver, and equalize the load throughout the truck & trailer some what.

I towed my setup down Cayuse Pass, this road is extremely un-level, I would watch the jeep in the mirror as it would go up & down very erratically. Once the equalizer setup was installed it really added a lot of comfortable control. As the up & down motion of the jeep & trailer definitely affected the control of the truck, I was all over the place

So I've been looking at weight distrubution/equalizer setups. What is the difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive ones?

I found this one at the low end for $220 shipped:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-hitches/equalizer-trailer-hitch.htm

and this one at the high end for $560 shipped:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-hitches/equal-i-zer-hitch.htm

I know the second one also has sway control, but most of the cheaper ones can have sway control added for around another $100. So what else is that extra $340 buying?

I'm thinking a 7500 lb truck (loaded weight) pulling a 6000 lb trailer isn't really going to have sway problems as long as the weight on the trailer is properly balanced.

Anyone have any thoughts on this used one:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/pts/583839114.html

wsm04rubi wrote:Anyone have any thoughts on this used one:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/pts/583839114.html

This one is just like mine, picked it up at a garage sale for $100.00 also, works great

Thanks Zip. I found 2 of these on Craigslist - that one used for $100, and another one brand new in box for $200. The cheapest I can find the exact same thing online is $289, so either one is a pretty good deal.

wsm04rubi wrote:Thanks Zip. I found 2 of these on Craigslist - that one used for $100, and another one brand new in box for $200. The cheapest I can find the exact same thing online is $289, so either one is a pretty good deal.

I would think so