How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for Towing a 2015 Jayco Feather 17Z w/2013 Honda Pilot
Question:
Ive purchased a 2015 Jayco 17Z, and plan to tow it with a Honda Pilot 2013 EX-L. I see the max GVWR is 4500, the 17Z is listed at 3056 the sticker on the unit im picking up next week, so it looks like Im well below the rating limit. I want to add the P3 brake controller with Honda wiring harness, but Im confused about which, if any, WDH/sway controller to add. My dealer tells me, You dont need one, but Id rather be safe and spend the extra $$ than not. Please recommend a WDH/sway system for me! I plan on loading the trailer to near its max weight 3500 lbs and the Pilot with 2 adults, 2 kids, and a few hundred pounds of camping stuff. Ive looked at the Reese systems, the Equalizer hitch, lots of options but now im just confused. Help!
asked by: Dan J
Expert Reply:
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.
Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight so most likely you would have a tongue weight of 350-525 lbs when you are loaded and ready to tow.
Based on that the best WD system we carry that I would recommend for you is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082. This system has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs so it should work well for you, plus it has the only sway control system on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts.
