Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2005 Jeep Liberty Towing 3000-lb Boat Trailer

Question:

I own a 2005 Jeep Liberty. It has a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. Im considering the purchase of a sailboat with single-axle trailer with trailer brakes. The boat is about 2,200 lbs., the trailer is under 1,000 - say 3,000 lbs. total. Its within the Jeeps capacity, but with the short wheelbase Im concerned about stability and sway. Im not an experienced tower - my previous boat + trailer is in the 1,000 lb. range! Which of your products would you recommend to lend safety and stability to this setup?

asked by: Robert F

Expert Reply:

The 2005 Jeep Liberty equipped with 3.7L gas engine (and automatic transmission with cooler) and the 2.8L diesel engine version do have a maximum trailer weight capacity of 5000-lbs. Other versions of the 2005 Liberty have lower towing capacities so you'll want to confirm how your Jeep is configured before towing.

When a trailer weighs more than 50-percent of the tow vehicle's weight we recommend a weight distribution (WD) system to help reduce rear end sag and to control trailer sway. WD systems are selected based on your trailer's actual measured tongue weight (TW); the linked article explains ways to determine total TW, which includes the weight of anything in the Jeep that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler. We offer a simple scale, part # e99044, that makes this easy. You can refer to the linked article for more on WD systems.

Once you know your total TW you can use the linked page to see suitable WD systems that prevent sway. Let's say your total TW is 300-lbs. Click on that figure, then select the type of brakes on your trailer. For a trailer with electric brakes you can use Reese Strait-Line system # RP66082. All you need to add is the hitch ball, such as # A-6 which is a 2-5/16-inch size.

I linked also an article with general towing tips that may be of interest to you.

expert reply by: Adam R