Make sure you guys check your tongue weight. Most look ok but some look like the car should be back a foot. It makes a world of a difference when towing

 

RedCelica *cough*

Here's a somewhat easy way to check tonge weight. I know my trailer is 2k and car is 2.5k. So I want 10% tonge weight or a little more. I was shooting for 500lb. So I measure the height of the hitch to the ground with the truck unloaded. Then I stacked 500lb of random shit (people work well, but check their weight don't take their word haha) on the tailgate (centered over the hitch) and measured the drop. Say it's 2". Now I hooked up the trailer and moved the car around until I got the same drop. Then marked the car position on the trailer. Done.

 

I know my S2000 is sitting forward in my picture. I remember that day... Didn't care enough as the track was 10 minutes away when I lived there. I normally balance it like the STi is in the picture.

 

it was the ecoboost that did it sir. Gata love how it tows!!! #ecoboostftw lol

 

You guys make a good point that tongue weight is important, in case anyone reading this is new to towing. A few inches can make a surprising difference in how controllable the trailer feels.

Also about the stake pockets: Based on my research a long time ago, they are supposed to be usable as tie down points, and I've also been using them without issue. I got 2" ratchets with a short chain and a hook instead of the short length of strap, so the edge of the stake pocket doesn't wear/cut the strap. Run the chain up the middle of the pocket so the hook hangs so it won't come off if there is some slack. I think if a stake pocket breaks off then it had a defective weld.

 

I know I'm late but I figured I contribute to this thread since it was helpful for me when I was in the process of buying a trailer and learning the best way to strap the car. I took cracknut's advice and had hoops welded to the frame - best decision. Here's pics of the welded hoops to give everyone an idea.

Front:




Rear:



The truck and trailer:

 

Is that an EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee?
If so, how do you like it and how does it tow? I'm starting to look around and thats high on the list, I just worry about it falling apart.

 

No, it's the v8 summit. The diesel and v8 have the same towing capacity I believe. Overall the jeep tows great, no issues so far. Outside of towing, I'm having issues with the infotainment system, but I will be getting a new system replaced under warranty. I specifically bought jeep to tow and have no regrets.

 

FWIW- it looks like your chains are not crossed. I have been told you want the chains crossed. It will catch the trailer if the towing ball were to fail.

 

Thanks for noticing. I didn't know that, I will cross my chains now.