Towing Capacity and Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with factory tow package which according to Jeeps specs gives me a 4500 lbs towing capacity. Im trying to calculate what I can include with my travel trailer to safely tow it. For example, my trailer has a dry weight of 3000 lbs, but do I need to add the trailers tongue weight of 300lbs so my trailer actually weighs 3300 lbs? What about driver and gas of the vehicles, do I need to subtract this from towing capacity to figure out how much weight I have left for supplies, etc? Thanks

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and it does state on page 535 of the online version that for a 3.2L engine with the trailer tow package the maximum gross trailer weight is 4,500 lbs and tongue weight is 450 lbs. This is just the maximum weight of the trailer and what its tongue weight can be. So for trailer capacity it can be a maximum of 4,500 lbs but tongue weight does not figure into that - tongue weight is separate and is the downward force placed on the hitch.

The other factor to consider is your GCWR, or Gross Combination Weight Rating, which is the total weight of your vehicle (including cargo and passengers) and your trailer. The owner's manual does not list this weight but states it can be found on your Jeep's Tire and Loading Information placard, which is usually found on your door jamb. So long as the combined weight of your loaded vehicle and loaded trailer does not exceed this number you can safely tow.

To tow with your '14 Cherokee you will need to start with a trailer hitch and I strongly recommend the Curt # C13172 because it has a concealed crosstube and is a bolt-on installation that will not require drilling into your vehicle's frame to install.

This Class III, 2" trailer hitch is almost entirely hidden behind your bumper, as you can see by the accompanying photo of this hitch installed on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The hitch has a black powder coat finish to protect it from corrosion and also has a 5,000 lb towing capacity and 750 lb tongue weight capacity though you will need to follow the capacites set by your owner's manual as previously mentioned. The Curt # C13172 is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.

I have added a link to a video of this hitch being installed on a '14 Cherokee for you to check out as well.

I also recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which is for 2” hitches and may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip.

Finally, you may also need a weight distribution hitch, as outlined in your owner's manual. On page 531 it states that if your gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs or more it is "mandatory" to use a weight-distribution system.

To add this system I strongly recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET because this system prevents sway instead of just manages it using 4 points of sway control via friction in the spring bars. It also uses clamp-on brackets so you won't have to drill along your trailer frame, and allows you to back up with the system on.

Our customers who have used this system regard it very highly; with over 450 reviews as of this writing it has averaged nearly 5 out of 5 stars, as you can see on the product page. This system comes with everything you need for installation though it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help install the hitch ball.

I've added a link to a video review of the Equal-i-zer system for you to check out as well.