I need to use a weight distribution hitch for my trailer. The way this works is to try to twist the receiver to throw so e weight on the front wheels. The stock hitch is not very strong for this application. What is available that would work better with a weight distribution hitch to minimize the torsion? 2012 JKU sport with max tow package.

 

What you really need to pay attention to is receiver height if you are lifted. WD hitch receivers don't have as much drop as a plain receiver ball can have. My LJ used a 10" drop ball and I could not find a WD hitch that would go that low.

 

The stock hitch is mounted straight to the frame witch would be stronger than any bumper. A jk max tow is 3500lbs so that type hitch is over kill to the tenth degree. The problem with a jeep towing anything bigger is more a wheelbase issue than a power issue. So throwing a hemi and big brakes won't make it a better tow rig.

 

Even if the trailer is not heavy if its big and can catch the wind it will jerk a jk all over the place.

 

The stock hitch is mounted to a cross bar that connects to the frame rails. That cross bar is what I am not happy with. It can take a down load pretty well but it's geometry doesn't prevent twisting when using weight dist hitch. I already have been towing. Trailer is level. Ball height with weight dist hitch is good. JKU is stock configuration. I just thought there would be a replacement bumper with a built in receiver that may be stronger in torsion compared to stock. The towing issue at least for a JKU is not wheel base. After all, the liberty is rated for 5000 pounds. The issue as I understand it is regulations in the US because the top does not protect the occupants in a crash. JKU gas powered in other countries is rated for higher towing capacity than the US.

 

I just got back from an 1100 mile trip towing my toyhauler. I didn't have the Harley in it and water tanks were empty. Weight in that configuration is just over 3500. However, I have towed with the trailer loaded so weight was about 4500 pounds. Absolutely no performance difference between 3500 and 4500 pounds. Much of the power drag is due to the bad aerodynamics of the trailer. Even towing my unloaded landscape trailer has similar power drops because of the loading ramp sticking up like a sail in the back. I take all safety precautions. Great dual axle brakes, brake controller, sway controller, driving at grandma speeds. Mpg on my 2012 with max tow and manual trans averages about 11 with the heavy toy hauler.

 

If your height will be good then a receiver hitch on the bumper should be as good as an after market hitch that ties into the frame rails. On my TJ I had to go with a Shrockworks bumper as they were the only ones who rated the receiver for towing, at the time everybody else took the easy way out and said not rated for towing. For the JK Shrockworks did not include a receiver hitch. Try looking at Ace Engineering they make a very solid bumper rated for towing.

 

For those that wonder, all though it's true that almost all of the receivers on any good steel bumper are more than solid enough to tow. I want a manufacture that said it was rated to tow. That way some ambulance chasing lawyer could not twist the fact that it was not rated into my negligence.

 

I use a Reese weight distribution hitch on my 2012 jku, and it works fine. Although I have not had any issue whatsoever, my overly cautious side has had the same concern as you. Namely the twisting force on the rear crossmember. Hit me up if you find a solution. Be mindful of the other advice above to start out with the hitch ball at the proper height - my understanding is that the natural height of the hitchball, without the trailer attached, should be such that the top of the ball is slightly higher than the top of the receiver on the trailer - It minimizes the amount of lifting force necessary to level the trailer.

 

I have a Curt weight distribution hitch. Mine also works fine. I just have this uneasy feeling when I am deciding which link of the chain to connect. I then look when everything is hooked up and can see the receiver has some amount of twist, meaning there is a limit as to how much of the load it can distribute. I'll search for some solutions online and see if I can find anything. I probably now have around 3,000 miles of towing this trailer with my 2012 JKU and have not had any problems.