How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for a 2006 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Question:
Hi, The owners manual says, a weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle, as an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and braking performance. Im OK with putting a WDH on, so long as I properly adjust it. My question is, what makes a receiver hitch compatible with a WDH? My OEM Honda hitch does not have a sticker indicated WDH values. Thanks,
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution systems apply a different angle of torque on the hitch and vehicle they are installed on than not using one.
A lot of the time the problem isn't that the hitch can't handle the WD system it's that the vehicle's attachment points can't handle the added stress. The spring bars of a system take and apply the tongue weight of the trailer and transfer it through the hitch and vehicle back up to the front axle. You can imagine that puts a different kind of strain on a vehicle/hitch so it would need to be designed for that kind of "abuse."
Based on what you said it seems that as long as you use a properly rated WD system and set it up properly you SHOULD be fine. But it might still be a good idea to contact a Honda dealer for further confirmation.
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 a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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