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AwesomeDad

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Since the gladiator has electronic sway control would I need a weight distribution hitch for a 4000lbs trailer? The RV salesman is pushing for one but I haven't seen anyone using one at that weight....

JJ
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Short answer, Yes you should get a weight distribution hitch for a 4K load. The sway control and weight distribution are separate components, although they are sometimes packaged together.

You should also probably have a brake controller for towing that weight as well.
 

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Some people recommend a WDH if your trailer weighs 50%+ of the tow vehicle's GVWR. The JT's GVWR is 6250 for the trims with Max Tow.

I think the JT would benefit from a WDH with most trailers.
 
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Short answer, Yes you should get a weight distribution hitch for a 4K load. The sway control and weight distribution are separate components, although they are sometimes packaged together.

You should also probably have a brake controller for towing that weight as well.
I have the Mopar brake controller, I will look at the WDH....
 

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At 4k you are kind of at an inflection point.

If your 4k is a load of gravel that you are driving across town, or even a 5k boat trailer you are driving 20 miles to a ramp, a weight distributing hitch is absolutely unnecessary.

If you will be driving hundreds of miles on the interstate. It will be a worthwhile addition.
 

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I do beleive the manuel says a WDH is needed for anything over 350 LBS tongue weight, so yes you will need one. I highy recommend the Andersen hitch.
I'm just playing devils advocate. I agreee with you that its worth while.

If you have a 4000 trailer with 8% tongue weight, you are at 320 lbs. Which is ok per your manual citation.

But I've learned over decades of towing that I generally like at least 10% on the tongue. The trailer tracks better and is more stable. So I tend to load "tongue heavy".
 

dcmdon

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Since the gladiator has electronic sway control would I need a weight distribution hitch for a 4000lbs trailer? The RV salesman is pushing for one but I haven't seen anyone using one at that weight....

JJ
Is 4000 lb the empty weight. Or the gross weight?
 
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AwesomeDad

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Is 4000 lb the empty weight. Or the gross weight?
3400 dry, 4300 max gross and should have about 500LB Tounge weight according to Airstream...

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Absolutely, I have a 23’ long camper 3200lbs. Dry and 4100 GVW, used a Blue Ox combination WDH called Sway Pro worked great, talking to Blue Ox factory the bars have to be the right rating, I have 500lb. bars which I should not exceed, next step is 750pounds. Just towed it not set up perfectly for 6.5 hours tried some sway movements on empty straight highways and was very impressed. Whatever WDH someone has will be the best, so yup, mine is the best!…..Jack

Jeep Gladiator Sway control 63B4C123-C326-4F44-921F-7B947D9BA4B2
 

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For flatbeds/car haulers, not needed. (and for aluminum frames, you'd better not use one)
But for travel trailers/campers, yes. The taller they are, the more they help as well.
WDH is also "more needed" IMO with a single axle trailer.

Sway is the trailer swinging left and right at the rear, weight distribution keeps bounce out of the hitch connection and helps spread the weight out.
I always used a weight distributing hitch when I pulled our campers.
I've never used one with a car hauler.
 

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I'm just playing devils advocate. I agreee with you that its worth while.

If you have a 4000 trailer with 8% tongue weight, you are at 320 lbs. Which is ok per your manual citation.

But I've learned over decades of towing that I generally like at least 10% on the tongue. The trailer tracks better and is more stable. So I tend to load "tongue heavy".
I was always told 10% min. upto 15%, max for tongue weight. I try to keep it close to 10%.
 

ShadowsPapa

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I was always told 10% min. upto 15%, max for tongue weight. I try to keep it close to 10%.
It actually varies with total trailer weight.......... as low as 8, as high as 15.
I run 8 to 10% at the recommendation of Aluma.
 
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AwesomeDad

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For flatbeds/car haulers, not needed. (and for aluminum frames, you'd better not use one)
But for travel trailers/campers, yes. The taller they are, the more they help as well.
WDH is also "more needed" IMO with a single axle trailer.

Sway is the trailer swinging left and right at the rear, weight distribution keeps bounce out of the hitch connection and helps spread the weight out.
I always used a weight distributing hitch when I pulled our campers.
I've never used one with a car hauler.
Here it is...

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Jaxmax

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That is nice ,very aero, going to tow great, I would still do the WDH though. Enjoy the camper!.....Jack
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