95jersey

I have been towing with a 2005 Jeep with a 5.7 Hemi. It has a standard factory hitch. The trailer is an open deck steel. The combined weight of the trailer and car are about 4675 (1550 trailer + 3120 car). It has been doing a great job, and I have towed this way about 4 times with no problems (6 hour from WG).

The rear does sink down a bit, but not to the point where it impacts performance (braking/handling), but the car does push around and seem twitchy at high speeds. You can definately "feel" the weight. The truck is rated 5000lb towing with no weight distribution and 7500 with weight distribution. I figure with a loaded car and the combined weight of the trailer/car, I am probably at the very limit of saftey.

So, I was thinking about weight distribution. I have seen various brands and configurations at different costs. The truck seems to handle the weight pretty good right now, so I don't need or want some 12000lbs expensive distrubution system. If I had an enclosed trailer, it would be a different story.

So what is a good/effective distribution hitch system for my application. E-Trailer has about 10 of them and I can't tell the difference from one to the next. Which should I buy? Again, I want something simple a cheap as I almost don't need it.

http://www.etrailer.com/c-WD.htm?aff...FQhUUAodLHLOPA

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...002372/c-10101

jwt1603

The weight distribution hitch doesn't really tighten up the trailer all that much. I have one on my rig that I pull with an Expedition, it raises the rear of the truck about an inch or so. It's more to put the weight more on the front of the tow vehicle. Have you checked the tongue weight? If you don't have the car set on the trailer at the right point that can make the trailer feel like it wants to float around. If the tongue weight is right you could try an anti-sway set up.

FWIW, I started towing my rig (pretty much same weight as yours) with a V8 Explorer, then last year moved up to an Expedition and next week I'm moving up again, to a F-250 turbo diesel. The difference between the Explorer and the Expedition was amazing. Then I hooked up the rig to the F-250 (my friend works at a dealer so I could try it out) and I didn't even know the trailer was back there.

The bigger vehicle just seems to make the whole thing a lot more stable going down the road.

Just my two cents of course.

JDIllon

Try this company http://www.go-rv.com/coast/do/catalo...76&pageNum=544 EZ Hitch is a top name in equalizer hitches and the price from these folks was great. I paid $300.00 plus for everything hitch and sway control. Look for them on E-bay and then order direct, but check their price on e-bay. An equalizer hitch will make a big difference in how the rig tows. Although it is true that the position of the car on the trailer can help determine tongue weight, that doesn't help when you put on the brakes, the wieght is still transfered to the rear of the tow vehicle. But with a equalizer hitch it is transfered to all 4 wheels of the tow vehicle, there by increasing stopping and control with the tow vehicle. An equalizer hitch is a very good investment in saftey. JD

John Shiels

you will need a new shank and ball. I like the Draw-tite trunniion whole thing is 500-600

brenb

Check out: http://www.equalizerhitch.com/

Joseesp

This is what I have; but call Neil at Performance Trailers, 39 Old Ledgewood Rd. in Flanders (973)347-3472. He was very helpful to me, and they have reasonable prices. Ideally you want a system with both, weight distribution and sway control.

larryfs

I wouldn't tow without it...... W.D. makes my whole setup feel so much tighter.

also, one day your asking for disaster with that little wheel base jeep.
I know that little jeep is powerful, probably faster than my C4. But the short wheel base of the jeep eventually catch up with you.

I tow with a 1500 series XL Yukon. no problems.

Ben Diss

I tow with my Grand Cherokee too. I've got about 3" of lift as well. My trailer is about 1400 pounds loaded, but it's very nose heavy. I use a single bar hitch and it works great. It's eTrailer's part number 3205.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-WD~3205.htm

ghoffman

Get a sway control as well, it really helps.

95jersey

I have heard Trunnion is a good name. I found this on e-bay...has everything except the ball (which I have). The price is great.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-T...WDVWQQtcZphoto

Wicked Weasel

Matt,

Gary Hoffman told me to get one when I was putting together my new tow package. You saw it at WGI. It really makes towing easier. The trailer and the truck just seem to be more connected with the WD then it did when it was on a ball alone.

Bob

ghoffman

Trunnion is not a brand name but the way the leaf springs go into the hitch. I had one of these and it got so worn that the leaf fell out. A more secure method is the round pin method that plugs into the hitch and has a spring pin to release.

The trunnion method slips in place and can release (at least mine did, and it was worn though)

John Shiels

never heard of Curt but it is made in USA at least the recievers they sell.

John Shiels

What make was it? I have a Resse with thousands of miles on it no wear. Not really a leaf to me but a bar.

95jersey

how is the install? easy?

RAFTeRACER

Tractor supply carries valley brand. I wanna say the w.d. setup didn't cost more than 175.00 and has been worth its weight in gold. It's good for 12,000# trailer w/ 1,200# tongue but mine goes heaver on the tongue. Kinda overkill for an open trailer but when you decide to step up you dont have to upgrade your hitch.