Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2008 Acura MDX Towing 1985 Lance Trailer  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Selection of a weight distribution (WD) system is best done once you know your trailer's actual fully-loaded ready-to-tow tongue weight (TW). To this figure you will add the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler. This total effective TW will let you choose a system that will shift some of the trailer TW forward to the tow vehicle front axle without being so stiff that it creates weird handling from the trailer. Ideally your TW falls in the middle of the system's operating range.

You will also want to confirm that your hitch safety sticker indicates the hitch is rated for use with WD systems and that the car itself has a sufficient tow rating for the trailer as you will load it.

The linked article shows ways to measure TW, which include the handy etrailer tongue weight scale # e99044. Once you know your total effective TW you can use the linked page to view all WD systems that are compatible with electric trailer brakes. I recommend you choose a system with built-in sway control for better trailer handling in windy conditions. Simply click on your total TW figure to see systems that are rated suitably for your trailer. Since the trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVW) of 5700-lbs your tongue weight is likely to be in the area of around 675 to 700-lbs.

If your TW is 700-lbs an excellent choice is the Reese Strait-Line system # RP66084. This system incorporates sway prevention and includes a shank, so all you need to add is the hitch ball. Use either 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Adam R

1