Can Weight Distribution System Increase Tongue Weight Capacity of 2016 Honda Pilot
Question:
I have a 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD with a tow capability of 3500 and Tongue Weight of 350. I just purchased a 2016 Forest River 16FQ that has a dry weight of 2919 and TW of 454. The trailer dealer installed a Weight Distribution System with brake system and said we would be okay as long as we didnt overload camper. Does the WDS offset the fact that trailer TW exceeds that of the Pilot? Are we in danger???
asked by: Ruben H
Expert Reply:
Adding a weight distribution system cannot increase the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle itself. A weight distribution system CAN increase the capacity of the hitch in certain instances, but the capacity of the vehicle cannot be increased. If the fully loaded and ready to tow camper tongue weight is greater than the 350 lb limit mentioned in your owner's manual, I wouldn't tow the camper with that vehicle. I cannot recommend anything that would contradict Honda's recommendations.
Exceeding the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle could damage the vehicle, specifically the attachment points between the hitch and the vehicle. Having that fail would certainly be dangerous.
