Comparing the Reese Light Duty Weight Distribution System to the Pro Series RB2 for a 2700lb trailer  

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When choosing a weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2004 Honda Odyssey. Tongue weight of a trailer is typically calculated to be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. If your Scamp trailer weighs 2,700 lbs, then the tongue weight may be around 270 lbs to 405 lbs. You must then add the weight of the cargo that you load in the back of your Odyssey.

Another factor that you must consider is the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch on your vehicle. The tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch is probably 350 lbs, but could be less depending on the number of passengers and cargo in the van. This information will be listed in your owners manual. You should not exceed that capacity with your trailer tongue weight and the weight of the weight distribution system.

Based on those weights and capacities, the weight of the Pro Series RB2 system plus the tongue weight of your trailer will likely exceed the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch. If you use the lighter Reese Light Duty Weight Distribution System, # 66557, then you will need to make sure that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your Odyssey plus the loaded tongue weight of your trailer does not exceed the vehicle's tongue weight.

Knowing the tongue weight of your trailer is the key to your situation. That will tell you if you will be able to use a weight distribution system or not due to the tongue weight capacity of your hitch. I have attached two help articles on weight distribution systems and tongue weight that you should review.

If you find that a weight distribution may not work for you, then you could look into adding a rear suspension enhancement system like the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs, # F4138, and a friction sway control bar like the Pro Series Sway Control, # 83660. The Coil-Rite springs will fit in your existing coil springs and can be inflated to keep the back end of your vehicle from sagging when you are towing. Adding the sway control bar will help prevent your trailer from swaying in high winds or when passing large trucks. To use the sway control bar, you would just need to add the sway control bracket, # RP26003, to a standard ball mount.

I have attached the installation instructions for the Coil-Rite springs and a review video of the sway control bar for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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