Weight Distribution for a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and 2017 Palomini 177BH Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2017 Palomini 177BH and want to tow it with my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V6, OK for 4500 lbs. Trailer is well within the tow weight limit, but specs say it has a tongue weight of 421 lbs. The Jeeps tongue weight limit it 450 lbs. What do you recommend?

asked by: KEN H

Expert Reply:

It looks like the 2017 Palomini 177BH has a gross weight rating of 3,921 if loaded to its maximum capacity. At that weight the tongue weight would be 421 pounds which is just under 11 percent of the gross trailer weight. Of course if you are not loaded to the max capacity then the tongue weight would be less.

Either way that 421 pounds is still under the tongue weight capacity of your 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk which you indicated is 450 pounds. But for weight distribution you also have to factor in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle as tongue weight.

What I recommend is Fastway system # FA92-00-0600. It is rated for 250 to 600 pounds tongue weight but you are limited to the 450 pound vehicle capacity. This system also comes with built-in sway control for ride stability and safety. The only other part needed is a properly sized ball. If the trailer requires a 2 inch ball use # EQ91-00-6080. If it requires a 2-5/16 inch ball use # EQ91-00-6100. I have linked a video review of this system for you.

expert reply by: Michael H